Flat Rock Picnic Area – Free Camping at O’Connell

Flat Rock Picnic Area is one of the most beloved free campgrounds in the NSW Central Tablelands, offering a stunning and accessible riverside escape for all types of campers. Located on a magnificent, wide, grassy flat beside the beautiful Fish River, this reserve is just a short drive from the historic village of O’Connell. Its combination of serene natural beauty, easy access, and pet-friendly policy makes it an incredibly popular destination, especially on weekends and holidays. The campground is a massive, open area with plenty of room for everything from tents to the largest of big rigs to find a perfect spot, either in the sun or under the shade of the lovely riverside trees.

The main attraction is the Fish River itself. The ‘flat rock’ that gives the area its name creates a natural causeway and a series of beautiful, clear, and shallow pools, making it an idyllic and safe spot for families and pets to splash and swim on a warm day. The river is also a renowned trout stream, attracting keen anglers to its banks. This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp with basic but functional non-flush toilets provided. Campers must bring all their own drinking water and be prepared to take their rubbish with them. The freedom to have a campfire, the beautiful scenery, and the friendly, social atmosphere make this a truly special place. Its location between the major centres of Bathurst and Oberon also makes it a perfect, budget-friendly base for exploring the wider region’s attractions, from Mount Panorama to Mayfield Garden. For a fantastic and family-friendly riverside getaway, Flat Rock is a top-tier choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.54801, 149.79193

Site Information

• Location: On the Fish River, at O’Connell, between Bathurst and Oberon.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road almost to the entrance, then a short, well-maintained unsealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short to medium stays are the norm.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV reception: Possible with a good setup.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers due to the large space.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear (trout) and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayaks, canoes, or pool floats for the river.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Fish River.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive riverbank and through the reserve.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • O’Connell Hotel (~5 km)
  • The Dudley Hotel, Bathurst (~25 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Oberon (~30 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • O’Connell Hotel (~5 km)
  • An extensive range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Bathurst (~25 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic village of O’Connell (~5 km)
  • Mount Panorama Racing Circuit, Bathurst (~28 km)
  • National Motor Racing Museum, Bathurst (~28 km)
  • Mayfield Garden, near Oberon (~35 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park (~25 km)
  • Jenolan Caravan Park, Oberon (~30 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Reef Reserve, Oberon (~30 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bathurst Showground (~26 km)
  • Oberon Showground (~30 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Bathurst (~25 km) and Oberon (~30 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bathurst or Oberon. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in O’Connell (~5 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Tablelands

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cool evenings, perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 15°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours in the region are spectacular. Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 13°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C.