New England Free Camping
The first European to explore the New England area was English explorer John Oxley, who crossed the southern part of the New England Range near the Apsley Falls before he discovered and named Port Macquarie in 1818. In 1827 Allan Cunningham travelled north along the western edge of the Range until he reached the Darling Downs in Queensland.
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Ebor Sportsground Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/ebor-sportsground-rest-area/nsw
Ebor is a small country town of approximately 100 people, 45 minutes east of Armidale on the Waterfall Way and 1.5 hours west from the coast, high on the New England Tablelands.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Uralla Golf Club
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/uralla-golf-club/nsw
Uralla Golf Club is located close to the town centre and offers limited free camping for up to 7 days.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Camping Area
- Sit Down Meals
- Alcohol Licence
Peel River Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/peel-river-rest-area/nsw
Peel River Rest Area provides plenty of space to overnight. Could be cleaner. Good sized river pool for swimming and fishing.
- Day Use Area
- Overnight Rest Area
- Camping Area
Dungowan Recreaion Reserve
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/dungowan-recreaion-reserve/nsw
Dungowan Recreaion Reserve is Council owned and run by volunteers. Masses of space, plenty of shade and river access with safe swimming and fishing. TV: only Ch 7 group.
- Day Use Area
- Showground
- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
Woolomin Reserve
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/woolomin-reserve/nsw
Woolomin Reserve is a free camping area with optional power for a fee. There is plenty of room here in this open grassy space, with some shade from a number of large mature trees. This camping area is suitable for large rigs.
- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
New Country Swamp Campground
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/new-country-swamp-campground/nsw
New Country Swamp Campground is a basic site within walking distance of rugged Mummel Gulf, offering picnic facilities, wood barbecues, scenic views, and birdwatching.
- Day Use Area
- Overnight Rest Area
- National Park
- Campground
Glen Riddle Recreation Reserve
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/glen-riddle-recreation-reserve/nsw
Glen Riddle Recreation Reserve is located at the upstream end of Split Rock Dam. This is a popular camping area where you can enjoy fishing swimming boating and birdwatching.
- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
- Boat Ramp
Ponderosa Park Camping Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/ponderosa-park-camping-area/nsw
Ponderosa Park Camping Area is a pleasant roomy camping spot, shaded by mixture of large old growth eucalypts and tall old pine trees. Grassy and reasonably open areas. Good facilities.
- Camping Area
Black Mountain Roadhouse & Motel
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/black-mountain-roadhouse-motel/nsw
Black Mountain Roadhouse & Motel is conveniently located right on the New England Highway with plenty of room to pull in for all size rigs. There is a good selection of fuel to fill the tank and inside you can fill the tummy with something yummy.
- Cabins
- Roadhouse
- Convenience Store
- Takeaway Food
- Overnight Rest Area
Heritage Park Beardy Creek Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/heritage-park-beardy-creek-rest-area/nsw
Heritage Park Beardy Creek Rest Area is a level grassed area suitable for big rigs, with a single long drop toilet and covered picnic tables.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Mother of Ducks Lagoon Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/mother-of-ducks-lagoon-rest-area/nsw
Mother of Ducks Lagoon is a large stretch of water, about 14km in around and is a silted volcanic crater. The lagoon is a high altitude wetland reserve that attracts bird lovers from all over the world. Great for walking, cycling and picnics.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
- Information
Red Lion Tavern
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/red-lion-tavern/nsw
Roar into the Red Lion Tavern, located between Glen Innes and Guyra on the New England Highway, where you can tuck into a top meal, have a hot shower and relax with a drink or three for Happy Hour
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
- Place of Interest
Lollback Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/lollback-rest-area/nsw
Lollback Rest Area is a good overnight stop just off the south side of the Gwydir Highway on the eastern bank of the Mann River. It is a small sealed cul-de-sac configuration next to the highway, with grassy areas for tents.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Tamworth Airport Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/tamworth-airport-rest-area/nsw
Tamworth Airport Rest Area is very close to the road and very dusty. There is a dump point here.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Sheba Dams Reserve Camping Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/sheba-dams-reserve-camping-area/nsw
Sheba Dams Reserve Camping Area is a well-equipped free campground, 3km south of Hanging Rock on Barrys Road. It provides large grassy areas for camping, shaded by tall eucalypt trees.
- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
- Fossicking Site
Woolbrook Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/woolbrook-rest-area/nsw
Woolbrook Rest Area is adjacent to the Macdonald River, a small uneven area with room for only a couple of caravans. OK for tent campers.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Walcha North Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/walcha-north-rest-area/nsw
Walcha North Rest Area is a small circular rest area and, although close to the road, it is quiet especially at night. There are no amenities here. Ok for an overnight and close to town.
- Day Use Area
- Overnight Rest Area
Walcha East Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/walcha-east-rest-area/nsw
Walcha East Rest Area is a roomy free overnight rest area with a single entry & exit, 50 metres off the highway. It is partly screened from traffic noise by a row of tall pine trees. Plenty of room for large rigs in this pretty setting.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
- Public Laundry
Stockyard Creek Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/stockyard-creek-rest-area/nsw
Stockyard Creek Rest Area is a small rest area on the westbound side of the Oxley Highway with sufficient room to turn a caravan, but may require a 3-point turn for a large rig.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Stoney Creek Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/stoney-creek-rest-area/nsw
Stoney Creek Rest Area is a small, gravel rest area beside the highway. It has a drive through configuration and is suitable for large rigs. No amenities here.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Swamp Creek Camping Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/swamp-creek-camping-area/nsw
Swamp Creek Camping Area is located on the bank of the Peel River. There is a nice grassy camping area with good facilities. Just a little shade here. Temperatures can drop to sub-zero in winter.
