Fort Grey Campground: Outback Adventure in Sturt National Park

Nestled in the vast, ancient landscape of Sturt National Park, Fort Grey campground offers a genuine outback camping experience in the far north-west corner of New South Wales. This secluded spot serves as an ideal basecamp for explorers venturing to Cameron Corner, where the borders of NSW, Queensland, and South Australia meet. Surrounded by the striking red earth and resilient flora of the desert, the campground provides a profound sense of isolation and tranquillity, far from the hustle of modern life. It’s a place where the silence is broken only by the whisper of the wind through the grey myall trees and the calls of native birdlife.

The campground itself is steeped in history. It sits near the location of one of explorer Charles Sturt’s depot camps from his 1845 expedition to find an inland sea. Today, visitors can walk in his footsteps and appreciate the sheer tenacity required to survive in this arid environment. The site is a short distance from the famous Dingo Fence, the world’s longest fence, which stretches for over 5,600 kilometres. Evenings at Fort Grey are a celestial spectacle; with zero light pollution, the night sky comes alive with a breathtaking display of stars, constellations, and the shimmering arc of the Milky Way, offering an unforgettable stargazing opportunity. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking solitude, Fort Grey delivers an authentic and memorable outback adventure.

Site Information

• Location: Sturt National Park, approximately 130km west of Tibooburra.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and campervans.
• Road Access: Unsealed roads. A 4WD is recommended, especially after rain when roads may close.
• Site Surface: Unsealed dirt/gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings are essential.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally 14 nights. Check with NSW National Parks for specifics.
• Number of Powered Sites: 0
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Multiple unmarked sites available.
• Facilities: Picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues.
• Potable Water: No, you must bring your own drinking and cooking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Not available. Satellite phone recommended for emergencies.
• TV Reception: Not available.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit/composting) toilets.
• Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
• Drive Through Sites: No designated drive-through sites, but area is open.
• Rubbish Bins: No, this is a remote park. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Not permitted. Solid fuel bans are often in place. Use gas or electric barbecues provided.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but restrictions on hours of use apply. Please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Bookings must be made online via the NSW NPWS website.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, cooking supplies, firewood alternative (gas stove), insect repellent, first-aid kit, and vehicle recovery gear.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets and domestic animals are not permitted in Sturt National Park.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Yes, explore the area around the campground and the historic Dingo Fence.

Local Amenities (in Tibooburra)

• Local Pubs: The Family Hotel (~130km), Tibooburra Hotel (~130km).
• Places to Eat: TJ’s Roadhouse (~130km), meals available at local pubs.
• Local Attractions: Cameron Corner (~60km), Sturt National Park scenic drives, Tibooburra Keeping Place (Aboriginal history) (~130km).
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Granites Caravan Park, Tibooburra (~130km).
• Next Free Camps: Various roadside rest areas are available, check local signage. Dead Horse Gully campground (Tibooburra) is another park option.
• Nearest Dump Points: Tibooburra (~130km). Check with the caravan park or local information centre.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Tibooburra (~130km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Tibooburra (~130km).
• Nearest Public Toilets: Tibooburra (~130km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot. Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 40°C. Travel is not recommended during the heat of the day. High chance of thunderstorms.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm to mild days with cooler nights. Generally considered an excellent time to visit with comfortable conditions for exploring.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and sunny days with cold nights, sometimes dropping to freezing. Ideal for hiking and daytime activities.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm days. Wildflower displays can be spectacular after good winter rains. Temperatures begin to climb towards the end of the season.