10 secluded Thredbo camping spots you won’t want to leave

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Weary heads will delight in a blanket of stars and swaying snow gums scattered throughout the best Thredbo camping destinations. 

Riverside barbecues and adventures through rich Australian bushland – Thredbo  camping offers humbling escapes and memories to last a lifetime. While Thredbo’s best hotels and resorts provide comfortable lodgings against breathtaking backdrops, nothing awakens your senses like immersing yourself in nature.

We’ve rounded up the most picturesque camping spots at Thredbo to add to your bucket list. 

1. Thredbo Diggings Campground 

Thredbo Diggings
Thredbo Diggings campground has great access to hiking and local attractions. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where: Bullocks Walking Track, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 10 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Drop toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited mobile reception and car parking. 

Perks: A standout Thredbo camping location, Thredbo Diggings Campground in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park is a super scenic bush camping site bounded by the meandering Thredbo River. 

You’ll find access to peaceful walking tracks and mountain biking trails, plus spectacular mountain views. It’s a popular spot with anglers who come to catch rainbow trout, but families also love to pitch up here and take to the trails or swim in the river’s crystal-clear waters. 

Hardy, well-prepared souls can camp or park a campervan on the grounds during winter, too. You’ll need to fork out for park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll be hit with a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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2. Ngarigo Campground 

Ngarigo Campground
Riverside grassy spots are open to all tents and camper trailers.

Where: Alpine Way, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 8 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: One non-flush toilet, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited mobile reception and car parking. 

Perks: A Thredbo camping hot spot set even closer to the village than Diggings, Ngarigo campground is an adventure-lover’s paradise just a turn off the long and winding Kosciuszko Alpine Way. 

Fly fishing folk love it here as rainbow and brown trout abound, plus there’s plenty of amazing hiking to be done as a diverse forest is decorated with scenic trails. 

All tents, camper trailers and caravans are welcome to set up shop on one of the grassy riverside patches. Quiet generators are also welcome in some parts. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and there’s a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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3. Leatherbarrel Creek Campground 

Where: Alpine Way, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 20 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Drop toilets, fire ring barbecue facilities (BYO firewood), picnic tables, space for tents and small campervans but nothing larger.  

Perks: Another spectacular Thredbo camping spot within Kosciuszko National Park, Leatherbarrel Creek campground is a great spot for a picnic and is frequented often by day-trippers. However, the campground itself is worth hanging around for. 

Dotted by fascinating birdlife like rosellas, kookaburras and currawongs plus plenty of shade, the space is peaceful and idyllic. The terrain is steep so arriving in anything bigger than a small campervan isn’t advised, however you can sleep in vans so plan accordingly. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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4. Island Bend Campground 

Island Bend campground
Island Bend is a magical campground in the Snowy Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where: Guthega Road, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 45 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited phone reception. 

Perks: Open to tents, camper trailers and sleeping beside your car, the Island Bend campground is closer to Perisher than Thredbo but well worth the consideration for other reasons.  

Located right on the Snowy River, it’s a Thredbo camping spot made for kayaking and canoeing and there’s also a network of hiking and biking trails to be tackled. 

You’re also on the same road as the historic Guthega Power Station and a series of old huts along the Whites River so exploring fascinating relics is a bonus. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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5. Tom Groggin Campground 

Tom Groggin Campground
Tom Groggin is a serene camping spot. (Image: Office of Environment and Heritage NSW)

Where: The Bicentennial National Trail, Murray Gorge, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: A little over 40 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Picnic tables, drop toilets and fire ring barbecue facilities (BYO firewood). It should also be noted there is no mobile reception. 

Perks: Located in the southern section of Kosciuszko National Park, the Tom Groggin Campground is right on the NSW and Victorian border. It rests right along the upper Murray River, offering ideal fishing conditions and serene riverside campsites. 

There is also plenty of impressive wildlife including emus and sensational birds. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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6. Adventist Alpine Village 

Adventist Alpine Village
Wildlife lovers will have a fantastic experience at Adventist Alpine Village.

Where: 122 Tinworth Drive, Jindabyne 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 35 minutes 

Price: $-$$ 

Amenities: Showers, toilets, coin-operated washing machines (BYO powder), dryers, a children’s playground, camp kitchen, tennis court, disc golf course, basketball court, equipment hire, barbecue facilities and dump point. 

Perks: Offering plenty of grassy space within the grounds of a tourist park, the Adventist Alpine Village is littered with local wildlife including kangaroos and wombats, plus the odd farm animal, making it a hit with families seeking a memorable Thredbo camping experience. 

The campground welcomes tents, caravans and camper trailers and it’s dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend if they stay on a leash. 

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7. Old Geehi Campground

Where: Geehi Hut Road, Geehi 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 55 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). There is no water available at this campground and mobile coverage is limited. 

Perks: Another hidden gem along the Swampy Plain River, the Old Geehi Campground offers unmarked and unpowered camping in the middle of nature. From ground level — nestled into a camping chair with a cold one, we say — you’ll spy the Snowy Mountains’ peaks, and there’s also historic stone huts to explore along a nearby walking trail. 

Mountain biking, swimming and fishing is the norm during the warmer months as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and possums scurry along this magical destination right past you.  

You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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8. Geehi Flats Campground 

Geehi Flats Campground
Geehi Flats Campground is a picturesque spot near the Swampy Plain River. (Image: Murray Vanderveer)

Where: Geehi Campground Access, Geehi 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 50 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables and wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). There is no water available at this campground and mobile coverage is limited. 

Perks: Another soothing site located within the Kosciuszko National Park, the Geehi Flats Campground offers flat, unmarked grassy grounds in which to set up digs as the Snowy Mountains loom around you. 

Set on the banks of the Swampy Plain River, it’s the perfect Thredbo camping spot for some fun-filled tubing, kayaking, canoeing and fly fishing. 

And if 4WDing is more your thing, you’ll find several great roads nearby. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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9. Gungarlin River Campground 

Where: Gungarlin River, Burrungubugge 

Driving distance to Thredbo village: Just over 1 hour 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). Mobile coverage is limited. 

Perks: Catch sparkling water views straight from your campsite at the Gungarlin River Campground in Kosciuszko National Park. It’s only accessible by 4WD and camper trailers are as big as you can get, but the remote nature of this pick makes every effort worth it (just nine campsites are offered in total). 

If it’s warm, mountain biking, swimming and fishing are good time killers, while alpine huts are also worth checking out, originally built in 1909 and offering unrivalled insight into what once thrived.  

You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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10. Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park 

Khancoban Lakeside Park
Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park boasts lake frontage and majestic mountain views. (Image: Matt Beaver/Snow Valleys Council)

Where: 1362 Alpine Way, Khancoban 

Driving distance to Thredbo village: 1 hour and 20 minutes 

Price: $-$$ 

Amenities: Camp kitchen, games room, outdoor barbecues, showers, toilets and a laundry 

Perks: Pick from structured powered and unpowered sites within Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park. You’ve got the option of cabins, too, but given all the bells and whistles included in this Thredbo camping hot spot, you’re hardly slumming it in canvas walls. 

The property is situated right off Khancoban Pondage, renowned for great fishing and home to a boat ramp. A visit here is best experienced in summer, as crowds will prove.  

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire
The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.