Burralow Creek Campground – Blue Mountains National Park

For a truly magical 4WD adventure that feels a world away from Sydney, Burralow Creek campground is a spectacular destination. Nestled deep in a secluded valley on the edge of the Blue Mountains National Park, this beautiful free campground is famous for its magnificent grove of mature radiata pines that create a cathedral-like canopy over the main camping area. The journey in is a key part of the experience, requiring a 4WD to navigate the steep, winding, and unsealed Burralow Road, which includes a causeway crossing over the creek. This adventurous access ensures the campground remains a peaceful and rewarding destination for self-sufficient campers.

The campground itself is a vast, beautiful, grassy flat, providing numerous secluded sites amongst the pines and along the banks of the pristine Burralow Creek. It’s a paradise for families and nature lovers, with the creek offering beautiful, clear swimming holes perfect for a cooling dip on a hot summer’s day. This is a classic, back-to-basics bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets and fire pits. You must be completely self-reliant, bringing in all your own water and supplies, and taking all your rubbish with you when you leave. The freedom to find your own private spot, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and wake up to the sounds of bellbirds in this incredible forest setting makes Burralow Creek a top-tier destination for a rugged and memorable bush escape.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -33.55635, 150.60407

Site Information

• Location: Blue Mountains National Park, near Kurrajong Heights.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: 4WD with high clearance is essential. The track is steep, unsealed, and includes a creek crossing. Impassable after heavy rain.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas with pine needles.
• Camping permitted: Yes, this is a free campground, but bookings are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 50 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• 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: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: 50 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 recommended for this remote area.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Possible for bass in the creek.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful creek banks and surrounding 4WD trails.

Local Amenities (in Kurrajong / Richmond)

• Local Pubs:
  • The City View Hotel, North Richmond (~25 km)
  • The Royal Richmond Hotel, Richmond (~30 km)
  • The Plough and Harrow, Kurrajong Heights (~20 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An excellent selection of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Kurrajong (~18 km) and North Richmond (~25 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic towns of Richmond and Windsor.
  • The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah (~25 km).
  • The Hawkesbury River.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Wheeny Creek Campground (another free, 2WD accessible camp) (~15 km)
  • Active Holidays – BIG4 Hawkesbury, Windsor (~35 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Wheeny Creek Campground (~15 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • At Richmond Lowlands, near the Polo grounds. Check with Hawkesbury Council.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Kurrajong Heights (~20 km) or North Richmond (~25 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • North Richmond or Windsor. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in the towns of Kurrajong and Richmond.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lower Blue Mountains / Hawkesbury

• Summer (December – February): Hot and often humid, perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 19°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for camping and hiking. Temperatures range from 13°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is common in the valley. Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is full of wildflowers. Temperatures range from 11°C to 24°C.