Brushy Mountain Campground – Werrikimbe National Park

For a truly immersive wilderness experience, Brushy Mountain campground offers an incredible escape into the heart of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Located deep within the remote and rugged Werrikimbe National Park, this high-altitude campground is a paradise for serious hikers and self-sufficient 4WD adventurers. The journey in along steep, unsealed forest roads is an adventure in itself, rewarding those who make the trip with profound peace and spectacular natural beauty. The campground is a serene, grassy clearing set amongst ancient, moss-covered Antarctic beech and towering eucalypt forests, offering a handful of secluded sites perfect for tents and off-road camper trailers.

This is a hiker’s dream destination. The campground is the main trailhead for several of the park’s best walks, including the beautiful Rainforest loop walk and the more challenging tracks to King’s Lookout or the Forbes River. These trails take you through an enchanting, primeval world of giant tree ferns, cascading streams, and a rich diversity of birdlife, including the elusive lyrebird. This is a classic, back-to-basics bush camp; facilities are limited to non-flush toilets and fire pits. You must be completely self-reliant, bringing in all your own supplies, including every drop of water, and you must pack out all your rubbish. The high altitude means the weather can be cool and misty even in summer, and nights are always cold, making a campfire an essential part of the experience. For a challenging, rewarding, and truly off-grid adventure into one of Australia’s most significant natural landscapes, Brushy Mountain is an exceptional choice.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -31.14652, 152.36092

Site Information

• Location: Werrikimbe National Park, west of Port Macquarie.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: Steep, unsealed forest roads. 4WD is strongly recommended. Roads can be closed after heavy rain.
• Site surface: 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: 10 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• 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: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 10 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery gear.
• All drinking and washing water for your entire stay.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential for this remote area.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and wet weather gear.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: A primary hiking destination with the Rainforest loop, King’s Lookout track, and others starting here.

Local Amenities (in Wauchope / Walcha)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Hastings Hotel, Wauchope (~75 km)
  • The Apsley Arms Hotel, Walcha (~85 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Wauchope (~75 km)
  • A good selection of cafes and pubs in Walcha (~85 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Gondwana Rainforest walks (on site)
  • Timbertown Heritage Theme Park, Wauchope (~75 km)
  • Apsley Falls, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park (~70 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Wauchope Showground (~75 km)
  • Walcha Caravan Park (~85 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Bluff Campground, Mount Boss State Forest (also 4WD) (~40 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wauchope Showground (~75 km)
  • Walcha Showground (~85 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Wauchope (~75 km) or Walcha (~85 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Wauchope or Walcha. You must arrive at the park fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Wauchope or Walcha.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast Hinterland (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm and often wet, with frequent mist and rain. Average temperatures from 15°C to 25°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The forest colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with heavy frosts and occasional light snow. Days are typically cold but can be clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days that can be windy and changeable. The rainforest is bursting with life. Temperatures range from 8°C to 21°C.