Wanaaring Free Camping On The Paroo River NSW

Wanaaring Free Camping On The Paroo River NSW

Wanaaring Free Camping On The Paroo River NSW

Wanaaring free camping on the Paroo River with toilets and showers. We camped here with mates and found it to be absolutely awesome.

We have recently spent a night at Wanaaring free camping on the Paroo River in outback NSW with a group of mates. It’s a really great free campsite with toilets and showers only a short walk away. We camped at the Wanaaring free camp in early October 2025.

Wanaaring Free Camping

Wanaaring Free Camping

About Wanaaring Free Camping On The Paroo River

You’ll find the Wanaaring free camp across the road from the closed down Wanaaring Pub. It’s a shame the Wanaaring Pub was closed as I’d have loved to have had a beer there.

There’s a donation box next to the shower and toilet block with proceeds going to the local Wanaaring Rural Fire Service. Nobody in our group used the toilets or showers but we had a look and they were very clean and well put together. We all chucked in a donation in the box to say thank you for access to the campsite.

The free campsite at Wanaaring has enough room for up to ten vans depending upon how close you like to be to your neighbours. Considering the location of Wanaaring NSW I couldn’t see the free campsite at Wanaaring being overly crowded at any time. It’s dog friendly which is an added bonus.

Address: Wanaaring, New South Wales
GPS Coordinates: -29.7032740, 144.1504620
Amenities: Showers & Toilets Across The Rd (Donation)
Accessibility: Caravans, Camper Trailers, Vans
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly: Yes

Free Camping At Wanaaring NSW On The Paroo River

Free Camping At Wanaaring NSW On The Paroo River

How To Access The Free Camping Area At Wanaaring NSW

A levee bank has been built across Bourke-Milparinka Rd to protect the town from flooding. They have put road closed signs in place making the campground not easily accessible. However it is accessible. I turned onto Hebden St. The RFS with toilets/showers beside it is to the left on Hedben St. Turn left onto a dirt track that’ll take you around the back of the RFS. This will bring you back onto Bourke-Milparinka Rd (turn right onto it). There’s a small blue camping sign on your left after turning onto Bourke-Milparinka Rd. Keep right of the blue sign as that track is a much easier way to get into the camping area. Of course we took the track to the left and had a hard time getting in. It was only after managing to get in that we saw the easier track.

It’s a good idea to pull up in front of the abandoned Wanaaring Hotel and walk across the road and up onto the levee bank. You can easily see the camping area from there as well as how to access the Wanaaring free camping area. If you get a bit lost or can’t find the camping area ask a local and they’ll set you straight.

Wanaaring General Store And Caravan Park

If you aren’t into free camping then the Wanaaring General Store & Caravan Park is nice and clean and offers sites with power and water as well as unpowered sites.

Before leaving town we called into the Wanaaring General Store. We all fuelled up and we all bought some souvenirs. I got myself a nice Wanaaring number plate to add to my growing collection. We also had bacon and egg rolls. I’d previously read reviews on how good the food was here but I was surprised when I got my roll, it was big, it was fat and it was juicy! Absolutely magnificent doesn’t begin to describe just how good it was.

Getting To Wanaaring NSW – Cut Line Road conditions

We travelled through to Wanaaring from Tibooburra on the Cut Line and found the road to be in really good condition in early October 2025. A lot of it looked to have been graded quite recently.

Driving The Cut Line Between Tibooburra And Wanaaring NSW October 2025

Driving The Cut Line Between Tibooburra And Wanaaring NSW October 2025

Summary

Wanaaring has a free riverside campsite on the Paroo River in outback NSW. Located across the road from the closed pub. The site accommodates up to ten vans, is dog friendly, and features clean toilets and showers with a donation box supporting the local Rural Fire Service.

Wanaaring Road Cut Line Road Conditions Sign

Wanaaring Road Cut Line Road Conditions Sign

Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse Camping And Caravan Park

Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse Camping And Caravan Park

Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse Camping And Caravan Park

The Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta has been serving visitors to the region for decades. It’s a great overnight stop for caravans and campers tackling the Oodnadatta Track. Located behind the pink roadhouse the camping and caravan park has all the basics you need.

Pink Roadhouse Camping & Caravan Park Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: About $35 per night powered and $20 per night unpowered. Varies depending upon season.
Type: Caravan Park / Paid Campground
Location: -27.549235°, 135.447553°
Distance From Marree: 406km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 0km
Distance From Marla: 254km

Accommodation Options At The Pink Roadhouse Camping & Caravan Park

The Pink Roadhouse Camping and Caravan Park has powered and unpowered sites. They also have a limited range of cabins available ranging from basic to not so basic (still a bit basic).

Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta

Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta

Facilities

Amenities are a mixed bag – some are new and some show their age. The newer shower and laundry block is excellent, with clean facilities that are a welcome sight after long days on rough roads. Pro tip: use the showers next to the laundry block as they’re the newest and cleanest.

The camp kitchen provides a decent space to prepare meals, though it’s seen better days. Water is available from taps around the site for filling bottles and jerry cans, with desalinated water available out the front. Tank water can be filled at the shared tap on the back fence.

The Roadhouse Experience

The Pink Roadhouse itself is part of the experience. It’s weathered but functional, stocking fuel, groceries, and a good range of essentials. The general store covers most needs with dry goods, some fresh produce, frozen meat, and the usual tourist souvenirs. Coffee is decent, and the food menu includes solid pub meals like parmas and the local Oodna Burger.

Staff are helpful and knowledgeable about local tracks and conditions – worth having a chat if you’re planning to explore further. Joe in particular is a wealth of information about surrounding tracks and points of interest.

What Works Well

  • Dogs allowed
  • Clean powered and unpowered sites
  • Knowledgeable staff for track advice
  • Well stocked store for restocking basic supplies
  • Good water quality

The Pink Roadhouse At Oodnadatta

The Pink Roadhouse At Oodnadatta

The Reality Check

This isn’t a resort – it’s a working roadhouse in the middle of nowhere. Some facilities are old and functional rather than flash. Prices reflect the remote location on the Oodnadatta Track as you’d expect. The older amenities block shows wear but remains usable.

Summary

The Pink Roadhouse serves is a reliable place to pull up for an overnight stop. It’s clean, it’s functional and has the basics of what you need. It’s an awesome place you don’t want to miss when driving along the Oodnadatta Track.

Whether restocking supplies, refuelling or you need a quick meal and a cold drink the Pink Roadhouse delivers the essentials with genuine outback hospitality.

Lake Harry Ruins Campsite – Birdsville Track

Lake Harry Ruins Campsite – Birdsville Track

Lake Harry Ruins Campsite – Birdsville Track

Lake Harry Ruins is a great free campsite on the Birdsville Track at the southern end of Lake Harry. There is a lot of room, you could fit as many vans you needed here. The area is flat. If it’s windy then the best bet is to camp up close to the ruins and use it as a windbreak.

✔ Birdsville Track Campsite – It’s FREE
✔ Loads of historical artefacts to explore
✔ Plenty of room for everyone

We’ve called in and had a look on a trip a few years ago. we didn’t stay as we other plans for the day but we’ve marked it in the memory banks as a “100% we’d camp there” site. There aren’t any amenities at Lake Harry Ruins Campsite but there is history in abundance. The ruins themselves are pretty small however if you go for a walk you’ll find all kinds of things to keep you interested.

Lake Harry Ruins Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping
Location: Birdsville Track, Muloorina SA 5733, South Australia
GPS: -29.4342650, 138.2467820
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Birdsville: 488km
Distance From Marree: 31km

Lake Harry Ruins Campsite Birdsville Track

Lake Harry Ruins Campsite Birdsville Track

So What Was Lake Harry Ruins And what Happened To It?

The site was originally used as a date palm plantation starting around 1894. There was plenty of bore water available and plenty of room for planting. Sunshine was also to be had in absolute abundance. What could go wrong? The answer to what could go wrong is anything and everything! The nearest bees to create pollination were hundreds of kilometres away so they had do do it all by hand. And the market for the dates was even further away and there was no such thing as refrigerated transport. By the time the product made it to market it was cactus! Then there was a drought around 1900. Add to this that cockatoos love eating dates. It ended up being abandoned around the time that WW1 began as there wasn’t much manpower around to keep it all going.

Summary

Lake Harry Ruins Campsite on the southern end of the Birdsville Track is a great place to camp for the night when starting the track or just before finishing it. There’s plenty of history there to keep you interested. It’s a good campsite. If Lake Harry Ruins isn’t to your liking we also have a list of all Birdsville Track campsites.

Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground

Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground

Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground

Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground is a free RV stop beside Morleys Creek on the edge of Gundagai. It offers a quiet, level area suitable for self-contained caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

The location is easy to access and is only a short drive from the centre of town, making it a convenient choice for overnight stays. Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground is often used as a break on long journeys along the Hume Highway. It’s gives a great overnight camp without the cost of a caravan park. There is enough room for several vehicles and the open space allows for an easy arrival and departure even for larger rigs. This stop is best for travellers who are prepared and self-sufficient. There are no services on-site.

Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground Location And Info At A Glance

Type: Donation Camping
Cost: Donation
Location: Oibell Dr, Gundagai, New South Wales
GPS: -35.067945°, 148.106499°
Web: https://www.visitgundagai.com.au/rv-friendly
Pet Friendly: Yes

Key Details

Stay Limit Up to 48 hours
Cost Free (donations encouraged)
Eligibility Self-contained vehicles only
Tent Camping Not permitted
Ground Surface Flat grassed area
Shade Partial
Pet Friendly Yes, pets on leash
Bookings Not required (first come, first served)
Accessibility Suitable for caravans, motorhomes, and RVs

Facilities

  • No toilets or showers on site
  • No bins provided – pack out all rubbish
  • Nearest dump point and potable water at Gundagai Railway Station
  • No power available

Nearby Services

  • Shops, fuel, cafes, and supermarkets in Gundagai (about 5 minutes)
  • Medical services, laundromat, and post office in town

Atmosphere

Quiet, peaceful setting beside Morleys Creek with some tree cover. Informal layout where you choose your own spot. It is common to see other travellers taking a short break, enjoying the shade or walking along the creek in the late afternoon.

Alternatives

  • Pump House Reserve (Pope Street): Similar free RV stop, up to 72-hour stay, quieter location.
  • Commercial Caravan Parks: Powered sites, showers, and laundry available for a fee.

Summary Of Morleys Creek Campground

Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground is a free RV stop is a convenient free stopover for self-contained travellers passing through Gundagai. Close to town services, level ground, and easy access. Best for short stays; travellers must be fully self-sufficient. Ideal for a quick overnight stop or a restful break along the highway. Gundagai is on the Murrumbidgee River.

Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground Gundagai

Morleys Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve Campground Gundagai

Birdsville Track Fuel Stops 2026 – Complete Guide

Birdsville Track Fuel Stops 2026 – Complete Guide

Birdsville Track Fuel Stops 2026 – Complete Guide

This guide covers every fuel station along the track and nearby access routes. The Birdsville Track runs 517 kilometres from Marree in South Australia to Birdsville in Queensland. Birdsville Track fuel stops are limited and distances between them are long.

Why Birdsville Track Fuel Planning Matters

The Birdsville Track has major gaps between fuel stops with sections exceeding 200 kilometres between services. You’ll use 20-30% more fuel on unsealed roads. Services can close without notice and weather affects track conditions.

Given the current circumstances in 2026 fuel availability along the Birdsville Track can change without notice. Some outlets may have limited supplies or altered opening hours due to demand, weather or logistics. Use any details in this guide as a general indication only, not a guarantee. Before you travel you should always phone each service station or roadhouse to confirm current fuel availability, opening hours and what fuel types they have on the day. Phone numbers for all fuel stops mentioned are listed for you in the blog post below so you can check ahead and plan safely.

Birdsville Track Fuel Stops Infographic Map

Birdsville Track Fuel Stops Infographic Map (Not To Scale)

Main Birdsville Track Fuel Stops

1. Birdsville

Two fuel options at the northern end of the track.

Birdsville Roadhouse

  • Address: Lot 2 Frew St, Birdsville QLD 4482
  • GPS: -25.898852, 139.353569
  • Fuel: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol
  • Phone: (07) 4656 3226
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Sun 8am-12pm
  • Fuel Access: 24 hours
  • Services: General store, tyres, batteries, mechanical services, gas bottle refills
  • Website

Birdsville Fuel Service

  • Address: 1 Adelaide St, Birdsville QLD 4482
  • GPS: -25.898912, 139.352187
  • Fuel: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol, Premium Unleaded
  • Phone: (07) 4656 3236
  • Hours: Mon 12pm-5pm, Tue/Wed/Fri 8:30am-1pm, Thu 12pm-5pm, Weekends CLOSED
  • Services: Fuel, repairs, cool drinks

2. Mungerannie Hotel

The only fuel stop directly on the track between Birdsville and Marree. Located 210km north of Marree and 320km south of Birdsville.

  • Address: Birdsville Track, Mungerannie SA 5733
  • GPS: -28.018382, 138.663512
  • Fuel: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol
  • Phone: (08) 8675 8317
  • Hours: 7 days, 8am to midnight
  • Services: Accommodation, meals, camping, tyre sales and repairs
  • Website

Mungerannie Hotel & Camp Area

Mungerannie Hotel & Camp Area

3. Marree

Southern entrance to the track.

