Cascades campground

Wadbilliga National Park

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Overview

Set up camp in the remote wilderness of Cascades campground in Wadbilliga National Park and wake up next to Tuross River.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 6
Camping type Camper trailer site, Tent, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, food supplies, firewood
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • Check in after 12pm. Check out before 11am.
  • This campground is in a remote location, so it’s a good idea to pick up your supplies before you arrive
  • There’s no mobile reception or power available

If you’re an active and adventurous camper, this small, quiet campground is an ideal base to explore Wadbilliga’s rugged wilderness. With only 6 campsites, you’ll almost feel like you’ve got the place to yourself.

After you’ve pitched your tent among the towering ribbon gums, stretch your legs on Cascades walking track or Tuross Falls walking track, and then cool off with a dip in Tuross River. Bring your kayak or canoe if you want to paddle upstream – and see if you can hook a catch to barbecue back at camp for dinner.

Spring and Autumn are beautiful times of the year to camp, when visitation is low and the weather is beautiful. But be prepared nights can be chilly so pack a jumper. You’ll be sharing the space with resident wildlife, and if you’re lucky (and patient) you might even spot a platypus in the river.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/cascades-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Cascades campground.

Getting there and parking

Cascades campground is in the Cascades area of Wadbilliga National Park. To get there:

From Canberra:

  • Head south towards Cooma on the Monaro Highway.
  • Exit just north of Cooma, turn left onto Polo Flat Road and then left again after crossing the train line onto Numeralla Road.
  • Follow this for about 40 minutes, then turn right onto Badja Forest Road which turns onto a dirt road immediately after the turn-off.
  • From here, follow the signs to Cascades by turning right onto Peters Road and then right onto Tuross Falls Road.
  • Follow Tuross Falls Road to the end where you’ll find a parking area.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Parking

Parking is available at your campsite.

Facilities

  • There are no shower facilities
  • This campground is unpowered
  • Water is not available at this campground
  • There are no rubbish bins – please take your rubbish home with you

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

  • Parking is available at your campsite.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

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).

Water activities

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips

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

Not wheelchair-accessible

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

  • Collecting firewood is not permitted

Generators

  • Please reduce noise between 10pm and 8am – including generators

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.

  • Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. See the OEH pets in parks policy

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Learn more

Cascades campground is in Wadbilliga National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A botanist's wonderland

Rocky creek, Wadbilliga National Park. Photo: L Morrell/OEH

Wadbilliga has many impressive examples of open forest, woodland, heath, swamp, bogs and numerous pockets of rainforest. There are some rare species of eucalypt and acacia that do not occur anywhere else. In the Wadbilliga Valley, yellow box and forest red gum can be seen, while on the ridge tops tower large stands of silvertop ash with snow gums at high altitudes. The Wadbilliga Plateau also has dwarf she-oaks and rare stunted mallee eucalypts.

A glimpse of gold mining history

Cascades, Wadbilliga National Park. Photo: Lucas Boyd

The surrounding area has a variety of artefacts, structures and features that hark back to gold and silver mining eras, as well as the early forestry history of the local area. Today, visitors can still view various mining remains that are evidence of once arduous searches for gold and other precious materials.

A natural animal sanctuary

Epacris impressa, Wadbilliga National Park. Photo: Steve Douglas

Due to the rugged and isolated nature of the park, animal populations here have remained relatively undisturbed. Many of the park's animals are large marsupials such as swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos and wombats. There are also possums, platypuses and echidnas and one of the biggest greater glider populations in all of Australia. The birdlife is varied too, with over 120 native species. Lyrebirds are common as are many colourful and tuneful bush birds.

  • Cascades walking track and viewing platform Cascades walking track takes you to a viewing platform with scenic views of the spectacular Tuross River, which cascades into a refreshing pool that’s ideal for a summer swim.
  • Tuross Falls walking track Turross Falls walking track is a medium difficulty 4km bushwalk at Wadbilliga National Park featuring scenic views, waterfalls, picnicking opportunities and birdwatching.

Aboriginal cultural heritage

Tuross Falls walking track, Wadbilliga National Park. Photo: Lucas Boyd

The Yuin people consider Wadbilliga National Park a sacred place and many sites in the park are strongly associated with Dreamtime stories. The dissected, rugged escarpment contains a network of bridle tracks that follow both high country and river courses, which Aboriginal people originally used. The bridle tracks are also the most tangible historical link with the first Europeans in the area and were used for transporting produce and moving stock from one location to another. The park is abundant in traditional foods and medicines.

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