Camp Blackman – Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park Camping

Prepare for an astronomical adventure at Camp Blackman, the premier and most popular campground in the magnificent Warrumbungle National Park. This is a truly special destination, located in the heart of Australia’s first and only Dark Sky Park, offering some of the most spectacular stargazing opportunities in the world. But the wonders aren’t just reserved for the night. By day, the campground is surrounded by the breathtaking, jagged volcanic landscape of the Warrumbungles, a haven for hikers, photographers, and wildlife lovers. The campground itself is a huge, sprawling area with numerous loops and clearings, offering a wide variety of unpowered and powered sites suitable for every setup, from tents to large caravans.

Camp Blackman is the main hub for exploring the park’s world-class walking tracks. It’s the primary starting point for the iconic Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk, considered one of the best day hikes in Australia. The area is teeming with native wildlife; it’s virtually guaranteed you’ll be sharing your campsite with friendly kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, while colourful parrots fill the air with sound. The facilities are exceptional for a national park, with modern amenity blocks providing hot showers, flush toilets, and electric barbecues, making for a very comfortable stay. Bookings are absolutely essential, as this is a very popular spot year-round. For a unique holiday that combines incredible hiking, abundant wildlife, and a universe of stars, Camp Blackman is an unmissable Australian experience.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -31.27708, 148.99781

Site Information

• Location: Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Sealed road access. Suitable for all 2WD vehicles and caravans.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of powered sites: 5 powered sites available.
• Number of un-powered sites: Over 100 unpowered sites.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, electric barbecues, wood barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available but boiling is recommended.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. A public payphone is available at the Visitor Centre.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated wood barbecue facilities only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 120 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own firewood if you wish to use the wood barbecues.
• Sturdy hiking boots for the walking tracks.
• Binoculars or a telescope for stargazing.
• Warm clothing, as nights can be very cold even in summer.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: A primary hiking destination with numerous world-class tracks, including the Breadknife and Grand High Tops.

Local Amenities (in Coonabarabran)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Imperial Hotel, Coonabarabran (~35 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Coonabarabran (~35 km)
  • Coonabarabran Bowling Club (~35 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide selection of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Coonabarabran (~35 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre (on site)
  • Siding Spring Observatory (~20 km)
  • Warrumbungle Observatory (~30 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Coonabarabran Caravan Park (~35 km)
  • John Oxley Caravan Park, Coonabarabran (~35 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Coonabarabran Showground (~35 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Coonabarabran (~35 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (boil first). Otherwise, Coonabarabran.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets also available in the main street of Coonabarabran (~35 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Warrumbungle Region (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cooler nights. High risk of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 16°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool to cold nights. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 7°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and occasional light snow. Days are typically cool, crisp, and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The park is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 7°C to 25°C.