Yarrowyck Crossing Reserve – Free Gwydir River Camping

Yarrowyck Crossing Reserve offers a delightful free camping experience that combines serene riverside relaxation with a deep connection to ancient Aboriginal culture. Located on the beautiful Gwydir River in the picturesque New England high country, this spacious reserve is a fantastic spot for self-sufficient campers. The campground is a large, open, and grassy area, providing numerous level sites suitable for everything from tents to large caravans. You can find a perfect spot right on the riverbank or choose a more sheltered site back under the trees. It’s a classic, peaceful bush camp and is proudly pet-friendly, making it a wonderful destination for the whole family.

The Gwydir River is the centrepiece of the reserve, offering a lovely spot for a swim, a paddle in a kayak, or a relaxing afternoon of fishing. However, what makes this location truly special is its proximity to the Yarrowyck Nature Reserve, just a short drive away. This reserve is home to the Yarrowyck Aboriginal rock art site, one of the most significant and well-preserved cultural sites in the region. An easy walking track leads to a viewing platform where you can see ancient rock paintings created by the Aniwan people. Camping at Yarrowyck Crossing provides a fantastic opportunity to visit this important site. The campground itself has basic facilities, including non-flush toilets, so you must arrive self-contained with your own drinking water. For a culturally rich, pet-friendly, and scenically beautiful riverside escape, Yarrowyck Crossing is a top-tier free camp.

• GPS Coordinates: -30.46854, 151.36062

Site Information

• Location: On the Gwydir River, near the village of Yarrowyck.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
• 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: No specified limit, but respectful short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Telstra service is most likely.
• TV reception: Possible with a good setup.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• 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

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Gwydir River is popular.
• Short walks: Explore the riverbank. The main attraction is the Yarrowyck rock art walk a short drive away.

Local Amenities (in Uralla / Armidale)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Top Pub, Uralla (~35 km)
  • The Coachwood and Cedar Hotel, Uralla (~35 km)
  • The Welder’s Dog, Armidale (~40 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A fantastic selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in the historic town of Uralla (~35 km)
  • Extensive dining options in the city of Armidale (~40 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Yarrowyck Aboriginal Rock Art Site (~5 km)
  • McCrossin’s Mill Museum, Uralla (~35 km)
  • New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), Armidale (~40 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Uralla Caravan Park (~35 km)
  • Armidale Tourist Park (~40 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • DUMARESQ Dam Rest Area, near Armidale (~45 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Uralla Showground (~35 km)
  • Armidale Showground (~40 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Uralla (~35 km) or Armidale (~40 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Uralla or Armidale Visitor Information Centres. Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Alma Park, Uralla (~35 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.