Wollemi National Park covers approximately 500,000 hectares of wilderness northwest and northeast of Sydney — the second-largest national park in NSW. Most people who camp in it have only been to one campground: Ganguddy–Dunns Swamp on the Cudgegong River, the park's showpiece.
The other six campgrounds rarely get a mention.
That's partly a function of access — some require 4WD, some are remote enough to mean planning a proper expedition — but Coorongooba and Wheeny Creek are both within practical driving distance of Sydney and genuinely excellent. This guide covers all seven, with current access notes that the NPWS site buries in separate alert pages.
One important note before you start planning: The access road to Newnes campground has collapsed, making it walk-in only (approximately 10 km via the Pipeline Track from Glen Davis). This is not prominently flagged on most camping websites. If Newnes is on your list, read that section carefully.
The campgrounds — all seven#
1. Ganguddy–Dunns Swamp#
The flagship campground and the most-visited spot in the park. Ganguddy sits in a sandstone canyon where the Cudgegong River loops through scribbly gums and ancient banksia — the swimming holes are clear and cold, the rock formations dramatic, and the evening light on the canyon walls worth the drive alone.
Why people come: The water — paddling, swimming and fishing in the Cudgegong River — plus the short walk to the sandstone formations. Bring your own equipment or verify any commercial hire directly with the current operator before relying on it.
Facilities: Non-flush toilets, unpowered sites, fire rings, BBQ facilities, picnic tables. No showers, no powered sites, no generators. Bring drinking water and firewood.
Access: 2WD accessible in dry conditions. About 265 km from Sydney via Lithgow and Rylstone (approximately 3.5–4 hours). Final stretch via Ganguddy Road off Rylstone Road.
Booking: Required — through NSW Parks or 1300 072 757. Fills on long weekends and school holidays.
Best time: Autumn and winter. Autumn brings cool, still mornings perfect for paddling, and campfires are allowed. Summer is hot and can be fly-heavy.
CampWatch note: Ganguddy fills up for every long weekend. If you see it fully booked, set a CampWatch alert — cancellations come through regularly in the week or two before.
2. Coorongooba campground#
Coorongooba is Ganguddy's quieter neighbour on the Capertee River, deeper into the park and less known. It suits campers who want the same river setting — swimming, fishing, paddling — without the facilities (or the crowds).
Why people come: The Capertee Valley is one of the world's best bird-watching locations — the critically endangered regent honeyeater and superb parrot have a stronghold here. Early morning birding from the riverbank is exceptional in autumn and winter.
Facilities: Toilets, BBQ facilities, picnic tables. No showers. Bring drinking water and firewood.
Access: 2WD accessible in dry conditions. Off Capertee Road, about 190 km from Sydney. The road surface can become slippery after rain — check conditions before heading out.
Booking: Via NSW Parks. Less demand than Ganguddy, but still books out for long weekends.
3. Newnes campground — ⚠️ walk-in only#
Newnes was one of the most atmospheric campgrounds in the park: a wide meadow beside the Wolgan River, surrounded by a ghost town of rusting machinery and crumbling stone walls from a 1900s oil shale operation. The Glow Worm Tunnel is nearby.
Current access issue: The road into Newnes from Wolgan Valley Road has suffered a significant collapse. The campground is currently accessible only on foot — approximately 10 km via the Pipeline Track from Glen Davis, or via Old Coach Road from Newnes Plateau. Check NPWS local alerts for the latest status before planning this trip.
The Glow Worm Tunnel: Even with the road issue, this remains one of the most extraordinary walks in NSW. A former industrial railway tunnel — nearly 400 metres long, completely dark inside — is covered in thousands of bioluminescent glow worm larvae (Arachnocampa richardsae). Visit at dusk. Bring a torch you can turn off once you're inside. There is no other experience quite like standing in complete darkness surrounded by blue-green stars.
Access if walking in: The Pipeline Track from Glen Davis is the primary walking route. This turns a campground visit into a proper multi-day expedition — which is exactly what some campers want.
Facilities: Basic — pit toilets, BBQs, fire rings. No showers.
4. Wheeny Creek campground#
Wheeny Creek sits in a quiet gully in the southern part of the park near East Kurrajong — wild sandstone country with the creek running through. It's the campground for people who want to feel properly in the bush without driving four hours.
Why people come: Swimming in the creek pools, a sense of isolation unusual this close to Sydney, and the surrounding walking tracks. About 30 sites under eucalypts along the creek.
Facilities: Pit toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, fire rings. No showers. Bring drinking water.
Access: Approximately 150 km from western Sydney. 2WD in dry weather. Requires 4WD or high-clearance vehicle in wet conditions — the final few kilometres are unsealed and can deteriorate quickly after rain. Check the forecast before committing.
Booking: Required through the official NPWS campground page. There is no camping fee, but NPWS applies a $6 booking fee.
5. Colo Meroo campground#
Colo Meroo is a remote, tent-only backpack campground beside the Colo River. NPWS lists two sites and access on foot only.
