Coree Campground – High Country 4WD Camping near Canberra

For adventurous 4WDers who love high-altitude camping with breathtaking views, Coree Campground is an unbeatable destination in the Brindabella National Park. This free, remote campground offers a rugged experience for the truly self-sufficient, situated in a small, sheltered clearing of snow gums just a short distance from the summit of Mount Coree. The journey to the campground is a thrilling adventure in itself, requiring a capable 4WD to climb the steep, rocky, and often challenging Coree Summit Trail. This demanding access ensures that the campground remains a peaceful and secluded haven for those who make the trek.

The absolute highlight of a stay at Coree is the incredible scenery. A short walk or drive from the campsites takes you to the Pabral Fire Tower at the summit, which offers some of the most spectacular 360-degree panoramic views in the entire region, stretching across the Brindabella Ranges and over the Canberra valley. Sunrises and sunsets from this vantage point are simply phenomenal. This is a classic, back-to-basics bush camp with very minimal facilities, limited to just a non-flush toilet and some fire pits. Campers must be completely self-reliant, carrying in all their own drinking water and firewood, and packing out every scrap of rubbish. The high-altitude environment means it is exposed and cold year-round, with snow a very common occurrence in winter, adding to the challenge and beauty. For experienced 4WD campers seeking true isolation and world-class views, Coree Campground delivers an unforgettable high-country adventure.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -35.29713, 148.80758

Site Information

• Location: Brindabella National Park, near the summit of Mount Coree.
• Site suitable for: Tents, swags, small off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: 4WD with high clearance and low range is essential. The track is steep, rocky, and challenging. Subject to closure in wet or snowy weather.
• Site surface: Dirt and natural grasses.
• Camping permitted: Yes, this is a free campground. Bookings may be required via the NPWS website to manage numbers.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check NPWS guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilet, fire pits.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good Telstra service is often available due to the high altitude.
• TV reception: None.
• 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: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: A small number of unmarked sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery equipment and good tyres.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and axe.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and sleeping gear, regardless of the season.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The walk to the Mount Coree summit and fire tower is the main attraction.

Local Amenities (in Canberra)

• Local Pubs:
  • The George Harcourt Inn (~50 km)
  • The Old Canberra Inn (~55 km)
  • A huge range of options in Canberra’s CBD.
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of world-class cafes and restaurants in Canberra’s inner suburbs like Braddon and Kingston (~60 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Coree Fire Tower (on site)
  • Cotter Dam Recreation Area (~35 km)
  • National Arboretum Canberra (~50 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cotter Campground (~35 km)
  • Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) (~60 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Flea Creek Campground (in the same park, also 4WD)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) (~60 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations on the western edge of Canberra (~50 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Canberra. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are at Cotter Avenue Recreation Area (~35 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Brindabella Ranges (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Average temperatures from 12°C to 26°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 4°C to 20°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent heavy snowfall. Road closures are very common. Temperatures range from -3°C to 9°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still possible. Temperatures range from 3°C to 19°C.