Beardy Waters Heritage Park – Free Camping Glen Innes

Beardy Waters Heritage Park is a fantastic free campground that offers a perfect blend of high country scenery, riverside tranquility, and easy access to the charming town of Glen Innes. Located just off the New England Highway, this spacious reserve is set on the beautiful, grassy banks of the Beardy Waters, a major tributary of the Severn River. The campground is a huge, open area with plenty of large, flat sites, making it an ideal spot for all types of camping setups, including big rigs and large caravans. The abundance of mature gum trees provides ample shade, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to relax and unwind.

The river is the main attraction, offering a lovely backdrop and great opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a refreshing dip on a warm day. The reserve is proudly pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and play. This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp with basic but functional facilities, including non-flush toilets and picnic tables. Campers need to bring their own drinking water and be prepared to take their rubbish with them. The freedom to have a campfire under the brilliant, clear New England sky is a major highlight for many visitors. Its close proximity to Glen Innes, the ‘Celtic Capital of Australia’, makes it an excellent and budget-friendly base for exploring the town’s unique attractions, such as the famous Australian Standing Stones and the Land of the Beardies History House Museum. For a convenient, pet-friendly, and scenically beautiful stopover, Beardy Waters is a top-tier choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.66293, 151.77648

Site Information

• Location: On the Beardy Waters river, 10km north of Glen Innes.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed highway access. Easy for all 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 24-48 hours.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, picnic tables, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayak or canoe.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Beardy Waters is popular.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Glen Innes)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Great Central Hotel, Glen Innes (~10 km)
  • The New England Club Hotel, Glen Innes (~10 km)
  • Royal Hotel, Glen Innes (~10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide selection of pubs, cafes, clubs, and bakeries in the historic town of Glen Innes (~10 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes (~12 km)
  • Land of the Beardies History House Museum, Glen Innes (~10 km)
  • Gawura Gallery, Glen Innes (~10 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Fossicker Caravan Park, Glen Innes (~10 km)
  • Glen Rest Tourist Park, Glen Innes (~10 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Various rest areas on the New England Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Glen Innes Showground (~11 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Glen Innes (~10 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre (~10 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in the parks in Glen Innes (~10 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England High Country

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days with cool nights, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 16°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Mild, sunny days and crisp, cold nights. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts and occasional snow. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days that can be windy. The landscape is covered in wildflowers. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.