Cohen Old School Site Camping – Penong, South Australia

A Historic Free Camp on the Road to the Nullarbor

For travellers heading west from Penong toward the Nullarbor, the Cohen Old School Site is a simple and atmospheric bush camping stop beside the Eyre Highway. Located approximately 16 km west of Penong, the campsite occupies a broad, open area near the remains of the former Cohen School. There are no campground facilities, powered sites or formal amenities, but there is plenty of room for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and self-contained travellers looking for an inexpensive overnight stop. The old school ruins give the campsite a little more character than the average roadside stop, and its location makes it particularly convenient for travellers beginning or finishing the long journey across the Nullarbor Plain.

Campground Overview

The History of Cohen Old School

Part of the attraction of camping here is the small piece of South Australian history beside the camping area. The former Cohen School operated from 1933 until 1940. Contemporary historical information records that the school opened with just nine pupils. Very little of the school survives today, although remnants including the old chimney help mark the location. The ruins provide an interesting reminder of the tiny rural communities that once existed along this isolated part of South Australia’s west coast.

Camping at Cohen Old School Site

The camping area is large, open and uncomplicated. Travellers have reported a good selection of relatively level areas suitable for both small vehicles and large caravan combinations. There are no defined powered sites or allocated campsites. You simply choose a suitable position while leaving enough room for other travellers to enter, exit and manoeuvre safely.

The site is suitable for:

• Caravans
• Motorhomes
• Campervans
• Camper trailers
• Self-contained touring vehicles
• Tents for campers comfortable with very basic conditions

Because there are no amenities, travellers should ideally be fully self-contained and carry everything required for their stay.

How Much Does Camping Cost?

Cohen Old School Site continues to be described by current camping sources and travellers as a free camping area. As with any informal free camp, check signs at the entrance when you arrive in case local conditions or camping arrangements have changed.

Facilities

Facilities at Cohen Old School Site are essentially nonexistent.

A rubbish bin has historically been available at the rest area across the highway, although travellers should always be prepared to take their rubbish with them if bins are unavailable or full.

Getting to Cohen Old School Site

The campsite is located directly off the Eyre Highway west of Penong. Camping directories place the site roughly 16 km west of Penong, making it a very convenient stop for travellers heading toward Fowlers Bay, Yalata and the Nullarbor. Access is straightforward for conventional vehicles and caravans in normal conditions, with a broad dirt camping area offering room for larger rigs.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Cohen Old School Site is commonly listed as a pet-friendly camping area, and recent traveller reports mention dogs using the large open camping space. Keep dogs under effective control, clean up after them and be considerate of other campers and local wildlife.

Mobile Phone Reception

Mobile reception around the site appears to vary according to carrier and equipment. Some travellers have reported usable mobile or 4G reception around the nearby Cohen Rest Area, while others treat the region as unreliable for communications. When travelling across the Nullarbor, it is always wise to download maps and important information before leaving populated areas rather than relying entirely on mobile reception.

What Should You Bring?

There are no campground facilities, so bring everything you need for an independent stay:

Road Noise

The site is close to the Eyre Highway, so some traffic noise should be expected. However, the camping area extends away from the highway and previous visitors have reported being able to camp far enough back that overnight traffic was not particularly intrusive.

Things to See Around Penong

Cohen Old School Site also makes a handy base for a quick look around the Penong district before continuing across the Nullarbor.

Nearby attractions include:

• Penong Windmill Museum
• Lake MacDonnell and its striking coloured waters
• Point Sinclair and Cactus Beach
• Fowlers Bay
• The beginning of the classic Nullarbor crossing

Best Time to Visit

The cooler months are generally the most comfortable time for travelling across western South Australia and the Nullarbor. Summer conditions can become extremely hot, while winter evenings may be cold. Strong winds are also possible at almost any time of year, so campers should secure awnings and outdoor equipment carefully.

Final Thoughts

Cohen Old School Site is not a destination campground packed with facilities and activities.

Its appeal is simplicity.

You get a spacious bush camping area, convenient access from the Eyre Highway, an interesting piece of local history and a handy overnight stopping point close to Penong. For travellers who are fully self-contained and don’t need toilets, showers or power, it can be an excellent place to break the journey before tackling the long distances of the Nullarbor.