Barokee Campground – New England National Park

Prepare to be transported to another world at Barokee campground, a breathtaking high-altitude sanctuary set amidst the ancient, moss-covered trees of the New England National Park. This campground is the primary base for exploring the northern section of this World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, offering an immersive experience in a cool, temperate wonderland. The campground is a small, serene clearing surrounded by magnificent old-growth forest, providing a peaceful and intimate setting for self-sufficient campers with tents or small camper trailers. It’s a place of profound quiet, where the air is crisp and clean, and the sounds of lyrebirds and other rainforest creatures echo through the trees.

Barokee campground is a hiker’s dream. It’s just a short drive or a pleasant walk from the famous Point Lookout, which, at over 1,500 metres, offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Australia. On a clear day, the view stretches over a sea of forested valleys and ridges all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Several world-class walking tracks start from this area, taking you through eerie, beautiful forests of ancient Antarctic beech trees, some of which are thousands of years old. This is a classic, back-to-basics national park experience with essential facilities like non-flush toilets and gas barbecues. You must book your site in advance and arrive fully prepared with your own drinking water. The high-altitude climate means it is cold year-round, so warm gear is essential. For a truly unforgettable adventure into a primeval world of stunning views and ancient forests, Barokee is an exceptional camping destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -30.44345, 152.25212

Site Information

• Location: New England National Park, near Ebor.
• Site suitable for: Tents, small camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care. Not suitable for 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 un-powered sites: 15 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, gas/electric barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none at the campground. Service is available at Point Lookout.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Prohibited. Use of provided gas barbecues only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 15 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and wet weather gear, 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 world-class tracks like the Lyrebird Walk and Eagles Nest track starting nearby.

Local Amenities (in Ebor / Dorrigo)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Ebor Hotel Motel (~15 km)
  • The Heritage Hotel, Dorrigo (~40 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Fusspots Cafe, Ebor (~15 km)
  • A good selection of cafes and bakeries in Dorrigo (~40 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Point Lookout (within the park)
  • Ebor Falls (~15 km)
  • Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk (~40 km)
  • Wollomombi Falls (~45 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ebor Fossicker’s Caravan Park (~15 km)
  • Dorrigo Mountain Resort (~40 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Dorrigo Showground (~40 km) or Armidale Showground (~75 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Ebor (~15 km) or Dorrigo (~40 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Ebor or Dorrigo. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Ebor (~15 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England High Country (Dorrigo Plateau)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool nights. This is the wettest time of year with frequent rain and mist. Average temperatures from 14°C to 24°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours of the beech forest are stunning. Temperatures range from 6°C to 19°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and occasional snow. Days are typically cold and may be sunny or misty. Temperatures range from 0°C to 12°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. The forest is vibrant with new growth. Temperatures range from 5°C to 19°C.