Wollomombi campground, Hillgrove NSW
Perched on the edge of one of Australia’s most dramatic gorge systems, Wollomombi campground offers a truly breathtaking camping experience. Located in the World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, this free campground is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone with a love for spectacular, rugged landscapes. The campground itself is a peaceful, grassy clearing set amongst the snow gums and stringybark trees of the New England high country. It provides a serene, back-to-nature base for exploring a landscape of epic proportions, where the Wollomombi and Chandler rivers have carved immense, sheer-sided gorges into the ancient tablelands.
This is a classic National Parks bush camp, designed for the self-sufficient traveller. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, consisting of pit toilets, picnic tables, and wood barbecues. Campers must be fully self-reliant, bringing all their own drinking water and firewood, and are required to pack out all rubbish to protect this precious environment. The main attraction is just a short walk away: the Wollomombi Falls lookout. From here, you can witness the awe-inspiring sight of one of Australia’s highest waterfalls plunging over 220 metres into the valley below (best viewed after rain).
The campground is the starting point for several incredible walks, including the Wollomombi Gorge track and the Chandler walking track, which offer stunning views and a chance to spot wildlife like wallabies, kangaroos, and wedge-tailed eagles soaring on the thermal updrafts. The sense of scale and ancientness in this landscape is profound. Despite its feeling of wild isolation, the university city of Armidale is a relatively short drive away, providing access to supplies and other attractions. For a free, scenic, and truly unforgettable high-country adventure, Wollomombi campground is a world-class destination. Bookings are essential.
Site Information
- Location: In Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, on the Waterfall Way east of Armidale.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, and small-to-medium Caravans/Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed park roads (Wollomombi Falls Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
- Site Surface: Level grass and dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free unpowered sites. Bookings via the NPWS website are mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking platform.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 20 designated bookable sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none at the campground. A signal may be found at the main lookout.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, warm clothing (even in summer), and sturdy hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: This is a major hiking hub, with the Wollomombi and Chandler Gorge walks starting here.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel, Armidale (approx. 40 km)
- The Whitebull Hotel, Armidale (approx. 40 km)
- The New England Hotel, Armidale (approx. 40 km)
- Places to Eat: The nearest reliable options, including major supermarkets, are in the city of Armidale.
- Local Attractions:
- Wollomombi Falls and Gorge
- Chandler Falls
- Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
- The city of Armidale and its museums and galleries
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Armidale Tourist Park
- Highlander Van Village, Armidale
- Next Free Camps: Dangars Gorge campground (fees apply), various rest areas on the Waterfall Way.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at the Armidale Showground.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Armidale.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Armidale.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot days, often with afternoon thunderstorms. A good time to see the waterfalls after rain. Temperatures average 13°C to 27°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with beautiful autumn colours in Armidale. Days are mild and sunny, nights are crisp and cool. Temperatures average 6°C to 21°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often clear and sunny but frigid. Nights are well below freezing with heavy frosts. Light snow is possible. Temperatures range from 0°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming days and the countryside in bloom. Weather can be variable. Temperatures average 5°C to 21°C.