The Pines campground

Coolah Tops National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Far away from the chaos of the city, The Pines campground in Coolah Tops National Park is a remote camping area and peaceful setting for outdoor pursuits, especially walking, mountain biking and birdwatching.

Accommodation Details
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Barbecue facilities, toilets
What to bring Firewood
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Group bookings Bookings for up to 5 sites and 20 people can be made online. School groups and commercial tour operators can submit a group booking enquiry form.
Please note
  • There are no marked sites.
  • Sites are not powered.
  • This campground is suitable for small family groups.

The Pines campground is a remote camping area set between a stand of tall pine trees and a large grassy herb field. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s a peaceful setting to get back to nature.

It’s a large campground, so there’s room for everyone, perfect for big groups and plenty of space for caravans and camper trailers.

Head off to see nearby waterfalls and scenic views on walking and mountain bike trails. Kick a footy with the kids, wander off with your binoculars to the nearby creek for a bit of birdwatching, or just relax under the shade of a tree with a good book.

At night, stoke up the coals on the fire and cook a delicious hot meal. Swap stories around the campfire, then snuggle up in your sleeping bag for a well-deserved night’s rest.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • View over to Bald Hills waterfall, which tumbles over basalt rock formations, Coolah Tops National Park. Photo: Nicola Brookhouse © DPIE

    Bald Hill Creek Falls picnic area

    Bald Hill Creek Falls picnic area is in Coolah Tops National Park, near The Pines campground. It’s a great stop on the walk to Bald Hill waterfall, which cascades over basalt rock formations.

  • The view of Liverpool and Breeza plains from Breeza lookout in Coolah Tops National Park. Photo: Kristy Sawtell © DPIE

    Breeza lookout

    Breeza lookout is in the far south-east of Coolah Tops National Park at the end of The Forest Road. Break out a snack at the small picnic area as you soak up views of the Liverpool and Breeza plains.

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/coolah-the-pines-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

  • in Coolah Tops National Park in the Country NSW region
  • Coolah Tops National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, fire danger or management operations. The eastern end of the park is regularly closed during wet weather due to slippery road conditions.

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about The Pines campground.

Getting there and parking

The Pines Creek campground is in the western precinct of Coolah Tops National Park. To get there:

  • After entering the park, continue on The Forest Road for approximately 7km.
  • Turn right into Hildegard Road
  • Continue on Hildegard Road for about 1km to The Pines campground

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as some roads within the park are closed after heavy rain.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at The Pines campground.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Great camping weather before the cold weather arrives. Swap stories by the campfire about the day's adventures.

Spring

See the park come to life as the pink darling pea, yellow flowering black wattle and silver wattle burst into colour.

Summer

Enjoy warm days walking and mountain biking and cooler nights in the bush.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 30°C

Highest recorded

40.3°C

Winter temperature

Average

2°C and 15°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

  • Water is available from the nearby Norfolk Island Creek, but should be boiled before consumption.
  • Rubbish bins are not available, so please take your rubbish with you when leaving.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
  • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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.

This is a remote campground, so please make sure you arrive well-prepared.

Take care when walking around cliff edges and above waterfalls - please supervise children at all times.

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.

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).

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty.

Wheelchair facilities

  • Wheelchair accessible toilet

Permitted

Gathering firewood

Firewood is not provided, but you may collect wood from within the park – the use of chainsaws is not permitted.

Prohibited

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.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Learn more

The Pines campground is in Coolah Tops National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Get active in the bush

Brackens Cottage in Coolah Tops National Park. Photo: Nick Cubbin

Pack your hiking boots and your mountain bike and be ready to get active in the bush at Coolah Tops. There are plenty of great walking tracks and trails to experience the bush on your bike. Make your way to lookouts like Shepherd's Peak or Breeza lookout for spectacular views to the north over the Liverpool Plains and the sheer escarpment. You'll also find several waterfalls along the escarpment where the creeks plunge over the plateau edge.

Wildlife haven

Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) on top of Bundella lookout, Coolah Tops National Park. Photo: Barry Collier

Looking out across the beautiful landscape of Coolah Tops National Park, it's obvious why you'll find so much wildlife here. Wander quietly along one of the walking tracks and you'll probably have a close encounter with red-necked wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos. You might also find a wombat waddling through the campground. Coolah Tops has some of the highest population densities of greater gliders in Australia. At night, keep your torch handy to see greater gliders, ring-tailed possums and possibly feather-tailed gliders or a sugar glider in the nearby trees.

  • Grass Tree walking track Grass Tree walking track is a great way to explore a magical landscape of ancient grass trees in Coolah Tops National Park. A must-do for visitors, this easy walk starts at The Barracks campground.
  • Shepherds Peak walking track For experienced bushwalkers, Shepherds Peak walking track in Coolah Tops National Park is a great way to explore sub-alpine forest. Come prepared for a steep scramble up the peak’s volcanic dome.
  • Snow Gum walking track Snow Gum walking track in Coolah Tops National Park is an easy way to experience some of the largest known snow gum trees in a beautiful old-growth forest setting, near Coolah.

Education resources (1)

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

  • in Coolah Tops National Park in the Country NSW region
  • Coolah Tops National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, fire danger or management operations. The eastern end of the park is regularly closed during wet weather due to slippery road conditions.

See more visitor info