CAMPSITES LOCATED IN PARKS AND RESERVES
Bents Basin State Conservation Area
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN OTHER AREAS
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS PRESENTS an astounding and unique landscape to its millions of visitors. The terrain ripples and folds, and there’s a world of canyons, gorges and bizarre rock formations with golden sandstone breaking through a dense canopy of greenery. Waterfalls cascade from cliff-faces and a mystical blue haze – the result of permeating eucalyptus oil – hangs in the air.
Between 190 and 230 million years ago, layers of shale, coal, sandstone and claystone settled into the Sydney Basin, then 2–60 million years ago those layers were uplifted, buckling and warping to form the Blue Mountains. Over time the Grose River has gorged its way through the rock, creating the near-vertical walls seen in Kanangra–Boyd National Park and elsewhere in the Grose Valley.
Meanwhile, underground, water has dissolved limestone and over hundreds of thousands of years created the stalactites, stalagmites and other beautiful shapes that can be found in the world-renowned Jenolan Caves. Not too far away, campers can put up a tent in Newnes State Forest and use it as a base from which to explore the caves, the Six Foot Track or the nearby glowworm tunnel.
There is significant Aboriginal and European history woven into the Blue Mountains landscape. The region is the traditional territory of the Dharug people, and evidence of their occupation, including rock-art sites such as Red Hands Cave, dates back 14 000 years. In 1812 explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Wentworth and William Lawson forged a route across the mountains, opening up the fertile plains and mineral fields to the west. Townships emerged, railway workers settled and farmers and market gardeners set up business.
Today, this region provides almost endless opportunities for visitors to explore, walk and wonder at the scenery, climb or cycle, paddle or picnic and learn about the area’s intriguing history.
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN PARKS AND RESERVES
BENTS BASIN STATE CONSERVATION AREA
Bents Basin is a waterhole that’s formed in a gorge on the Nepean River, 25 km south of Penrith near Wallacia. It’s a great natural swimming pool for Sydneysiders looking to escape the summer heat, and it’s also a top picnicking spot.
How to book: NPWS Bents Basin (02) 4774 8662
26 Bents Basin camping area
You can get to the camping area by following Wolstenholme Ave off Greendale Rd from Wallacia. There are short walks from here to a lookout and the basin. It’s well equipped and includes an amenities block with hot showers and flush toilets. Bring your own firewood; gas/fuel stove preferred. Bookings essential. Map refs: F4, J7, H1
BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
With wonderful walks, breathtaking views, idyllic picnic spots and many reminders of the area’s Indigenous and European cultural history, this is one of Australia’s most visited national parks. Call in at the Heritage Centre at Blackheath or visitor centres at Echo Point and Glenbrook for detailed information about walking tracks, camping and Discovery walks.
Who to contact: NPWS Blackheath (02) 4787 8877 for campsite nos 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 36; NPWS Oberon (02) 6336 1972 for campsite nos 28, 34; NPWS Richmond (02) 4588 2400 for campsite nos 30, 32, 37 How to book: NPWS Richmond (02) 4588 2400 for campsite no. 32
27 Acacia Flat camping area (walk-in camping)
This is a simply gorgeous bush camping area in Blue Gum Forest in Grose Valley. The modern conservation movement is reputed to have been born in this forest, and after a night spent sleeping beneath the majestic blue gums, you’ll see why. It’s a steep and strenuous walk in and out, however, and you need to be self-sufficient in gear, food and water. If you take water from the creek, boil or treat it before drinking. Note: gas/fuel stove only. Map refs: D2, I6
28 Batsh Camp camping area
One of the few camping areas in the southern end of the national park, Batsh Camp can be reached via the stunning Oberon–Colong Stock Route. Access by 2WD is possible in dry weather only. The campsite has fairly basic facilities – you’ll need to bring your own drinking water and firewood, and while there are wood BBQs here, a gas/fuel stove is preferred. This is a good place to use as a base for some rugged wilderness walks. Map refs: C5, I7, F1
29 Burra Korain Flat camping area (walk-in camping)
