Terramungamine Reserve – Free Aboriginal Site Camping Dubbo

Terramungamine Reserve offers a unique camping experience where natural beauty and ancient human history meet on the banks of the Macquarie River. This significant free campground, located just north of Dubbo, is not only a beautiful spot for a riverside stay but is also home to a remarkable piece of Aboriginal heritage. The main feature of the reserve is the Terramungamine grinding grooves, a series of over 150 deep grooves carved into the riverside rocks by the Tubbagah people of the Wiradjuri Nation, used for centuries to shape stone axes and tools. Camping here provides a direct and tangible connection to this ancient history.

The campground itself is a large, peaceful, and shady reserve with plenty of level, grassy sites suitable for all types of setups, from tents to large motorhomes. Being pet-friendly, it’s a wonderful place for the whole family to relax and explore. The Macquarie River provides a beautiful backdrop, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the abundant birdlife. This is a classic self-sufficient bush camp with basic facilities, including non-flush toilets, so campers must bring their own drinking water and be prepared to take their rubbish home. The freedom to have a campfire by the river, combined with the site’s profound cultural significance, makes for a truly special experience. Its close proximity to Dubbo also makes it an incredibly convenient and budget-friendly base from which to visit the world-famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the city’s other attractions. For a stay that is both relaxing and enriching, Terramungamine Reserve is an exceptional choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -32.16861, 148.58525

Site Information

• Location: On the Macquarie River, north of Dubbo.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed access road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles with care.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 24-48 hours. Check local signage.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly in the Macquarie River.
• Short walks: The main walk is to the historic Aboriginal grinding grooves on the riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Dubbo)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Milestone Hotel, Dubbo (~12 km)
  • The Commercial Hotel, Dubbo (~14 km)
  • The Pastoral Hotel, Dubbo (~14 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Dubbo (~14 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Taronga Western Plains Zoo (~10 km)
  • Old Dubbo Gaol (~14 km)
  • Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience (~10 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Discovery Parks – Dubbo (~12 km)
  • BIG4 Dubbo Parklands (~14 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Butlers Falls Reserve, Dubbo (~25 km)
  • Ponto Falls Reserve (~35 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Dubbo Showgrounds (~16 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations on the northern edge of Dubbo (~12 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Dubbo Visitor Information Centre (~14 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Numerous public toilets in parks throughout Dubbo.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central West Slopes / Dubbo Region

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot and often dry. Average temperatures from 19°C to 33°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for fishing and camping. Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts common. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 16°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 9°C to 26°C.