Long Point Campground – Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

For the intrepid hiker seeking a truly wild and unforgettable adventure, Long Point campground is a spectacular destination deep within the rugged heart of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. This is not a campground for the casual visitor; it is a remote, walk-in only site that rewards the self-sufficient adventurer with breathtaking scenery and profound solitude. The journey begins at the car park, from where a 750-metre walk brings you to the campground, a serene and primitive clearing set in the high country bushland. This isolation ensures an authentic wilderness experience, far from the sounds of civilisation, where your only companions are the resident wildlife and the vast, starry sky.

The main purpose of a stay at Long Point is to tackle the park’s challenging and incredibly scenic walking tracks. The campground is the starting point for the demanding Long Point Circuit, which descends deep into the Chandler River gorge. This is a serious undertaking for experienced, well-prepared bushwalkers, but the rewards are immense, with incredible views and a chance to experience the raw power of the gorge country up close. The nearby lookouts offer jaw-dropping vistas across the winding river and sheer cliff faces. This is a classic back-to-basics bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets and fire pits. You must carry in every single item you need, including all your water, food, and cooking equipment, and you must carry out all your rubbish. The high-altitude location means nights are cold year-round. For an immersive and challenging hike-in camping experience in one of NSW’s most dramatic landscapes, Long Point is a premier choice.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -30.66622, 151.93677

Site Information

• Location: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, east of Armidale.
• Site suitable for: Tents only. This is a walk-in campground (750m from car park).
• Road access: Long, unsealed roads. 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but 4WD is recommended.
• Site surface: Natural 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: 10 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. You must carry in all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB is essential for hiking.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 10 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A hiking pack with all your camping gear.
• All drinking water for your entire stay.
• Rubbish bags to carry out all waste.
• Your own firewood.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) and first-aid kit, especially for the gorge walk.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: A primary destination for experienced hikers tackling the Long Point and Chandler River gorge tracks.

Local Amenities (in Hillgrove / Armidale)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Welder’s Dog, Armidale (~50 km)
  • The Whitebull Hotel, Armidale (~50 km)
  • Tattersalls Hotel, Armidale (~50 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The village of Hillgrove has very limited services.
  • A wide variety of pubs, restaurants, cafes, and takeaway shops in Armidale (~50 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Long Point and Chandler River lookouts (on site)
  • The historic mining village of Hillgrove and its museum
  • Wollomombi Falls (in the same National Park) (~30 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Armidale Tourist Park (~50 km)
  • Highlander Van Village (~52 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Armidale Showground (~52 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Armidale (~50 km). Arrive with a full tank.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Armidale. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied with all water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Armidale (~50 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England High Country / Gorge Country

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days with cool nights, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Hiking can be strenuous. Average temperatures from 15°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and crisp, cold nights. Ideal for hiking. 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.