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Doon Goonge campground

Chaelundi National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Doon Goonge campground.

Getting there and parking

Doon Goonge campground is in the northern part of Chaelundi National Park. You'll need access codes to pass through the locked park gates. You'll get the access codes after you book. If you have not received your code, contact 13000 72757 before setting out.

Access for camper trailers is recommended from the west via Quartz Road off Chaelundi Road.

To get there from Armidale:

  • Take Armidale-Grafton Road to Dundurrabin
  • Turn left onto Sheep Station Creek Road
  • Turn left onto Chaelundi Road, past the Misty Creek Road turn-off, past Stop-a-Bit, past Goldfields Road, until you reach the turn-off onto Quartz Road on your right.
  • Soon after crossing over Marara Creek, you will reach Doon Goonge campground.

Please note that the former eastern access to Doon Goonge campground, Shannon Creek Road, is blocked due to 2 major bridges being destroyed by bushfires.

Road quality

  • Doon Goonge access roads are subject to rapidly changing and variable conditions which must be assessed by skilled, experienced drivers.   
  • The road is unsealed and includes creek crossings
  • All-wheel drive low clearance vehicles are not recommended
  • Vehicles must not drive off the formed access trail
  • Check the weather before you set out as the road to Doon Goonge campground can become boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • All roads require 4WD vehicle

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Photography of forest and cycads fruiting.

Spring

Wilderness bushwalking along Chandlers Creek gorge.

Summer

Remote camping, fishing and swimming in Chandlers Creek.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

28°C and 30°C

Highest recorded

43.8°C

Winter temperature

Average

21°C and 24°C

Lowest recorded

-2.2°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

February

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

274.3mm

Facilities

  • The campground is unmarked with room for about 7 camper trailers, campervans or tents. There is also a tent only area bounded by bollards, suitable for about 3 tents.
  • There are no shower facilities and no power in the campground
  • Water is not available at this campground.
  • Rubbish bins are not available, so please take all rubbish with you.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

Fires are permitted in the designated fire rings only.

  • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Do not feed wildlife. Store your food and rubbish properly in secure containers to prevent access by wildlife.

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.

The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking

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 park is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

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 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.

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).

There is no reception at the campground. There is some patchy mobile phone reception along the higher sections of Quartz Road to the west near the first cattle grid and along Joebills Road to the east.

Paddling safety

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

River and lake safety

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.

Wildlife safety

Keep yourself and our wildlife safe by understanding the risks of wildlife encounters and how to avoid them.

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty. There is a ramp to access the toilet but no handrails inside.

Permitted

Chemical toilets are permitted but don't empty its contents into the compost toilets or surrounding areas.

Amplified music is permitted but please be considerate of your fellow campers. 

Fishing

Fishing is permitted between 1 November and 31 July only. Fines may apply outside this period. A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters. In order to protect the diminishing numbers of endangered eastern freshwater cod, you're required to release them if caught.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

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.

Doon Goonge campground

Park info

  • in Chaelundi National Park in the North Coast region

  • Non-wilderness parts of Chaelundi National Park are always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.