The Diggings Campground – Free Turon River Gold Fossicking

Immerse yourself in Australian gold rush history at The Diggings, an iconic and hugely popular free campground on the legendary Turon River. This was the site of one of the country’s first major gold rushes in the 1850s, and today it offers a fantastic, back-to-basics camping experience where you can try your own luck panning for gold. The campground is a vast, sprawling reserve set in a beautiful, wide valley, with the Turon River running right through the middle. It offers an enormous number of campsites on both sides of the river, with huge, flat, grassy areas perfect for every kind of setup, from tents to the largest of big rigs.

The main attraction for many is the chance to find a fleck of gold. The river’s shallows and banks are a designated public fossicking area, and it’s a wonderful and engaging activity for the whole family. Beyond the gold fever, the river provides beautiful, clear swimming holes perfect for a cooling dip on a hot day, and it’s also a great spot for fishing and kayaking. Being a State Forest, the campground is proudly pet-friendly, with acres of space for dogs to run and swim. The facilities are basic, with non-flush toilets provided, so campers must be self-sufficient. The freedom to find a private spot by the river, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and wake to the sounds of the bush makes The Diggings a top-tier destination for a classic, budget-friendly Aussie camping adventure.

• Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• GPS Coordinates: -33.18384, 149.95323

Site Information

• Location: On the Turon River, in Turon State Forest.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed roads with several river crossings. 2WD accessible with extreme care in dry conditions, but high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended. Impassable after rain.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines, typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• 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 other campers due to the large space.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared vehicle (4WD recommended).
• Gold pan, sieve, and other fossicking equipment.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, trout and other species can be caught in the Turon River. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the extensive riverbanks and surrounding hills. The main activity is fossicking.

Local Amenities (in Sofala / Capertee)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Sofala (~25 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Capertee (~30 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The pubs and a cafe in Sofala (~25 km) and Capertee (~30 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic gold rush town of Sofala (~25 km)
  • The Capertee Valley, a world-renowned birdwatching destination.
  • Gardens of Stone National Park (~60 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • A private caravan park is located in Sofala (~25 km).
• Next Free Camps:
  • Sunny Corner Recreation Reserve (~40 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Lake Wallace, Wallerawang (~55 km)
  • Lithgow Showground (~70 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Capertee (~30 km) or Lithgow (~70 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Lithgow or Bathurst. You must arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Sofala (~25 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Tablelands (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cool evenings, perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 16°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Light snow on the highest peaks is possible. Days are typically cool but clear. Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.