The Pines campground
Coolah Tops National Park
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.
| Camping type | Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Barbecue facilities, toilets |
| What to bring | Firewood |
| Price | Free. There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies. |
| Bookings | Bookings are required. Book online or call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757. |
| Please note |
|
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.
Also see
-
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.
-
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.
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
- 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
- Warrumbungle NP Visitor Information Centre
- 9am to 4pm daily. Closed 12pm to 1pm. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6825 4364
- warrumbungle.np@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 4261 John Renshaw Parkway, Warrumbungle NSW 2828
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.
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
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.
Nearby towns
Coolah (13 km)
Coolah is the gateway to Coolah Tops National Park, a subalpine park with tall eucalypt forests, waterfalls, giant grass trees and scenic forest drives. See animals in the wild, including the greater glider - the largest of Australia's gliding possums.
Dunedoo (43 km)
Dunedoo is the perfect spot for a picturesque stopover because of its proximity to Mudgee, Dubbo and Warrumbungle National Park. Dunedoo is also home to the fantastic three-day Bush Poetry Festival.
Merriwa (16 km)
Merriwa is a unique and friendly rural town nestled in the Upper Hunter Valley. Situated on the Golden Highway, Merriwa is the ideal place for a stopover, as it is centrally located. In just two hours you can reach Mudgee, Dubbo, Newcastle and Tamworth.
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
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
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.
