The best caravan parks in Broken Hill to call home

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Saddle up that RV. It’s time for a caravan trip out west towards Broken Hill.

Want to make that epic journey to the outback town of Broken Hill? With a rich mining history, epic desert landscapes of red dust, eclectic art scene, the famed filming location of Mad Max 2 is perfect for a road trip.

And while you might not have a spruced-up Ford Falcon to tear up the tarmac with, a caravan is most likely more comfortable for getting there. Once you arrive, here are Broken Hill’s best caravan sites to pull up for the night.

(Not sure what to do once you get there? We’ve also lined up a guide on the best things to do in Broken Hill.)

Broken Hill Outback Resort

Broken Hill Outback Resort
The resort has 80 powered and 20 unpowered sites to choose from.

Overlooking the rugged Barrier Ranges, this family and dog-friendly park and resort has spots for caravanning and camping, with 80 powered and 20 unpowered sites to choose from. If you want a touch more comfort, there are also 24 cabins available.

While facilities here include an undercover camp kitchen (as well as an amenities block, laundry and dump point), you can also opt for dinner at the heritage-listed Mt Gipps Hotel on site.

Built in the 1860s, today the hotel serves up delectable pizzas all day, as well as pub grub favourites for lunches and dinners. The resort is a 15-minute drive from town.

Address: Barrier Highway, Broken Hill

Penrose Park Silverton

Camping at the edge of a dusty, dry Umberumberka Creek, you will probably need to pinch yourself at this true Australian experience. Penrose Park Silverton can be found at the edge of the Mundi Mundi Plain, close to where the Mundi Mundi Bash happens each year. It is a quiet spot to enjoy the outback in peace, while still being a short walk from the town of Silverton, 20 minutes from Broken Hill.

Facilities include a shaded kids’ playground, a camp kitchen with barbeques, hot showers and laundry, as well as powered and unpowered sites, and ensuite cabins and cottages.

Address: Penrose Park Road, Silverton

Broken Hill Racecourse Campground

Basic and affordable, the Broken Hill Racecourse Campground is particularly popular come festival time. But powered and unpowered sites (as well as stabling if you happen to have trotted here on four legs), are also available at other times of the year outside of the Mundi Mundi Bash . Facilities include basic showers and bathrooms, and a grassed area. The campground is five minutes from town and is suitable for larger vehicles.

Address: Broken Hill Regional Events Centre, Racecourse Road, Broken Hill

Starview Campsite

Starview Campsite in Broken Hill
Starview is just 12 kilometres out of town. (Image: Broken Hill City Council)

Another very affordable site, the Starview Campsite costs just $10 per adult (which doesn’t include the $6 entry fee to the park itself) and offers you the priceless chance to sleep in the Living Desert State Park, home to the famous sandstone sculptures.

The cheap-as-chips campsite is 12 kilometres out of Broken Hill. Facilities include a woodchipped area for tents, 15 unpowered van sites, toilets and showers, as well as barbeques and picnic areas.

Come nightfall, settle back on the site’s ‘star-view seats’, or in your swag, to watch the night sky above.

Address: Nine Mile Road, Broken Hill

Outback View Holiday Park

The Outback View Holiday Park (previously known as the Lake View Caravan Park) is a town-based campground for those who don’t want to stray too far from the action. Now under new ownership, this doggo-friendly accommodation is currently undergoing a bit of a facelift.

In the meantime, they are still offering cabin accommodation, as well as powered and unpowered sites for campers and caravanners alike. Facilities include a camp kitchen, laundry and pool.

Address: 1 Mann Street, Broken Hill

Broken Hill Tourist Park

The Broken Hill Tourist Park is a cosy, friendly option close to the centre of town. As well as sweet touches like a ‘cheese and biccies’ meet up for guests to meet other travellers, the park has some enviable hot and powerful showers. Facilities at the tourist park include an outdoor pool, barbecues, free internet, cabins, ensuite-powered sites and powered sites suitable for caravans. The Broken Hill Tourist Park is dog-friendly.

Address: 142 Rakow St, Broken Hill

While you’re in Broken Hill, be sure to check out the best restaurants and cafes around town.

Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.