11 Blue Mountains camping spots for a nature-packed trip

Lara PiconeBy Lara Picone
hero media
With vast national parks pocketed with idyllic spots to pitch a tent, camping is one of the best ways to experience the Blue Mountains.

Whether you relish the rustic experience of rolling your swag out under the stars or prefer to participate in a more luxe iteration of camping, there’s a Blue Mountains campground to meet your expectations.

No matter how far along the camping scale you wish to venture, a bush-fringed stay in the mountains provides a wonderfully restorative escape. From Katoomba to Kedumba, these are the top spots to pitch your tent.

1. Euroka Campground

Closest town: Glenbrook

Price: $

Amenities: This well-equipped campground boasts picnic tables, barbeque facilities and toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water, cooking water and firewood.

Perks: If you’re after a nature-packed Blue Mountains camping experience, you’ve found it. Just south of Glenbrook, Euroka Campground is not only popular with campers but also kangaroos – expect numerous sightings during your stay. It’s also close to the banks of the Nepean River, tempting fishing fanatics to throw a line out, as well as nearby nature trails.

the Euroka Campground in Blue Mountains National Park
Set up camp at Euroka Campground. (Image: Stephen Alton/DPE)

2. Old Ford Reserve

Closest town: Katoomba

Price: Free

Amenities: Old Ford is accessible by 2WD. There are toilets at the reserve and space for campervans and trailers, but the ground does not cater to those with limited accessibility. You’ll need to bring your own water to drink and cook with, too.

Perks: Considered one of the most popular spots for lovers of the great outdoors, Old Ford Reserve is a free campground on the bank of Megalong Creek. It’s close to Katoomba, which makes it a perfect base for first-timers and camping novices. Just south of the campground is the Six Foot Walking Track, one of the best Blue Mountains hikes. Old Ford is pet-friendly, too, just enquire first.

3. Murphy’s Glen Campground

Closest town: Woodford

Price: Booking fee of $6

Amenities: With just five campsites, this secluded spot is a pocket of bush-fringed serenity. There are pit toilets and barbeque facilities, but no water, so bring enough for drinking, cooking and cleaning. The road to the campsite is unsealed and while the grounds can be accessed by 2WD, if there’s been a bit of rain, call ahead to check conditions.

Perks: You’ll set up camp under the rustle of tall blue gums and turpentines. Watch native wildlife emerge come dusk and listen out for possums, sugar gliders and bats as you gather around the campfire. The remote campground is all about peace and quiet, with plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, wild swimming and birdwatching nearby.

wildflowers along the trail from Wentworth Falls to Murphy's Glen
See diverse flora and fauna from Wentworth Falls to Murphy’s Glen. (Image: Stephen Alton/DPE)

3. Lake Lyell Recreation Area

Closest town: Lithgow

Price: $$

Amenities: At Lake Lyell Recreation Area , choose from powered and unpowered camping sites suitable for vans, tents, camping trailers, caravans and motorhomes. There’s even a ski lodge cabin that sleeps up to eight people for $180 per night – but do note, the luxuries don’t doesn’t to running water.

Perks: Everything you need for a well-rounded stay is catered for. There’s a kiosk, hot showers, accessible toilets, a covered barbeque area, kayak hire, picnic areas, a boat ramp, playground and designated area to swim. The man-made lake was built in 1982 for nearby powerplants and later repurposed into a recreation park. Spend your days fishing, swimming, jet-skiing, kayaking or enjoying a picnic on the banks.

a scenic view of Lake Lyell
Camp by the serene Lake Lyell. (Image: David Hill; Deep Hill Media)

4. Turon Gates

Closest town: Lithgow

Price: $$–$$$

Amenities: Turon Gates provides the best of both worlds for those who love a rustic adventure. Book a campsite and you’ll have access to hot showers, running water and toilets. Glampers, on the other hand, can enjoy luxe safari tents or log cabins, with everything from stylish living areas to cosy fireplaces, self-contained kitchens and outdoor barbeques.

Perks: Set amid 2400 hectares of bushland, Turon Gates is positioned beside a tranquil, trout-filled stream with spectacular mountain vistas. Camping sites are unallocated, so travellers can choose their own. Glampers can unwind in a deep bathtub to the sounds of the bush beyond. Whether you camp or glamp, there’s loads to do, from bushwalks and swimming to fishing and kayaking.

nature views surrounding Turon Gates
Go off-grid at Turon Gates. (Image: GMPhotographics)

5. Acacia Flat Campground

Closest town: Blackheath

Price: Booking fee of $6

Amenities: There are 30 unmarked camping spots on offer at this campsite tucked into the Grose Valley. It’s a barebones stay with allocation only for tents and swag-sleeping. While there are toilets, you’ll need to bring everything else, including drinking water, food and necessary supplies.

Perks: Acacia Flat Campground is not for first-timers. It’s one of the most secluded camping spots in the Blue Mountains and can only be reached via a challenging hike carrying all your gear. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with unparalleled serenity, panoramic views, wildlife encounters and plenty of space to pitch a tent.

tents set up on Acacia Flat Campground
Acacia Flat Campground is one of the most secluded camping spots in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Craig Marshall/DPE)

6. Yerranderie Private Town

Closest town: Oberon

Price: $

Amenities: You’ll find a bit more than just the basics in this former silver mining town, with an amenities block for showers and toilets, barbecue facilities and drinking water. But you will need to bring your own firewood and there’s no power to the sites. The 10-site campground is only accessible by 4WD on unsealed roads and is relatively remote.

