Gungarlin River Campground, Kosciuszko NP – 4WD Remote Camping

For the self-sufficient 4WD adventurer, Gungarlin River Campground is a spectacular high-country escape offering true seclusion deep within Kosciuszko National Park. Located approximately 50 kilometres from Jindabyne, this remote campground is nestled at 1300m elevation among black sallee trees on the banks of the crystal-clear Gungarlin River. Access is strictly for 4WD vehicles via unsealed tracks (Nimmo Road and Island Bend Fire Trail) that can be challenging, ensuring that those who make the journey are rewarded with profound peace and quiet.

This is a back-to-basics bush camp, perfect for those looking to disconnect. The campground itself is a grassy clearing with unmarked sites, providing basic facilities including pit toilets, picnic tables, and designated fire rings. Camping is free, however, bookings are mandatory via the NSW National Parks website (a small $6 booking fee applies), and the maximum stay is 14 nights. Due to the alpine environment, this campground is best visited in the warmer months; temperatures in winter frequently fall well below zero, and access roads may be closed.

The area is steeped in history and rich in natural beauty. It’s an excellent base for exploring the region’s heritage, with several historic alpine huts, like Botherum Plain Hut and Daveys Hut, accessible via nearby walking and management trails. The Gungarlin River is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, making it a popular spot for anglers. The surrounding plains are a haven for wildlife; red-necked wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos are common, while wombats and possums can often be seen at dusk.

Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient. There is no potable water, so you must bring your own supply. All rubbish must be taken with you, and gathering firewood is prohibited, so you must bring your own. Pets and generators are not permitted, preserving the natural, tranquil atmosphere of this remote alpine gem.

Gungarlin River Campground – NSW Map

Location & Contact

• Name: Gungarlin River Campground
• Address: Gungarlin River campground, Burrungubugge NSW 2627 (via Nimmo Rd, Kosciuszko National Park)
• GPS Coordinates: -36.24538, 148.54552
• Website: NSW National Parks – Gungarlin River Campground

Map

Site Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote, riverside campground in an alpine clearing at 1300m elevation.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, 4WD camper trailers, camping beside your vehicle.
• Road Access: **4WD ONLY.** Access via 10km of unsealed road (Nimmo Rd) and a further 8km 4WD track (Island Bend Fire Trail). Not suitable for 2WD or caravans.
• Site Surface: Natural ground / grass. Sites are unmarked.
• Camping Permitted: Yes. Free, but bookings are essential (a $6 booking fee applies).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 14 days.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (non-flush pit toilets).
• Ullage (Dump Point): No.
• Drive Through: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire rings, subject to fire bans. **Bring your own firewood.** Gathering firewood is prohibited.
• Generator Use: Not specified, but highly discouraged in remote national park sites.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked sites in an open area.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, 4WD recovery gear, alpine-rated warm clothing (even in summer), toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are strictly prohibited in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent trout fishing in the Gungarlin River. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Yes, excellent access to historic huts (Daveys Hut, Botherum Plain Hut) and management trails.

Local Amenities (in nearby Jindabyne, approx. 50km drive)

• Local Pubs:
  • Banjo Paterson Inn (approx. 50km)
  • Brumby Bar (approx. 50km)
  • Jindabyne Brewing (approx. 50km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Birchwood (approx. 50km)
  • Bacco Italian Restaurant (approx. 50km)
  • La Famiglia (approx. 50km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic Alpine Huts (Daveys Hut, Botherum Plain Hut – near campground)
  • Snowy Region Visitor Centre (approx. 50km)
  • Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre (Cooma, approx. 70km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park (approx. 50km)
  • Discovery Parks – Jindabyne (approx. 50km)
• Next Free Camps: (Note: Most nearby NP camps require booking/fees)
  • Island Bend Campground (Kosciuszko NP, booking fee applies, approx. 55km)
  • Thredbo Diggings Campground (Kosciuszko NP, booking fee applies, approx. 65km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Jindabyne Caravan Dump Point (at Snowy Region Visitor Centre, approx. 50km)
  • Cooma Motorhome Dump Point (Polo Flat Rd, Cooma, approx. 70km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP and Shell/Coles Express in Jindabyne (approx. 50km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Snowy Region Visitor Centre (Jindabyne, approx. 50km – check availability)
  • Service stations in Jindabyne (check for public taps)
• Public Toilets (Town):
  • Snowy Region Visitor Centre (Jindabyne, approx. 50km)
  • Town Centre Toilets (Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne, approx. 50km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast (Kosciuszko National Park – Alpine)

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Average maximums 14-15°C, minimums around 6°C. Weather can change rapidly.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Cool days and cold nights. Average maximums drop from 13°C to 5°C. Nights frequently drop below freezing.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Very cold. Average maximums are 0-2°C, with minimums around -5°C. Snow is common, and access roads are often closed.
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Cold and warming. Average maximums rise from 5°C to 11°C. Nights are still very cold, often below freezing.