Island Bend Campground, Kosciuszko National Park NSW
For a truly spectacular alpine camping experience, Island Bend Campground is one of the jewels of Kosciuszko National Park. Set in a beautiful, sheltered valley on the banks of the legendary Snowy River, this large and scenic campground offers an incredible back-to-nature escape. It’s a place steeped in the history of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, with the campground once housing workers who built this monumental project. Today, it’s a tranquil haven for self-sufficient campers, anglers, and hikers looking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Australia’s High Country. The campground is spread across vast, grassy flats, providing a huge number of informal sites where you can find your own private spot amongst the snow gums.
This is a classic national park bush camp, where the magnificent natural surroundings are the main attraction. The crystal-clear waters of the Snowy River are perfect for a bracing summer swim and are renowned for their excellent trout fishing. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, consisting of pit toilets and wood-fired barbecues. Self-reliance is essential, as you must bring all your own drinking water and firewood, and pack out all your rubbish. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with the sounds of the flowing river and the abundant birdlife providing the soundtrack. Evenings are often spent around a campfire, gazing up at a sky filled with an unbelievable number of stars, free from any city light pollution.
Island Bend’s location makes it an outstanding base for exploration. It’s just a short drive from the Guthega Power Station and the ski village of Guthega, and provides a great starting point for numerous high-country walks. It is also one of the closest campgrounds to Charlotte Pass, the gateway for the iconic Mount Kosciuszko summit walk. For a memorable and authentic alpine adventure, Island Bend is a top-tier destination. Bookings are essential.
Site Information
- Location: In Kosciuszko National Park, on the banks of the Snowy River.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, and Caravans/Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed road (Guthega Road), generally 2WD accessible in summer/autumn, but conditions can change. Chains may be required in winter.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass and dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Online booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking website.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Very large, undefined area with many informal sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water or be prepared to boil/treat river water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, alpine-rated clothing (even in summer), fishing gear, hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Snowy River (NSW fishing licence required).
- Short Walks: Access to numerous alpine walking tracks, including the Illawong Walk.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Banjo Paterson Inn, Jindabyne (approx. 30 km)
- The Lake Jindabyne Hotel (approx. 30 km)
- The Guthega Inn (check seasonal opening) (approx. 15 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of supermarkets, pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Jindabyne.
- Local Attractions:
- The Snowy River
- Guthega Power Station
- Charlotte Pass and the Mount Kosciuszko summit walks
- The ski resorts of Perisher and Thredbo
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Discovery Parks – Jindabyne
- NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park
- Next Free Camps: Very limited. Other NPWS campgrounds in the area have fees (e.g., Thredbo Diggings).
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Jindabyne.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Jindabyne. It is essential to have a full tank.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Jindabyne Visitor Centre.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild to warm days, perfect for hiking and fishing. Nights are cool. Alpine weather can change rapidly. Temperatures average 5°C to 20°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful season with clear, crisp days and cold nights. The changing colours of the deciduous beech trees are a highlight. Temperatures average 0°C to 14°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Very cold with heavy snow. The campground is generally inaccessible due to snow and road closures. This is ski season. Temperatures range from -10°C to 5°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the snow melts and the alpine wildflowers bloom. Weather is very variable, with cold nights and the chance of late snowfalls. Temperatures average -2°C to 13°C.