Perks: This ghost town has long been abandoned, imbuing its historic sandstone buildings with a bygone charm and maybe just a hint of spookiness come nightfall. For lovers of history, it’s considered one of the best things to do when visiting the Blue Mountains.

the accommodation exterior at Yerranderie Private Town
The historic ghost town has a unique charm on its own. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)

7. Katoomba Falls Tourist Park

Closest town: Katoomba

Price: $$

Amenities: Settle into a campsite or cabin at Katoomba Tourist Park  and enjoy a checklist of amenities, such as a renovated shower and toilet block with accessible bathroom, coin-operated laundry, barbecues, camp kitchen, playground and free wi-fi. Unfortunately, four-legged friends will have to stay home.

Perks: You’re set amid the centre of action here with the area’s big attractions easily accessed by foot. Katoomba Falls is just a two-minute walk away, the town centre is an easy 15 minutes, the Scenic Railway is five minutes and Echo Point, where you can take in a shimmering Blue Mountains sunset, is only 20 minutes.

the accommodation at Katoomba Tourist Park
Settle into a cabin at Katoomba Tourist Park.

8. Kedumba River Crossing Campground

Closest town: Wentworth Falls

Price: Booking fee of $6

Amenities: This remote campground in the Kedumba Valley can only be accessed by foot. There are toilets, barbecue facilities and picnic tables, as well as fire rings, but you’ll need to collect wood from the surrounding bush. You can use the water from the Kedumba River, but it will need to be treated before drinking, otherwise, you’ll need to carry your own fresh water in. There are no bins provided, which means you need to take your rubbish with you.

Perks: The challenging nine-kilometre walk down Kedumba Pass ensures that you’ll likely find yourself alone here with just the wildlife, which will no doubt lead to a supremely peaceful night’s sleep. Pitch your tent or roll out your swag wherever you like and absorb the stunning views of Mount Solitary, the Katoomba Escarpment and Kings Tableland.

a tent at Kedumba River Crossing campground, Blue Mountains National Park
Take in breathtaking nature views in Kedumba Valley. (Image: Simone Cottrell/DPE)

9. Coorongooba Campground

Closest town: Lithgow

Price: Booking fee of $6

Amenities: You’ll find non-flushing toilets, barbecue facilities and picnic tables at Coorongooba Campground , but what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in breathtaking beauty. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water and firewood with you and take your rubbish out when you leave.

Perks: Set on the Capertee River in Wollemi National Park , this picturesque spot is accessible by 2WD in good weather, but you’ll need a 4WD if it’s wet. Spend the day hiking along the river or splashing in shallow pools and keeping an eye out for the endangered honeyeater. Springtime is the best time to visit when the weather is warm and the bush is fragrant with blooms.

caravans parked on Coorongooba Campground
You’ll likely need a 4WD to reach Coorongooba Campground. (Image: Adam Bryce/DPE)

10. Bubbletent Australia

Closest town: Lithgow

Price: $$$

Amenities: This glamping experience is all about sleeping in style under the constellations. Your see-through, bubble-shaped dome allows you to gaze starwards in a comfortable bed as the evening closes in, with everything you need at your fingertips. Not to mention the slippers, wireless speaker, iPad and telescope. But you will need to bring in your own food and drink (including water).

Perks: This Capertee Valley property with its panoramic views of the landscape is perfectly positioned for a sense of vast space and communion with the cosmos. While there are three tents, you won’t know it, as each is entirely secluded from the others.

the Leo Bubbletent with views overlooking the Capertee Valley
Stay in the Leo Bubbletent overlooking the Capertee Valley. (Image: Mayumi Iwasaki)

11. Blackheath Tourist Park

Closest town: Blackheath

Price: $$

Amenities: With sites for caravans, campers and tents, as well as cabins for those seeking creature comforts, this full-amenity campground makes for a smooth holiday. Expect an amenities block with showers, toilets and an accessible bathroom; a children’s bathroom; playground; camp kitchen; and laundry. There’s also wi-fi available, should you need to connect.

Perks: Blackheath Tourist Park is just a short walk from the charming town, where you can dine at one of the lovely local restaurants. Pop into one of its many eateries and attractions, or take a dip in the melodic waters of Pope’s Glen. During your stay, be sure to explore Govetts Leap Lookout for insane mountain views.

cabins at Blackheath Tourist Park
There are plenty of amenities to access at Blackheath Tourist Park.
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
See all articles
the sauna at Aqua Ignis bathhouse, Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains

A Japanese-inspired bathhouse just opened in the Blue Mountains

Memories of a childhood in Japan were the inspiration behind Aqua Ignis, a new Blue Mountains bathhouse.

Read more
Nocturnal Scenic World
Blue Mountains

This spectacular Blue Mountains light show is back by popular demand

The Blue Mountains is set to shine brighter than ever with holograms, light installations and ambient sounds.

Read more
The Forest Lookout Boardwalk in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, NSW
Blue Mountains

This new boardwalk reveals a hidden side of the Blue Mountains

There’s a new way to witness this World Heritage-listed national park.

Read more
The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains sits atop a ridge with views overlooking Jamison Valley
Blue Mountains

The sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has it all

For the ultimate family-friendly accommodation in the Blue Mountains or a getaway with friends, the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains can’t be beat.

Read more
hero media

Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .