Chaelundi Campground | Guy Fawkes River National Park NSW
Immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of the Gondwana Rainforest at Chaelundi Campground, a remote and peaceful haven tucked away in the eastern precinct of Guy Fawkes River National Park. This secluded bush camp is a paradise for nature lovers and self-sufficient campers seeking to escape the crowds and reconnect with the wild. Set in a grassy clearing surrounded by towering old-growth forest, the campground offers a genuine sense of solitude and tranquillity. Wildlife is abundant here; you’re likely to share the space with inquisitive wallabies, pademelons, and a symphony of native birdlife. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and wood barbecues, ensuring a comfortable base for your adventures. From the campground, you have direct access to some of the park’s most spectacular walking trails. The Chaelundi Bluff walking track is a must-do, leading you through magnificent stands of coachwood and crabapple to the breathtaking Chaelundi Lookout, which offers awe-inspiring panoramic views over the rugged Guy Fawkes River valley. For more experienced hikers, the two-day Escarpment walk provides an unforgettable journey along the river gorge. Due to its remote location, campers must be completely self-sufficient, bringing all their own water, food, and supplies. Access via Misty Creek Road involves unsealed surfaces and can be challenging for 2WD vehicles, especially after rain, so a 4WD is highly recommended. The journey is part of the adventure, taking you deep into a World Heritage-listed landscape. For those prepared to go the extra mile, Chaelundi Campground rewards with pristine natural beauty, profound quiet, and an authentic Australian bush camping experience.
Chaelundi campground
Misty Creek Road, The Gulf NSW 2365
- Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
- Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS)
- GPS Coordinates: -30.0687, 152.33506
Campsite Information
- Location: Guy Fawkes River National Park. Remote eastern section.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers. Caravans and large motorhomes not recommended due to access.
- Road Access: Unsealed roads (Misty Creek Rd). 4WD recommended, especially in wet weather. Check NPWS alerts before travel.
- Site Surface: Grass, natural ground.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings essential via NPWS website. Park entry fees may apply.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: As per booking.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 10 undefined sites.
- Facilities: Non-flush (pit/long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water for drinking and cooking.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. Be prepared for no reception.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets.
- Ullage / Dump Point: No.
- Drive Through Sites: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you (Leave No Trace).
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided barbecues, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: 10 sites available for booking.
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food supplies, booking confirmation, firewood, rubbish bags, first-aid kit.
- Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in National Parks.
- Fishing: No.
- Short Walks: Yes, Chaelundi Bluff walking track and Lucifer’s Thumb walking track start from the campground.
Local Amenities (Nearest services are in Dorrigo, ~65-70km)
- Local Pubs:
- The Dorrigo Hotel (The Top Pub): Approx. 68km
- Places to Eat:
- Cafes, bakeries, and hotel bistro in Dorrigo: Approx. 68km
- Local Attractions:
- Dorrigo Rainforest Centre & Skywalk: Approx. 65km
- Dangar Falls: Approx. 70km
- Cathedral Rock National Park: Approx. 90km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Dorrigo Mountain Holiday Park: Approx. 66km
- Next Free Camps:
- The Platypus Flat campground (Nymboi-Binderay NP, requires further travel): Approx. 60km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Dorrigo Showground, Dorrigo: Approx. 67km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Service stations in Dorrigo: Approx. 68km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Dorrigo Showground or ask at service stations in Dorrigo.
- Public Toilets:
- Located in the main street of Dorrigo: Approx. 68km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Chaelundi Area
The campground is at a high elevation, leading to a cooler, wetter climate than the coast. Weather can change rapidly.
- Summer (December – February): Warm and humid with a high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Days are pleasant but nights can be cool.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild, clear days and cool nights. A very popular time to visit.
- Winter (June – August): Cold. Days are often crisp and sunny, but nights are very cold with frequent frosts. Snow is possible but rare.
- Spring (September – November): Cool to mild. Wildflowers are a feature, but weather can be variable.