Junction Campground – Abercrombie River National Park Camping

For adventurous campers with a 4WD, Junction Campground in Abercrombie River National Park is a truly special destination that offers a rewarding sense of remoteness and spectacular natural beauty. As its name implies, the campground is uniquely positioned right at the scenic confluence of the Abercrombie and Tuena Rivers. This large, open, grassy flat provides a magnificent setting for a self-sufficient bush camping experience. The journey into the park is part of the adventure, with unsealed roads and river crossings that require a capable high-clearance vehicle, ensuring that those who arrive are greeted with peace and tranquility, far from any highway noise.

This is a classic back-to-basics campground where nature is the main attraction. The two rivers provide a stunning aquatic playground, perfect for swimming in the deep waterholes, launching a kayak to explore the peaceful waterways, or casting a line in hope of catching some fish. The campground is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats often seen grazing in the clearings, and the air is filled with the sound of native birds. Facilities are minimal, consisting of non-flush toilets and wood barbecues, which means campers must be fully self-contained. You need to bring in all your own drinking water and firewood, and strictly adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principle by taking all your rubbish with you. Surrounded by rugged hills and located in a region steeped in gold rush history, Junction Campground delivers an authentic and memorable Australian bush escape for those equipped to venture off the beaten path.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.95553, 149.31847

Site Information

• Location: Abercrombie River National Park.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: 4WD with high clearance is required. Roads include river crossings and can be impassable after heavy rain.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings may be required on the NPWS website, especially during peak times.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check NPWS guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush (pit/long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire rings.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted in this park.
• Number of sites available: Multiple unmarked sites in a large, open area.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery gear.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is highly recommended for this remote area.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Abercrombie and Tuena Rivers.
• Short walks: Explore along the extensive riverbanks and nearby fire trails.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Goldfields Inn, Tuena (~18 km)
  • Criterion Hotel, Crookwell (~65 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Goldfields Inn, Tuena (~18 km)
  • Cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Crookwell (~65 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic gold rush village of Tuena (~18 km)
  • Wombeyan Caves (~80 km)
  • Abercrombie Caves (~85 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tuena Campground (~18 km)
  • Crookwell Caravan Park (~65 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Grabine Lakeside State Park (low cost) (~70 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Crookwell Showground (~65 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Tuena (check availability/hours) or Crookwell (~65 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Crookwell Visitor Information Centre (~65 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in the village of Tuena (~18 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Southern Tablelands

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days perfect for swimming, with mild evenings. Average temperatures from 14°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. A great time for hiking. Temperatures range from 5°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts and potentially freezing nights. Days are often clear and sunny but cool. Temperatures range from -1°C to 13°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days that can be windy. The landscape is green and wildflowers are in bloom. Temperatures range from 4°C to 22°C.