Gum Hole campground and picnic area

Warrabah National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Gum Hole campground and picnic area is a great place to explore Warrabah National Park and go bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, swimming or canoeing on the river.

Accommodation Details
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, toilets
What to bring Firewood, drinking water, cooking water
Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.

Enjoy relaxed and easy camping in incredibly lush, tranquil surroundings at Gum Hole campground and picnic area. It’s a fantastic spot that’s perfect for picnics by the river, with plenty of space for the kids to run around. Take your 4WD for this riverside camping experience.

From here, you have direct access to Namoi River and all the adventures and activities it offers, be it swimming and paddling in the water, fishing for your dinner, canoeing through the rapids, or simply soaking up the sights and sounds of the local wildlife.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Visitor fishing on the Namoi River with scenic bushland surrounds, Warrabah National Park. Photo: Joshua J Smith © DPE

    Boundary Hole picnic area

    Boundary Hole picnic area is a scenic spot in Warrabah National Park, near Gum Hole campground. Enjoy lunch, birdwatching, fishing and canoeing on the Namoi River, near Manilla, north of Tamworth.

  • Visitors walking along the banks of the Namoi River, Warrabah National Park. Photo: Joshua J Smith © DPE

    Billys Hole picnic area

    Billys Hole picnic area is in Warrabah National Park, near Gum Hole campground. It’s a great spot for bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, and canoeing on the Namoi River, near Manilla, north of Tamworth.

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/gum-hole-campground-and-picnic-area/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Gum Hole campground and picnic area.

Getting there and parking

The safest, legal way to get to this campground is via Manilla.

Don’t use Google Maps to direct you to this campground and picnic area. It will take you on unsafe, unmarked roads through private property. You can use Google Maps to get you to Manilla only. From Manilla, please follow these directions:

  • Travel north out of town across the Namoi River towards Barraba
  • Around 500m north of the bridge, turn right onto Barraba Street
  • Continue onto Namoi River Road and follow the signs to Warrabah National Park
  • Turn right onto Warrabah trail
  • Gum Hole campground is located 3.2km into Warrabah National Park, past Warrabah campground and at the end of Gum Hole trail

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • All roads require 4WD vehicle

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

Make the most of the cooler days to explore some of the park's more heart-pumping bushwalks.

Spring

A lovely time to enjoy picnicking by the river, indulging in wildlife and nature photography, birdwatching, and bushwalking.

Summer

Cool off from the heat in the lovely Namoi River with a swim and a splash, enjoy a spot of fishing, or take on a bracing canoeing adventure.

Winter

The park is often quiet at this time of year, yet doesn't get too cold, so it's a good opportunity to go bushwalking and birdwatching in solitude.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

17°C and 32°C

Highest recorded

41.3°C

Winter temperature

Average

0°C and 18°C

Lowest recorded

-9.4°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

April

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

194.3mm

Facilities

  • Firewood is not supplied and may not be collected within the park.
  • Water is not available at this campground

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

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.

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).

Paddling safety

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

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty. The campground is sloped in places.

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.

Learn more

Gum Hole campground and picnic area is in Warrabah National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A river runs through it

River winding thought the rocks, Warrabah National Park. Photo: David Young

The soothing atmosphere and scenery created by the impressive Namoi River is surpassed by few national parks and must be seen to be fully appreciated. Huge granite boulders tower above the valley's deep, tranquil pools, while the rushing rapids are a highly enjoyable challenge for experienced canoeists.

Amazing animals

River and mountains, Warrabah National Park. Photo: David Young

The park is home to plenty of interesting animals, which you'll encounter throughout your visit. You might spot eastern grey kangaroos, common wallaroos and red-necked wallabies in the fields and forests at dawn and dusk. Platypus can be seen on rare occasions splashing along the river in waterholes during the late afternoon too. At night, common brushtail possums and sugar gliders can be caught foraging in the Kurrajong trees. Common reptiles here include lace monitors, southern spotted velvet geckos and red-bellied black snakes. Namoi River even provides habitat for the vulnerable Bell's turtle, which is found only within the Namoi/Gwydir catchment. Be sure to bring your binoculars if you enjoy bird watching because over 120 species of birds have been sighted here, from robins, rosellas and cockatoos to wedge-tailed eagles and wrens, just to name a few.

Gone fishing

View from the cabin, Warrabah National Park. Photo: David Young

Keen fishers will be delighted at the freshwater fish species that can be caught here, including the delicious Murray cod and freshwater catfish, as well as several smaller species, such as the western carp gudgeon.

Education resources (1)