Little River Fossicking Reserve – Free Gold Camping, Porters Retreat

Step into a page from Australia’s gold rush history at the Little River Fossicking Reserve, a fantastic and adventurous free campground for self-sufficient campers. Tucked away in the high country near Porters Retreat, this beautiful reserve is set on the banks of the picturesque Little River, a designated area where the public is welcome to try their hand at fossicking for alluvial gold. The journey into the campground is part of the experience, requiring a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle to navigate the steep, unsealed access tracks and creek crossings. This ensures the reserve remains a peaceful and secluded destination for those seeking a true bush escape.

The campground consists of several beautiful, grassy clearings along the river, providing plenty of space for tents and off-road camper trailers to find a private spot. The main activity, of course, is fossicking. The river’s shallows and banks are the perfect place to swirl a pan and dream of finding a nugget, making it a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. Beyond the gold fever, the river offers beautiful, clear swimming holes and opportunities for trout fishing. This is a classic back-to-basics camp with no facilities at all, so you must be completely self-reliant with your own toilet and water, and pack out everything you bring in. Being a Crown Land reserve, it is also wonderfully pet-friendly. For a rugged, historic, and fun-filled adventure, the Little River Fossicking Reserve is a top-tier choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.99487, 149.78922

Site Information

• Location: On the Little River, off the Abercrombie Road.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: 4WD with high clearance is required. Tracks are steep, unsealed, and involve creek crossings. Impassable after rain.
• Site surface: Natural grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB is essential.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: No. You must be fully self-contained with a portable toilet.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for the peaceful environment.
• Number of sites available: Multiple unmarked sites along the river.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery gear.
• Your own portable toilet and shower setup.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Gold pan, sieve, and other fossicking equipment.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential for this remote area.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, trout fishing in the Little River. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful riverbanks and surrounding bushland. The main activity is fossicking.

Local Amenities (in Oberon)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Oberon (~45 km)
  • The Oberon Hotel (~45 km)
  • Oberon RSL Club (~45 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Oberon (~45 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Jenolan Caves (~40 km)
  • Kanangra-Boyd National Park (~30 km, also 4WD)
  • Mayfield Garden, Oberon (~50 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jenolan Caravan Park, Oberon (~40 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Black Range Camping Ground, Jenolan State Forest (~40 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Oberon Showground (~45 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Oberon (~45 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Oberon. You must arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are in Oberon (~45 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Blue Mountains High Country (Alpine)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool to cold nights. Weather can change rapidly. Average temperatures from 12°C to 25°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 4°C to 19°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent heavy snowfall. Road closures are common. Temperatures range from -3°C to 9°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still possible. Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C.