Turon Crossing Reserve, Hill End NSW
For the adventurous 4WD explorer looking to step back into the heart of Australia’s gold rush history, Turon Crossing Reserve is a spectacular and rewarding free camping destination. Tucked away in a remote valley on the banks of the legendary Turon River, this primitive bush camp offers a genuine wilderness escape. The journey to the reserve is a key part of the experience, requiring a high-clearance 4WD to navigate the famous Bridle Track, a challenging and historic route that winds through breathtakingly rugged country. This ensures the campground remains a peaceful sanctuary for those prepared to make the trek. The campground itself consists of several beautiful, grassy clearings right beside the river, providing a stunning natural setting.
This is a true back-to-basics camp where self-reliance is paramount. There are no facilities whatsoever—no toilets, no bins, no water—so it is strictly for campers who are fully equipped and committed to a ‘leave no trace’ ethic, packing out everything they bring in. A portable toilet is essential. A major drawcard for this spot is that it is pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join in on the riverside fun. The river itself is the star attraction. Once the site of a frantic gold rush, today it’s a peaceful spot for swimming, fishing for trout, and, of course, trying your luck with a gold pan.
The location is a paradise for history buffs and 4WD enthusiasts. It’s surrounded by the ghosts of the gold rush era, and is a relatively short, challenging drive from the wonderfully preserved historic town of Hill End. Evenings are made for a campfire, with the sounds of the river and the forest creating a magical atmosphere under a brilliant, starry sky. For a rugged, free, and unforgettable riverside adventure steeped in history, Turon Crossing Reserve is an exceptional choice.
Site Information
- Location: In a remote valley on the Turon River, accessed via the Bridle Track.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: High-clearance 4WD access only via the steep, narrow, and challenging Bridle Track. Not suitable for caravans. Roads are impassable in the wet. River crossings required.
- Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard practice.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A number of small, undefined spots.
Facilities
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive bush camp.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device is essential.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet and take all waste with you.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be very considerate of the quiet environment.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Absolutely everything, including water, toilet, shower, power, food, rubbish bags, firewood, and 4WD recovery gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be under control.
- Fishing: Good fishing for trout and other species in the Turon River.
- Short Walks: Excellent for unmarked bushwalking and exploring along the river and old gold mining areas.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel, Hill End (approx. 25 km via 4WD track)
- The Royal Hotel, Sofala (approx. 40 km via 4WD track)
- Places to Eat: The nearest reliable options are the pubs in Hill End or Sofala. Major supermarkets are in Bathurst.
- Local Attractions:
- The historic, living museum town of Hill End
- The Bridle Track 4WD route
- Gold fossicking in the Turon River
- The extensive gold rush history of the region
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Hill End Ranch (Glendora)
- Village campground, Hill End (NPWS)
- Next Free Camps: Other remote sites along the Bridle Track and Turon River.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Bathurst.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Hill End (check hours). The nearest reliable fuel is in Bathurst. Essential to carry spare fuel.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Bathurst.
- Public Toilets: The nearest are in Hill End.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot. The river is perfect for cooling off. High fire danger period. Temperatures average 12°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with stunning autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, nights are cool. Ideal for 4WDing. Temperatures average 5°C to 21°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often crisp and sunny, but nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Snow is possible on the higher peaks. Tracks can be very slippery and dangerous. Temperatures range from -1°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season as the countryside is green and vibrant. Weather can be variable. River levels can be high. Temperatures average 4°C to 21°C.