Orroral Campground, Namadgi National Park ACT
Deep within the southern reaches of Namadgi National Park lies the magnificent Orroral Valley, home to one of the Australian Capital Territory’s most beautiful and remote bush campgrounds. The Orroral Campground offers a true wilderness escape, set on a wide, grassy plain flanked by granite-studded mountains. It’s a place of profound peace and spectacular natural beauty, famous for its incredible wildlife encounters. The valley is a haven for huge mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, which graze peacefully on the valley floor, often right through the campground itself, providing an unforgettable, up-close nature experience for visitors.
This campground is steeped in history. For many years, the valley was home to the Orroral Valley Space Tracking Station, which played a vital role in supporting NASA missions from the 1960s to the 1980s. While the giant dish is gone, remnants of this fascinating past can be explored on the Orroral Valley Heritage Walking Track, which starts from the campground. This trail takes you past old homesteads and the former tracking station site, blending natural beauty with human history.
Camping here is a back-to-basics affair for the self-sufficient camper. The campground provides simple but clean pit toilets and wood-fired barbecues, but there is no drinking water or rubbish disposal, requiring a ‘pack it in, pack it out’ approach. The open, grassy sites are un-designated, allowing campers to find their perfect spot. In winter, the valley transforms into a frosty wonderland, with sub-zero temperatures and crisp, clear days, making a campfire an essential and magical part of the experience. The access via the unsealed Orroral Road adds to the sense of adventure. For those equipped for a genuine bush experience, the combination of wildlife, history, and stunning alpine scenery makes Orroral Campground a truly special destination. Bookings are essential.
Site Information
- Location: In the remote Orroral Valley in southern Namadgi National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, small Off-road Caravans/Hybrids.
- Road Access: Access is via a long, unsealed road (Orroral Road) which is generally 2WD accessible but can be closed after heavy rain or snow. Drive to conditions.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass area.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Online booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the booking website for current limits.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits, picnic shelter. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. You will be completely out of range. An emergency beacon is highly recommended.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated wood BBQ pits only, subject to total fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All food and drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, warm alpine-rated clothing, hiking gear, camera for wildlife.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are strictly prohibited in Namadgi National Park.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: The Orroral Valley Heritage Walking Track is a major highlight.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The nearest pubs are in the southern suburbs of Canberra, such as Lanyon Vikings Club (approx. 55 km).
- Places to Eat: The nearest food and supplies are in the southern suburbs of Canberra (e.g., Tharwa, Gordon, Lanyon).
- Local Attractions:
- Orroral Valley Tracking Station site
- Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre (approx. 35 km)
- Booroomba Rocks (for rock climbing and views)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Honeysuckle Campground (approx. 20 km away, but on a different road)
- Woods Reserve Campground (approx. 30 km away)
- Next Free Camps: This is a primary low-cost bush camp for the area.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are located in Canberra.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Southern suburbs of Canberra (e.g., Lanyon, Gordon).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Nearest public taps are in Canberra.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild to warm days, but alpine weather can change quickly. Nights are cool. Be prepared for rain and check bushfire warnings. Temperatures average 9°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time for hiking with clear, crisp days and cool to cold nights. Temperatures average 3°C to 17°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Very cold. Days are often sunny but frigid. Nights are well below freezing. Snowfall is common and can close access roads. Alpine-rated gear is essential. Temperatures range from -5°C to 9°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the alpine wildflowers bloom. Days become warmer, but nights remain very cold. Be prepared for variable weather. Temperatures average 2°C to 17°C.