Wombeyan Caves Campground, Southern Highlands Karst Reserve Camping

Nestled deep within a secluded valley in the Southern Highlands, the Wombeyan Caves campground offers a truly immersive nature escape combined with the thrill of subterranean adventure. This spacious, well-equipped campground serves as the perfect base camp for exploring the magnificent Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve, a landscape dominated by dramatic limestone formations and ancient caves. The drive into the valley itself is an experience, winding through rugged bushland before opening up to the serene campground, where kangaroos and wallabies graze peacefully on the grassy flats. It’s a place where families and nature lovers can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the natural world.The main attraction, of course, is the spectacular network of limestone caves. The campground is just a short stroll from the visitor centre, the starting point for a variety of guided and self-guided cave tours. From the stunning formations of the Fig Tree Cave to the vast chambers of the Wollondilly Cave, there is an underground world to fascinate visitors of all ages. Above ground, the adventure continues with several scenic bushwalking tracks, including the Mares Forest Creek walk which leads to a beautiful waterfall. The campground is also a haven for wildlife. It’s not uncommon to share your campsite with eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, and wombats, while lyrebirds can often be heard echoing through the valley.The campground itself is thoughtfully laid out, offering a mix of powered and unpowered sites suitable for everything from small tents to large caravans. The amenities are excellent, including hot showers, flushing toilets, and a large, modern camp kitchen, ensuring a comfortable stay. A small kiosk at the visitor centre provides basic supplies and tour tickets. As dusk settles, the valley becomes a magical place. Campfires crackle, the stars shine brilliantly in the clear country sky, and the nocturnal sounds of the bush come to life. Camping at Wombeyan Caves is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an all-encompassing experience of Australia’s unique geological wonders and natural beauty.

Site Details

• Location: Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve, Southern Highlands, NSW.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Access via Wombeyan Caves Road from either Mittagong (east) or Goulburn/Taralga (west). Both routes involve long sections of winding, unsealed road. It is 2WD accessible but drivers should proceed with caution and check road conditions before travel, especially after rain. Not recommended for very large caravans or those not confident on narrow, unsealed roads.
• Site surface: Level grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes. Bookings are essential and must be made online via the NSW NPWS website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Subject to NSW NPWS booking rules.
• Number of powered sites: 40 powered sites.
• Number of un-powered sites: Over 100 unpowered sites.

Facilities & Rules

• Facilities: Excellent. Flushing toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, coin-operated laundry, a modern camp kitchen with BBQs, refrigerators, and microwaves. A kiosk is located at the visitor centre.
• Picnic tables: Yes, scattered throughout the campground and in the camp kitchen.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available throughout the campground.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to non-existent. A public payphone is available.
• TV reception: No.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, multiple amenities blocks.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump points are in Mittagong or Goulburn.
• Drive through sites: Some sites may be suitable for drive-through.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated wood BBQ areas and fire pits only, subject to local fire bans. Firewood is not supplied but can be purchased at the visitor centre.
• Generator use: Permitted in designated unpowered areas, with time restrictions (check with staff).
• Number of sites available: Over 140 sites in total.

Activities & Notes

• Essentials to bring: Food supplies, warm clothing (caves are cool year-round and nights can be cold), hiking shoes, and a torch.
• Pet friendly: No, pets and domestic animals are not permitted in the reserve.
• Fishing: No.
• Short walks: Mares Forest Creek track, Victoria Arch walking track, and various other trails exploring the reserve.

Local Amenities

Wombeyan Caves is remote. The nearest towns with full services are Mittagong (approx. 65 km) and Goulburn (approx. 75 km).

• Nearest Pubs:
  • The Taralga Hotel, Taralga (approx. 50 km)
  • The Surveyor General Inn, Berrima (approx. 55 km)
  • Numerous pubs in Mittagong and Goulburn.
• Places to Eat: A small kiosk onsite sells snacks. Full meals are available in Taralga, Mittagong, or Goulburn.
• Local Attractions:
  • Guided and self-guided cave tours
  • Bushwalking and scenic lookouts
  • Abundant wildlife viewing
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mittagong Caravan Park (approx. 65 km)
  • Goulburn South Caravan Park (approx. 75 km)
• Next Free Camps: Limited options. Some free camping may be available in nearby State Forests, such as in the Blue Mountains foothills.
• Nearest Dump Points: Mittagong Caravan Park (check for public access) or Goulburn Visitor Information Centre.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Taralga or Mittagong. It is essential to have a full tank of fuel before driving to the caves.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the campground.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Available in Taralga, Mittagong, or Goulburn.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Due to its elevation in a valley, Wombeyan experiences a distinct climate.

• Summer (December – February): Days are warm to hot, but the valley location offers some relief. Nights are generally mild and pleasant.
• Autumn (March – May): Clear, sunny days and cool to cold nights. A very popular and beautiful time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): Cold. Days are often crisp and clear but cool, and nights frequently drop to freezing or below with heavy frosts. Snow is possible but rare.
• Spring (September – November): Mild days with cool nights. A great time for walking as the bushland comes to life.