Ngarigo Campground – Thredbo River, Kosciuszko National Park

Ngarigo campground is a magnificent high-country destination, offering a quintessential Snowy Mountains experience on the beautiful banks of the Thredbo River. Perfectly positioned on the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Jindabyne, this very popular campground is a paradise for fly-fishers, hikers, and families looking for a comfortable and scenic alpine escape. The campground is set in a spacious, open valley surrounded by majestic snow gums, providing a range of well-defined unpowered sites suitable for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. The crystal-clear Thredbo River runs right alongside the campground, its gentle sounds providing a constant, tranquil soundtrack to your stay.

This is arguably one of the most famous trout fishing locations in Australia. The river here is a prime spot for fly-fishing, and you will often see anglers patiently casting a line in the early mornings and late afternoons. Beyond the world-class fishing, the campground is an excellent base for exploring the heart of Kosciuszko National Park. It provides access to numerous walking and mountain biking tracks, including the Thredbo Valley Track. The facilities at Ngarigo are exceptional for a national park setting, boasting the wonderful comfort of hot showers and flush toilets. Bookings are absolutely essential for this very popular campground, often well in advance. For a comfortable, activity-filled, and scenically spectacular holiday in the heart of Australia’s high country, Ngarigo campground is a premier choice.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -36.45878, 148.38379

Site Information

• Location: Kosciuszko National Park, on the Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Sealed road (Alpine Way). Easy 2WD access. Check for snow/ice conditions in winter.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 60 marked sites.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, gas/electric barbecues, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available but boiling is recommended.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra service is patchy.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 60 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own firewood if you wish to have a campfire.
• Fly fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Sturdy shoes for hiking and mountain biking gear.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing, as nights are cold year-round.
• 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 Thredbo River.
• Short walks: Direct access to the Thredbo Valley Track and other alpine walks.

Local Amenities (in Jindabyne / Thredbo)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Local Pub & Bistro, Thredbo (~15 km)
  • The Banjo Paterson Inn, Jindabyne (~20 km)
  • Lake Jindabyne Hotel, Jindabyne (~20 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of cafes, restaurants, and bars in Thredbo Alpine Village (~15 km).
  • A wide variety of pubs, clubs, and restaurants in Jindabyne (~20 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Thredbo Alpine Village and ski resort (~15 km)
  • Lake Jindabyne (~20 km)
  • Charlotte Pass and Mount Kosciuszko summit walk (further up the mountain)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Thredbo Diggings campground (in the same park)
  • NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no free camps in this section of the National Park.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Jindabyne (~20 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Jindabyne (~20 km) or Thredbo (~15 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite (boil first). Otherwise, Jindabyne.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

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 may require chains or be 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.