Olney Headquarters – Watagans State Forest Camping NSW

Steeped in forestry history, the Olney Headquarters campground is the central hub and one of the largest camping areas in the beautiful Olney State Forest. As the site of a former forestry workers’ camp, this expansive, open, and grassy area offers a fantastic free camping experience with a unique sense of heritage. Surrounded by magnificent native forest, it provides a peaceful and accessible base for exploring the vast Watagans Mountains. Its size and open nature make it ideal for larger groups and all types of camping setups, from simple tents to caravans. A key attraction for many visitors is the pet-friendly policy, which allows dogs to join in on the forest adventure.

Olney Headquarters is perfectly positioned for discovery. It’s located at a central junction of the forest’s road network, providing a great starting point for venturing out to the numerous walking tracks, picnic areas like the Boarding House Dam, and the extensive 4WD trails the Watagans are famous for. This is a classic, self-sufficient camping spot where you can enjoy the simplicity of the bush. The facilities are basic, comprising non-flush toilets and wood fire pits, so campers must be fully self-reliant. This means bringing all your own drinking water and taking every piece of rubbish with you when you depart. The opportunity to have a campfire under the vast, starry sky in a serene forest setting is a major highlight. For a convenient, pet-friendly, and completely free basecamp for a weekend of forest exploration, Olney Headquarters is an excellent and popular choice.

• Website: Forestry Corporation – Olney State Forest
• GPS Coordinates: -33.06254, 151.33194

Site Information

• Location: Olney State Forest, in the Watagans Mountains.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy area.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines, typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a very large area.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy shoes for walking tracks.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: Close to The Pines and Rock Lily walking tracks. Central to many 4WD trails.

Local Amenities (in Wyee/Morisset)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Wyee Hotel (~20 km)
  • The Bay Hotel, Bonnells Bay (~25 km)
  • Morisset Country Club (~28 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Wyee’s local shops and pub (~20 km)
  • A wide range of restaurants and clubs in Morisset (~28 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Pines Picnic Area and walking trail (within the State Forest)
  • The Boarding House Dam Picnic Area (within the State Forest)
  • TreeTops Adventure Park, Wyong Creek (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie, Morisset (~28 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Pines Campground (within Olney State Forest)
  • Casuarina Camping Area (within Olney State Forest)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Morisset Showground (~28 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Wyee (~20 km) or Morisset (~28 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Service stations or supermarkets in Wyee or Morisset. Arrive fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in the town of Wyee (~20 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and humid, with high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 19°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and pleasant evenings. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool and often damp, with cold nights. The rainforest areas are particularly lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is alive with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 11°C to 25°C.