Budds Mare Campground | Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Camping

>Perched on the dramatic precipice of the Apsley River Gorge, Budds Mare campground is a destination for the true adventurer. Located deep within the rugged wilderness of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, this remote campground is strictly for experienced, self-sufficient campers with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. The journey in is part of the experience, navigating a challenging trail that rewards you with absolute seclusion and some of the most awe-inspiring gorge views in New South Wales. This is not a place you stumble upon; it’s a destination you earn, and the prize is a profound sense of solitude amidst the vast, ancient landscape of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage area.The campground itself is a basic, open clearing surrounded by dry eucalypt forest. The facilities are minimal—a simple pit toilet and a couple of picnic tables—placing the focus firmly on the magnificent natural surroundings. From the nearby lookout, the ground drops away into the staggering depths of the gorge, revealing a panorama of sheer cliffs and the winding path of the river far below. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise and sunset when the gorge walls are painted in spectacular colours. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with wedge-tailed eagles often seen soaring on the thermal updrafts from the valley.Camping at Budds Mare requires meticulous preparation. There is no water and no mobile phone reception, so visitors must bring everything they need, including ample water, food, and emergency communication devices like a personal locator beacon (PLB). Due to its high elevation on the New England Tablelands, weather conditions can change rapidly, and nights are cold even in summer, with winter bringing heavy frosts and the possibility of snow. For those properly equipped, a stay at Budds Mare is an unforgettable experience—a chance to disconnect completely and witness the raw, untamed beauty of one of Australia’s most impressive national parks.

Site Details

• Location: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, New England Tablelands.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers. Not suitable for caravans or 2WD vehicles.
• Road access: Strictly 4WD only. The Budds Mare Trail is a steep, narrow, and challenging unsealed track. A high-clearance 4WD is essential. The track is impassable in wet weather.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes. Camping is free, but bookings are required online. Park entry fees apply.
• Maximum overnight stays: Subject to NSW NPWS booking rules.
• Number of powered sites: 0
• Number of un-powered sites: 5 unmarked sites.

Facilities & Rules

• Facilities: Basic. Non-flushing (pit) toilet, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes, a few are available.
• Potable water: No. This is a critical point. You must bring all your own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
• Mobile phone coverage: No. An emergency communication device (e.g., PLB or satellite phone) is highly recommended.
• TV reception: No.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, one pit toilet.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump point is in Walcha.
• Drive through sites: No.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood. Do not collect firewood from the park.
• Generator use: Permitted, but be considerate of the quiet environment and other campers.
• Number of sites available: 5 unmarked sites.

Activities & Notes

• Essentials to bring: A well-maintained high-clearance 4WD, all water supplies, food, firewood, warm clothing, and emergency communications.
• Pet friendly: No. Pets and domestic animals are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: No.
• Short walks: A short walk from the campground leads to the spectacular Budds Mare lookout, offering panoramic views of the gorge.

Local Amenities

This is a very remote campground. The nearest town with full services is Walcha (approx. 70 km, allow at least 1.5 – 2 hours driving time).

• Nearest Pubs:
  • New England Hotel, Walcha (approx. 70 km)
  • Walcha Road Hotel, Walcha Road (approx. 80 km)
  • Commercial Hotel, Walcha (approx. 70 km)
• Places to Eat: Cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Walcha.
• Local Attractions:
  • Apsley Falls (located closer to Walcha on the Oxley Highway)
  • Other lookouts within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
  • Walcha’s Open Air Gallery of Sculptures
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Walcha Caravan Park (approx. 70 km).
• Next Free Camps: Other remote NPWS sites in the region. There are no nearby free camps suitable for standard vehicles.
• Nearest Dump Points: Walcha Showground (check for public access).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Walcha. It is essential to have a full tank of fuel before heading to the campground.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Walcha.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Public parks in Walcha.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The campground is at high altitude and experiences four distinct seasons. Be prepared for cold weather at any time of year.

• Summer (December – February): Days are warm to hot, but can be cool. Nights are generally cool. Thunderstorms are common.
• Autumn (March – May): Typically clear, sunny days and cool to cold nights. A beautiful time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold. Days are crisp and cool, and nights regularly drop well below freezing. Heavy frosts are guaranteed, and snow is possible.
• Spring (September – November): Mild days with cool nights. Weather can be unpredictable.