Camping

Go on...Get out there!

Tired of the urban grind? Or just had enough of the traffic, TV and tedium? Camp in the great Australian outdoors and you're assured of a great experience away from  the day-to-day. The vast region from Canberra to the coast offers camp options in all shapes and sizes. The ones we focus on here are off the beaten track.

Afterall, to "camp" means different things to different people: to some, it's a fun, family activity; while to others its a serious adventure that requires endurance, experience and expertise. Which ever way you like to do it, ensure that you are well prepared. This entails packing plenty of food and water, appropriate clothing, camping and bedding equipment, good footwear and a first aid kit. 

For those of us who prefer a little luxury, go to the Places To Stay section of this website. But if you like to rough it, read on...
 

AROUND QUEANBEYAN

What? Molonglo Gorge (pictured below).
Where? Queanbeyan, NSW.
How do I get there? The Molonglo Gorge features an easy to access recreation area that is located off the Sutton Road. It is 15 minutes from Canberra's city centre and 10 minutes from nearby Queanbeyan. Directions For Molonglo Gorge
Backgrounder? For information on this spectacular site go to the Places of Interest section of this website. It's hidden gems like the Molonglo Gorge that make this south east region of Australian so unique. Campers please note that camping is not permitted in the gorge itself; but the Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area is located in close prosximity. Situated within a pine plantation, this recreation area is popular for horse riding and mountain bike riding; while it also provides the ideal location for picnics, with both wood fired and gas BBQ’s available. Also worth noting is that this area can be booked exclusively for specific functions and large events. Phone ACT Forests 02 6207 2486 or Canberra Connect 13 22 81 for more information. Bookings are essential.



AROUND QUEANBEYAN, cont...

What? Wilkins Memorial Park.
Where? Captains Flat, NSW.
How do I get there? Turn right off the Kings Highway, just out of Queanbeyan and drive straight through to Captains Flat. Directions for Captains Flat
Backgrounder? This fairly rudimentary camping spot located in the township of Captains Flat, still has its benefits. It's free which means that you can explore this area on a shoestring; and it is central, which means you can check out the towns' many historic attractions such as the Lake George Mine Entrance, old world architecture, gallery, museum and cafes. For bookings click here.


AROUND BRAIDWOOD

What? Warri Bridge camping area.
Where? Braidwood, NSW.
How do I get there? Warri Bridge camping area is located just off the Kings Highway between Bungendore and Braidwood.
Backgrounder? This family favourite on the sandy riverbank of the Shoalhaven River features wood BBQs and toilets. It's easy to get to and certainly pictureseque, but it's close proximity to the Kings Hwy means it can be a little noisy. Other than that, its a good mid-way point for a swim when you're on the drive from Canberra to the coast. No fees apply.


What? Berlang camping area (western side).
Where? Deua National Park, NSW.
How do I get there? Access is via the Cooma Road for full details: Directions for Berlang and Wyanbene Camping areas
Backgrounder? The Berlang camp site features ten campsites, BBQs (bring your own wood), tables and less then glamorous pit toilets. Please be aware that there is no drin,king water on site, so ensure that you have sufficient for your stay. The overnight fees - which work on an honesty box system - are $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child. Make sure you pack suitable clothing, sunscreen and sturdy shoes for a day trip to the nearby Big Hole & Marble Arch.

What? Majors Creek camping ground.
Where? Majors Creek, NSW.
How do I get there? Majors Creek is located around 16 kms on the outskirts of Braidwood. Head south down Wallace St and follow signs to Araluen; just out of town there's a turnoff to Majors Creek. Directions For Majors Creek
Backgrounder? These camping grounds are conveniently located across the road from the historic Majors Creek Hotel - the perfect spot to kickstart an exploration of this region. Settle in for the weekend and check out the natural wonders in this area (such as the nearby Big Hole) and the quaint townscape of nearby Braidwood. When you're done for the day, retreat to the hotel for a real pub fare. 


What? Bendethera camping area (western side).
Where? Deua National Park, NSW.
How do I get there? This near-pristine area is only accessible via 4 wheel drive from Moruya (around a three to four hour drive in good conditions) or from Braidwood, along the Cooma/Krawaree Rd.
Backgrounder? Once at the Bendethera camping area the Bendethera Caves are around a 2.5 hour walk by foot. A huge effort, by anyone's standards, but well worth it! This camp ground is a large open grass flat with plenty of room. It features pit toilets, wood BBQs (bring your own wood) and water on-site - but for safety's sake boil it before drinking. This camp ground also has access to the Deua River’s pristine waters.


