Woolbrook Free Camp Area – New England Highway

The Woolbrook Free Camp Area is a true gem of the New England Highway, offering travellers an exceptionally comfortable and scenic place to rest and recharge. Located at the old sports and recreation ground in the quiet village of Woolbrook, this magnificent, community-supported campground is set on the beautiful banks of the Macdonald River. It’s a huge, sprawling reserve with vast, flat, grassy areas, making it perfect for all types of camping setups, from tents to the largest motorhomes and big rigs. Its reputation for excellent facilities, combined with its beautiful setting, makes it one of the most popular and highly-regarded free camps in the state.

For a free (donation-based) camp, the amenities are simply outstanding. The well-maintained block offers the rare and welcome luxury of clean flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers, providing a level of comfort that is a huge drawcard for travellers. The Macdonald River, which borders the campground, is a beautiful spot for a swim, a paddle in a kayak, or for trying your luck fishing for trout. The entire reserve is pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and play. The campground’s location, just off the highway, makes it an incredibly convenient stopover between Tamworth and Armidale. The small village of Woolbrook, with its classic country pub, is just a short stroll away, encouraging campers to support the local community that provides such a fantastic facility. For a comfortable, convenient, pet-friendly, and budget-friendly stay in the heart of the beautiful high country, the Woolbrook Free Camp is an absolute must-visit.

• GPS Coordinates: -30.96488, 151.34701

Site Information

• Location: At the Woolbrook Recreation Ground, on the Macdonald River.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, a donation is requested.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 72 hours.
• Facilities: Hot showers (coin-operated), flush toilets, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, a tap is available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• 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

• Donation cash for the honesty box.
• Coins for the hot showers.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, trout fishing in the Macdonald River is popular.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the river and into the small village.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Apsley Arms Hotel, Walcha (~30 km)
  • Walcha Royal Cafe & Accommodation (~30 km)
  • The Commercial Hotel, Tamworth (~60 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Walcha (~30 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic town of Walcha, with its Open Air Gallery of sculptures (~30 km)
  • Apsley Falls, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park (~50 km)
  • The country music capital of Tamworth (~60 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Walcha Caravan Park (~30 km)
  • Paradise Tourist Park, Tamworth (~60 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Bendemeer Camping Ground (~35 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Walcha Showground (~30 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Walcha (~30 km) or Tamworth (~60 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England High Country

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days with cool nights, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 15°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Mild, sunny days and crisp, cold nights. Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts and occasional snow. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days that can be windy. The landscape is covered in wildflowers. Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C.