Dry Tank Campground, Gunderbooka National Park | NSW Outback Camping
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and ancient history of the NSW outback at Dry Tank campground, located within the spectacular Gunderbooka National Park. This secluded bush camp offers a genuine wilderness experience for self-sufficient travellers eager to escape the crowds and connect with the timeless landscape. Situated approximately 70km south of Bourke, the campground serves as a perfect base for exploring the park’s rich Aboriginal heritage, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural features. Gunderbooka National Park is a place of deep cultural significance, and a stay at Dry Tank allows you to explore key sites like the Mulgowan (Yapa) Art Site, where you can witness incredible rock paintings that tell stories from thousands of years ago. The campground itself is rustic and unpowered, catering to those with tents and camper trailers who are well-prepared for remote conditions. Shaded by gidgee and mulga trees, the sites offer a peaceful refuge from the daytime heat. From here, you can tackle the challenging yet rewarding Valley of the Eagles walking track, which leads to breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Gunderbooka. As a designated national park campground, bookings and fees are essential, ensuring the site remains well-maintained and protected. For adventurers seeking solitude, spectacular scenery, and a tangible link to Australia’s ancient past, Dry Tank campground is an unforgettable destination.
Dry Tank campground
Dry Tank Trail, Gunderbooka NSW 2840
- Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
- GPS Coordinates: -30.51836, 145.7147
Campsite Information
- Location: Gunderbooka National Park, approximately 70km south of Bourke.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers. Caravans not recommended due to road conditions.
- Road Access: Unsealed roads. 4WD vehicle recommended, especially after rain when roads may be closed. Check NPWS alerts before visiting.
- Site Surface: Dirt/natural ground.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are required via the NSW National Parks website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: As per booking.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 5 marked sites.
- Facilities: Basic bush camping amenities.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: Not available. You must bring all your own drinking and cooking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets are available.
- Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
- Drive Through Sites: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a take-in, take-out park. Please remove all your rubbish.
- Open Fires: Wood BBQs are available, but fire restrictions are common. Check NPWS website for current fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: 5 sites, bookings essential.
- Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, firewood, first-aid kit, vehicle recovery gear, rubbish bags, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks.
- Fishing: No.
- Short Walks: Yes, the campground is a starting point for the Valley of the Eagles and Mulgowan (Yapa) Art Site walking tracks.
Local Amenities (Nearest services are in Bourke)
- Local Pubs:
- The Port of Bourke Hotel, Bourke: Approx. 70km
- The Oxford Hotel, Bourke: Approx. 70km
- Diggers on the Darling, Bourke: Approx. 70km
- Places to Eat:
- Various cafes, bakeries, and hotels in Bourke: Approx. 70km
- Local Attractions:
- Mulgowan (Yapa) Art Site walking track (in park)
- Valley of the Eagles walking track (in park)
- Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre, Bourke: Approx. 70km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kidman’s Camp, Bourke: Approx. 70km
- Bourke Riverside Holiday Park, Bourke: Approx. 70km
- Next Free Camps:
- Poets Corner, north of Bourke: Approx. 85km
- Louth Free Camp, Louth: Approx. 80km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bourke Showgrounds, Bourke: Approx. 70km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service stations in Bourke: Approx. 70km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Bourke: Approx. 70km. You must arrive at the park fully self-sufficient.
- Public Toilets:
- Onsite at the campground.
- Various locations in Bourke: Approx. 70km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Gunderbooka National Park
The park has a semi-arid, outback climate. Conditions can be extreme, so check forecasts and park alerts before your trip.
- Summer (December – February): Very hot. Daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C. Travel is not recommended during this time.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild days with cool nights. This is an ideal time to visit, with pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring.
- Winter (June – August): Mild, sunny days with cold nights. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking, but nights can drop below freezing.
- Spring (September – November): Days warm up quickly. A good time to visit, though can be windy. Wildflowers may be present after good winter rains.