Wallaby Rocks Crossing Campground, Sofala

For the serious 4WD adventurer chasing a true taste of Australia’s gold rush past, Wallaby Rocks Crossing on the Turon River is a bucket-list destination. This remote, rugged, and beautiful free campground is steeped in history and offers a genuine off-grid experience for the self-sufficient camper. The journey to the campground is a challenging adventure, strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles. It involves navigating the historic and often difficult Wallaby Rocks Track, which includes a significant river crossing. This demanding access ensures that the campground remains a pristine and peaceful sanctuary for those who are well-equipped to reach it.

The campground itself is a magnificent, spacious, grassy flat on the banks of the river, offering numerous secluded spots to set up a classic bush camp. The spirit of the 1850s gold rush is palpable here, and the area is a designated public fossicking reserve, inviting campers to try their luck panning for gold in the very same riverbeds as the original prospectors. The river is stunning, with deep, clear swimming holes and excellent fishing for trout. This is a true wilderness camp with no facilities whatsoever, so you must be completely self-reliant with your own toilet and water, and you must take every scrap of rubbish with you. The reward is unparalleled solitude and the freedom to enjoy a campfire under a vast, brilliant night sky. For a challenging, historic, and incredibly rewarding adventure, Wallaby Rocks is a premier destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -33.07533, 149.65004

Site Information

• Location: On the Turon River, west of Sofala.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road access: 4WD with high clearance and low range is essential. The track is steep, rocky, and includes a major river crossing that is impassable after rain.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic tables: No.
• 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: No. You must be fully self-contained with a portable toilet.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for the peaceful environment.
• Number of sites available: Multiple unmarked sites along the river.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with a snorkel and full recovery gear.
• Your own portable toilet and shower setup.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Gold pan, sieve, and other fossicking equipment.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone is essential for this remote area.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, trout fishing in the Turon River. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful and historic riverbanks. The main activities are 4WDing and fossicking.

Local Amenities (in Sofala / Bathurst)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Sofala (~18 km)
  • The Dudley Hotel, Bathurst (~65 km)
  • The George Hotel, Bathurst (~65 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The pub and a cafe in Sofala (~18 km).
  • An extensive range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Bathurst (~65 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic gold rush town of Sofala (~18 km)
  • Mount Panorama Racing Circuit, Bathurst (~68 km)
  • The historic village of Hill End (~50 km, also 4WD)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • A private caravan park is located in Sofala (~18 km).
  • NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park (~65 km).
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Diggings Campground (further east on the Turon River)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bathurst Showground (~66 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Limited fuel may be available in Sofala. Major service stations in Bathurst (~65 km). Arrive with a full tank and carry spares.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bathurst. You must arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are in Sofala (~18 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Tablelands (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cool evenings, perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 16°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Light snow on the highest peaks is possible. Days are typically cool but clear. Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.