Rock Flat Campground – Riverside Camping Goobarragandra NSW – Kosciuszko National Park
Experience stunning riverside camping at Rock Flat Campground, a beautiful and popular spot nestled on the banks of the Goobarragandra River, just 25km from Tumut. This campground is located within the northern end of **Kosciuszko National Park**, offering a fantastic nature-based getaway with the convenience of 2WD access in good weather. The grassy, open flats alongside the clear, flowing river make this a perfect location for families, trout fishermen, and anyone looking to relax and unwind in a magnificent natural setting.
Access is via the unsealed Goobarragandra Road, which is generally suitable for all vehicles, including small caravans and camper trailers, when conditions are dry. The campground itself is a large, open, grassy area offering unmarked sites, allowing you to find the perfect spot.
As this is a National Park campground, there are specific rules. **Bookings are essential** and must be made online via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website. While camping is free, a non-refundable $6 booking fee applies. **Pets are strictly prohibited** to protect the native wildlife.
This is a basic, self-sufficient bush camp. Amenities are limited to a single non-flush pit toilet. There is **no potable (drinking) water** and **no rubbish bins**, so you must bring all your own water and supplies, and pack out all your rubbish under the “leave no trace” principle. There is also **no mobile phone reception** in the valley.
Campfires are permitted in the provided fire pits (subject to NPWS fire bans), but you must bring your own firewood, as collecting wood within the national park is not allowed. Generators are not permitted. The river is the main attraction, offering excellent opportunities for trout fishing (NSW licence required), swimming in the clear water, or kayaking. The nearby Thomas Boyd Trackhead campground (also bookable) is another popular site further up the road.
Rock Flat campground – NSW Map
Site Details
Name: Rock Flat campground
Address: Goobarragandra Rd, Goobarragandra NSW 2720 (within Kosciuszko National Park)
GPS Coordinates: -35.40068, 148.43222
Website: **Bookings essential via NSW NPWS:** https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/rock-flat-campground
Site Features
- Location: Kosciuszko National Park, on the Goobarragandra River.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, small caravans (weather dependent).
- Road Access: **Unsealed (Goobarragandra Rd), 2WD accessible** in dry conditions.
- Site Surface: Large, open grassy flats.
- Camping Permitted: **Yes, bookings essential via NPWS website** (camping is free, $6 booking fee applies).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check NPWS booking website.
- Picnic Tables: **No.**
- Potable Water: **No.** You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: **No.**
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: **Yes,** non-flush pit toilet.
- Ullage (Dump Point): **No.** Nearest public dump point is in Tumut.
- Drive Through: No, open grassy area.
- Rubbish Bins: **No.** All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: **Yes,** in provided fire pits only. Subject to fire bans. **Bring your own firewood.**
- Generator Use: **No.** Not permitted in this national park campground.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open area (capacity managed via booking system).
- Essentials to Bring: **NPWS booking confirmation,** drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, portable shower, warm clothing, fishing licence.
- Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park.
- Fishing: **Yes,** excellent trout fishing in the river.
- Short Walks: **Yes,** informal walks along the river.
Local Amenities
Note: The nearest major service town is **Tumut** (approx. 25-30 km drive).
- Local Pubs:
- The Woolpack Hotel (Tumut) (approx. 25 km)
- The Royal Hotel (Tumut) (approx. 25 km)
- Tumut Star Hotel (approx. 25 km)
 
- Places to Eat:
- Tumut River Brewing Co. (Tumut) (approx. 24 km)
- Commercial Hotel Bistro (Tumut) (approx. 25 km)
- Tumut (Multiple cafes, bakeries, and takeaways) (approx. 25 km)
 
- Local Attractions:
- Goobarragandra River (on-site)
- Thomas Boyd Trackhead (nearby, also in NP)
- Tumut River Walk (Tumut) (approx. 25 km)
- Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins (approx. 40 km)
- Blowering Dam (approx. 35 km)
 
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Tumut Valley Holiday Park (approx. 20 km)
- Riverglade Caravan Park (Tumut) (approx. 25 km)
- Reflections Holiday Parks Tumut (approx. 25 km)
 
- Next Free Camps:
- (Note: Most nearby river camps like Thomas Boyd are also in the National Park and require booking)
- Dispersed camps in nearby state forests (outside the NP)
 
- Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
- Tumut Showgrounds (Public Dump Point) (approx. 26 km)
 
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Tumut (Multiple stations – Shell, BP, Mobil) (approx. 25 km)
 
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Tumut (e.g., at Dump Point or Tumut Visitor Centre) (approx. 25 km)
 
- Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
- Tumut Visitor Information Centre (approx. 25 km)
- Parks in Tumut (approx. 25 km)
 
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Weather is for the Tumut / Goobarragandra Valley, which has a distinct four-season climate.
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot days (average max 30-32°C), perfect for swimming. Nights are mild.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Mild, clear days with cool nights. The region is famous for its spectacular autumn colours.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): **Cold.** Days are cool (average max 12-14°C) and nights are very cold, frequently dropping below 0°C with heavy frosts.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Cool to mild, with blossoming trees. Weather can be changeable.
