Gwydir River Free Camping Area, Bingara

The Gwydir River Free Camping Area in Bingara is rightfully hailed as one of Australia’s premier free camps, offering a magnificent blend of natural beauty, fantastic facilities, and unbeatable convenience. This enormous reserve stretches for several kilometres along the lush, shaded banks of the Gwydir River, providing an incredible array of camping options for every type of traveller. Whether you have a small tent or the largest of motorhomes, the vast, flat, grassy areas ensure you can find the perfect spot to set up camp. You can choose a prime waterfront location for easy access to fishing and kayaking, or a more secluded site back amongst the beautiful, mature trees for extra shade and privacy.

This is a place that truly celebrates the outdoor lifestyle. The river itself is a major drawcard, offering excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly, and its calm waters are ideal for swimming and paddling. The entire reserve is exceptionally pet-friendly, making it a social hub for travellers with dogs. For a free, council-run facility, the amenities are outstanding, with several toilet blocks and a dedicated dump point available. The campground’s greatest strength is its seamless integration with the charming town of Bingara. A scenic riverside walking path connects the reserve directly to the town centre, making it a pleasant stroll to the local IGA, bakery, or one of the classic country pubs. This encourages campers to support the very community that provides this wonderful free facility. For a long, relaxing, budget-friendly stay in a stunning, pet-friendly environment with all the perks of town at your doorstep, the Gwydir River Free Camping Area at Bingara is simply unbeatable.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.85854, 150.58259

Site Information

• Location: On the Gwydir River, adjacent to the town of Bingara.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road access. Easy for all 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 14 days, check local signage.
• Facilities: Toilets, dump point, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Excellent.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• 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: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayak, canoe, or swimming gear.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Gwydir River.
• Short walks: A beautiful riverside walk leads directly into the town of Bingara.

Local Amenities (in Bingara)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Sportsmans Hotel (~2 km)
  • The Imperial Hotel (~2 km)
  • Bingara RSL Club (~2 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A fantastic selection of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and clubs in Bingara’s main street (~2 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Roxy Theatre & Greek Museum (~2 km)
  • The Living Classroom (~3 km)
  • Bingara Historical Museum (~2 km)
  • Fossicking for gemstones in the area.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bingara Riverside Caravan Park (adjacent, for powered sites)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cranky Rock Nature Reserve (~45 km, fees apply)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Onsite at the campground.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Bingara (~2 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: North West Slopes

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot and often dry. Perfect for river activities. Average temperatures from 20°C to 34°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for exploring. Temperatures range from 11°C to 28°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with frequent frosts. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 11°C to 27°C.