Buddong Falls Campground – Free 4WD Camping Near Talbingo – Kosciuszko NP

For the truly self-sufficient 4WD adventurer, Buddong Falls Campground offers a rustic and remote haven deep within the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park. This is a free, tent-based campground located in a tranquil forest setting right next to the picturesque Buddong Creek and the impressive cascades of Buddong Falls. It’s an ideal base for hikers and those seeking total seclusion, serving as a key stop along the famous Hume and Hovell Walking Track.

Access to this campground is **for 4WD vehicles only** and is highly weather-dependent. The site is located in a remote area accessed via narrow, winding unsealed forestry roads like Bago Powerline Road. These tracks are steep, can be slippery, and are **only recommended in dry weather**. **This site is not accessible for 2WD vehicles, caravans, or large motorhomes.** It is crucial to note that there is **no vehicle access from the town of Talbingo** due to long-term road closures; primary access is from the Elliott Way.

The campground itself is a small, walk-in site. Vehicles must be left at the designated car park, and campers carry their gear a short distance to the grassy, unmarked tent sites.

As part of Kosciuszko National Park, **bookings are essential** via the NPWS website (a $6 booking fee applies) and **pets are strictly prohibited**. Facilities are limited to picnic tables, wood barbecues (fire pits), and a non-flush pit toilet. Campers must be 100% self-sufficient, bringing their own **drinking water** and **firewood**. Collecting firewood is not allowed. All rubbish must be packed out (Leave No Trace policy). Due to its remote valley location, there is **no mobile phone reception**, and carrying a PLB or satellite device is highly recommended.

The main attraction is the Buddong Falls walking track, a 2.2km return (Grade 4) hike that leads to viewpoints for both the upper and lower falls.

Buddong Falls Campground – VIC Map

Site Details

Name: Buddong Falls Campground
Address: Hume and Hovell Walking Track, Buddong NSW 2720 (Access via Elliott Way / Bago Powerline Rd)
GPS Coordinates: -35.64271, 148.2457
Website: **Bookings essential via NSW NPWS:** https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/buddong-falls-campground

Site Features

• Location: Kosciuszko National Park, remote forest setting next to falls.
• Site Suitable For: **Tents and swags only.** This is a walk-in site (short walk from 4WD car park).
• Road Access: **Strictly 4WD ONLY** via unsealed forestry roads. **Dry weather only.** Not suitable for 2WD or caravans.
• Site Surface: Grass/dirt, flat areas.
• Camping Permitted: **Yes,** free, but **bookings are essential** ($6 booking fee applies).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 14 days.
• Picnic Tables: **Yes.**
• Potable Water: **No.** Bring all water or boil/purify creek 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. Park and walk in.
• Rubbish Bins: **No.** All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: **Yes,** in provided pits, subject to NPWS fire bans. **Bring your own firewood.**
• Generator Use: **No.** Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, limited space (1 designated campground area).
• Essentials to Bring: **NPWS booking confirmation,** 4WD recovery gear, drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, PLB/satellite device.
• Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are strictly prohibited in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Fishing: **Yes,** possible in Buddong Creek.
• Short Walks: **Yes,** Buddong Falls walking track (2.2km) and Hume and Hovell Walking Track.

Local Amenities

Note: This is an extremely remote site. The nearest reliable service town is **Tumut** (approx. 50-60 km drive, slow 4WD tracks). Talbingo is physically closer but vehicle access is cut off.

• Local Pubs:
  • Talbingo Country Club (approx. 25 km, check track access)
  • The Woolpack Hotel (Tumut) (approx. 55 km)
  • The Royal Hotel (Tumut) (approx. 55 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Talbingo Country Club (approx. 25 km)
  • Talbingo Supermarket & Cafe (approx. 25 km)
  • Tumut (Multiple options) (approx. 55 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Buddong Falls (on-site)
  • Hume and Hovell Walking Track (on-site)
  • Yarrangobilly Caves (approx. 40 km via 4WD tracks & Snowy Mtns Hwy)
  • Talbingo Reservoir (approx. 20 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Talbingo (approx. 25 km)
  • Tumut Valley Holiday Park (approx. 50 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Jounama Creek campground (Kosciuszko NP, 4WD) (approx. 15 km)
  • Log Bridge campground (Kosciuszko NP, 4WD) (approx. 20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Talbingo (for patrons) (approx. 25 km)
  • Tumut Showgrounds (Public Dump Point) (approx. 55 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Talbingo Service Station (approx. 25 km)
  • Tumut (Multiple stations) (approx. 55 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Talbingo (check local availability) (approx. 25 km)
  • Tumut (Public water filling stations) (approx. 55 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
  • Talbingo (town centre) (approx. 25 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

This is an alpine region. Weather is extreme and changeable. Access is **dry weather only**.

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm days, but nights remain cool. Average maximums around 25-27°C.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Mild, crisp days and cold nights. Tracks become slippery after rain.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): **Cold.** Days are chilly (average max 8-10°C), nights are below freezing. **Tracks are likely impassable due to snow and mud.**
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Cool, becoming mild. Tracks remain wet and challenging until late spring.