Glengarry Hilton Pub (FC)

For those who like a pub with a unique bush character, the Glengarry Hilton is certainly worth a visit. Situated in the Glengarry opal fields in northern New South Wales, about 65 km from Lightning Ridge, the pub not only offers drinks and meals but also campsites and accommodation.

The free camping ground has unpowered sites spread over an area of 2 ha. Though it’s located on a hill, the sites are level and have either a dirt or gravel base. There are sites suitable for anything from tents to large motorhomes and caravans, and shade is available at some sites. Facilities are basic, with an outside flushing toilet and a bucket shower available. If you need to do some laundry, there’s also a coin-operated washing machine and a clothesline. There is a single campsite connected to power for which a fee is payable.

The Glengarry Hilton also offers air-conditioned on-site accommodation. There are five dongas that sleep 2–4 people. One has a queen bed, one a queen bed and a set of single bunks, and the other three have two sets of single bunks. Or for a little bit of outback luxury, you can stay in the penthouse room which comes complete with ensuite.

As the campsites are free, campers’ patronage at the pub is appreciated. The pub not only has ice cold drinks but also serves lunch daily from 12 pm to 2 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 8 pm (6.30–8.30 pm during daylight saving times). Meals include fish and chips, burgers, steak, schnitzel, and parmigiana, and you can get both meals and drinks to take away. Every weekday from 5 pm to 7 pm is happy hour, and on Thursday nights you will get a ticket in the Jag the Joker cash draw when you buy a drink.

For entertainment, the Glengarry Hilton has a jukebox and free pool tables. Travellers are also encouraged to create their own entertainment, so if you play an instrument, sing, or are a storyteller, bush poet, or similar you might like to put on an impromptu performance or get together with others for a jam session or singalong. Everyone is welcome to join in.

If you need gas or ice, you can get them at the pub, and groceries are available at the nearby Sheepyard Inn. However, if you’re after other supplies or services you’ll need to head to Lightning Ridge or Walgett.

HOW TO GET THERE
From Lightning Ridge, turn left onto the Castlereagh Highway (B55), travel for about 3 km then turn right (signed Opal Fields and Cumborah). After about 36 km you will come to a T-intersection at Cumborah. Turn right, travel for 14 km until the end of the bitumen road then turn left (signed Glengarry Sheepyard). After the bitumen, it is a flat dirt road. Follow the signs to Opal Fields for 7 km. When you go over the grid you will see the pub on the right. Sweeney’s Arts and Craft and SES are the opposite.

If travelling from Walgett, follow the Kamilaroi Highway (B76) to the west. About 5 km from Walgett, the highway turns to the left and the road to Cumborah continues straight ahead. Once at Cumborah, keep going straight and follow the directions from the T-intersection above.

SITE ACCESS
On arrival, pull up outside the pub and see the bar staff to check in to the campground. With 2 ha to camp on, there’s plenty of room for big rigs to access. The roads are suitable for 2WD vehicles as well as 4WDs.

FEES & BOOKINGS
Unpowered campsites are free but they would appreciate your patronage.
Powered site (1 only) from $15/night.
Donga rooms from $35/night per person.
Penthouse room from $110/night for 2 people.
Washing $6 per load.

THINGS TO DO
Opals
One of the most obvious things to do when you’re in the opal fields is to fossick for opals. Or you can take one of the opal tours that operate in the area and at Lightning Ridge.

Sweeney’s Arts and Crafts
Located just across the road from the Glengarry Hilton, Sweeney’s sells a range of arts and crafts that are made on the opal fields, including jewellery, opals, paintings, clothing, and more.

Lightning Ridge
There is plenty to see and do in Lightning Ridge. Take a tour of an underground opal mine or see mine art carvings, visit quirky buildings, relax in the spa at the artesian bore baths, or see a variety of Aboriginal artifacts at Goondee Keeping Place.

Walgett
Walgett is another place to see Aboriginal arts and crafts and to find out about local indigenous culture and history. You can also check out the historical museum or just spend some time relaxing by the river.

WHAT’S NEARBY
Sheepyard Inn
Club in the Scrub
Lorne Station

UPDATED 190619GR