This is a walk-in bush camping site for self-sufficient walkers, reached from the Victoria Falls Lookout. It’s a strenuous 6 km, 5 hr return trip, so you may as well take a tent with you and savour the experience. You can also gain access via Pierces Pass, off Bells Line of Road. Take this walk down into the Grose Valley, then cross the Grose River and head upstream for about 2 hr. The camp is at the junction of the Grose River and Victoria Creek. Boil/treat the water in the creek before you drink it, but better to bring your own, along with a gas/fuel stove. Map refs: D2, I5
30 Burralow Creek camping area
You can reach this spacious, family-friendly camping ground via a fire trail off Burralow Rd from Kurrajong Heights, or via the Patterson Range Fire Trail from Bilpin. Both these roads are 4WD only. The Bulcamatta Falls convict road (1 hr return, easy) leaves from here. The waterfall at the end of the walk cascades into a tiny box canyon, which is almost a cave. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare giant dragonfly, which zips around these parts. Bring your own firewood and drinking water. Map refs: F2, J6
31 Dunphys camping area
Located in a spectacular setting with escarpment views below Katoomba, Dunphys camping area is one of the best in the Blue Mountains. The site’s openness catches the warming rays of the sun any time of year and provides spectacular sunsets. The 45 km Six Foot Track is accessed from Dunphys. You reach Dunphys via Blackheath. Coming from Sydney, turn left off the highway into Bundarra and then Station sts, right onto Shipley Rd and left onto Megalong Valley Rd. Follow for 19 km, passing through private gates (be sure to leave them as you found them). Water is limited here, so it is wise to bring your own. Map refs: F3, J6
32 Euroka Campground
This camping region, near the lovely Nepean River Gorge, can be reached via Bruce Rd in Glenbrook. It comprises 5 camping areas: Appletree Flat, Redgum, Nioka, Bennets Ridge and Durag. Note that the access gate is locked from 6pm (7pm during daylight saving hours) to 8.30am and late arrivals will not be permitted. Bring your own firewood and drinking water, or use the tap near the ranger station. Note: you must book at least 2 weeks in advance. Map refs: F3, J6
33 Ingar Campground
At Ingar Campground you can swim or paddle in the dam on Ingar Creek, or strike out on a walking or mountain-biking track. From Wentworth Falls, take Tableland Rd and turn onto Queen Elizabeth Dr then Ingar Fire Trail. This is an unsealed road – follow it for about 9.5 km, then take the left fork. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water; gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: E3, I6
34 Mount Werong Campground
A stone hut at this campground can be used as a cooking shelter (firewood not supplied), plus there are covered picnic tables. To get here, head south from Oberon on Shooters Hill Rd, turn left onto Gurnang Forest Rd, and left again at the Correctional Centre sign. There’s a short walk from the carpark to the camping area. Bring your own drinking water, as the tank water here is limited. Map refs: B5, H7, F1
35 Murphys Glen Campground
Murphys Glen Campground is tucked away among turpentine, angophora and eucalypt, 6 km south of Woodford via Bedford Rd off Railway Pde. Note that this is 4WD access only. It’s a short walk from the carpark to the camping area, and there’s a steep walk from here through rainforest to Bedford Creek. Fires aren’t permitted, so bring your gas/fuel stove. There’s water in a nearby creek, but you’ll need to boil or treat it before drinking, otherwise bring your own. Map refs: E3, J6
36 Perrys Lookdown camping area
Perrys Lookdown campground has fabulous views of the Grose Valley and Mt Banks. Campers can only stay 1 night and no wood fires are permitted. It’s 9 km from Blackheath via Hat Hill Rd, and there’s a short walk from the carpark to the camping area. There’s a smorgasbord of walking tracks to choose from in the Grose Valley below. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water, and it’s gas/fuel stove only. Map refs: D2, I6
37 Walk-in camping
Self-sufficient backpack walkers can camp in the national park to the south of the Great Western Hwy. Camping is not permitted within 200 m of any public access road, visitor facility or constructed walking track. Walk-in campers should take care to be sufficiently prepared for all weather, and bring plenty of food, water and good topographic maps. It’s advisable to contact NPWS before setting off to register your intended route and obtain track and camping information. Map refs: D3, I6
HAMPTON STATE FOREST
Approximately 20 km east of Oberon, Hampton State Forest can be reached via Jenolan Caves Rd from the Great Western Hwy or via Duckmaloi Rd from Oberon. The forest offers good views of the Kanimbla Valley, Mt Victoria, Blackheath and Katoomba to the east and south-east.
