Cawndilla campground

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Overview

This campground at Lake Cawndilla in Kingchega National Park offers an outback campsite with barbecues, perfect for birdwatching and stargazing.

Accommodation Details
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Toilets, unpowered sites, unmarked sites, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, carpark
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood
Entry fees Park entry fees apply
Group bookings Book up to 20 people or 5 sites online. For larger groups, make a group booking enquiry.
Please note
  • This is a remote campground, please arrive well prepared.
  • Be aware of the weather conditions. If it rains you may be asked to move your camp to Emu Lake campground or you may be asked to stay at your campsite for several days while the road dries out.

Birdwatchers will flock to this idyllic lakeside campground in Kinchega National Park in outback NSW. Cawndilla Lake is the gathering place for countless waterbirds and it’s birdwatcher’s paradise, no matter what time of year you arrive.

You’ll be mesmerised by the cycle of wet and dry that brings life to this unique wetland. After the rains, you might see rare waterbirds such as brolgas, freckled and blue-billed ducks. Be sure to watch for the cheeky antics of the water fowls. When the waters recede, the flood plains erupt in a carpet of dazzling colour with wildflowers such as daises, sagoweed and sunrays.

At sundown, get ready for the light show of a life time. The lake will glow with the reflected colours of sunset, and the sky will fill with the calls of water birds. Later, relax beside the campfire under a blanket of stars and listen to the orchestra of the bush.

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/cawndilla-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

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Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

Cawndilla Lake campground is in the western precinct of Kinchega National park. To get there follow Lake Drive to the campground.

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Cawndilla Lake campground may be closed during heavy rain.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at Cawndilla Lake campground.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Kinchega National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

It's a great time for a camping trip when the weather is a bit cooler and the park is springing to life after the sleepy winter.

Summer

Cool off after a hot day of exploring in the park's rivers or lakes.

Winter

Throw in your line below Weir 32 on the Darling river – you might catch a golden perch. You'll need a current NSW recreational fishing licence though, and you must abide by bag limits and protected species fishing laws.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

18°C and 34°C

Highest recorded

49.7°C

Winter temperature

Average

5°C and 19°C

Lowest recorded

-3.5°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

May and October

Driest month

April

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

150.6mm

Facilities

  • Water is not available at this campground
  • Hot showers and bore water are available at the Shearers' Quarters at the historic woolshed by gold coin donation

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Types of sites

  • Unpowered sites
  • Unmarked sites

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Picnic tables

Carpark

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.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach, the rocks 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 and rock fishing safety tips.

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).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

Paddling safety

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

Prohibited

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.