Ben Halls Campground – Weddin Mountains National Park Camping

Immerse yourself in the legends of the Australian bush at Ben Halls Campground, a historic site nestled in the beautiful Weddin Mountains National Park. This intimate and rustic campground provides a more secluded alternative to Holy Camp and boasts the unique advantage of being the direct starting point for the walk to Ben Hall’s Cave, the legendary hideout of the infamous bushranger. Camping here feels like stepping back in time, with the rugged, ironbark-clad mountains that once sheltered Hall and his gang providing a dramatic backdrop to your stay. The campground itself is a charming, open clearing, perfect for those with tents or camper trailers seeking a quiet and authentic bush experience.

The main drawcard is undoubtedly the short but fascinating walk to the cave. This trail leads you through native woodland to a large rock overhang and cavern that offered a perfect vantage point and shelter for the bushrangers. Beyond this historic walk, the campground is a fantastic location for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, with kangaroos, wallabies, and goannas frequently seen in and around the campsite. As with other campgrounds in the park, this is a self-sufficient camping experience. You’ll find basic amenities like non-flush toilets and wood barbecues, but you must bring your own drinking water and firewood. A strict ‘leave no trace’ policy is in effect, meaning all rubbish must be taken with you. For history buffs, hikers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape with a great story to tell, Ben Halls Campground offers a direct and memorable connection to Australia’s wild colonial past.

• Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• GPS Coordinates: -33.9065, 147.95042

Site Information

• Location: Weddin Mountains National Park, on the western side.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small campervans.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge. No bookings required.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check NPWS guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, wood barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Unlikely. Very limited to none.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: A small number of unmarked sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy shoes for walking to the cave.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The primary walk is the trail to Ben Hall’s Cave.

Local Amenities (in Grenfell)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Albion Hotel, Grenfell (~25 km)
  • Criterion Hotel, Grenfell (~25 km)
  • Exchange Hotel, Grenfell (~25 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in the historic Main Street of Grenfell (~25 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Holy Camp and the Weddin Gap walking trail (on the eastern side of the park)
  • Grenfell’s historic streetscape and silo art (~25 km)
  • Henry Lawson’s Birthplace and Monument (~18 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Grenfell Caravan Park (~25 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Holy Camp (within the same National Park)
  • Company Dam, Grenfell (~28 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Grenfell Showground (~26 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Grenfell (~25 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Grenfell Visitor Information Centre (~25 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Vaughan Park, Grenfell (~25 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central West Slopes

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot and often dry. Hiking is best done early in the morning. Average temperatures from 18°C to 34°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, generally considered the best time for hiking. Temperatures range from 9°C to 28°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts common. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is at its greenest and wildflowers are abundant. Temperatures range from 8°C to 26°C.