Ebor Sport And Rec Free Camp | Waterfall Way High Country Stopover

Perched high in the spectacular New England High Country, the Ebor Sport and Recreation Ground offers travellers a fantastic and incredibly scenic free camping experience. Located in the small village of Ebor, right on the iconic Waterfall Way tourist drive, this community-provided campground is a perfect base for exploring some of Australia’s most dramatic gorge country and cascading waterfalls. The grounds are spacious and grassy, providing a welcoming spot for all types of campers, from those in self-contained caravans and motorhomes to tents and camper trailers. It’s a place that perfectly captures the spirit of high-country adventure.

The main attraction of staying in Ebor is its immediate proximity to breathtaking natural wonders. The magnificent, multi-tiered Ebor Falls is just a couple of minutes down the road, with accessible viewing platforms offering stunning vistas. The campground is also sandwiched between two incredible national parks: Guy Fawkes River National Park to the north and Cathedral Rock National Park to the south, both offering incredible hiking, photography, and wildlife-spotting opportunities. The campground itself, while basic, provides essential facilities for a comfortable night’s rest in a true alpine environment. The local Ebor Falls Hotel provides a classic country pub experience for a hearty meal and a chance to chat with locals. Given its high altitude (over 1,300 metres), campers should come prepared for cool conditions year-round. For a free, perfectly located base to explore the very best of the Waterfall Way, the Ebor Sport and Rec Ground is an unbeatable choice.

Campground Details

• Name: Ebor Sport And Rec Free Camp
• Address: Waterfall Way, Ebor NSW 2453
• Website: Not applicable. This is a community facility for travellers.
• GPS Coordinates: -30.40767, 152.34611

• Location: In the high-altitude village of Ebor, directly on the scenic Waterfall Way.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road access directly from the main road.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted. Please respect the area and leave a donation if a box is provided.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Typically 24-48 hours.
• Number of Powered Sites: None. This is an unpowered camp.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Ample informal sites are available.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes, some tables may be available.
• Potable Water: A tap may be available, but it’s always recommended to bring your own drinking water or boil/treat any water taken.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. Telstra offers the best chance of service, but it can be patchy.
• TV Reception: Unreliable due to the remote, high-altitude location.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are generally provided. Please use them correctly or take your rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Use contained cooking appliances only.
• Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours.

Activities & Important Information

• Essentials to Bring: Warm clothing and bedding year-round, as Ebor is one of the coldest places in NSW. All food supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be on a leash. They are not permitted in the adjacent national parks.
• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing is a major attraction in the rivers and streams of the Ebor area. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: The main walks are at the Ebor Falls viewing platforms, a very short drive away.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Places to Eat

• Ebor Falls Hotel: The iconic local pub, offering meals, drinks, and a warm fire in winter, approx. 1 km.
• Fusspots Cafe: A popular local cafe for coffee, cakes, and light meals, approx. 1 km.
• Further options are available in Dorrigo (approx. 60 km east) or Armidale (approx. 80 km west).

Local Attractions

• Ebor Falls: A spectacular multi-level waterfall on the Guy Fawkes River, with excellent lookouts.
• Guy Fawkes River National Park: Offers stunning gorge views, particularly from Point Lookout.
• Cathedral Rock National Park: Features dramatic granite tors and challenging rock-scrambling hikes.
• Waterfall Way: The scenic drive itself, linking Armidale and Coffs Harbour, is one of Australia’s best tourist drives.

Camping & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks: The next closest options are located in Dorrigo or Armidale.
• Next Free Camps: This is the main free camp in the area. Other options include rest areas along the Waterfall Way.
• Nearest Dump Points: The nearest public dump points are in Dorrigo or Armidale.
• Nearest Petrol Station: A service station is available in Ebor.
• Drinking Water Resupply: It is safest to plan to resupply in Dorrigo or Armidale.
• Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Toilets are on site, but flush toilets are also at the Ebor Falls picnic area.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Ebor is in an alpine climate zone. It is very high and can be extremely cold. Always be prepared for sudden weather changes.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Can be wet.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The area is known for beautiful morning fogs.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold. Days are chilly, and nights are frequently well below freezing with severe frosts. Snowfall is common.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and often windy, with the landscape becoming green and wildflowers appearing.