Spread the love

Gulgong Showground Camping NSW – Historic Town Walk

Discover the perfect blend of history, convenience, and affordability at the Gulgong Showground. Located in the heart of one of Australia’s most historic towns, this pet-friendly campground offers an ideal base for travellers exploring the Mudgee region, history buffs, and those just passing through. Famous as the “town on the ten-dollar note,” Gulgong’s stunningly preserved 19th-century streetscape is just a short, easy walk from the showground, allowing you to immerse yourself in its unique charm without needing to drive. This spacious, council-run facility provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, whether you’re in a large motorhome, a caravan, or a tent.

The Gulgong Showground is well-equipped for visiting travellers. It features numerous powered and unpowered sites set on open, grassy, and reasonably level ground, making it suitable for rigs of all sizes, including those seeking drive-through access. The site is managed by the Mid-Western Regional Council and has an on-site caretaker to assist with check-in and enquiries. Key facilities include a well-maintained amenities block with hot showers and flushing toilets, access to potable drinking water, and a public dump point (ullage) conveniently located on-site. Rubbish bins are provided, and pets are welcome, provided they remain on a leash at all times. Being in town, mobile phone and TV reception are generally very good. While it’s a practical, no-frills campground, its main drawcard is the unbeatable location and value, offering a safe and secure spot to unhitch and explore.

The real magic of staying here is your proximity to Gulgong’s living history. A 10-minute stroll lands you on the main street, lined with heritage-listed buildings, classic country pubs, charming cafes, and unique shops. You can spend days exploring attractions like the Gulgong Pioneers Museum (one of the best in NSW), the Henry Lawson Centre, and the Gulgong Holtermann Museum, which details the town’s gold-rush photographic history. Red Hill, the site of the original gold strike, is also nearby. Beyond Gulgong, the wider Mudgee wine region is only a 30-kilometre drive away, making the showground a perfect and affordable base for day-tripping to world-class wineries and cellar doors. Whether you’re here for the history, the wine, or a friendly country stopover, Gulgong Showground is a top choice.

Gulgong Showground – NSW Map

Campground Information

Name: Gulgong Showground
Address: LOT 86 Grevillea St, Gulgong NSW 2852
Managed By: Mid-Western Regional Council
Website: Facebook

Location and Map

GPS Coordinates: -32.3707, 149.528

Site Details

Location: In-town location, easy 10-minute walk to the historic main street.
Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
Road Access: Sealed roads to the gate. Internal roads are gravel/dirt.
Site Surface: Grass and gravel/dirt. Can be uneven in spots; levelling blocks recommended.

Facilities and Features

Picnic Tables: Yes, scattered around the grounds.
Potable Water: Yes, taps available.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes, good coverage for major carriers (Telstra, Optus).
TV Reception: Yes, generally good.
BBQ’s: Yes, communal BBQs may be available.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, amenities block with hot showers (sometimes requiring a key from the caretaker).
Ullage (Dump Point): Yes, an on-site dump point is available for paying guests.
Drive Through Sites: Yes, generally available on the open, flat ground.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, provided.
Open Fires: No, generally not permitted within town limits. Check with the caretaker.
Generator Use: Restricted, especially as powered sites are available. Check with the caretaker for rules.
Essentials to Bring: Long power lead, water hose, levelling blocks.
Pet Friendly: Yes, permitted on a leash.
Fishing: No, not on-site. Nearest fishing is in the Cudgegong River near Mudgee.
Short Walks: Yes, easy walk into and around the historic town, plus walks to Red Hill.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Prince of Wales Hotel: (Approx. 1 km) – Historic pub on the main street.
Centennial Hotel: (Approx. 1 km) – Classic corner pub with meals.
Commercial Hotel: (Approx. 1.1 km) – Another historic pub in town.

Places to Eat

Gulgong Bakery: (Approx. 1 km) – Famous bakery in the town centre.
Pub Meals: (Approx. 1 km) – All three pubs on the main street offer meals.
Cafes: (Approx. 1 km) – Several cafes along Mayne St (the main street).

Local Attractions

Gulgong Pioneers Museum: (Approx. 1 km) – A must-see, extensive local history museum.
Henry Lawson Centre: (Approx. 1 km) – Dedicated to the famous poet who lived here.
Gulgong Holtermann Museum: (Approx. 1 km) – Features the famous UNESCO-listed Holtermann Collection of photos.
Gulgong Opera House: (Approx. 1 km) – Historic theatre.
Red Hill Mining Precinct: (Approx. 1.5 km) – Historic site of the original gold strike.

Nearest Caravan Parks

Gulgong Tourist Park: (Approx. 2 km) – Main commercial caravan park in town.
Mudgee Valley Park (CPE): (Approx. 30 km) – Large caravan park in Mudgee.

Nearest Free Camps

Gulgong RV Stop (Lions Park): (Approx. 1 km) – 24-hour RV-only stop (self-contained vehicles).
Ulan Showground: (Approx. 25 km) – Low-cost/donation camping.

Nearest Dump Points

Gulgong Showground: (On-site) – For paying guests.
Gulgong RV Stop (Lions Park): (Approx. 1 km) – Public dump point available.

Nearest Petrol Stations

BP Gulgong: (Approx. 1.2 km) – Main street.
Inland Petroleum Gulgong: (Approx. 1.5 km) – On the main road.

Nearest Drinking Water Resupply

Gulgong Showground: (On-site) – For paying guests.
Gulgong RV Stop (Lions Park): (Approx. 1 km) – Potable water fill-up available.

Nearest Public Toilets

Gulgong Showground: (On-site) – For paying guests.
Anzac Memorial Park: (Approx. 1 km) – Public toilets in the centre of town.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Gulgong (Central West NSW)

Summer (December – February)

Very warm to hot days, with mild nights. High chance of afternoon thunderstorms and rain.
Mean Max: 30°C – 32°C
Mean Min: 16°C – 18°C
Mean Rain (mm): 60-70 mm
Mean Rain Days: 6-7

Autumn (March – May)

Warm, sunny days cooling down to mild. Nights become cool. A popular time to visit.
Mean Max: Cools from 28°C down to 19°C.
Mean Min: Cools from 14°C down to 5°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 40-50 mm
Mean Rain Days: 5-7

Winter (June – August)

Mild and often sunny days, but mornings and nights are cold with heavy frosts common.
Mean Max: 15°C – 17°C
Mean Min: 1°C – 3°C (frosts frequent)
Mean Rain (mm): 45-50 mm
Mean Rain Days: 6-8 (Driest period)

Spring (September – November)

Days are sunny and become progressively warmer, but nights remain cool.
Mean Max: Warms from 20°C up to 28°C.
Mean Min: Warms from 5°C up to 12°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 45-55 mm
Mean Rain Days: 6-7