Big River campground
Goulburn River National Park
Overview
Big River campground is found among the trees above the Goulburn River. This bush getaway is ideal for family camping, swimming, exploring Aboriginal heritage, and wildlife.
| Camping type | Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets |
| What to bring | Drinking water, cooking water, firewood |
| Price | There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies. |
| Bookings | Bookings for up to 2 sites and 12 people can be made online. |
| Group bookings | This campground is not suitable for group bookings. |
| Please note | This is a remote campground, so please make sure you arrive well-prepared. |
Retreat to nature by pitching your tent at Big River campground. Located at the end of Big River drive, the campground is the perfect getaway set amongst the trees above the Goulburn River.
The whole family will enjoy plunging into the waterholes along the river for a swim. Explore the sandstone caves and overhangs that follow the river. As the sun goes down, fire up the barbecue and cook up a hearty meal, watch the kangaroos grazing and prepare for another exciting day.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/big-river-campground/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Mudgee office
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.
- 02 6370 9000
- npws.mudgee@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 27 Inglis Street, Mudgee NSW 2850
Park info
- in Goulburn River National Park in the Country NSW region
Goulburn River National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Big River campground.
Getting there and parking
Big River campground is in the central precinct of Goulburn River National Park. To get there:
- From Wollar, follow Barigan Street north.
- Turn right into Mogo Road and continue to the start of Spring Gully Road
- Follow Spring Gully Road which becomes Big River Road to the campground
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Big River campground can become boggy when it rains.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)
Weather restrictions
- Dry weather only
Parking
Parking is available at Big River campground.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Goulburn River National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Is there anything more relaxing than sitting around the campfire with family and friends? Autumn is a great time of year to visit Spring Gully campground.
Spring
With the many natives blooming – callistemons, acacias and eucalypts among them – this is the best time to observe the plant and wildlife the park attracts.
Summer
With the temperatures at their warmest, head to the river for swimming and liloing.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
15°C and 30°C
Highest recorded
40.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
3°C and 17°C
Lowest recorded
–6.7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
May
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
186.7mm
Facilities
- Rubbish bins are not provided, so please take rubbish with you when you leave.
- Water is not available at this campground.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
- Fire rings (bring your own firewood)
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
Firewood is not provided, so please bring your own supply.
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.
Learn more
Big River campground is in Goulburn River National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal echoes
For many thousands of years before European settlement, the river valley that runs through Goulburn River National Park was an important trading route between the Aboriginal people who resided on the coast, and those who lived on the western plains. The area was traditionally occupied by the people of the Wiradjuri, Gamileroi and Wonnarua Clans, and today more than 300 known Aboriginal sites remain within the park, mainly along the river.
- Aboriginal cultural tours of Wiradjuri Country Journey through the Australian bush on a guided tour of Wiradjuri Country with Milan Dhiiyaan. Learn about Aboriginal culture, share in a smoking ceremony and find local bush tucker in Goulburn River National Park.
- The Drip walking track The Drip walking track, in Goulburn River State Conservation Area, meanders beside Goulburn River to The Drip, or 'the Great Dripping Wall’. Rain water trickling through the porous rock wall makes it a cool oasis.
Action aplenty
Along the Goulburn River, there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to keep you busy. The river is usually shallow but offers natural pools that are suitable for swimming. After rain, its gentle flow makes canoeing and liloing possible. There are lots of walking opportunities in Goulburn River National Park, like Lees Pinch lookout track or the marked fire trails, which can be explored on foot or on a mountain bike.
- Spring Gully drive The picturesque Spring Gully drive takes you through lush forest. At Spring Gully campground, you can enjoy a swim, fishing and birdwatching.
Forest landscape
The park, covering over 70,000ha, was established in 1983 following the decision that the land was precious, both environmentally and culturally, especially for the traditional Aboriginal owners. Visiting the park today, you'll admire the sheer magnificence of Goulburn River National Park, due to its preservation as a forest landscape, much of which is surrounded by pastoral land.
- Big River drive Big River drive leads to Big River campground in Goulburn River National Park. Get in your car for fishing, swimming and camping.
- Spring Gully drive The picturesque Spring Gully drive takes you through lush forest. At Spring Gully campground, you can enjoy a swim, fishing and birdwatching.
- The Drip walking track The Drip walking track, in Goulburn River State Conservation Area, meanders beside Goulburn River to The Drip, or 'the Great Dripping Wall’. Rain water trickling through the porous rock wall makes it a cool oasis.
Wild about the park
With its location along the river, surrounded by rural holdings, Goulburn River is rich in plant and wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos are often seen grazing on the riverbanks. A rich variety of plant life - eucalypts, river oak, grevilleas and callistemon (more commonly called bottlebrush) - provides habitats for many birds, including glossy black cockatoos and lyrebirds.
- Big River drive Big River drive leads to Big River campground in Goulburn River National Park. Get in your car for fishing, swimming and camping.
- Spring Gully drive The picturesque Spring Gully drive takes you through lush forest. At Spring Gully campground, you can enjoy a swim, fishing and birdwatching.