Firetail Rest Area – Free Camping Near Grong Grong NSW
Free overnight camping at Firetail Rest Area on the Newell Highway near grong Grong. Perfect overnight stop for caravanners & RVs. Our complete guide covers everything from facilities to travel distances.
What is the Firetail Rest Area?
The Firetail Rest Area is a roadside rest stop located on Moorlands Road near Grong Grong, NSW, approximately 27km North of Narrandera. This heavy and light vehicle rest area offers basic facilities including toilets and non-drinking water, making it suitable for overnight free camping for up to 24 hours.
Amanda and I have overnighted at Firetail Rest Area four times now. This spot has become one of our go-to stops when travelling through the Riverina. Located just off the beaten track near Grong Grong, this rest area has served us well as an overnight camping spot. Most recently at the end of June 2025 on our recent journey to the camel races at Marree in South Australia.
Table Of Contents
- Firetail Rest Area Location And Access
- Firetail Rest Area Gravel Pit
- Firetail Rest Area Camping Facilities
- Firetail Rest Area Free Camping Regulations
- Firetail Rest Area Overnight Free Camping Experience
- Firetail Rest Area Overnight Free Camp Safety
- Travel Times And Distances From Major Centres
- Local Area Attractions And Services
- Our Journey To Marree Camel Races
- Tips For A Successful Stay
- Weather Considerations
- Environmental Responsibility
- Frequently Asked Questions FAQs – Firetail Rest Area Overnight Free Camping
- Is 24-hour overnight camping allowed at Firetail Rest Area for caravans and motorhomes?
- What facilities are available at Firetail Rest Area for caravan and motorhome stays?
- How much does 24-hour overnight camping cost at Firetail Rest Area?
- Are there any vehicle restrictions for 24-hour overnight camping at Firetail Rest Area?
- What are the rules about generators during 24-hour overnight camping at Firetail Rest Area?
- What safety considerations apply to 24-hour overnight camping at Firetail Rest Area?
Trucks To The Right Cars And Caravans To The Left Firetail Rest Area
Firetail Rest Area Location And Access
The Firetail Rest Area Grong Grong sits conveniently positioned on Moorlands Road so is easily accessible for both northbound and southbound travellers on the Newell Highway. The location is roughly 27 kilometres North of Narrandera and 109 kilometres to West Wyalong. The rest area provides excellent access for caravans and larger rigs which has been useful for our travel plans with our van.
During our visits, we’ve appreciated how the rest area accommodates various vehicle sizes. The area features both heavy and light vehicle sections, ensuring adequate space for trucks, caravans and motorhomes alike. The car and caravan section is to the far left. The sealed road access means you can reach the site year round without worrying about weather conditions affecting your journey.
Firetail Rest Area Gravel Pit
There is also a gravel pit to the front of the entry on the left if we want to camp well away from the trucks in the rest area. You are well away from cattle trucks and fridge motors in the gravel pit. However you are also closer to the Newell Highway so I doubt it’d end up being quieter.
Gravel Pit Camping Area On The Newell Highway Near Grong Grong
Firetail Rest Area Camping Facilities
The Firetail Rest Area Camping experience offers basic but essential amenities for overnight stays. The site provides toilet facilities, which are particularly welcome after long driving days. However, it’s important to note that the water available is non drinking water so travellers need to bring their own supply for consumption.
Phone reception at the site includes both Telstra 4G and Optus 4G coverage, allowing you to stay connected with family or check weather updates. This connectivity has proved invaluable during our trips as it’s enable us to hotspot the tv off our phones so we can watch the footy.
Pets are welcome at the rest area, which is excellent news for fellow travellers with furry companions. Fires are allowed when permitted, though you should always check current fire restrictions before lighting up.
Firetail Rest Area Free Camping Regulations
Understanding the rules around Firetail Rest Area Free Camping helps ensure everyone can enjoy these facilities responsibly. NSW rest areas typically allow stays of up to 24 hours, which aligns with general road safety principles of managing driver fatigue. Transport for NSW supports short breaks of up to 24 hours to ensure drivers have sufficient rest before continuing their journey.
Rest areas aren’t intended as long term camping sites. Authorities encourage travellers seeking longer stays to consider commercial camping grounds with appropriate amenities. This approach keeps rest areas available for all road users who need breaks during travel.
Firetail Rest Area Overnight Free Camping Experience
Our Firetail Rest Area Overnight Free Camping experiences have consistently been positive. The area provides adequate space for setting up without feeling crowded, even when other travellers are present. During our stays, we’ve encountered fellow caravanners heading to various destinations.
The location offers reasonable peace and quiet, though some road noise is expected given its proximity to transport routes. Also be aware that cattle trucks use the rest area overnight as do refrigerated trucks. However this minor inconvenience is offset by the convenience of the location and the cost savings compared to commercial camping grounds.
Weather protection at the site is limited so it’s essential to be prepared for changing conditions. During our winter visits, we’ve experienced freezing cold nights below zero. We haven’t stayed here in summer however I reckon it’d get pretty bloody hot.
