Coonabarabran Golf Club, Coonabarabran NSW
Perfectly positioned as the gateway to the stars and the rugged beauty of the Warrumbungles, the Coonabarabran Golf Club offers a classic, friendly, and wonderfully convenient camping experience. Located in the “Astronomy Capital of Australia,” this club provides travellers with a spacious and peaceful base, just a stone’s throw from the town centre. It’s a fantastic example of country hospitality, welcoming campers to its large, level, grassy areas that offer plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The park is surrounded by the green fairways of the 18-hole golf course, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting frequented by kangaroos and native birdlife.
The campground is praised for its practicality and welcoming vibe. It provides all the essential facilities for a comfortable stay, including access to powered sites, clean toilets, and the all-important hot showers in the clubhouse. This makes it an ideal and affordable option for travellers of all types, from those in large motorhomes to those with a simple tent. The clubhouse itself is a major bonus, offering a friendly bar and often a bistro, providing a great social hub to meet locals and an easy dining option after a day of exploration. The campground is also very pet-friendly, making it a popular choice for the whole travelling family.
The club’s location is its ultimate drawcard. It is the perfect launchpad for exploring the region’s world-class attractions. A short, scenic drive takes you to the magnificent Siding Spring Observatory, Australia’s premier optical and infrared observatory. Even closer is the entrance to the Warrumbungle National Park, a designated Dark Sky Park, renowned for its spectacular volcanic landscapes, iconic rock formations like the Breadknife and Grand High Tops, and incredible hiking trails. For a comfortable, convenient, and perfectly located base to explore this unique region, the Coonabarabran Golf Club is an outstanding choice.
Site Information
- Location: At the local golf club, close to the Coonabarabran town centre.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with powered and unpowered options available.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please check with the club.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a good number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, an extensive unpowered area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Toilets and hot showers are available at the clubhouse. Access to the club bar and bistro.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, at the clubhouse.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for Telstra.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, at the clubhouse.
- Ullage: No. A public dump point is available in town.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please confirm with the club.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Golf clubs, hiking boots for the Warrumbungles, binoculars for stargazing.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location. Conditions apply.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in the Castlereagh River.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walk around the golf course or into the town centre.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Coonabarabran Golf Club (on-site)
- Imperial Hotel Coonabarabran (approx. 2 km)
- Coonabarabran Bowling Club (approx. 2 km)
- Places to Eat: On-site bistro, plus a wide range of pubs, cafes, and bakeries in town.
- Local Attractions:
- Warrumbungle National Park (approx. 30 km to visitor centre)
- Siding Spring Observatory (approx. 25 km)
- Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition
- Crystal Kingdom Mineral Museum
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- John Oxley Caravan Park
- Warrumbungles Mountain Motel & Caravan Park
- Next Free Camps: Neilson Park in town (day use only), various rest areas on the Newell and Oxley Highways.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is located at the Coonabarabran Showground.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous 24/7 service stations in Coonabarabran.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite at the club, and in town.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot days, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Average temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime season for hiking, with mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Temperatures average 8°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often clear and sunny but cool. Nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Occasional light snow can fall on the higher peaks of the Warrumbungles. Temperatures range from 0°C to 16°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful time to visit as the countryside is green and wildflowers are in bloom. Days are pleasant and nights are cool. Temperatures average 7°C to 25°C.