Cathedral Reserve Camping Grounds, Mount Wilson

Cathedral Reserve offers a truly magical camping experience, immersing you in the unique, cool-climate beauty of the historic village of Mount Wilson in the upper Blue Mountains. This wonderful, free (donation-based) campground is set in a vast, open, and grassy parkland surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees and the area’s famous exotic gardens. It’s a hugely popular destination for self-sufficient campers, offering a peaceful and scenic high-country escape. The reserve is large enough to accommodate all types of setups, from tents to large caravans, with plenty of level ground and both sunny and shady spots to choose from.

The main attraction of a stay here is the incredible natural and cultivated beauty of Mount Wilson. The campground is just a short, beautiful walk from the ‘Cathedral of Ferns’, a stunning natural amphitheatre of lush, green tree ferns that creates a magical, prehistoric atmosphere. The village itself is a living museum of 19th-century English-style gardens, many of which are open to the public during spring and autumn, showcasing a breathtaking display of seasonal colour. This is a classic, back-to-basics bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets, so you must be self-reliant with your own water and power. The reserve is also pet-friendly, a rare bonus in the Blue Mountains. The high altitude means nights are cold year-round, making a campfire an essential and delightful part of the experience. For a peaceful, pet-friendly, and stunningly beautiful high-country getaway, Cathedral Reserve is a top-tier destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.50206, 150.39035

Site Information

• Location: In the village of Mount Wilson, upper Blue Mountains.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access, though the final approach is narrow. Drive with caution.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, a donation is requested.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 14 days, check local signage.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited. Some Telstra service is patchy.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Donation cash for the honesty box.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing, as nights are cold year-round.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The main attraction is the walk to the Cathedral of Ferns. The village itself is beautiful to walk around.

Local Amenities (in Mount Victoria / Blackheath)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Imperial Hotel, Mount Victoria (~20 km)
  • The Gardners Inn Hotel, Blackheath (~25 km)
  • The New Ivanhoe Hotel, Blackheath (~25 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good selection of cafes and bakeries in Mount Victoria (~20 km) and Blackheath (~25 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The Cathedral of Ferns (on site)
  • The magnificent private gardens of Mount Wilson (seasonal opening).
  • The village of Mount Irvine.
  • Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, Blackheath (~25 km).
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Blackheath Glen Tourist Park (~25 km)
  • Katoomba Falls Tourist Park (~35 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Old Ford Reserve, Megalong Valley (~45 km).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • At Katoomba Waste Management Facility (~38 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mount Victoria (~20 km) or Blackheath (~25 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mount Victoria or Blackheath. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Mount Victoria (~20 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Blue Mountains (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Weather can change rapidly. Average temperatures from 14°C to 26°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular and the main tourist season. Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent snow. Road closures are possible. Temperatures range from 0°C to 11°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy. The spring gardens are a major attraction. Temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C.