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Arch Cottage

Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

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

  • There is no DVD, television or stereo at the cottage.
  • There is a clothes line.
  • Please leave the cottage in a clean and tidy manner and take all rubbish with you.

    • 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

    Safety messages

    The cottage is in a remote location so it’s a good idea to pick up your supplies and fuel before you arrive at Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    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.

    Arch Cottage Search availability

    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.