Woods Reserve Campground, ACT
For a classic Australian bush camping experience just a stone’s throw from Canberra, Woods Reserve is a spectacular and much-loved destination. Located on the scenic Corin Road, this low-cost campground is nestled in a beautiful valley on the banks of the pristine Gibraltar Creek. It offers a genuine back-to-nature escape, where the city feels a world away. The campground is a large, open, and grassy area, providing plenty of space for campers to spread out and find their own perfect spot, whether it’s by the creek’s edge or under the shade of the towering eucalypts. It’s a place that champions a simple, self-sufficient style of camping, attracting families, groups, and anyone looking for a digital detox and a dose of nature.
The main highlight of Woods Reserve is its stunning natural environment. The crystal-clear Gibraltar Creek provides a wonderful natural swimming pool, perfect for cooling off on a warm day. The campground is also the starting point for a short, beautiful walking track that leads to the impressive Gibraltar Falls, a must-see for any visitor. The area is a haven for wildlife; it’s almost guaranteed that you will be sharing the campground with kangaroos and wallabies, and the birdlife is abundant. This immersion in the natural world is what makes Woods Reserve so special.
The facilities are basic but well-maintained, in keeping with the bush camp ethos. There are flushing toilets and wood-fired barbecues, but campers must be self-reliant, bringing their own drinking water (or equipment to treat creek water) and taking all rubbish with them. This ‘pack it in, pack it out’ policy helps to preserve the pristine environment. Its strategic location makes it the perfect base for exploring the nearby Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the northern reaches of Namadgi National Park. Bookings are essential for this popular spot, especially on weekends and holidays.
Site Information
- Location: In the Tidbinbilla area, on the banks of Gibraltar Creek, south-west of Canberra.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, small-to-medium Caravans and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed roads all the way to the campground.
- Site Surface: Large, level grassed areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Online booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the booking website for current limits.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Large, undefined area with generous space.
Facilities
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water, or be prepared to boil/treat water from the creek.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point. Nearest public facilities are in Canberra.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated wood BBQ pits only, subject to total fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All food and supplies, drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, swimming gear, hiking shoes.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals (including dogs) are strictly prohibited.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities for small fish in the creek.
- Short Walks: The walk to Gibraltar Falls is a highlight and starts from the campground.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Lanyon Vikings Club, Lanyon (approx. 30 km)
- The Statesman Hotel, Curtin (approx. 35 km)
- Rose Cottage, Tuggeranong (approx. 35 km)
- Places to Eat: The nearest cafes and supermarkets are in the southern suburbs of Canberra (e.g., Lanyon, Gordon, Banks).
- Local Attractions:
- Gibraltar Falls (on-site)
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (approx. 10 km)
- Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (approx. 15 km)
- Corin Forest Mountain Resort (approx. 10 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Cotter Campground (approx. 20 km)
- Southside Village (Canberra South Motor Park) (approx. 35 km)
- Next Free Camps: Very limited. This is considered the main low-cost camp in the area.
- Nearest Dump Points: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) or other public points in Canberra.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Lanyon or Gordon suburbs of Canberra (approx. 30 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Nearest public taps are in Canberra.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot days, perfect for swimming in the creek. Be prepared for insects and check for bushfire warnings. Temperatures average 12°C to 27°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Beautiful clear days and crisp nights. A great time for hiking. Temperatures average 6°C to 19°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often clear and sunny but very cool. Nights will be freezing with heavy frosts. Essential to have appropriate cold-weather gear. Temperatures range from -1°C to 11°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the bush comes alive with wildflowers. Days become warmer but nights are still very cool. Temperatures average 5°C to 19°C.