Marree General Store & Fuel

  • Address: Oodnadatta Track, Marree SA 5733
  • GPS: -29.6497°S, 138.0413°E
  • Fuel: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol
  • Phone: (08) 8675 8352 – (08) 8675 8360
  • Hours: 7 days, 7:30am – 6:30pm
  • Services: General store, camping supplies, mechanical services, accommodation bookings
  • Website

Lunch At The Marree Hotel

Lunch At The Marree Hotel

Alternative Route Fuel Stops

Windorah (Eastern Access)

Final fuel stop before joining the track from Queensland’s east.

Windorah Service Station

  • Address: Albert Street, Windorah QLD
  • GPS: -25.421633, 142.654985
  • Fuel: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol, Premium Unleaded
  • Phone: (07) 4656 3143
  • Hours: 7 days, 6am – 6pm
  • Services: General store, camping supplies, mechanical services
  • Distance to Birdsville: 379km
  • Website

Betoota Hotel

On Birdsville Development Road, 168km from Birdsville.

  • Address: Birdsville Development Road (220km from Windorah)
  • GPS: -25.670550, 140.744234
  • Fuel: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol
  • Phone: 0407 739 798
  • Hours: Open Daily
  • Services: Hotel, accommodation, meals
  • Distance to Birdsville: 168km
  • Website

Bedourie (Northern Queensland Access)

Simpson Desert Oasis

  • Address: 57 Herbert Street, Bedourie QLD 4829
  • GPS: -24.297299, 139.463029
  • Fuel: Diesel, Unleaded Petrol
  • Phone: (07) 4746 1291
  • Hours: 7 days, 7am – 10pm
  • Services: Tyres, food, accommodation, restaurant
  • Distance to Birdsville: 187km
  • Website

IOR Fuel Bedourie

  • Address: 1 Herbert St, Bedourie QLD 4829
  • GPS: -24.355666, 139.470972
  • Fuel: Diesel only
  • Phone: 1300 457 467
  • Hours: 24 hours (payment using Fuel Charge App)
  • Services: Fuel only
  • Website

Lyndhurst (Southern Access)

Two 24-hour diesel-only stations.

Perrys Lyndhurst

  • Address: The Outback Hwy, Lyndhurst SA 5731
  • GPS: -30.287199, 138.349237
  • Fuel: Diesel only
  • Phone: (08) 8636 2274
  • Hours: 24 hours (self-serve, card only)
  • Website

IOR Lyndhurst

  • Address: 3 Short Street, Lyndhurst SA 5731
  • GPS: -30.287482, 138.352351
  • Fuel: Diesel only
  • Phone: 1300 457 467
  • Hours: 24 hours (payment using Fuel Charge App)
  • Website

Distance Chart

From/To Birdsville Mungerannie Marree Windorah Bedourie
Birdsville 320km 519km 379km 187km
Mungerannie 320km 210km 699km 507km
Marree 519km 210km 898km 706km
Windorah 379km 699km 898km 566km
Bedourie 187km 507km 706km 566km

Fuel Pricing

Location Type Price Premium
Major towns (Birdsville, Marree) +40-60¢ per litre
Remote stops (Mungerannie) +60-80¢ per litre
Alternative routes +30-50¢ per litre

Pre-Travel Checklist

  1. Ring all planned fuel stops to confirm hours and availability
  2. Calculate total fuel requirements including reserves
  3. Test all jerry cans for leaks
  4. Carry cash as backup payment
  5. Download offline maps
  6. Tell someone your travel plans
  7. Check weather forecasts
  8. Service vehicle for optimal fuel efficiency
  9. Pack emergency supplies
  10. Verify insurance covers remote area travel

Useful Apps

  • FuelMap Australia – real-time fuel pricing
  • WikiCamps – user-updated fuel stop info
  • Emergency Plus – exact location coordinates
  • BOM Weather – track condition planning
  • Gaia GPS – offline maps with waypoints

Birdsville Hotel Follow Our Travels

Birdsville Hotel Follow Our Travels

Connecting Routes

Oodnadatta Track

Strzelecki Track

  • Access: Lyndhurst
  • Highlights: Innamincka, Cameron Corner
  • Limited services, carry extra reserves

Simpson Desert Crossing

  • Access: Birdsville
  • Requires comprehensive preparation

Summary – Birdsville Track Fuel Stops

The Birdsville Track has only three fuel stops along 517 kilometres: Birdsville, Mungerannie, and Marree. Gaps between fuel exceed 200km. Calculate fuel needs carefully, carry adequate reserves, confirm service availability and have backup plans.

Proper fuel planning lets you focus on enjoying one of Australia’s most spectacular outback drives safely.

For more Australian caravan and camping guides, visit www.followourtravels.com