Wooldridge Fossicking Area – Free Camping near Uralla

Step back in time to the gold rush era with a stay at the Wooldridge Recreation and Fossicking Area, one of the most unique and popular free camps in the New England high country. This beautiful reserve is not just a campground; it’s a designated public fossicking area, where visitors can try their luck panning for gold and searching for gemstones in the scenic Rocky Creek. Located just a short drive from the historic town of Uralla, the campground is set in a spacious, open, and grassy area, offering a huge number of sites suitable for all types of setups, from tents to large caravans. The atmosphere is one of relaxed excitement, as campers share stories of their fossicking finds around the campfire.

The main attraction is the chance to find a speck of gold or a semi-precious stone like a zircon or sapphire. The creek provides an authentic setting to learn and practice panning, making it a fantastic activity for families and history buffs alike. Beyond the fossicking, the reserve is a beautiful, peaceful spot to relax, with the creek offering a place to cool off on warm days. The campground is proudly pet-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to explore. Facilities are basic, with non-flush toilets provided, so campers should be self-sufficient with their own drinking water. The proximity to Uralla, a town steeped in the legend of bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, makes it a perfect base for exploring the region’s rich history, antique shops, and excellent cafes. For a fun, historic, and budget-friendly stay, Wooldridge is a top-tier destination.

• Website: www.uralla.com
• GPS Coordinates: -30.628, 151.47038

Site Information

• Location: On Rocky Creek, just outside Uralla.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed access road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 72 hours, check local signage.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, picnic tables, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Gold pan, sieve, and other fossicking equipment.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Possible in the creek, though fossicking is the main activity.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the creek and through the reserve.

Local Amenities (in Uralla)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Top Pub, Uralla (~5 km)
  • The Coachwood and Cedar Hotel, Uralla (~5 km)
  • Uralla Bowling & Recreation Club (~5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A fantastic selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in the historic town of Uralla (~5 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic town of Uralla and its antique shops (~5 km)
  • McCrossin’s Mill Museum and Thunderbolt display, Uralla (~5 km)
  • Captain Thunderbolt’s Rock (~12 km)
  • Gostwyck Chapel (~15 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Uralla Caravan Park (~5 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Yarrowyck Crossing Reserve (~30 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Uralla Showground (~6 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Uralla (~5 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Uralla Visitor Information Centre (~5 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Alma Park, Uralla (~5 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: New England High Country

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days with cool nights, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 15°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Mild, sunny days and crisp, cold nights. Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts and occasional snow. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 0°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days that can be windy. The landscape is covered in wildflowers. Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C.