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Mulloon Creek Campground – Tallaganda NP Camping, NSW

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Mulloon Creek Campground | Tallaganda NP Camping, NSW

Deep within the rugged highlands of Tallaganda National Park lies Mulloon Creek campground, a remote sanctuary for those seeking a genuine, back-to-basics bush experience. This is not your typical family holiday park; it’s a rustic, free campground that serves as a vital stop for adventurers tackling the famous Bicentennial National Trail. Accessible only by 4WD, trail bike, foot, or horseback, the journey to Mulloon Creek is part of the appeal, winding through tall eucalypt forests and promising true seclusion from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The campground itself is a simple, grassy clearing nestled beside the gentle Mulloon Creek, offering a peaceful atmosphere for the self-sufficient camper.The primary visitors here are horse riders and long-distance hikers who use the site’s horse yards and open space to rest and recuperate. It’s a place where stories of the trail are shared around a campfire under a brilliant, starry sky, far from any light pollution. The surrounding Tallaganda National Park is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and a diverse range of birdlife frequently spotted. The air is crisp and clean, filled with the scent of eucalyptus and the sound of the wind in the trees. Activities are simple and nature-focused: exploring the nearby fire trails, taking a refreshing dip in the creek on a warm day, or simply sitting back and soaking in the profound tranquility of the remote Australian bush.

Mulloon Creek is a completely self-sufficient campground. While there is a pit toilet, campers must bring everything else they need, including drinking water, firewood, and cooking equipment. There are no bins, so a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy is in effect to preserve the pristine environment. Access can be challenging and is weather-dependent, so checking park alerts on the NSW National Parks website before departure is essential. For the prepared 4WD tourer, hiker, or equestrian, Mulloon Creek campground offers an authentic and rewarding escape into the wild.

★★★★☆ (3.8 stars)

Mulloon Creek campground
Mulloon Firetrail, Palerang NSW 2622

Website: NSW National Parks – Mulloon Creek
Phone number: 1300 072 757 (National Parks Contact Centre)
GPS Coordinates: -35.43791, 149.57015

Site Details

  • Location: Tallaganda National Park, on the Southern Tablelands, east of Canberra.
  • Site suitable for: Tents, swags. It is also a designated campsite for horse riders. Not suitable for caravans or camper trailers.
  • Road access: 4WD only. Access is via unsealed forest roads and fire trails, which can be steep, rough, and slippery when wet. Check park alerts before visiting.
  • Site surface: Grass and natural earth.
  • Camping permitted: Yes. Camping is free and no bookings are required.
  • Maximum overnight stays: Check with NSW NPWS for park-specific stay limits.
  • Number of powered sites: 0
  • Number of un-powered sites: Several unmarked, unpowered sites.

Facilities & Rules

  • Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilet, horse yard.
  • Picnic tables: No.
  • Potable water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water. Creek water must be boiled/treated before use.
  • Mobile phone coverage: No. There is no mobile phone coverage in this remote area. A PLB is essential.
  • TV reception: No.
  • Onsite public toilets: Yes, one pit toilet.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump point is likely in Braidwood or Queanbeyan.
  • Drive through sites: No.
  • Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
  • Open fires: Permitted in existing fire pits only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
  • Generator use: Not recommended due to the peaceful nature of the site.
  • Number of sites available: Multiple unmarked sites.

Activities & Notes

  • Essentials to bring: All drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, portable stove, first-aid kit, topographic map, compass, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
  • Pet friendly: No, pets are not permitted in Tallaganda National Park.
  • Fishing: Unlikely in Mulloon Creek.
  • Short walks: Explore the numerous fire trails, including the Bicentennial National Trail which passes through the campground.

Local Amenities

The nearest towns with services are Braidwood (approx. 35-40 km) and Bungendore (approx. 40-45 km) via slow forest roads.

  • Nearest Pubs:
    • The Royal Mail Hotel, Braidwood (approx. 35 km)
    • The Lake George Hotel, Bungendore (approx. 40 km)
    • The Carrington Inn, Bungendore (approx. 40 km)
  • Places to Eat: Good selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in both Braidwood and Bungendore.
  • Local Attractions:
    • Bicentennial National Trail
    • 4WD touring and trail bike riding
    • Historic towns of Braidwood and Bungendore
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Braidwood Showground (approx. 35 km)
    • Bungendore Showground (approx. 40 km)
  • Next Free Camps:
    • Berlang Campground in Deua National Park (further south).
  • Nearest Dump Points: Braidwood Showground or Queanbeyan.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Braidwood and Bungendore.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available in Braidwood and Bungendore.
  • Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Public parks in Braidwood or Bungendore.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Located in the high country of the Southern Tablelands, the weather can be extreme and change quickly. Always be prepared for cold conditions.

  • Summer (December – February): Days are warm to hot, but can have cool changes. Nights are generally cool. High fire danger period.
  • Autumn (March – May): Typically clear, calm, and cool days, ideal for hiking. Nights become very cold.
  • Winter (June – August): Very cold. Days are crisp, and nights frequently drop below freezing with heavy frosts. Snowfall is common.
  • Spring (September – November): Cool to mild. A beautiful time with wildflowers, but weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain and even late-season snow.

 

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