Mays Bend – Free Camp – Bourke – NSW

Mays Bend is a free river side camp we had a drive out to. This was while Larry was working on a station in Bourke. We had a 15 minute drive to Mays Bend. You’ll find it 1.5 hours south of the QLD/NSW border.

bourke mays bend free camp nsw river camp trees Darling River — **Heaps Of Room To Park**

A corrugated dirt road will get you to this camp, a semi- off road van might be best? We headed here in our ute and probably would not have taken our van in.

In saying that, as we have a fully self contained van and can be off grid indefinitely this would be a lovely spot!

Mays Bend Camp

After a few minutes of corrugation, we arrived at Mays Bend. A large open area, overlooking the bend in the river. In fact, besides the fantastic view along the Darling you wont find anything else here. Then again what more do you need!?

This would be a great camp for those that bring their own power “Solar“, Toilet, Potable Water Tank etc. Then you can get away from it all as long as you like 😀

Keep warm by a fire pit and do some star gazing or just kick back with a drink and a good book.

I wouldn’t suggest camping here if it has or if it’s going to rain. As well as being slippy you might get bogged.

Have A Drive

North Bourk Rest Area (used to be free camp) Only 15 minutes from Mays Bend Camp

Here you can sit and watch the paddleboat pass, have a BBQ or check out the bridge. Grab some lunch from Kazzas Cafe on the way through North Bourke.
Australia’s oldest movable span bridge is also located at North Bourke rest area. Opening in 1883, it is now closed. You can still check it out from the river bank or pass under it on the paddleboat river cruise.
For boaties there is also a boat ramp for you to pop in your tinny at the same location.
Kidmans Camp Country Retreat is a 10 minute drive away, you can board the Paddleboat River cruise here. A relaxing cruise down the Darling River, with commentary. We can recommend this caravan park, if parks are more your style.
Check out Bourke Silo Art
See the Crossley Engine at the old wharf precinct