Who to contact: Forests NSW Bathurst (02) 6331 2044
38 Millionth Acre picnic and camping area
Millionth Acre picnic area came into being in 1970, to celebrate the millionth acre of radiata pine to be planted in Australia. It’s a pleasant camping site at the intersection of Jenolan Caves Rd and Oberon (Duckmaloi) Rd, 4 km south of Hampton and 33 km south of the Great Western Hwy. Map refs: C2, I6
JENOLAN STATE FOREST
It’s about 15 km from Jenolan State Forest to the ethereal, world-renowned Jenolan Caves, which are dusted with astonishing stalactite and stalagmite formations. Jenolan Caves itself has no camping area; the state forest offers one of the closest. The native and pine forests here are also very popular with trail-bike riders.
Who to contact: Forests NSW Bathurst (02) 6331 2044
39 Jenolan camping area
Take the Jenolan Caves turn-off from the Great Western Hwy about 10 km past Hartley. The camping ground is another 20 km along the Jenolan Caves Rd. This is no longer maintained by Forests NSW as a designated camping ground, so facilities have been removed. Bring your own everything. Map refs: C3, I6
KANANGRA–BOYD NATIONAL PARK
Stunning views and remote walks are just some of the features of this mountainous park, much of which is declared wilderness. It’s a majestic landscape of wild rivers, waterfalls and deep gorges rimmed by national park and state forests. The grand sandstone terrain is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Who to contact: NPWS Blackheath (02) 4787 8877; or NPWS Oberon (02) 6336 1972
40 Boyd River camping area
Boyd River camping area, set among snow gums, is accessible by 2WD but is subject to extreme weather and snowfalls. A highlight of camping here is the wildlife – at night gliders, brushtail possums, tawny frogmouths, wombats, red-necked wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos come out to feed. Access is via Kanangra Walls Rd, 20 km south of Jenolan Caves Rd. Some of the campsites are a short walk from the carpark. There is a shelter here built from reclaimed timber from the Sydney wharves; it has a large stone fireplace and is a welcome break from inclement weather. A few kilometres further down the road are the Kanangra Walls where there are walks out on to the plateau, taking in sensational views over the surrounding valleys. A short but steep trail also heads down to Kalang Falls. Bring firewood or a gas/fuel stove. Map refs: C4, I7, F1
41 Dingo Dell camping area
Dingo Dell campground, on Tuglow Hole Creek, has 14 tent sites and can only be reached by 4WD. To get here, follow Kowmung River Fire Trail from Kanangra Walls Rd or Banshea Rd. Consider avoiding the road altogether in wet weather: the trail is exceptionally steep in places and environmental damage to it can be considerable. There is also access from the west via fire trails to the Oberon–Goulburn Rd. Bring your own firewood or gas/fuel stove. Map refs: C4, H7, F1
42 Kowmung Wild River camping area (walk-in camping)
This is a campsite for self-sufficient walkers only, 500 m downstream from the carpark at Kowmung River Fire Trail. Note: the access road is 4WD only. There’s water in the creek but you’ll need to boil or treat it before drinking; gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C4, H7, F1
NEWNES STATE FOREST
Newnes State Forest is a conglomeration of native forest and pine plantations adjacent to Blue Mountains, Wollemi and Gardens of Stone national parks. Access is from the south via State Mine Hill Rd from Lithgow or via Newnes Forest Rd from the Zig Zag Railway (accessible with 2WD in dry weather only).
