🦆 Free Camping at Mother of Ducks Lagoon, Guyra – A Tranquil Outback Stopover

-

Campsite Review by: Sandra Mantova | Travel Adventures Australia

Location: McKie Parkway, Guyra, NSW
Type: Free Rest Area (Self-contained Vans Only)
Pet-Friendly: Yes (on leash, but pets are not allowed inside the lagoon reserve)

🏞️ A Scenic Escape Beside the Lagoon

If you’re chasing still mornings, misty walks, and wide-open skies, Mother of Ducks Lagoon in Guyra is your perfect free camping spot. Nestled beside a nature reserve and just across from the local golf club, this peaceful rest area is more than just a stopover — it’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the quieter side of life on the road.



📍 How to Get There

  • Address: McKie Parkway, Guyra, NSW

  • Coordinates: -30.223349, 151.669551

  • What3Words: ///blindfold.underpaid.toasted

Directions:
From the A15 New England Highway, take the exit to Guyra. Turn onto Lagoon Road, then left onto McKie Parkway. The campsite is on your left, just past the Guyra Golf Club.

🛠️ Facilities

✅ Designated gravel camping bays
✅ Toilets
✅ BBQs & shaded seating areas
✅ Book swap cabin
✅ Dump point
✅ Drinking water station
✅ Nearby gym facilities
✅ Scenic lagoon walks
✅ Nature reserve views
✅ Pet-friendly camping (except inside the lagoon reserve)

🌅 My Experience at Mother of Ducks

We arrived just as the afternoon sun dipped low, casting golden reflections across the lagoon. With flat, hard-packed ground, there was no stress about getting bogged — always a bonus for free camps!

What I loved most was the serenity: no highway noise, just birdsong, distant ducks, and the soft crunch of grass underfoot as Kahra and I enjoyed our early morning walk through misty air. The views over the lagoon are truly breathtaking, especially at dawn when the mist clings to the water.

This is a rest area done right — thoughtfully upgraded, clean, and well-maintained. Whether you're travelling solo, with a partner, or as a family, it has everything you need for a restful night or even a few days’ stay.


🛍️ Handy Local Conveniences

  • Guyra Golf Club: Directly opposite the site

  • Guyra Bowling Club & IGA: A short walk away

  • Town Gym: Just metres from the camp area

✅ Pros & ⚠️ Cons

✅ Pros:
✔ Free to stay (for self-contained vans)
✔ Flat gravel sites
✔ Pet friendly (on leash)
✔ Beautiful lagoon views
✔ BBQs, toilets, dump point, and water
✔ Easy access to shops, clubs & walks
✔ Quiet – set back from the highway
✔ Unique touches like a book swap and nearby gym

⚠️ Cons:
• 4.3m height restriction
• Hard ground makes pegging difficult

⭐ Would I Stay Again?

Absolutely YES. It’s peaceful, practical, and full of charm — one of my favourite free camps in regional NSW.

My Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)

🗺️ More Info & Resources

📍 Wikicamps Listing:
Mother of Ducks Lagoon Campground – WikiCamps

🌐 Nature Reserve Info:
Mother of Ducks Lagoon Nature Reserve – NSW National Parks

💬 Got a Hidden Gem to Share?

I’m always on the lookout for new free or budget-friendly campsites to review! Drop a comment below or message me with your suggestions — I’ll add them to my journey list.

🔔 Want to keep up with my latest posts and campsite reviews? Subscribe to the Travel Adventures Australia Newsletter below.

📲 Let’s Connect!

Follow Travel Adventures Australia:
📘 Facebook: @TravelAdventuresAustralia
📷 Instagram: @travel_adventures_australia
📺 YouTube: Travel Adventures Australia

🐾 Follow my golden girl Kahra too:
Facebook: Kahra The Goldie
Instagram: @kahra_the_goldie

📌 Disclaimer

This blog is intended as general information only. All opinions are my own and are shared in good faith. Information is correct at the time of publishing but may change. Always check official sources for the latest updates. All photos are original and remain the property of Sandra Mantova and may not be used without permission. Travel Adventures Australia does not officially endorse any venues or services mentioned.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

🎸 Parkes, NSW: 5 Hidden Gems Every Traveller & Nomad Should Discover

-
Image
By Sandra Mantova | Travel Adventures Australia Tucked away in the heart of New South Wales, Parkes is often passed over by travellers heading to bigger cities — but this vibrant regional town is packed with surprises. Whether you're a history buff , science lover , or simply a fan of discovering the road less travelled, Parkes has a wealth of hidden gems just waiting to be explored. From iconic space telescopes to legendary rock 'n' roll festivals, here are 5 must-visit attractions in Parkes that will transform your stop into a full-blown adventure. 1. 📡 The Dish – Australia's Window to the Stars No visit to Parkes is complete without witnessing the legendary CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope , affectionately known as “The Dish.” This 64-metre scientific marvel played a crucial role in the Apollo 11 moon landing, receiving and relaying signals from the historic 1969 event. 🛰️ Why Visit? Interactive visitor centre with hands-on science exhibits Themed gift ...
Read more

🌾 Thallon, QLD – A Relaxing Budget Stay Beside the Painted Silos

-
Location: McGeever Recreational Grounds, Thallon, Queensland Trip Type: Free & Budget-Friendly Camping Travel Blog by: Sandra Mantova | Travel Adventures Australia 🚐 Discovering Thallon: Art, Outback, and Affordable Camping In the heart of Queensland's outback lies the small but unforgettable town of Thallon , where painted grain silos meet sweeping skies and warm country hospitality. During my recent travels, I stumbled across one of the region's best-kept secrets for budget-conscious campers — McGeever Recreational Grounds — located right next to the town's iconic grain silos. Whether you're a self-contained traveller or someone seeking powered comfort, this spot ticks all the boxes. 🏕️ McGeever Recreational Grounds – Free & Powered Camping Camping at McGeever was a peaceful and enjoyable experience. The sites are spacious, level, and pet-friendly, with some shaded and drive-through options. Here’s what you need to know: Unpowered Sites: FREE Powe...
Read more