What? Araluen Creek reserve.
Where? Deua National Park, NSW.
How do I get there? Take the Araluen Road out of Braidwood. Once you arrive at the bottom of Araluen Mountain, take the turnoff to Majors Creek to your right, turn into the camping area just before the bridge Directions For Araluen
Backgrounder? This is country camping at its best! This family favourite bush spot features basic camping facilities and it's free. It also has a sweet, succulent surprise: peaches straight from nearby fruit trees. Delicious!

What? Wyanbene camping area (western side).
Where? Deua National Park, NSW.
How do I get there? Access is via Cooma Road, (further down from Berlang campground) For full details: Directions for Berlang and Wyanbene Camping areas
Backgrounder? The Wyanbene area is largely unspoilt and features fascinating flora and fauna. Campers who wish to explore this area more fully should refer to  topographic map, Krawaree 8826-3N. The Wyanbene camping area is beautiful but basic: there are pit toilets, wood BBQs (bring your own wood) and sufficient water supplies; but don't forget suitable clothing, sunscreen and a hat for all the bushwalks in the area. This free campsite features seven sites.


What? Deua River, Bakers Flat and Dry River camping areas (eastern side).
Where? Deua National Park, NSW.
How do I get there? All three of the above camp sites are in close proximity to each other and can be accessed via the Araluen Road from Araluen and from Larry's Mountain Road just before Moruya. For further information on accessing these camps please peruse the following Google maps, but be aware that these provide basic information only: Directions for Deua National Park - Eastern side 
Directions for Deua National Park - Western side access 

The Deua National Park is vast and covers some rugged terrain. For detailed maps of both the eastern and western side of the National Park try the following topographic maps: western side - Snowball 8826-3S and Bendethera 8826-2S; eastern side Araluen 8826-1S and Burrumbela 8826-2N.

Backgrounder? All three areas feature pit toilets, wood BBQs (bring your own wood and water) and bonus access to the river. The local ranger patrols these campsites and collects the fees which are $5.00 per night for adults and $3.00 per night for children. The Dry River camping area can only be accessed via 4WD or a high clearance vehicle. For more information on the Deua National Park contact the Narooma office of NPWS on 02 4476 2888


What? Lowden Park
Where? Tallaganda State Forest.
How do I get there? Lowden Park is located around 50 km from Braidwood (off the Cooma Road). It can also be approached via Captains Flat. If you'd like to explore the state forest further, look at topographic map Bendoura-8826-4N or check out the following: Directions for Tallaganda State Forest
Backgrounder? This picturesque camping area is located high up on the slopes of The Great Divide. It's a wonderful camping spot, well worth a visit and it features full facilities (wood BBQs, fresh water, tables and toilets). Lowden Park also features intruiging historic artefacts such as the fascinating Water Wheel. Overnight camping is permitted if approval is sought in advance. Phone State Forests on 02 4472 6211


AROUND NELLIGEN + BATEMANS BAY

What? Yadboro - Long Gully, Yadboro Flat and Blue Gum Flat.
Where? Budawang and Morton National Parks, NSW.
How do I get there? This group of three camping areas can be reached via the Western Distributor, which runs north off the Kings Highway west of Nelligen. Alternatively there are routes via Lyons/Clyde Ridge Road or River Road but it is advisable to pick up a detailed map for these. From here it's roughly 40 minutes from the Kings Highway, but don't attempt this road in the wet as the roads are very slippery! Directions for Yadboro/Western Distributor

Backgrounder? Long Gully is located in Budawang National Park beside the Yadboro River, at the foot of the magnificent 'Budawangs'. In the warmer weather, ensure that you take your swimmers and cool off in the river. Or for the more adventurous and experienced, go for a bushwalk into the vast and unspoilt Budawang wilderness. Enjoy!

Backgrounder? Yadboro Flat is a grassy camping area in the Yadboro State Forest adjacent to the Clyde River. If you love bushwalking, you're in for a treat when you follow the walking track into the spectacular Clyde Gorge.

Backgrounder? Blue Gum Flat, in the Morton National Park, is on the Clyde River - located a little downstream from Yadboro Flat. There's an excellent swimming hole located just a short walk from the camping area, while a few kilometres east along Yadboro Road is the start of a walk up to Pigeon House/Didthul Mountain.

Each of these camping areas features pit toilets, BBQs and picnic tables and they are free, so set aside a weekend to explore!

PLEASE NOTE: National Parks have specific camping and bushwalking guidelines for the Morton National Park, click here to peruse this information. And remember whenever you plan a camping trip always ensure that you are prepared with ample food and water supplies, appropriate clothing and footwear, sufficient camping and bedding supplies and the obligatory hat and sunscreen! But most of all experience, explore and enjoy!




* Image Acknowledgements - credits page