Who to contact: Forests NSW Bathurst (02) 6331 2044
43 Bungleboori camping area
Bungleboori is predominantly a stop-off point for those driving through the state forest on their way to the impressive Glow Worm Tunnel or Gardens of Stone National Park. It’s a pleasant spot amid towering pines, with walking tracks through rainforest nearby. To get here, turn off the Bells Line of Road at Clarence and follow the gravel road through Newnes State Forest. Note: the road is difficult to navigate at times – it’s 2WD in dry weather only. Bring your own drinking water, and a gas/fuel stove Oct–Mar. Map refs: D1, I5
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN OTHER AREAS
44 Government Town camping area
Government Town camping area is in Yerranderie, a unique, NPWS-owned ghost town restored from its 1900s heyday, when it had a booming population of 3000 people. The town is on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park, so it’s in spectacular company, and access is via the Old Oberon–Colong Stock Route, a fabulous scenic drive in its own right. There’s no firewood or drinking water at the campground, and a gas/fuel stove is preferred. Map refs: D5, I7, G1
Who to contact: NPWS Yerranderie (02) 4659 6165
45 Lake Lyell camping area
Lake Lyell is a large water-storage area serving the dual purpose of supplying 2 nearby power stations and providing fabulous recreational opportunities to visitors. Swimming, fishing, waterskiing and paddling are just a few of the activities on offer. There are coin-operated showers and a kiosk where you can purchase firewood. Map refs: C2, I5
Who to contact: (02) 6355 6347
46 Lockyers Trackhead camping area (walk-in camping)
If you’re a walker with a penchant for European history, you can follow part of the original route across the Blue Mountains on the Lawsons Long Alley and Lockyers Loop Rd (4 hr, 11 km return), setting out from either Mt York Rd in the town of Mount Victoria, or Hartley Vale. Keep an eye out for remnants of the original road. Lockyers Trackhead is midway between Hartley Vale and Collits Inn – it’s walk-in only. Map refs: D2, I5
Who to contact: Lithgow Visitor Information Centre (02) 6350 3230, 1300 760 276
47 Private Town camping area
This camping area is situated, as its name implies, in a private town: Yerranderie, a restored silver-mining village that once rang with the voices of 3000 residents. The campground is well equipped – there’s a camp kitchen with fridge, as well as toilets, hot showers and an undercover eating area with firewood and drinking water. Tours of Yerranderie can be arranged. Map refs: D5, I7, G1
Who to contact: NPWS Yerranderie (02) 4659 6165
Six Foot Track
The Six Foot Track was established in the late 1880s as a bridle trail to convey tourists to Jenolan Caves from Katoomba. Today, it’s a popular bushwalking track – walkers generally take 2–3 days to complete the 45 km route, beginning at the Explorers Tree, 2.5 km west of Katoomba, and ending at Jenolan Caves House. Once a year it hosts the Six Foot Track Marathon to raise money for the Rural Fire Service and the Six Foot Track Heritage Trust.
Please note that campsites are listed in alphabetical order, not track order. Refer to the map for further information.
Who to contact: Six Foot Track Heritage Trust (02) 6391 4306
Campsite along the Six Foot Track
48 Alum Creek camping area (walk-in camping)
This walk-in site is 22 km from the trackhead. Carry drinking water, and a gas/fuel stove is preferred. Map refs: C3, I6
49 Black Range camping area (walk-in camping)
A walk-in campsite 34.7 km from the trackhead. Campfires are not permitted, gas/fuel stove only. Carry in drinking water. Map refs: C3, I6
50 Coxs River camping area (walk-in camping)
At 15.5 km from the trackhead, you need to carry in drinking water to this walk-in campsite; gas/fuel stove preferred. This site is in a pleasant clearing above Coxs River. There is a swing bridge giving access to the trail upriver from here, or a ford just downriver. It is 15.5 km from the Explorers Tree and 7 km from where the trail crosses Megalong Rd. Map refs: D3, I6
51 Old Ford Reserve camping area (walk-in camping)
This is a flat, grassed camping area on Megalong Creek, about 500 m south of the Six Foot Track crossing with Megalong Rd. It’s a little more than 8 km from the trackhead. There are toilets here, as well as good swimming holes. Map refs: D3, I6