Acacia Flat Campground – Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains

Acacia Flat is one of the most iconic and rewarding destinations for serious bushwalkers in Australia, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience in the heart of the Blue Mountains National Park. This is not a campground for the casual visitor; it is a remote, hike-in only sanctuary nestled on the floor of the magnificent Grose Valley. The journey to get here is a significant and challenging adventure, typically involving a very steep descent from Perrys Lookdown. The demanding trek ensures that those who arrive are greeted with an unparalleled sense of peace and isolation, surrounded by the dramatic, towering sandstone cliffs of the valley.

The campground itself is a beautiful, primitive clearing on the banks of the Grose River, located right next to the legendary Blue Gum Forest—a majestic, pure stand of towering Eucalyptus deanei that was famously saved from logging by bushwalkers in the 1930s. Camping here is a back-to-basics experience, with facilities limited to non-flush toilets. You must be completely self-sufficient, carrying in all your gear, food, and a reliable water treatment system for river water. The reward is a profound connection to nature. Days are spent exploring the valley’s network of tracks, swimming in the cold, refreshing waters of the Grose River, and simply absorbing the incredible atmosphere. For experienced, well-prepared hikers, a night at Acacia Flat is a bucket-list adventure and the ultimate Blue Mountains wilderness experience.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -33.61528, 150.35334

Site Information

• Location: Grose Valley, Blue Mountains National Park.
• Site suitable for: Tents only. This is a remote, hike-in only campground.
• Road access: None. Access is via a very steep 2-3 hour walking track (e.g., from Perrys Lookdown).
• 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: 30 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. You must treat water from the Grose River before use.
• 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: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 30 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A full hiking pack with lightweight camping gear.
• A reliable water filter or purification tablets.
• A fuel stove for cooking.
• Rubbish bags to carry out all waste.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) and first-aid kit are essential.
• Topographic map and compass/GPS.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: This is a primary destination for serious, multi-day bushwalking through the Grose Valley.

Local Amenities (at Blackheath – Trailhead access)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Gardners Inn Hotel, Blackheath (~10 km from trailhead)
  • The New Ivanhoe Hotel, Blackheath (~10 km from trailhead)
• Places to Eat:
  • An excellent selection of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Blackheath (~10 km from trailhead).
• Local Attractions:
  • Perrys Lookdown and Anvil Rock Lookout (at the trailhead).
  • Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, Blackheath (~12 km from trailhead).
  • The historic village of Blackheath (~10 km from trailhead).
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Blackheath Glen Tourist Park (~11 km from trailhead)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Old Ford Reserve, Megalong Valley (~30 km drive from trailhead).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • At Katoomba Waste Management Facility (~20 km from trailhead).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Blackheath (~10 km from trailhead).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Blackheath. You must carry all water needed for your hike.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The nearest off-trail toilets are in Blackheath.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Blue Mountains (High Country & Valley)

• Summer (December – February): Hot in the valley, with cooler temperatures on the escarpment. High risk of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 15°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts common in the valley. Snow can fall on the escarpment. Days are typically cool but clear. Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C.