FREE CAMP – Ballimore Hotel, NSW

Ballimore Hotel

Between Dubbo and Dunedoo, this Free Camp is directly opposite the “HAIR of the DOG INN”. A large area that is part grass, part red dirt and has lots of trees for a bit of shade if needed. Next to the pub is a park with toilets open 24hrs if you do not have your own.

We walked over to the pub (as it was 5 pm somewhere in the world) as the chef was opening, good timing ;). We ordered a couple of beers and sat outside next to some of the locals. The locals were having a staff having a meeting. I overheard the Manager saying they should put any veg that may spoil, if not used, on the bar for patrons to take if they wanted… How Lovely!!

We headed back over to our van after the manager had told us they did lunch and that dinner started at 6pm. Calling out after us that “the food was good” I shouted back “I know I have read it on WikiCamps”. It was a very hot day of 41C inside the van with fans going. Outside was not much better as the breeze seemed even hotter still.

Being opposite the pub we could have always popped in for a cold one but as we are on a budget we waited and went in for dinner at 6pm.

Eating at the pub

The manager had a big smile and greeted us warmly as we walked in as did a gent sitting at the end of the bar. We had a couple of drinks and ordered fish and chips and bangers and mash, good old pub grub presented well. The fish and chips was $17 and the Bangers and mash was $10. Larry had another beer I had a nice cold glass of iced water and we headed out.

We had a walk to the side of the pub were you can go and see old photo of the pub and the local area from years gone by. Lots of undercover table and chairs you can go and sit at any time of day or night. Old rustic farming relics of the past hung around, from old saddle’s, traps to singer sewing machines.

The inside info

As we passed the manager I asked her and her friend if much else was around Ballimore. They both told me about so many little country villages and towns that sounded so nice. If we had unhooked the van or stayed another day we would have gone for a drive. If you are ever at the HAIR of the DOG INN ask, they will give you some lovely places to visit.

She asked if we had taken any cucumbers, we had not. As we got back to our van I turned around to find her walking over with a cucumber and some eggs for us 🙂 WOW!

Larry had a nice little chat with the local at the end of the bar and as the bar started to fill many of the locals said hello. The bar and the people had a great feel. WikiCamps write ups often say nice locals, this place really has got friendly locals! 😀

Basic free camp but lovely friendly pub across the road <3