It is not hard to figure out why New South Wales is one of the top tourist destinations in Australia. The golden beaches, its natural wonders, and not to mention, the most touted capital of Sydney.
There is something for everyone in the glorious New South Wales, and if you explore the region at a leisurely pace in your motorhome, the entertainment factor becomes manifold.
While a motorhome offers a lot of convenience and comfort, it also comes with challenges of its own. One of these is finding motorhome parking, particularly if you are travelling on a restricted budget and would like to curtail your expenses.
So, if you are wondering where in New South Wales you can park your motorhome for free when on the go, you may find this article helpful.
Can I Park My Motorhome For Free In New South Wales?
As suggested earlier, free motorhome parking offers much-needed relief when you have been on the road the entire day and looking for a place to rest.
Free parking spots in the wild are also useful as you can easily park your vehicle there, make it your base and explore the area until you are ready to move to the next destination.
The good news is that, like other parts of Australia, New South Wales offers plenty of places where you can park your motorhome easily without being concerned about any implications. These places can usually be found in remote areas, beaches, forests or parks.
If you have a self-reliant vehicle like your motorhome, i.e. you have food, water, toilet and waste facilities, you can avail of the designated free camping areas.
New South Wales Free Motorhome Parking Advice
If you are planning to take a trip across NSW in your motorhome, it is important to know the rules and regulations of parking beforehand to avoid any inconvenience while travelling.
As suggested earlier, while some camping areas offer basic amenities like toilets and water, most places do not offer such facilities, and it is better to ensure that your vehicle is self-contained and has toilet, waste, food and water facilities.
It may also help to carry a tent and appropriate first aid facilities for added comfort.
It is also important to ensure that you park only in the authorised designated areas to prevent damage to the environment. Also, if you park in a camping area where there may be wildlife, look for warnings posted in the vicinity and maintain a safe distance from animals or other potential hazards.
At the same time, it is important to avoid leaving any traces behind you. You must keep the environment intact so others can enjoy it as well. Clean up all the clutter after you and dispose of the waste properly to prevent damage to the wildlife and plantation in the area.
Free Motorhome Parking Locations In New South Wales
Now that you know under what conditions you can park your motorhome in New South Wales, here are a few recommendations.
Overnight Motorhome Parking In New South Wales
At times when you are on the go and need to stop for the night, you may not always have a campground nearby. You cannot just park on the side of the road in such instances and must park only where it is allowed.
In such an instance, look for rest areas on the highway. These facilities allow you to stay overnight, so it is better to leave at your earliest convenience. Do make a point to ensure that parking is not prohibited. You can also look for parking areas in huge supermarkets etc.
Similarly, you can also use apps like CamperMate, Travellers Autobarn and WikiCamps to find free parking in the vicinity. Some national parks of New South Wales also allow free camping, and you can use the NSW National Park App to find out the same.
Free Camping Spots In New South Wales
If you are out on an exploratory trip and looking for destinations where you can park your motorhome and explore the site, here are a few recommendations.
Swans Creek Crossing
The Swans Creek Crossing is between Kempsey and Taree, around 16kms northwest of Kendall. It is a peaceful camping spot in the Kerewong National forest where you can easily park your motorhome.
If you are looking for a peaceful getaway, you will find this place ideal. You can walk along the trails or swim in the lake. The place offers basic facilities like toilets and water.
Gum Bend Lake
If you are looking to park by a beach, this is the place to be. It is situated 99kms west of Parkes with the village of Condobolin nearby. You will find a vast expanse of land there where you can do plenty of activities.
The campsite is some distance away from the lake, but you easily access it for swimming or fishing. The place offers basic facilities. However, you can also visit the cafes in the village.
Ellenborough Reserve
If you are on the Oxley Highway, take a 500m detour to get to the Ellenborough Reserve. The place is ideal if you are fond of water activities like kayaking and canoeing or want to go bird-watching. You may also see some wildlife species, including koalas, wallabies and kangaroos.
Oxley Wild Rivers
If you want to see waterfalls and rainforests, the Oxley Wild Rivers in the Gondwana Rainforest is where you should be headed. It is the ultimate destination for free campers, where you will find amazing wildlife, beautiful rivers and waterfalls and the national forest.
Green Patch
Green Patch north of Jervis Bay is a secluded, untouched part of the land that is ideal if you are looking for a serene place along the beach. The place is beautiful, with a white sandy beach and turquoise waters. You can also go whale watching or scuba diving if you find the activities interesting.
Can You Park A Motorhome Anywhere In NSW?
You cannot park your motorhome anywhere you want in New South Wales. Like other vehicles, motorhomes can only travel and park in particular locations as outlined by local authorities.
Can I Park My Motorhome On The Street In NSW?
If your motorhome has a gross vehicle mass of more than 4.5 tonnes and measures longer than 7.5 metres, it is categorised as a heavy vehicle. It implies that you cannot park your motorhome on the street in a parking facility. You can only park in the designated spots according to state laws.
