Woolshed Flat Campground – Cocoparra National Park

For adventurous campers seeking a true outback experience, Woolshed Flat campground offers a rugged and remote escape in the heart of Cocoparra National Park. This secluded campground is a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in a dramatic and ancient landscape. The journey into the park sets the scene, with the vast plains of the Riverina giving way to the striking, forested slopes of the Cocoparra Range. The campground itself is a simple, peaceful clearing set in a natural amphitheatre of hills, providing a beautiful and sheltered spot for a back-to-basics camping adventure. The sites are unpowered and unmarked, perfect for self-sufficient travellers with tents, swags, or off-road camper trailers.

The main appeal of Woolshed Flat is its role as a trailhead for some of the park’s best walks. From here, you can tackle the scenic Jacks Creek walking track or the more challenging Falcon Falls and Woolshed Falls tracks, which lead you through rugged gorges and woodland to seasonal waterfalls. The park is a designated Important Bird Area, making the campground a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, with chances to spot turquoise parrots, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos, and wedge-tailed eagles. As a remote destination, self-sufficiency is key. The campground provides only the most basic facilities, including non-flush toilets and wood barbecues. You must bring all your own drinking water and firewood, and strictly adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principle by packing out all rubbish. For a memorable trip into the rugged heart of the Riverina, Woolshed Flat delivers an authentic and rewarding bush experience.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -34.08147, 146.22128

Site Information

• Location: Cocoparra National Park, north of Griffith.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed roads. 2WD accessible in dry weather, but 4WD is recommended as roads can be rough and corrugated.
• Site surface: Dirt and sparse grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 10 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking 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, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 10 sites.

Essentials to Bring

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

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: This is a primary hiking destination with several excellent tracks.

Local Amenities (in Yenda / Griffith)

• Local Pubs:
  • Yenda Hotel, Yenda (~25 km)
  • The Area Hotel, Griffith (~40 km)
  • The Victoria Hotel, Griffith (~40 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Yenda’s local pub and club (~25 km)
  • An extensive range of restaurants, pubs, and clubs in Griffith, famous for its Italian cuisine (~40 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Cocoparra National Park lookouts and walking trails.
  • Griffith’s winery cellar doors (e.g., De Bortoli, McWilliam’s) (~35 km)
  • Cocoparra National Park, a designated Important Bird Area
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Yenda Caravan Park (~25 km)
  • Griffith Tourist Caravan Park (~40 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lake Wyangan, Griffith (~35 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Griffith Showgrounds (~40 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Yenda (~25 km) or multiple major stations in Griffith (~40 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Griffith Visitor Information Centre (~40 km). Arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Yenda (~25 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Hiking is best done very early.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for hiking and camping. Temperatures range from 12°C to 29°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Days are typically cool but sunny. Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The park is vibrant with wildflowers after rain. Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C.