Pack up the family, here are six places to go camping
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With our first thirty-degree days hitting a little early this year, it’s time to start thinking about how to cram as much into summer as we possibly can.
Here are our top picks for campgrounds in and around Canberra to get your fix of swimming, hiking, and long lazy days under the dappled trees.
Around Canberra
Flea Creek
Head into our beautiful Brindy’s and down a little track called Gentle Annie’s, and you’ll find Flea Creek.
With tent sites in a shady spot along the Goodradigbee River, you’ll need a 4WD to access these but the kids will love the swimming holes, and you could even try your hand at some trout fishing. There are drop toilets here and campsites are unmarked and unpowered, be sure to bring in your own firewood and drinking water. This is an off-grid affair.
Malloon Creek Campground, Tallaganda
Take a side-trip off the coast road, around 50 kilometers from Canberra, and you’ll find yourself in Tallaganda National Park.
This peaceful campground is set amongst the towering eucalypts and is rich with wildlife like red-neck wallabies, wombats, birds, and greater gliders.
There’s a small creek here, enough for the kids to paddle but there’s no swimming hole. This campsite is suitable for tent camping only as the sites are a short walk from the parking bay. You’ll have access to drop toilets but bring your own firewood and drinking water.
Lowden Forest Park, Tallaganda
Located in the Tallaganda State Forest, this campground is on the site of an 1800s logging encampment and many of the remnants remain, including a water wheel that used to generate the electricity for the camp.
This campsite was damaged in the 2020 bushfires but is recovering and makes for a secluded camping getaway where rare bird sightings of the Olive Whistler may be possible if you keep your eyes peeled. Be aware of firebans so you can prepare for your trip accordingly and bring your own drinking water and firewood.
Mount Clear Campground, Namadgi
Located on the far side of Namadgi National Park, Mount Clear campground is around 80 kilometres from the centre of Canberra.
The campsite has open grassy areas and areas with light tree cover. There are a number of unmarked campsites with fire pits that are suitable for tents due to the short walk from parking. Take a walk to the Brayshaws and Westermans huts nearby, where the kids can learn about the early graziers of the Canberra region. The campsite has drop toilets and you’ll need to bring your own firewood and drinking water.
The Coast
Green Patch, Jervis Bay
If you want to head towards the beach, drive to Braidwood and then down Nerriga Road which will bring you out right near Jervis Bay.
Located in Booderee National Park, this campsite is a little busier than we’re used to in the Canberra region but has all the facilities if that’s more your style.
You’ll need to pass through the gates on the way into the Booderee National Park, but your park fee is included in the campground booking. The campground is located on the lagoon-like Green Patch beach, but the region boasts a plethora of stunning beaches within a short drive or hike. Facilities include bathrooms with hot showers, access to fresh water, and communal BBQs.
Further Afield
The Bridle Track
If time permits and you’re looking for an adventure in regional New South Wales, try the Bridle Track.
This former horse track runs alongside the Macquarie River and is now only 4WD accessible. The start of the trail is located at Hill End around an hour from Bathurst. Hill End is worth a few hours to explore the impressive gold mining history. Their museum is very well equipped and tells the story of the early settlers in the region. There are off-grid campgrounds scattered alongside the track down the river.
With its proximity to Sydney, this camping is again busier than in the Canberra region, but with plenty of campgrounds and space to spread out, a secluded spot can still be found. There are drop toilets located at each major camping spot but bring your own supplies if you want to find a spot with a little more seclusion. Bring in your own firewood and drinking water and be aware that there is definitely no phone reception here.
