MOST SCENIC FREE CAMPS FROM BARRINGTON TO BINGARA

Fred heads from Barrington Tops to Bingara in peak holiday season and zeros in on more than 10 unbelievable campsites off the radar – you won’t believe what he uncovered!

DAY 1 – BARRINGTON TOPS TO NUNDLE VIA BUCKETTS WAY

DAY 2 – NUNDLE TO ARMIDALE VIA TAMWORTH

DAY 3 – ARMIDALE TO BINGARA VIA GLEN INNES

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BARRINGTON TOPS TO BINGARA – WE FIND THE BEST HIDDEN SPOTS
A perfect place to trial and test our abilities at finding hidden hot spots, the New England Region is just west of the Great Dividing Range and smack bang in the beautiful Hinterlands of NSW. With its expansive National Parks, wild scenic rivers, waterfalls, rainforests and flora and fauna – New England is a region with free camping options for everyone! It’s super-popular, especially with families, so you really need the right tools to find those beautiful hidden hot spots.

FRYING PAN CREEK CAMPING AREA
• A stunning spot on the Telegherry River – based in Chichester State forest.
• Open, grassy, bubbling brooks and plenty of shade
• If you’re can’t truly relax here you’d be hard pressed to do it anywhere else.
FACILITIES: Toilet, water, fires allowed, BBQ, pets allowed, fishing

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Frying Pan Creek was one of my absolute favourite finds - jot this one down!

YARROWYCK CROSSING RESERVE
• A fairly large, basic campground just outside of Yarrowyck
• Sitting alongside the beautiful Gwydir River
• Quite peaceful with lots of tracks to explore
FACILITIES: Longdrop toilet, pets allowed, fires allowed, fishing

TELEGHERRY FOREST PARK
• 26km north of Dungog accessible by dirt road.
• Local wildlife is quite unique, including: lyre birds, short-finned eels and more commonly, yabbies +fresh-water prawns (yum).
• Plenty of room to spread out your outdoor living area – very peaceful and comfortable
FACILITIES: Fishing, pets allowed, toilets, picnic tables

COACHWOOD CAMPING AREA
• 29km north of Dungog near Chichester Dam
• Magnificent rainforest, a river – with yabbies and trout to boot!
• Activities include a swimming and walking track to Problem Creek Falls
FACILITIES: Fishing, toilets, water, fires allowed, disabled access, big rig suitable

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PONDEROSA *
• Just outside Nundle with dirt-road access.
• Picture perfect – this really is as scenic as they come.
• Quiet! There were only a few other campers so I felt secure with the pleasure of my own space.
FACILITIES: Fires allowed, toilets
* Temporarily closed due to wind damage as of Sept 2016

SWAMP CREEK
• A real natural haven right on the Peel River!
• There are limited amenities but enough for a comfortable stay.
• If you drive a large rig, then this is the spot for you – plenty of room to move around.
FACILITIES: Toilets, BBQ, big rig suitable

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We loved finding riverside gems and chatting with fellow RVers

 

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

GWYDIR RIVER CAMPING AREA:
Plenty of peaceful bush and river-front camping available just outside of Bingara – grab a mud map from the tourist centre.
MOONBI LOOKOUT REST AREA:
Approx. 29km north of Newcastle – this is a great spot for an overnight stay. Lovely green surrounds and unique cobblestone walls.
URALLA SOUTH REST AREA:
Spacious and quiet overnight stay near Kentucky – very useful to have for your records.
SHEBA DAMS CAMPING AREA:
Exceptional Camping on the shores of the Sheba Dam – you can find this slice of
heaven 11km east of Nundle via Nundle-Barry Road.

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I found Pam and Barry who've been on the road for years now - we both picked up some great finds from one another!