Hebel Hotel Free Camp (FC)

The Hebel Hotel and Free Camp is located only 4 klm north of the NSW/QLD border between St George/Dirranbandi and Lightning Ridge. Situated on the Castlereagh Highway, this iconic Aussie pub is a must see if you are travelling in the area. New Publicans Merv and Kim, took over the hotel in June 2019, and offer travellers friendly outback hospitality and a warm and welcoming country pub atmosphere.

Free camping is available out the back of the pub and there is no time limit for your stay. They also have three en-suited cabins available situated opposite the hotel. The campsite is pet friendly with level gravel unpowered sites that are best suited to those who are self-sufficient, although free camping is open to tent campers right through to travellers in large RV’s. For the convenience of campers, there are 24 hr toilets available on the veranda of the hotel and free toilets and showers 20 metres down the road or for a small fee, you can have a shower across the road at the caravan park.

So why not take a break from your travels, stay a night or two, meet the friendly locals and hear all about the towns local history. If you don’t feel like setting up the tent you can spend the night in a donga style cabin. The cabins are all air-conditioned, two have a double bed and 2 singles and the other has three single beds.

The Hotel, originally a stop off for the Cobb & Co coaches back in the 1800’s, is now a popular stop over with travellers, many who pull up just to snap a photo or two of the quirky country pub. The doors are open from 9:00am every day with licencing times listed below. It is decorated with old wares, memorabilia, colourful artwork by John Murray and recycled furniture made from reclaimed bush finds. There is plenty of cold beer and if your hungry takeaways and delicious home cooked meals are available from the cafe/restaurant across the road at the general store. You can purchase a meal and bring it back to the pub to eat or have it delivered to you.

Happy Hour is on Wednesday nights from 5.30pm – 6.30pm but any time is perfect at this little gem. The friendly locals love a chat and are more than happy to share the history of the town especially around the fire pit out the front of the pub which still has some of the original Gigi wood rails that the wagon horses were tethered to.

Merv and Kim look forward to welcoming all travellers, especially Free Range Camping members to stop in and say hi, have a cold drink and support this little town that is steeped in history.

HOW TO GET THERE
The Hebel Hotel is on the left if coming from NSW just before the highway takes a 90 degree right; similarly it is on the right just after turning left from the QLD side.

SITE ACCESS
There is ample space for all size RV’s to park out front and easy drive in – drive out access to the camping area. The pub doors are open from 9am from so please see staff on arrival for assistance and site allocation.

FEES & BOOKINGS
Sites are free but they would appreciate your patronage. If you are staying at this site we encourage you to help keep it clean and tidy.
Cabins are $85/night

THINGS TO DO
Hebel’s interesting history is brought to life through the public art piece, the Hebel Historical Circle. Take a walk around the illustrated signs that tell stories about the Ned Kelly gang, Cobb & Co and old time dance halls which all play a part of in Hebel’s history.

The Bokhara River is just a stone’s throw from the main street. Spend the afternoon fishing or setting the yabby pots, or take the kids for a walk to the playground which is only a short walk from the campsite.

WHAT’S NEARBY
Hebel General Store and Caravan Park
Hebel Rest Area
Lightning Ridge Outback Resort & Caravan Park

D4U Updated 13092019SN