Camping

GO ON...GET OUT THERE!

Tired of the urban grind, the traffic, the TV and the tedium? Camping in the great Australian outdoors is an invigorating experience, one that you - and especially the kids - will never forget.

The region around the Kings Highway offers plenty of excellent camping spots. Make sure you come prepared with plenty of food and water, appropriate clothing, camping and bedding equipment and a first aid kit. If roughing it is not your style, remember there are plenty of other options in the places to stay section, but for those who are keen to sleep out in nature, read on!

PLACES TO CAMP AROUND QUEANBEYAN

1.Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area (Molonglo Gorge)

It's hidden gems like the Molonglo Gorge that make this south east region of Australian so unique. While you can't camp in the Gorge itself, camping is permitted nearby at the Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area, giving you a great base from where you can explore the Gorge. The camp-site itself is situated within a pine plantation, and is a recreation area popular for horse riding and mountain bike riding. 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.

Bookings are essential, as the Kowen Forest is locked and you'll need approval to access the area. Phone ACT Forests 02 6207 2486 or Canberra Connect 13 22 81.

Where? Queanbeyan, NSW.

How do I get there? The Kowen Forest is located off the Sutton Road. It is 15 minutes from Canberra's city centre and 10 minutes from nearby Queanbeyan.

2. Wilkins Memorial Park.

This is a fairly rudimentary camping spot located in the township of Captains Flat. While only basic, it's free which means that you can explore this area on a shoestring, and it's central, which means you can check out the towns' many historic attractions such as the Lake George Mine Entrance, original miners cottages, gallery , and cafes.

Where? Captains Flat, NSW.

How do I get there? Just north of Queanbeyan turn right off the Kings Highway into Captain's Flat road and drive straight through to Captains Flat.
Directions for Captains Flat

PLACES TO CAMP AROUND BRAIDWOOD

1. Warri Bridge camping area.

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 the close proximity to the Kings Highway 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.

Where? Braidwood, NSW.

How do I get there? Warri Bridge camping area is located just off the Kings Highway between Bungendore and Braidwood.



2. Berlang Camping Area.

This site in the Deua National Park features ten campsites, BBQs (bring your own wood), tables and less then glamorous pit toilets. Please be aware that there is no drinking water on site, so ensure that you have sufficient for your stay or be prepared to boil water from the Shoalhaven River.

No bookings are taken for these sites. The overnight fees - which work on an honesty box system - are $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child. Any questions contact the Narooma office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service  (02) 4476 0800 .

If you've had enough relaxing around the camp-fire, make sure you pack suitable clothing, sunscreen and sturdy shoes for a walk to the nearby Big Hole & Marble Arch.

Where? Deua National Park, NSW.

How do I get there? From Braidwood take the Cooma Road for 25 km, then turn left into Krawarree Road. Continue along this road for 10 km to reach the camp ground. Access is via a dirt road, but ok for 2WD most of the time. Check with NPWS if you are concerned.

3. Majors Creek camping ground.

These camping grounds are conveniently located in the historic village of Majors Creek, on the grounds of the Majors Creek Hotel. A perfect spot to kickstart an exploration of this region, when you're done head over to the pub to experience some real country tucker !

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



4. Bendethera Valley camping area

This camp-ground is hidden away in the middle of the pristine Deua National Park. It is a large open grass flat with plenty of room. It features pit toilets and wood BBQs (bring your own wood). The only water on-site is from the Deua River, make sure you boil it before drinking.

This camp is a great place to access the Bendethera Caves walk. At two and a half hours it is a major walk, but well worth the effort.

Where? Deua National Park, NSW.

How do I get there? This camp-ground is accessible from three different directions, all are 4WD only.

• From Braidwood take the Cooma/Krawarree Road, then access the park from Middle Mountain Road. According to NPWS, from here: "travel via Middle Mountain Rd, off Snowball Road, Minuma Range fire trail and Dampier Mountain fire trail". This route is not suitable for trailers. Please use the coast route above if you are towing a trailer.
• Alternatively, from Araluen Road take the 4WD-only route along Dry Creek firetrail and Merricumbene firetrail through to Bendethera firetrail. This route is not suitable for trailers. Please use the coast route above if you are towing a trailer.
• From the coast, take Bendethera firetrail (4WD only) via Western Boundary Road off the Princes Highway, or Wamban Road and Little Sugarloaf Road off Araluen Road.

This is one of the largest and most rugged National Parks in Australia, so don't venture in without a good map. For detailed maps try topographic maps Snowball 8826-3S and Bendethera 8826-2S For access off Cooma/Krawaree Rd and for visitors coming in from Moruya, try the following: Moruya 8926-3S combined with the Bendethera map. Google Maps for this area aren't recommended.

The Narooma office of the NPWS can also help with directions (02) 4476 0800



5. Araluen Creek reserve.

This is country camping at its best! This family favourite bush spot is at the junction of the Araluen–Braidwood Rd and Majors Creek Rd. It  features basic camping facilities, including toilets and wood barbeques (bring your own wood) and access to the river. A great spot to unwind and have a swim, it is also suitable for four-legged friends if you are travelling with your dog.

Araluen is a small town with a long history, set in a picturesque valley at the foot of Mount Araluen. Make sure you explore the area, and if you are here between November and January sample some of the delicious Araluen peaches , picked straight from the tree!.

Where? Araluen 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


6. Wyanbene Cave Campground

Set within the pristine Deua National Park, the Wyanbene Cave Campground is largely unspoilt and features fascinating flora and fauna. It is beautiful but basic: there are pit toilets, wood BBQs (bring your own wood) but no drinking water. There are between five and ten unmarked sites, and no charges apply.

Campers who wish to explore this area more fully should refer to  topographic map, Krawaree 8826-3N.

Where? Deua National Park, NSW.

How do I get there? This campground is 40 km south of Braidwood on Wyanbene Road, off Krawarree Road. For more information on the Deua National Park contact the Narooma office of NPWS on (02) 4476 0800


7. Campgrounds along the Araluen Road:  Deua River, Bakers Flat and Dry Creek.

All three sites are in close proximity to each other. All feature pit toilets, wood BBQs (bring your own wood), access to the river, but no supply of drinking water. 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. These campgrounds are great spots for canoeing, fishing and swimming.

Where? Deua National Park, NSW

How do I get there? The campgrounds are on the Araluen-Moruya road, around 45 minutes drive from either Moruya or Braidwood.

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.

For more information on the Deua National Park contact the Narooma office of NPWS on (02) 4476 0800


8. Lowden Forest Park - Tallaganda State Forest

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 fascinating historic artefacts such as the fascinating Water Wheel. Overnight camping is permitted if approval is sought in advance. Phone State Forests on 1300 655 687

Where? Tallaganda State Forest, NSW.

How do I get there? Lowden Park is located around 50 km from Braidwood. From Braidwood, follow Krawarree Road (the Cooma Road)  to Nithsdal, before taking Parlour Creek Road into the forest. Follow Coxes Creek Road through the pine plantations before turning into Lowden Road which will take you to the forest park.
Directions for Tallaganda State Forest

If you'd like to explore the state forest further, look at topographic map Bendoura-8826-4N or check out the following:

PLACES TO CAMP AROUND NELLIGEN AND BATEMANS BAY

1. Yadboro: Long Gully, Yadboro Flat and Blue Gum Flat.

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.

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.

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!

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