Jacky Barkers campground
Nowendoc National Park
Overview
Combine 4WD camping and Aboriginal heritage with birdwatching, swimming, bushwalking and mountain biking at Jacky Barkers campground in NSW’s Northern Tablelands.
| Number of campsites | 5 |
|---|---|
| Camping type | Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, toilets |
| What to bring | Drinking water, cooking water, firewood |
| Price | There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies. |
| Bookings | Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online. |
| Group bookings | This campground is not suitable for group bookings. |
| Please note |
|
Ideal for intrepid, self-reliant campers, this campground is nestled in a pretty hidden valley on a tributary of Jacky Barker Creek. Whether you’re camping alone or in a group, you’ll find each site at Jacky Barkers campground is wonderfully private, and blessed with unique scenic views.
Magnificent river oaks encircle sun-dappled rock pools, while eucalypts and rainforest shelter the creek lines. Those who love birdwatching will thrill at the sight of honeyeaters, bowerbirds and brightly coloured parrots, while everyone will want to spy the various animals that gather at the creek’s edge late in the day.
Once you’ve set up your tent or trailer, you can make use of the barbecues and picnic tables in the adjacent picnic area, or check out nearby Wrights Hut. Those feeling energetic can try mountain biking or bushwalk the 1.8 km loop that passes the ruins of the old Watts Homestead.
See also
-
Karamea Homestead
Stay at Karamea Homestead for a secluded rural getaway by the Barnard River, in Curracabundi National Park. Only 1 hour from Gloucester, you’ll find mountain biking and water activities at your door.
Map
Map legend
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/jacky-barkers-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
- Walcha office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6777 4700
- npws.nea@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 188W North Street, Walcha NSW 2354
Park info
- in Nowendoc National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Nowendoc National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Jacky Barkers campground.
Getting there and parking
Jacky Barkers campground is in the eastern precinct of Nowendoc National Park. To get there:
- From Nowendoc, follow Thunderbolts Way south for approximately 6.5km.
- Turn right into Wrights Road and continue approximately 5km through Nowendoc State Forest and the national park to the campground
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- All roads require 4WD vehicle
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Jacky Barkers campground at each of the campsites and adjacent to the picnic area.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Nowendoc National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
With its sunny days and cool nights, autumn is a real treat. Go bushwalking along the leafy tracks and follow the meandering Myall Creek, which flows all year round.
Spring
Come to the park in spring to feast your eyes on wildflowers. The banksias turn the brightest yellow, while the flame trees live up to their name, transforming into red blooms.
Summer
Beat the summer heat with a swim in the creek and crystal-clear streams. Nothing beats nature when it comes to refreshment.
Winter
Visit in winter to recharge your batteries with crisp, clean air and even the chance of snow. Many say the valley looks even more beautiful cloaked in early-morning winter fog. See if you agree.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
11°C and 28°C
Highest recorded
36.5°C
Winter temperature
Average
-2°C and 11°C
Lowest recorded
-14.5°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
April
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
110.4mm
Facilities
- Drinking water is not available at this campground. If you take water from the creek, you’ll need to treat or boil it before drinking.
- There's a limited supply of firewood at this campground, however it’s a good idea to bring your own.
- Rubbish bins are not available – please take rubbish with you when leaving.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Wood barbecues (firewood supplied)
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Generators
Generators are permitted to be used in particular areas within this campground.
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
Jacky Barkers campground is in Nowendoc National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
An intriguing history
Discover the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage and European settlement history. Jacky Barkers Creek has a special connection with one Aboriginal family, the Wrights. You can visit Wrights Hut, built in the early 1960s from materials recycled from older slab huts nearby. In 1837, the Australian Agricultural Company (AAC) established Nowendoc Station, and in 1846 the AAC reached the top of Hungry Hill immediately east of Jacky Barkers Creek.
Beautiful waterways
In Nowendoc National Park, it’s impossible not to be tempted by the cool, clear waters of Myall and Jacky Barkers creeks. Take your pick of streams and rock pools, and swim in the shade of river oaks. The park also protects the headwaters of the Barnard River – a major tributary of the Manning River, first explored by European explorer, Henry Dangar.
Impressive and important
Nowendoc National Park is not only beautiful to look at, it also serves a very important purpose – protecting old growth forest and other plants and animals. The park is home to five threatened plants and 18 threatened animal species. You may be lucky enough to spot an endangered brush-tailed rock wallaby or spotted-tail quoll, while a night walk could give you glimpses of threatened masked, powerful or sooty owls. Surveys have also recorded seven species of frog, 14 species of reptile, 78 native bird species, 19 native mammals and 14 species of bat in this park. Be sure to tread carefully as you walk, and don’t forget those binoculars if you’d like to go bird watching.
Simplicity and solitude
This rugged, remote park gives you the opportunity to feel at one with both nature and your thoughts. There are so many ways to experience the park’s diverse natural beauty. Breathe the pure air and feel the temperature drop as you travel down to the valley floor.