Arch Cottage
Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Arch Cottage.
Getting there and parking
Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve is located in Central-West NSW, 1 hour south of Bathurst and 1.5 hours drive north of Goulburn. Enter the reserve and follow Caves Road until you see the turnoff to Arch Cottage, about 1km before you reach the visitor centre and campground.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Arch Cottage for 1 vehicle.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Enjoy the cosy rooms and open fireplace at Arch Cottage and breathe in the crisp autumn air.
Spring
Pack a picnic and head off on Grove Creek Falls walking track for a relaxing lunch with spectacular views of the waterfalls.
Summer
Step out of your tent and go for a refreshing swim in the pools of Grove Creek, then discover the natural wonders underground on a cave tour.
Winter
Explore the historic mining site at Mount Gray by day, then get cosy by the campfire at night.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
8°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
27°C
Winter temperature
Average
-0.1°C and 12°C
Lowest recorded
-1.1°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
April
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
268.4mm
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1 (up to 2 people)
- 1 Queen bed
Bedroom 2 (up to 2 people)
- 1 Double bed
Bedroom 3 (up to 2 people)
- 2 Single beds
Bathrooms
Private Bathroom
Flush toilets, Hot showers, Bath
The bathroom has a combination shower-over-bath.
Facilities
Barbecue facilities
There is an outdoor fireplace. Please bring your own firewood.
Drinking water
Water is available at the cottage, but it must be boiled before drinking.
Electric power
Balcony
The cottage has a verandah.
Outdoor furniture
Kitchen
The fully-equipped kitchen has a microwave, toaster, kettle, electric stove, oven and dining table.
Plates and cutlery
Pots and pans
Heating
There is solid fuel stove heating. Firewood is only supplied for the combustion heater during the cooler months.
Washing machine
There is a coin-operated washing machine and dryer next to the visitor centre.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
There is no wheelchair access to Arch Cottage.
Permitted
- You'll need a valid ticket or token to enter the caves. Cave entry is allowed during normal business hours; 9am to 4.30pm Thursday to Monday or daily during NSW school holidays.
- Amplified music is permitted but please be considerate of other visitors.
Generators
You can use a generator at Arch Cottage.
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
Fishing
Spear fishing is not permitted.
Gathering firewood
Firewood may not be collected from the park.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Other important info
Park info
- in Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve in the Country NSW region
Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve and caves are open Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). The reserve and caves area open daily during NSW school holidays. Closed Christmas Day.