Paddy’s Flat Camping Area, Clarence River

Paddy’s Flat is an iconic destination for adventurous campers, offering a spectacular and rugged free camping experience on the mighty Upper Clarence River. This vast reserve is a true bush paradise, perfect for self-sufficient 4WD enthusiasts, keen anglers, and those looking to try their hand at gold fossicking. The journey along the scenic Paddys Flat Road is an adventure in itself, with multiple concrete causeway crossings over the river. This makes a high-clearance 4WD the vehicle of choice and ensures the area remains a peaceful and uncrowded haven. The campground consists of numerous large, grassy flats spread out along the river, providing an abundance of private and picturesque sites under the shade of massive river oaks.

This is a place steeped in history and natural beauty. The area is a designated public fossicking reserve, and the river’s gravel beds are a great place to swirl a pan in search of a speck of gold. The river itself is the main attraction, with its crystal-clear water, deep swimming holes, and gentle rapids perfect for a lilo or kayak. It’s also renowned for its world-class Eastern Cod and bass fishing. As a classic back-to-basics free camp, facilities are limited to non-flush toilets, so you must be fully self-contained. This means bringing your own water and taking all your rubbish with you. The reserve is wonderfully pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and swim. For a genuine off-grid adventure in a breathtaking location, Paddy’s Flat is a legendary choice for the well-prepared camper.

• GPS Coordinates: -28.71823, 152.41921

Site Information

• Location: On the Clarence River, along Paddys Flat Road, north of Tabulam.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers, high-clearance caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed roads with multiple concrete river crossings. 4WD with good clearance is highly recommended. Impassable after heavy rain.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB or satellite phone is essential.
• TV reception: None.
• 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 the peaceful environment.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive area.

Essentials to Bring

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

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Eastern Cod (catch and release) and Bass. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful and rugged riverbanks. The main activities are 4WDing, fossicking, and fishing.

Local Amenities (in Drake / Tabulam)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Lunatic Hotel, Drake (~25 km)
  • Tabulam Hotel (~35 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The pubs and local stores in Drake (~25 km) and Tabulam (~35 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The scenic Paddys Flat Road 4WD route.
  • The historic gold rush village of Drake (~25 km).
  • Bald Rock National Park (~50 km).
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tabulam Caravan Park (~35 km).
• Next Free Camps:
  • Rocky River, Drake (~25 km).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Tenterfield Showground (~65 km) or Casino Showgrounds (~90 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Drake (~25 km) or Tabulam (~35 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Tenterfield or Casino. You must arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Drake (~25 km) or Tabulam (~35 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Northern Rivers Hinterland (High Country)

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms, making river crossings dangerous. Average temperatures from 19°C to 31°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for camping and paddling. Temperatures range from 13°C to 27°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is possible. Great for campfires. Temperatures range from 5°C to 19°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures range from 11°C to 26°C.