Firetail Rest Area Free Overnight Camping Near Grong Grong
Firetail Rest Area Overnight Free Camp Safety
Safety considerations for Firetail Rest Area Overnight Free Camp stays should always be a priority. We recommend securing valuables inside your vehicle, as any roadside location can attract opportunistic behaviour. Additionally, positioning your caravan or motorhome well away from the road edge provides extra safety margins.
The site’s solid mobile coverage means you can contact emergency services if needed. Regular traffic flow also offers reassurance, though it’s always wise to trust your instincts if anything feels off.
Lighting at the rest area is limited so pack torches or headlamps to navigate after dark. Keeping a first aid kit handy is smart for any camping situation.
Travel Times And Distances From Major Centres
| City / Town | Distance (km) | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 503 | 5 h 45 m |
| Melbourne | 420 | 4 h 45 m |
| Brisbane | 850 | 9 h 30 m |
| Adelaide | 580 | 6 h 30 m |
| Canberra | 370 | 4 h 15 m |
| Wagga Wagga | 80 | 1 h 15 m |
| Narrandera | 22 | 20 m |
| Griffith | 105 | 1 h 30 m |
| Leeton | 45 | 45 m |
| Hay | 140 | 1 h 45 m |
| Albury | 110 | 1 h 20 m |
| Coolamon | 35 | 40 m |
Newell Highway Near Grong Grong NSW
Local Area Attractions And Services
The nearby town of Grong Grong offers basic services including a general store, post office and the historic Royal Hotel. The town features Grong Grong Earth Park with natural playscapes and food gardens, plus Grong Grong Park with free BBQ facilities and playground equipment.
Narrandera just 22 kilometres away provides broader services like shops, restaurants and Lake Talbot Tourist Park for those wanting upgraded facilities. The town also offers various recreational activities and serves as a handy supply point.
Our Journey To Marree Camel Races
Firetail Rest Area served as our first overnight stop to the recent Marree camel races in South Australia. This annual event celebrates the region’s Afghan heritage and the historic role of cameleers in opening up Australia’s outback. The carnival atmosphere includes thrilling camel and donkey races alongside live entertainment.
The distance from Grong Grong to Marree is roughly 850 kilometres making strategic overnight stop planning vital. The Firetail Rest Area provides a perfect first night’s accommodation for us as it’s not far from home and lets us head off after work and be camped up before dark.
Moorland Road Grong Grong NSW Next To Firetail Rest Area Overnight Stop
Tips For A Successful Stay
Based on our four visits, a few practical tips can enhance your stay. Arrive with enough drinking water, as only non-drinking water is on site. Portable chairs and a small table boost comfort levels.
Try to arrive outside peak travel times if you can, though the area usually offers ample space even when busy.
Weather Considerations
The Riverina region experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer days can exceed 35 °C, so ventilation and shade are vital. Winter nights can approach freezing, so adequate heating and insulation are necessary.
Spring and autumn generally provide the most pleasant camping conditions. Regardless of season, it pays to monitor forecasts for sudden changes.
Environmental Responsibility
Practising environmental responsibility keeps Firetail Rest Area Free Camping open for everyone. Pack out all rubbish, use toilet facilities properly and limit impact on surrounding vegetation.
Bring your own drinking water and use the site’s non-potable supply for cleaning only. Follow any fire restrictions and always extinguish campfires completely.
The Firetail Rest Area continues to offer excellent value for budget-conscious travellers seeking overnight accommodation near Grong Grong. Its strategic location, basic facilities and free access make it a top choice for caravanners and motorhome enthusiasts exploring the Riverina or travelling longer distances through NSW.
Our four experiences here have always met expectations for a clean, safe and convenient overnight stop. While facilities are basic, they serve responsible travellers who value a cost free rest break.
For anyone planning journeys through this region, whether bound for unique events like the Marree camel races or simply exploring rural NSW, the Firetail Rest Area deserves serious consideration as an overnight camp. Its mix of accessibility, essential amenities and zero cost makes it a worthy addition to any Riverina travel itinerary.
Your Essential Guide To Firetail Rest Area Overnight Camping Questions
After four visits to Firetail Rest Area with our caravan, Amanda and I have had many questions from fellow travellers. Whether you’re planning your first overnight stop or you’re a seasoned caravanner, these common questions cover everything you need to know about staying at this popular rest area near Grong Grong.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs – Firetail Rest Area Overnight Free Camping
Is 24-hour overnight camping allowed at Firetail Rest Area for caravans and motorhomes?
What facilities are available at Firetail Rest Area for caravan and motorhome stays?
How much does 24-hour overnight camping cost at Firetail Rest Area?
Are there any vehicle restrictions for 24-hour overnight camping at Firetail Rest Area?
What are the rules about generators during 24-hour overnight camping at Firetail Rest Area?
What safety considerations apply to 24-hour overnight camping at Firetail Rest Area?