Wheeny Creek Campground – Free Blue Mountains Camping

Wheeny Creek campground is a beloved and classic bush camping destination, offering a fantastic free escape on the edge of the vast Wollemi National Park. Nestled in a beautiful, deep valley on the banks of the pristine Wheeny Creek, this spacious reserve is a favourite for families, 4WD groups, and anyone looking for an authentic back-to-nature experience without a long drive from Sydney. The journey in along the winding, unsealed Comleroy Road, which includes a causeway crossing over the creek, sets the scene for a peaceful and secluded adventure. The campground itself is a huge, sprawling grassy area, providing an abundance of beautiful sites for tents, camper trailers, and caravans.

The main attraction is the magnificent creek itself. The crystal-clear water carves its way through a sandstone landscape, creating a series of large, deep swimming holes and gentle rapids that are perfect for cooling off on a summer’s day. It’s an idyllic spot for liloing, kayaking, and for kids to splash and explore. This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp with basic but functional non-flush toilets and fire pits. You must bring all your own drinking water and be prepared to take your rubbish with you. Being a Regional Park area, it is also wonderfully pet-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to run and swim. The freedom to find your own perfect spot, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and wake up to the sounds of bellbirds and whipbirds makes Wheeny Creek a top-tier destination for a budget-friendly and memorable Aussie bush camp.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Information)
• GPS Coordinates: -33.45631, 150.72237

Site Information

• Location: Wollemi National Park (Wheeny Creek precinct).
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small to medium caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed road with a concrete creek crossing. 2WD accessible with care in dry weather. Can be impassable after heavy rain.
• Site surface: Large, grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge. No bookings taken (first-in, best-dressed).
• Maximum overnight stays: Check NPWS guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• 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: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Approximately 30 unmarked sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe.
• Kayaks, lilos, and swimming gear.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted in this section of the park.
• Fishing: Possible for bass in the creek. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful creek banks and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities (in Kurrajong / Richmond)

• Local Pubs:
  • The City View Hotel, North Richmond (~20 km)
  • The Royal Richmond Hotel, Richmond (~25 km)
  • The Plough and Harrow, Kurrajong Heights (~20 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An excellent selection of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Kurrajong (~18 km) and North Richmond (~20 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic towns of Richmond and Windsor.
  • The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah (~35 km).
  • The Hawkesbury River.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Active Holidays – BIG4 Hawkesbury, Windsor (~28 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no other designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • At Richmond Lowlands, near the Polo grounds. Check with Hawkesbury Council.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Kurrajong (~18 km) or North Richmond (~20 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • North Richmond or Windsor. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in the towns of Kurrajong and Richmond.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lower Blue Mountains / Hawkesbury

• Summer (December – February): Hot and often humid, perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 19°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for camping and hiking. Temperatures range from 13°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost is common in the valley. Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is full of wildflowers. Temperatures range from 11°C to 24°C.