Crossley Bridge Campground, Sofala

Crossley Bridge offers another fantastic free camping opportunity in the heart of Australia’s gold rush history, located on the legendary Turon River. Just a few kilometres from the beautifully preserved gold town of Sofala, this spacious reserve provides a classic, self-sufficient bush camping experience in a beautiful riverside setting. The campground is a large, open, and grassy area with plenty of shade from mature river gums, making it suitable for all types of campers, from those in tents to large caravans and motorhomes. Its easy access and serene atmosphere make it a very popular spot for a weekend of fossicking and relaxation.

The spirit of the 1850s gold rush is alive and well here. The campground is part of a public fossicking area, and the river’s gravel beds are the perfect place to try your luck with a gold pan, making it a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. The Turon River itself is a major drawcard, with beautiful clear water that’s great for a swim on a hot day, as well as being a popular spot for trout fishing. The reserve is also pet-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to explore. Facilities are basic, with a non-flush toilet provided, so campers must be self-reliant with their own drinking water. The freedom to find a great spot by the river and enjoy a campfire under the stars, all while being a stone’s throw from the historic Sofala pub, makes Crossley Bridge a top-tier free camping destination in the Central Tablelands.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.07955, 149.68766

Site Information

• Location: On the Turon River, just east of Sofala.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road access. Easy for all 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilet.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Telstra service is most likely.
• TV reception: Possible with a good setup.
• 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 due to the large space.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Gold pan, sieve, and other fossicking equipment.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, trout fishing in the Turon River. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the historic riverbanks and walk into the town of Sofala. The main activity is fossicking.

Local Amenities (in Sofala / Bathurst)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Sofala (~2 km)
  • The Dudley Hotel, Bathurst (~50 km)
  • The George Hotel, Bathurst (~50 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The pub and a cafe in Sofala (~2 km).
  • An extensive range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Bathurst (~50 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic gold rush town of Sofala (~2 km)
  • Mount Panorama Racing Circuit, Bathurst (~53 km)
  • The historic village of Hill End (~55 km, 4WD advised)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • A private caravan park is located in Sofala (~2 km).
  • NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park (~50 km).
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Diggings Campground (further down the Turon River, 4WD rec)
  • Green Point Campsite (further west on the Turon River, 4WD only)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bathurst Showground (~51 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Limited fuel may be available in Sofala. Major service stations in Bathurst (~50 km). Arrive with a full tank.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bathurst. You must arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Sofala (~2 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Tablelands (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cool evenings, perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 16°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Light snow on the highest peaks is possible. Days are typically cool but clear. Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.