Faithful Bingara Riverside Camp West, Bingara

The Faithful Bingara Riverside Camp West is a key part of what makes Bingara one of Australia’s most celebrated free camping destinations. This huge, sprawling reserve on the western banks of the beautiful Gwydir River offers a classic, relaxed, and quintessentially Australian bush camping experience. It’s a paradise for self-sufficient travellers, providing an enormous expanse of flat, grassy land where campers can spread out and find their own perfect spot. Whether you want a prime position with direct river frontage or a more shaded, private site back under the trees, there is room for every type of setup, from the smallest tent to the largest motorhome.

This is a place that celebrates the simple pleasures of the outdoors. The Gwydir River is the heart of the experience, offering fantastic fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly, and its calm waters are perfect for a refreshing swim or a leisurely paddle in a kayak. The entire reserve is famously pet-friendly, making it a social and enjoyable spot for those travelling with dogs. For a free, community-supported campground, the facilities are excellent, with toilet blocks available. The campground’s best feature is its proximity to the charming town of Bingara; a lovely riverside walking track provides a direct and scenic route to the historic main street. This encourages campers to support the local pubs, cafes, and unique shops, like the magnificent Roxy Theatre, that make this initiative so successful. For a budget-friendly, pet-friendly stay in a stunning location with town convenience, the Bingara riverside camps are second to none.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.86089, 150.55956

Site Information

• Location: On the Gwydir River, adjacent to the town of Bingara.
• 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 areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 14 days, check local signage.
• Facilities: Toilets, dump point nearby.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available in the main camping area.
• Mobile phone coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Excellent.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available in the main camping reserve.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayak, canoe, or swimming gear.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Gwydir River.
• Short walks: A beautiful riverside walk leads directly into the town of Bingara.

Local Amenities (in Bingara)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Sportsmans Hotel (~2 km)
  • The Imperial Hotel (~2 km)
  • Bingara RSL Club (~2 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A fantastic selection of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and clubs in Bingara’s main street (~2 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Roxy Theatre & Greek Museum (~2 km)
  • The Living Classroom (~3 km)
  • Bingara Historical Museum (~2 km)
  • Fossicking for gemstones in the area.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bingara Riverside Caravan Park (adjacent, for powered sites)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cranky Rock Nature Reserve (~45 km, fees apply)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Available in the main camping reserve area.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Bingara (~2 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: North West Slopes

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot and often dry. Perfect for river activities. Average temperatures from 20°C to 34°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for exploring. Temperatures range from 11°C to 28°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with frequent frosts. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 11°C to 27°C.