Bellbird Campground, Gibraltar Range National Park Camping

Immerse yourself in the ancient, World Heritage-listed wilderness at Bellbird campground, a tranquil haven nestled deep within the Gibraltar Range National Park. True to its name, the air here is filled with the distinctive, chiming call of bell miners, providing a constant, melodic soundtrack to your stay. This small, secluded campground offers a genuine escape, placing you right at the heart of a magnificent landscape of subtropical rainforest, towering eucalypts, and dramatic granite outcrops. It’s an ideal base for bushwalkers and nature lovers eager to explore the park’s extensive network of trails, which cater to all fitness levels.From the campground, you have direct access to some of the park’s most rewarding walks. The easy stroll along the Coombadjha creek walk is a must-do, leading you through lush rainforest filled with strangler figs, tree ferns, and vibrant birdlife. For a more challenging adventure, the trail to The Needles offers breathtaking panoramic views across the park’s rugged terrain. The campground’s proximity to Platypus Flats, just a short drive or walk away, provides a wonderful opportunity for a swim in the clear, cool waters of the Dandahra Creek. The campground itself is rustic and intimate, with unmarked sites scattered through a grassy clearing, ensuring a peaceful and back-to-nature experience.As a remote bush camp, Bellbird requires a degree of self-sufficiency. Campers must bring their own drinking water and firewood, although gas and wood barbecues are provided for cooking. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, including non-flushing toilets and picnic tables. As night falls and the stars emerge, the sense of isolation is profound. The crackle of a campfire and the sounds of the forest create a magical atmosphere. For those seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wild, Bellbird campground is a perfect choice, offering a serene and authentic Australian bush camping experience.

Site Details

• Location: Gibraltar Range National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small campervans.
• Road access: Access is via the Gwydir Highway, then onto the unsealed Coombadjha Track. The road is suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather, but caution is advised.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes. Bookings are required and can be made online via the NSW NPWS website. Park entry fees apply.
• Maximum overnight stays: Subject to NSW NPWS booking rules.
• Number of powered sites: 0
• Number of un-powered sites: 10 unmarked sites.

Facilities & Rules

• Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood and gas/electric barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: No. There is no mobile phone reception in this area.
• TV reception: No.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, pit toilets.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump points are in Glen Innes or Grafton.
• Drive through sites: No.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
• Open fires: Permitted in provided wood barbecues only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted at this campground.
• Number of sites available: 10 unmarked sites.

Activities & Notes

• Essentials to bring: All drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, warm clothing (it can get cold year-round), and insect repellent.
• Pet friendly: No. Pets and domestic animals are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: No.
• Short walks: Coombadjha creek walk, The Needles walk. Many other trails are accessible within the park.

Local Amenities

This is a remote campground. The nearest towns with full services are Glen Innes (approx. 95 km west) and Grafton (approx. 100 km east).

• Nearest Pubs:
  • Great Central Hotel, Glen Innes (approx. 95 km)
  • Jacaranda Hotel, Grafton (approx. 100 km)
  • The Australian Hotel, Glen Innes (approx. 95 km)
• Places to Eat: Numerous options for cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Glen Innes and Grafton.
• Local Attractions:
  • Mulligans Hut and walking tracks
  • Platypus Flats picnic and swimming area
  • Dandahra Falls lookout
  • Washpool National Park (adjacent)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Fossicker Caravan Park, Glen Innes (approx. 95 km)
  • BIG4 Big River Holiday Park, Grafton (approx. 100 km)
• Next Free Camps: Limited options. Some rest areas along the Gwydir Highway may be suitable for overnight stops.
• Nearest Dump Points: Glen Innes Showground or Grafton public dump points.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Glen Innes or Grafton. It is essential to have a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at service stations or visitor information centres in Glen Innes or Grafton.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Public parks in Glen Innes and Grafton.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The campground is in a high-altitude area and experiences a cool, temperate climate. Be prepared for cold weather, especially at night.

• Summer (December – February): Days are warm but rarely hot, with cool nights. This is the wettest time of year, with frequent rain and thunderstorms.
• Autumn (March – May): Typically mild, clear days and cool to cold nights. A fantastic time for hiking.
• Winter (June – August): Cold. Days are often crisp and sunny but cool, and nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Snowfall is rare but possible.
• Spring (September – November): Mild days with cool nights. A great time to see wildflowers and wildlife.