Camp Wambelong – Warrumbungle National Park Group Camping

Camp Wambelong is the dedicated group camping area in the magnificent Warrumbungle National Park, providing an exceptional base for school excursions, clubs, and large family gatherings. Set in a beautiful, expansive clearing near the park’s entrance, this campground is perfectly equipped to handle larger numbers while still offering an immersive experience in the heart of Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. The campground is surrounded by the park’s iconic volcanic skyline and is teeming with friendly wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, making it a fantastic outdoor classroom and a memorable adventure for all ages.

The facilities at Camp Wambelong are designed specifically for groups, featuring a large, sheltered camp kitchen, electric barbecues, and modern amenity blocks with hot showers and flush toilets. This level of comfort makes organising a large-scale camping trip straightforward and enjoyable. The campground’s location is ideal for exploring the park’s main attractions. It’s just a short drive from the trailheads for the world-famous Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk, allowing groups to easily undertake one of Australia’s best day hikes. Of course, the real magic happens after dark. As a designated Dark Sky Park, the Warrumbungles offer an unparalleled stargazing experience, and the open spaces of Camp Wambelong provide a perfect, natural amphitheatre for astronomy nights and observing the cosmos. For an educational, comfortable, and awe-inspiring group adventure in a world-class natural setting, Camp Wambelong is the perfect choice.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -31.27946, 148.97769

Site Information

• Location: Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran.
• Site suitable for: Tents. Designed for large group bookings.
• Road access: Sealed road access. Suitable for all 2WD vehicles and buses.
• Site surface: 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: 4 large, unmarked group areas.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, electric barbecues, camp kitchen, 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: Not permitted. Use of provided electric barbecues only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 4 group sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Sturdy hiking boots for the walking tracks.
• Binoculars or a telescope for stargazing.
• Warm clothing for cold nights, regardless of the season.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: A primary hiking destination with access to all the park’s major trails.

Local Amenities (in Coonabarabran)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Imperial Hotel, Coonabarabran (~33 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Coonabarabran (~33 km)
  • Coonabarabran Bowling Club (~33 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide selection of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Coonabarabran (~33 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre (~2 km)
  • Siding Spring Observatory (~18 km)
  • Warrumbungle Observatory (~28 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Camp Blackman (for individual/family bookings) (~2 km)
  • Coonabarabran Caravan Park (~33 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Coonabarabran Showground (~33 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Coonabarabran (~33 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (boil first). Otherwise, Coonabarabran.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets also available at the Visitor Centre (~2 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.