Waratah Gully campground – South East Forests National Park

For those seeking a truly peaceful and remote bush escape, Waratah Gully campground offers a serene haven deep within the magnificent South East Forests National Park. Tucked away in a beautiful, sheltered gully, this small, basic campground is a paradise for self-sufficient nature lovers and keen hikers. The campground itself is a simple, grassy clearing surrounded by a stunning forest of tall eucalypts and lush tree ferns, creating a tranquil atmosphere where the sounds of the forest are the only interruption. It’s an ideal spot for tent and swag-based campers, as well as those with small, rugged camper trailers who are looking to get off the beaten track.

The main appeal of Waratah Gully is its role as a base for exploration in this wild and beautiful part of the state. It provides access to a network of walking tracks and scenic drives that showcase the incredible biodiversity of the Monaro high country. A short drive from the campground will take you to Pipers Lookout, which offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Bega Valley all the way to the coast on a clear day. This is a classic, no-frills national park experience, with facilities limited to non-flush toilets and wood barbecues. Campers must be completely self-reliant, bringing in all their own drinking water and firewood, and are required to take all rubbish with them when they leave. For a quiet, authentic, and memorable high-country adventure away from the crowds, Waratah Gully is a wonderful choice.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -37.00252, 149.38454

Site Information

• Location: South East Forests National Park, near Bombala.
• Site suitable for: Tents, small camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads (Wog Way). 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but 4WD is recommended.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, this is a free campground, but bookings may still be required via the NPWS website to manage numbers.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check NPWS guidelines.
• Number of un-powered sites: Small number of unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None.
• 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: A small number of sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy hiking shoes.
• Warm clothing, as it is in a high-altitude area.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: Explore the surrounding forest. Close to Pipers Lookout and other park trails.

Local Amenities (in Bombala)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Imperial Hotel, Bombala (~35 km)
  • The Globe Hotel, Bombala (~35 km)
  • Bombala RSL Club (~35 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A selection of pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Bombala (~35 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Pipers Lookout (within the park)
  • Bombala Platypus Reserve (~35 km)
  • The historic town of Bombala (~35 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bombala Caravan Park (~35 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Alexanders Hut, Delegate (~80 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bombala Showground (~35 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Bombala (~35 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bombala Visitor Information Centre (~35 km). Arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Bombala (~35 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Monaro High Country

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cool evenings. Can be wet. Average temperatures from 12°C to 25°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. A beautiful time for hiking. Temperatures range from 4°C to 19°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and a high chance of snow. Days are typically cold and may be sunny or overcast. Temperatures range from -2°C to 11°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy. The landscape is covered in wildflowers. Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C.