Gunning Showground Camping | Historic Hume Highway Stopover
For travellers on the Hume Highway looking for a charming and convenient stopover, the Gunning Showground offers a perfect blend of country hospitality and historic character. Situated in the heart of the beautifully preserved 19th-century town of Gunning, this campground provides a peaceful and spacious alternative to roadside rest areas. The grounds feature large, flat, grassy sites that are ideal for all types of camping setups, from big rigs and large caravans to smaller camper trailers and tents. It’s a well-regarded, affordable base for those wanting to break the long journey between Sydney and Melbourne, or for visitors looking to explore the rich pastoral history of the Southern Tablelands.
The real appeal of the Gunning Showground is its fantastic location. A short and pleasant stroll from your campsite will take you to Gunning’s main street, which is lined with heritage-listed buildings, antique shops, classic country pubs, and quaint cafes. You can immerse yourself in the town’s history, which dates back to its days as a key stop on the old coach road. The showground itself is equipped with all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay, including powered sites, clean amenity blocks with hot showers, and a dump point. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region, including the nearby historic village of Collector and the cool-climate wineries of the Canberra District. For a value-for-money, friendly, and perfectly positioned stop that offers a genuine taste of Australian country town life, the Gunning Showground is an exceptional choice.
Campground Details
- Name: Gunning Showground
- Address: 80 Lerida Street, Gunning NSW 2581
- GPS Coordinates: -34.78544, 149.26632
- Location: In the centre of the historic town of Gunning, just a few minutes off the Hume Highway.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes, caravans, and tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road access directly to the showground entrance.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes,
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 3 Days.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, ample unpowered camping space is also available.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: Limited. Self-sufficiency is recommended.
- Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, an amenity block with toilets and hot showers is available.
- Drive Through: Yes, many sites can be used as drive-through sites.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided for campers.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours, but check with the caretaker.
Activities & Important Information
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for payment, long power lead, and water hose. Warm clothing is essential in winter.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Fishing for trout and native species is possible in the nearby Fish River and other local streams.
- Short Walks: A fantastic self-guided heritage walk through the historic town of Gunning is a must-do.
Local Amenities (in Gunning)
Pubs & Places to Eat
- The Telegraph Hotel: A classic country pub with a friendly atmosphere and bistro meals, approx. 600m.
- The Gunning Hotel: Another great local pub option in the centre of town, approx. 700m.
- Gunning Services Club: Offers bistro meals and a welcoming environment for visitors, approx. 1 km.
Local Attractions
- Gunning Heritage Town Walk: Explore the beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture of the town.
- Pye Cottage Museum: A local museum showcasing the history of the Gunning district.
- Collector Village: A nearby historic village, famous for the shooting of bushranger John Dunn, approx. 20 km.
- Canberra District Wineries: The northern edge of the wine region is a short drive away, with cellar doors to explore.
Camping & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks: This is the main camping ground in town. The next closest are in Yass or Goulburn.
- Next Free Camps: Basic rest areas are available along the Hume Highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: A dump point is available on-site for registered campers.
- Nearest Petrol Station: A service station is available in Gunning.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Note: Gunning is in the Southern Tablelands and experiences four distinct seasons and cold winters.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Generally warm to hot and can be dry.
- Autumn (Mar-May): A beautiful season with mild, sunny days and crisp, cool nights. The autumn colours are a feature.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold. Days are often chilly, and nights are frosty, with temperatures regularly dropping well below zero.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): The countryside becomes green and lush. Weather is typically mild and sunny.