CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY IN OUR ONLINE MAGAZINE WORDS JANIE MEDBURY Whether you’re looking for an overnight stop or a proper bush holiday, we’ve picked out some great places where you can pull up and camp 1) Ourimperee Waterhole…
WORDS JANIE MEDBURY
Ourimperee Waterhole forms a part of the Currawinya National Park, and can be found behind the Currawinya Woolshed around 25km from the Hungerford entrance. This peaceful camping area is accessible only in dry weather to 4WDs, off-road camper-trailers and small off-road caravans or motorhomes. There are plenty of shady spots beside the waterhole where you can set up camp and go swimming, fishing and canoeing. This area is also perfect for birdwatching, as you will be surrounded by more than 200 bird species. There are cold bush showers and flushing toilets. You will need to bring your own drinking water, firewood and rubbish bags. Currawinya National Park is worth exploring while you’re here – it has two large lakes, along with the Paroo River and seasonal waterholes.
Coorongooba is a secluded campground in the western area of Wollemi National Park, and is ideal for tents and camper-trailers. You’ll be close to the crystal-clear Capertee River, where you can take a refreshing dip or enjoy the wilderness along the Capertee River Trail, a great spot to look out for the endangered regent honeyeater. To get to the campground, you will need a 4WD as you may need to cross the Capertee River depending on the water level. The road can get boggy if it’s been raining, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. You will have picnic tables, barbecues and non-flush toilets at your disposal. Keep in mind that this is a remote campground with few facilities, so you will need to be self-sufficient. While you’re here, you could take a canoe up to Dunns Swamp or tour the Glow Worm tunnel.
For a picturesque camping trip with plenty to do, Nug Nug Reserve should be high up on your to-visit list. Nug Nug Reserve is surrounded by Mount Buffalo National Park, roughly 13km south of Myrtleford on the Buffalo River Road. It’s close to towns like Bright and Milawa, so you can easily top up your supplies. There is an abundance of sites (including powered) available for tents, camper-trailers, caravans and even buses, where you will have access to water, toilets and cold showers. There are also rubbish bins, fireplaces, picnic tables, electric undercover barbecues, a tennis court and a basketball/netball court. You’ll be close to Lake Buffalo, which is perfect for swimming, fishing and water skiing, and Mount Buffalo, where you can hike, horse ride and rock climb. Keep the kids happy with a trip to the Snowline Red Deer and Emu Tourist Farm, where they can feed the animals.
Lime Bay Reserve is a large, secluded reserve on the north-west tip of the Tasman Peninsula, with nearby beaches including Lime Bay and Lagoon Beach. The campground is around 12km south west of the small fishing town of Dunalley. To get there, you will need to take the C341 from Premaydena through Saltwater River. If you’re eager to do some boating, fishing and bushwalking, or simply enjoy a relaxing stay near the beach, Lime Bay Reserve is a place worth visiting. There are easy, scenic walking trails that lead up to Greens Point Cliff and Lagoon Beach that the whole family will enjoy. At the campground, there’s ample room for tents and caravans, but campsites work on a first in, first served basis. There are toilets, picnic tables and fire places. It is best to bring a gas/fuel stove, as fire bans can occur at short notice during summer.
Get back to nature at Lake Brockman Bush Camping, a gorgeous lakeside camp area set amid Jarrah forest, 6km east of the South Western Highway and 6km south of Yarloop. Many people come here to swim, fish, boat, canoe and waterski in the clear, cool water. There are plenty of forest tracks that will take you through the beautiful jarrah and marri forests, which are a sight to behold, especially in wildflower season. On a warm spring day, you can listen to the majestic red-tailed black cockatoos as you enjoy a peaceful picnic in the shade by the lake. There are no designated bays, so you will need to get here early if you’re after a spot right on the lake. There are picnic tables, wood barbecues and a pit toilet, but you will need to bring your own drinking water.
