Leatherbarrel Creek Campground – Free Alpine Camping

For anglers and adventurers seeking the ultimate high-country experience, Leatherbarrel Creek campground is a legendary destination in the heart of the Snowy Mountains. This spectacular free campground is set in a beautiful, grassy valley at the confluence of the crystal-clear Leatherbarrel Creek and the mighty Murray River, right on the iconic Alpine Way scenic drive. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to camp in a true alpine wilderness, surrounded by towering snow gums and the dramatic peaks of Kosciuszko National Park. The campground is a spacious, open area, providing a good number of sites suitable for tents and camper trailers, with a serene and adventurous atmosphere.

This is, first and foremost, a fisherman’s paradise. The campground provides direct access to some of the most revered trout waters in Australia, with anglers travelling from all over to test their skills against the rainbow and brown trout that inhabit these pristine rivers. Beyond the world-class fishing, the area is a fantastic base for serious hikers looking to explore the southern, less-crowded sections of the park. This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp with basic facilities, including non-flush toilets and fire pits. You must book your spot and be completely self-reliant, bringing in all your own drinking water and firewood. The high altitude means that even in the height of summer, nights are cold, and the weather can change in an instant. For a rugged, beautiful, and truly unforgettable alpine fishing and camping adventure, Leatherbarrel Creek is a top-tier Australian destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -36.52556, 148.19343

Site Information

• Location: Kosciuszko National Park, on the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Khancoban.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small campervans.
• Road access: Sealed road (Alpine Way). Access can be affected by snow and ice in winter. Check road conditions.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, this is a free campground, but bookings are essential via the NSW National Parks website. Park entry fees apply.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 10 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB or satellite phone is essential.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 10 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water for your entire stay.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone is essential for this remote area.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and sleeping gear, regardless of the season.
• Snow chains for your vehicle during the winter months.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Fishing: World-class trout fishing in the Murray and Leatherbarrel Creek. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful riverbanks and rugged alpine scenery. A base for experienced off-track hikers.

Local Amenities (Nearest are in Thredbo / Khancoban)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Local Pub & Bistro, Thredbo (~30 km)
  • Khancoban Alpine Inn, Khancoban (~45 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of cafes, restaurants, and bars in Thredbo Alpine Village (~30 km).
  • Limited options in Khancoban (~45 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The Alpine Way scenic drive.
  • Thredbo Alpine Village and ski resort (~30 km)
  • Murray 1 Power Station, Khancoban (~40 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park (~60 km)
  • Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park (~45 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Other campgrounds along the Alpine Way (fees apply).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Jindabyne (~60 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Thredbo (~30 km) or Khancoban (~45 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Jindabyne or Khancoban. You must arrive at the park fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Thredbo Village (~30 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Snowy Mountains High Country (Alpine)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cold nights. Weather is very changeable. Average temperatures from 8°C to 22°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and very cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 0°C to 16°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent heavy snowfall. The Alpine Way is often closed. Temperatures range from -6°C to 5°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still common. Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C.