Spread the love

First Fleet Memorial Garden Camping – Wallabadah History & New England Hwy Stop

For travellers on the New England Highway with a passion for Australian history, the camping area at the First Fleet Memorial Garden in Wallabadah is a truly unique and poignant stopover. This wonderful, community-supported rest area is located directly alongside a nationally significant memorial dedicated to the individuals who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788. It offers a peaceful, spacious, and respectful place to break a journey, combining the convenience of a highway rest stop with a profound connection to the nation’s origins. The camping area is a large, flat, grassy park, perfect for self-contained caravans and motorhomes.

The main attraction here is, without doubt, the memorial itself. A series of beautifully engraved stone tablets lists the names of all those who sailed with the First Fleet – convicts, marines, officials, and their families. It’s a powerful and moving tribute that invites quiet contemplation. A short walk from the campground will also take you to the famous Wallabadah Rock, a local landmark, and into the small, charming village where you can enjoy a meal at the classic country pub. While the camping facilities are simple, they provide the essentials for a comfortable overnight stay. Its location on the scenic Liverpool Plains makes it a great base for exploring the surrounding area, from the country music capital of Tamworth to the north, to the horse studs of Scone to the south. For a free, meaningful, and perfectly positioned stop, the First Fleet Memorial Garden is an exceptional choice.

First Fleet Memorial Garden – NSW Map

Campground Details

Name: First Fleet Memorial Garden
Address: New England Highway, Wallabadah NSW 2343
Website: Not applicable. This is a public memorial and rest area.
GPS Coordinates: -31.53742, 150.83147

Location: In the village of Wallabadah, directly on the New England Highway.
Site Suitable For: Self-contained caravans and motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed road access directly from the highway.
Site Surface: Level grass and gravel areas.
Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted for short stays (typically 24 hours).
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours. This is a rest area, not a long-stay park.
Number of Powered Sites: None.
Number of Un-powered Sites: Ample informal sites are available.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes, numerous tables and shelters are available.
Potable Water: Yes, a tap is available.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for all major carriers along the highway.
TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a clean public toilet block is available.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours, but be considerate of the memorial setting.

Activities & Important Information

Essentials to Bring: All your own supplies.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
Fishing: Not available on site.
Short Walks: The main activity is exploring the moving First Fleet Memorial Garden and walking up Wallabadah Rock.

Local Amenities (in Wallabadah)

Pubs & Places to Eat

The Marshall MacMahon Hotel: The historic local pub, offering meals and a friendly atmosphere, approx. 1 km.
The Flying Pie Cafe: A popular stop for pies, coffee, and light meals, approx. 1 km.
Further options are available in Quirindi, including clubs and more pubs, approx. 20 km north.

Local Attractions

First Fleet Memorial Garden: The main attraction, a moving tribute to the founders of the colony of NSW.
Wallabadah Rock: A short walk to the top offers great views over the Liverpool Plains.
Australian Railway Monument (Werris Creek): A world-class facility at the historic Werris Creek Station, approx. 40 km north.

Camping & Services

Nearest Caravan Parks: The closest commercial parks are in Quirindi and Murrurundi.
Next Free Camps: This is the main free camp in the immediate area. Other rest areas are on the New England Highway.
Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at the Willow Tree Recreation Ground, approx. 15 km south.
Nearest Petrol Station: A service station is available in Wallabadah.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Wallabadah is on the Liverpool Plains and has a climate of extremes, with hot summers and cold winters.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and can be dry, with temperatures often reaching the high 30s (°C).
Autumn (Mar-May): A pleasant season with warm sunny days and cooler nights, ideal for visiting.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Days are often cool, crisp and sunny, but nights are very cold with heavy frosts guaranteed.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Weather becomes warm and pleasant, though it can be windy across the plains.