Cascades Campground – Wadbilliga National Park

For the serious 4WD adventurer seeking a true wilderness immersion, Cascades campground is a spectacular and rewarding destination hidden deep within the rugged, World Heritage-listed Wadbilliga National Park. This is a campground that must be earned. The journey in is a significant undertaking, requiring a high-clearance 4WD to navigate the very steep, winding, and often challenging Tuross Falls Road, which includes several river crossings. This demanding access ensures that the campground remains a pristine and profoundly peaceful sanctuary for the well-prepared. The campground itself is a beautiful, grassy clearing set in a deep, forested valley on the banks of the magnificent Tuross River, offering a handful of secluded sites for tents and rugged off-road camper trailers.

The main attraction is the awe-inspiring natural environment. A short walk from the campground leads to the magnificent Tuross Falls, where the river plunges dramatically into the gorge below. The river itself is a paradise, with a series of huge, crystal-clear swimming holes and cascades that are simply irresistible on a summer’s day. This is a classic, back-to-basics bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets and fire pits. You must be completely self-reliant, bringing in every single supply, including all your drinking water and firewood, and you must pack out all your rubbish. The sense of isolation is immense, and the reward is a night sky ablaze with stars and the constant, soothing sound of the river. For a challenging, beautiful, and unforgettable off-grid adventure, Cascades campground is a premier destination for the experienced explorer.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -36.22363, 149.51852

Site Information

• Location: Wadbilliga National Park, between Cooma and the coast.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: 4WD with high clearance and low range is essential. The track is very steep, rough, and includes river crossings. Impassable after rain.
• Site surface: Natural grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 15 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB is essential.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 15 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with a snorkel and full recovery gear.
• All drinking and washing water for your entire stay.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential for this remote area.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing, as it’s in a high-altitude area.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Possible in the Tuross River. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: The main attraction is the walking track to Tuross Falls and the cascades.

Local Amenities (Nearest are in Cooma / Nimmitabel)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Federal Hotel, Nimmitabel (~55 km)
  • The Alpine Hotel, Cooma (~75 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Cooma (~75 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Nimmitabel (~55 km) and Cooma (~75 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Tuross Falls (on site)
  • The historic town of Nimmitabel (~55 km)
  • Snowy Mountains Hydro Discovery Centre, Cooma (~75 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nimmitabel Caravan Park (~55 km)
  • Cooma Snowy Mountains Tourist Park (~75 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cooma Showground (~75 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Nimmitabel (~55 km) or Cooma (~75 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Cooma. You must arrive at the park fully supplied with water for your entire trip.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Nimmitabel (~55 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Monaro High Country / South Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool evenings. Perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 13°C to 26°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent snow. Road closures are very common. Temperatures range from -2°C to 12°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still possible. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures range from 5°C to 19°C.