Why people come: A remote overnight stop on a longer walking route beside the Colo River.
Facilities: Basic facilities only; carry drinking water and everything else you need.
Access: Walk about 8 km after following Gospers Ridge trail. Book online; there is no camping fee, but NPWS applies a $6 booking fee.
6. Deep Pass campground#
Deep Pass is a remote, tent-only walk-in campground used by self-sufficient bushwalkers.
Facilities: Basic. Carry everything in and out, including drinking water.
Access: On foot only; it is not a vehicle-access campground. Book online before travelling.
7. Sheepskin Hut#
In the northeast section of the park, Sheepskin Hut is a remote tent and vehicle-based campground reached by unsealed roads.
Facilities: Toilets and basic facilities. Carry drinking water and everything else you need.
Access: Check current road conditions and alerts. As checked on 12 September 2026, Commission Road and Hunter Main Trail works remain scheduled through 30 October and may periodically affect access. Book online before travelling.
What to do in Wollemi beyond the campground#
Glow Worm Tunnel walk: Even without staying at Newnes, many visitors drive to the Glow Worm Tunnel car park and walk in to the tunnel and back (6 km return). It's one of the best half-day walks in NSW.
Capertee Valley birding: March through August is prime time for the critically endangered regent honeyeater at Capertee. The valley consistently rates among the top bird-watching sites in the world. If you're staying at Coorongooba, bring binoculars.
Kayaking at Ganguddy: The Cudgegong River at Ganguddy is a popular paddling destination. Bring your own equipment or confirm current hire arrangements directly with an operator.
Rock swimming holes: Dunns Swamp (at Ganguddy) and the Colo River tributaries have clear, cold rock pools. In autumn the water is still warm enough for swimming and the crowds have thinned.
Sandstone canyon walking: The trails immediately around Ganguddy lead into narrow canyon systems. The amphitheatre walk is short and one of the park's most photogenic spots.
Best time to visit Wollemi#
Autumn (March–May): Often comfortable for walking, with cooler nights and fewer peak-summer visitors. Campfire permissions depend on the site and current fire conditions.
Winter (June–August): Cold nights are common in the canyons. Pack for local forecasts and check fire rules before lighting any fire.
Avoid: Summer long weekends. Ganguddy in particular becomes very busy in December–January, and the combination of heat and biting insects makes the experience less enjoyable.
Booking and access#
All established NSW national park campgrounds require pre-booking. Book at nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 072 757 (7am–7pm daily).
Check NPWS local alerts before every visit. As checked on 12 September 2026, current notices include Commission Road and Hunter Main Trail works that may affect the Sheepskin Hut approach, the permanent closure of Wheeny Creek's Boobook section, and remote-area closures scheduled for 13–18 and 20–25 September. The aerial-baiting operation was scheduled to finish on 6 September, but NPWS keeps its warning notice live through 4 October. These are dated snapshots, not a substitute for the live alert page.
If Ganguddy–Dunns Swamp is showing as fully booked, CampWatch can monitor supported availability and text you when a matching site opens. The web flow uses phone verification rather than a password account; check current notification-credit terms.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What campgrounds are in Wollemi National Park?
Wollemi National Park has seven campgrounds: Ganguddy–Dunns Swamp, Coorongooba, Newnes, Wheeny Creek, Colo Meroo, Deep Pass, and Sheepskin Hut. Ganguddy–Dunns Swamp is the most popular and has the best facilities. Newnes is currently walk-in only due to a road collapse — check NPWS alerts before visiting.
Can I get to Wollemi National Park campgrounds in a 2WD car?
Some campgrounds have 2WD access in dry conditions, but access varies. Newnes, Colo Meroo and Deep Pass are currently walk-in destinations; Wheeny Creek may need 4WD in wet weather, and Sheepskin Hut is reached by unsealed roads. Always check the exact campground page and live NPWS alerts before visiting.
Do I need to book Wollemi National Park campgrounds?
Yes. NPWS currently requires online bookings for all seven listed campgrounds. Free campgrounds still carry a $6 booking fee. Check the exact campground page and live park alerts before travelling.
How far is Wollemi National Park from Sydney?
Ganguddy–Dunns Swamp (the most popular campground) is about 265 km and 3.5–4 hours from Sydney via Lithgow and Rylstone. Wheeny Creek in the Colo Gorge area is about 150 km and 2 hours from western Sydney. The Newnes area via Lithgow is about 150 km and 2 hours. All are practical overnight camping distances from the city.
What is the Glow Worm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park?
The Glow Worm Tunnel is a disused railway tunnel near the former oil shale mining town of Newnes. The tunnel walls are lit by thousands of bioluminescent glow worm larvae. It's a 6 km return walk from the Glow Worm Tunnel car park and best visited at dusk or in darkness. Note: Newnes campground is currently walk-in only due to a road collapse — access is via the Pipeline Track from Glen Davis (approximately 10 km).