- Camping Area
- Fossicking Site
Braefield Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/braefield-rest-area/nsw
Braefield Rest Area is a roadside rest area on the Kamilaroi Highway approx 9km northwest of Willow Tree and 7km south east of Quirindi. The area has plenty of shade and is accessible to large rigs and caravans.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Little Styx River Campground
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/little-styx-river-campground/nsw
The Little Styx Campground is an open grassy area with sparse woodland tree cover, just outside the New England National Park and is suitable for caravans and campervans. There is a drop toilet, but you need to bring your own paper.
- Campground
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Uralla Fossicking Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/uralla-fossicking-area/nsw
This is a pleasant hideaway where you can chill out for a few days or more. Not many level areas for caravans but a lovely peaceful spot.
- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
- Fossicking Site
Bundarra Lions Park
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/bundarra-lions-park/nsw
Bundarra Lions Park provides ample space for overnight camping on Thunderbolts Way, just south of the town on the bank of the Gwydir River.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Yarrowyck Gwydir River
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/yarrowyck-gwydir-river/nsw
Yarrowyck Gwydir River consists of a large grassed area (mostly mown) with shade trees beside the Gwydir River and with fishing and swimming. Very restful spot.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
Thunderbolts Rock Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/thunderbolts-rock-rest-area/nsw
Thunderbolts Rock Rest Area features an interesting collection of boulders which have been adorned with graffiti. There is a picnic table and a bin. Good turning area on the southbound side of the highway.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Uralla South Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/uralla-south-rest-area/nsw
Uralla South Rest Area is a small circular rest area beside the highway with good turning space. There are no amenities here. Just a picnic table and a garbage bin. Shaded or sunny spots to choose from.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Tia Falls Campground
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/tia-falls-campground/nsw
Tia Falls Campground is a free overnight camping area in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. The Falls walk offers the easiest and best views of the beautiful Tia Falls and Tia Gorge.
- Campground
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
- National Park
Tia River Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/tia-river-rest-area/nsw
The Tia River Rest Area is a picturesque free overnight rest area on the bank of the Tia River. It has a gravel drive through configuration and is suitable for large rigs. There is no useable shade here and no amenities.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Oaky Creek Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/oaky-creek-rest-area/nsw
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Wild Bull Camping Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/wild-bull-camping-area/nsw
Wild Bull Camping Area is for those who enjoy camping off the beaten track. It has BBQ facilities and a deep waterhole just perfect for a summer dip – it’s also home to some catfish.
- Campground
- Fishing Spot
Wollomombi Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/wollomombi-rest-area/nsw
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Mooraback Campground
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/mooraback-campground/nsw
Mooraback campground has free camping on the western edge of a clearing and kangaroos commonly visit the area. You can follow the Mooraback Trail, a short loop walk from the campground.
- Campground
Swan Brook Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/swan-brook-rest-area/nsw
Swan Brook Rest Area is a tidy free overnight rest area with no truck parking, located beside Swan Brook. Just off the Gwydir Highway at the half way point between Inverell and Glenn Inness.
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Blackbird Flat Camping Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/blackbird-flat-camping-area/nsw
Blackbird Flat Camping Area is a large pleasant grassy and level camping area on the bank of the Macleay River, where you can enjoy fishing, swimming and canoeing.
- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
Dingo Fence Rest Area
https://www.caravancaravan.com.au/entity/dingo-fence-rest-area/nsw
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
In 1851 Gold was discovered at Rocky River, just two kilometres west of Uralla and started a rush to the area. Today this is a public overnight rest area and popular with nomad fossickers. Gold was found at Hanging Rock and nearby Swamp Creek in 1852.
Sapphire fossicking has become an important tourist attraction in the area, bringing keen fossickers from NSW and interstate. Several caravan parks and campgrounds in the New England area cater specifically for sapphire fossickers.
The region has long been associated with fine wool production. The rich green hills providing good quality feed and the cool climate contributing to a vigorous growth of wool. Unlike the outback regions where dust collects in the fleece, New England wool is relatively clean and fetches a good price.
Common animals that may be encountered across the New England region include: kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies, possums and wombats. Common birds are: cockatoos, currawongs, magpies, crows, wild ducks, galahs, parrots, kookaburras, ravens, rosellas and emus (on the western slopes).
The high altitude of this region ensures crisp morning frosts in winter and good rainfall in summer. Glenn Innes has long been known as Celtic Country, with its old world charm, the Australian Celtic Festival and the Land of the Beardies Festival.
Armidale is renowned for its excellent University of New England, while Tamworth is the Country Music Capital of Australia.
Sapphire fossicking has become an important tourist attraction in the area, bringing keen fossickers from NSW and interstate. Several caravan parks and campgrounds in the New England area cater specifically for sapphire fossickers.
The region has long been associated with fine wool production. The rich green hills providing good quality feed and the cool climate contributing to a vigorous growth of wool. Unlike the outback regions where dust collects in the fleece, New England wool is relatively clean and fetches a good price.
Common animals that may be encountered across the New England region include: kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies, possums and wombats. Common birds are: cockatoos, currawongs, magpies, crows, wild ducks, galahs, parrots, kookaburras, ravens, rosellas and emus (on the western slopes).
The high altitude of this region ensures crisp morning frosts in winter and good rainfall in summer. Glenn Innes has long been known as Celtic Country, with its old world charm, the Australian Celtic Festival and the Land of the Beardies Festival.
Armidale is renowned for its excellent University of New England, while Tamworth is the Country Music Capital of Australia.
