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Sunny Corner Recreation Reserve Camping – Historic Goldfields & Forest Escape

Step back in time and immerse yourself in a true Australian bush camping experience at the Sunny Corner Recreation Reserve. Located in the heart of the Sunny Corner State Forest, this primitive free camp is set amidst the fascinating remnants of what was once a bustling silver mining town. It’s a perfect destination for self-sufficient campers, 4WD enthusiasts, and history buffs who appreciate a rustic, back-to-nature setting over modern conveniences. The campground is a large, open, grassy area surrounded by pine and native forest, offering a profound sense of peace and seclusion.

The charm of Sunny Corner lies in its raw, undeveloped character and rich history. The area is a playground for explorers, with a network of forest trails perfect for 4WDing, trail biking, and bushwalking. You can spend your days searching for old mine shafts and relics from the 19th-century silver rush, or try your hand at fossicking for gold and gems in the designated areas. The reserve provides a genuine connection to the environment, where the main attractions are the crackle of a campfire, the rustle of wildlife in the surrounding forest, and the brilliant canopy of stars in the clear night sky. While facilities are minimal, the major centres of Bathurst and Lithgow are within a reasonable driving distance for supplies. For a free, adventurous, and historically rich escape, the Sunny Corner Recreation Reserve is an exceptional choice.

Sunny Corner Recreation Reserve – NSW Map

Campground Details

Name: Sunny Corner Recreation Reserve
Address: 1077 Bathurst Street, Sunny Corner NSW 2795
Website: Managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW. Information is available on their website.
GPS Coordinates: -33.38781, 149.89232

Location: In the Sunny Corner State Forest, between Lithgow and Bathurst in the Central Tablelands.
Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans. Access can be difficult for large 2WD rigs, especially after rain.
Road Access: Access is via unsealed state forest roads, which can be rough in places.
Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt, can be uneven.
Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the Forestry Corporation website, but short stays are standard.
Number of Powered Sites: None.
Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous informal sites are available.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes, some basic tables are available.
Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. Do not rely on it.
TV Reception: Unlikely.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic long-drop toilets are on site.
Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strictly “leave no trace” area. You must take all rubbish out with you.
Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the quiet natural environment.

Activities & Important Information

Essentials to Bring: All food and drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, portable shower, toilet paper, and a first-aid kit.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome in NSW State Forests but must be under control at all times.
Fishing: Possible in nearby creeks and dams.
Short Walks: Excellent opportunities for bushwalking, exploring the historic mining area, and 4WDing on forest trails.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Places to Eat

The Royal Hotel Portland: A classic country pub with meals, approx. 20 km.
The Coronation Hotel Portland: Another popular pub in the historic town of Portland, approx. 20 km.
Extensive options in Lithgow: Numerous pubs, clubs, and restaurants are available in the major centre of Lithgow, approx. 35 km.

Local Attractions

Sunny Corner Historic Area: Explore the remnants of the old silver mining town.
Fossicking: Designated fossicking areas are located within the state forest.
Glow Worm Tunnel: A spectacular disused railway tunnel home to thousands of glow worms, near Lithgow.
Zig Zag Railway: A historic scenic railway currently undergoing restoration, near Lithgow.

Camping & Services

Nearest Caravan Parks: Commercial caravan parks are available in Lithgow and Bathurst.
Next Free Camps: This is a major free camp. Other options are at Lake Wallace in Wallerawang.
Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available at Lithgow and Bathurst Showgrounds.
Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Portland, with 24/7 options in Lithgow and Bathurst.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available in Lithgow or Bathurst.
Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available in the towns of Portland, Lithgow, or Bathurst.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Sunny Corner is at a high altitude in the Central Tablelands and experiences a cold climate. Always be prepared for sudden changes.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days but the nights are often cool due to the altitude.
Autumn (Mar-May): Days are mild and sunny, nights become crisp and cold. A beautiful time for bushwalking.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold. Days are chilly, and nights are severely frosty, dropping well below zero. Snowfalls are common.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and often windy, but the forest comes alive with wildflowers.