Mary Flynn Campground, Bruinbun NSW
For the dedicated 4WD enthusiast and self-sufficient camper, Mary Flynn Campground is a spectacular free camping spot that offers a true journey into the heart of NSW’s gold rush past. Located on the legendary Bridle Track, this remote campground is set in a beautiful, grassy clearing on the banks of the Turon River. It’s a place of profound peace and rugged beauty, accessible only to those with a high-clearance 4WD capable of tackling the challenging terrain and river crossings of this historic track. This exclusivity ensures a quiet and authentic bush experience for all who make the rewarding journey.
This is a completely primitive, back-to-basics camp where self-reliance is not just recommended, it’s essential. There are no facilities whatsoever—no toilets, no bins, no tables, and no tap water. Visitors must be fully equipped to be self-contained and must adhere to a strict ‘leave no trace’ philosophy by taking all rubbish with them. A portable toilet is a must-have. The campground is wonderfully pet-friendly, allowing dogs to enjoy the riverside freedom alongside their owners. The main attraction is the Turon River itself, which offers beautiful, clear swimming holes and excellent opportunities for trout fishing and gold fossicking, harking back to the area’s gold rush heyday.
The campground’s location on the Bridle Track makes it a perfect stopover for those traversing this iconic route between Bathurst and Hill End. It’s surrounded by the ghosts of the 1850s, with remnants of old mines and settlements scattered throughout the rugged landscape. Evenings are made for a campfire, with the sound of the flowing river and the vast, starry sky creating an unforgettable outback atmosphere. For a free, rugged, and historically rich riverside adventure, Mary Flynn Campground is an exceptional choice for the well-prepared explorer.
Site Information
- Location: In a remote valley on the Turon River, accessed via the Bridle Track.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: High-clearance 4WD access only via the steep, narrow, and challenging Bridle Track. Not suitable for caravans. Roads are impassable in the wet. Multiple river crossings required.
- Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard practice.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A number of small, undefined spots.
Facilities
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive bush camp.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device is essential.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet and take all waste with you.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be very considerate of the quiet environment.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Absolutely everything, including water, toilet, shower, power, food, rubbish bags, firewood, and 4WD recovery gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be under control.
- Fishing: Good fishing for trout and other species in the Turon River.
- Short Walks: Excellent for unmarked bushwalking and exploring along the river and old gold mining areas.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel, Hill End (approx. 20 km via 4WD track)
- The Royal Hotel, Sofala (approx. 35 km via 4WD track)
- Places to Eat: The nearest reliable options are the pubs in Hill End or Sofala. Major supermarkets are in Bathurst.
- Local Attractions:
- The historic, living museum town of Hill End
- The Bridle Track 4WD route
- Gold fossicking in the Turon River
- The extensive gold rush history of the region
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Hill End Ranch (Glendora)
- Village campground, Hill End (NPWS)
- Next Free Camps: Other remote sites along the Bridle Track such as Turon Crossing Reserve.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Bathurst.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Hill End (check hours). The nearest reliable fuel is in Bathurst. Essential to carry spare fuel.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Bathurst.
- Public Toilets: The nearest are in Hill End.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot. The river is perfect for cooling off. High fire danger period. Temperatures average 12°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with stunning autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, nights are cool. Ideal for 4WDing. Temperatures average 5°C to 21°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often crisp and sunny, but nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Snow is possible on the higher peaks. Tracks can be very slippery and dangerous. Temperatures range from -1°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season as the countryside is green and vibrant. Weather can be variable. River levels can be high. Temperatures average 4°C to 21°C.