Perkins Flat campground

Perkins Flat campground is a remote clearing beside the Goodradigbee River in Kosciuszko National Park's High Plains. It rewards capable, self-sufficient travellers with quiet river country and dark skies, but it is not an easy roadside stop. A 4WD, a confirmed open route and a complete no-facilities setup are essential.

Seasonal access comes first#

There is no road access between the June and October long weekends. The current Perkins Flat alerts list the northern Kosciuszko seasonal closure through Friday 2 October 2026, including Long Plain Road and connecting High Plains routes. That date can move if conditions require it.

Do not drive around a gate or assume a map app knows the legal route. NSW National Parks specifically warns that there is no access via Crace Lane from Brindabella Valley because the route crosses private property and locked gates.

Choose an official 4WD route#

The official campground page describes approaches using Barnetts, Bramina, Boundary, Broken Cart and Long Plain roads, or Snowy Mountains Highway and Long Plain Road when those roads are open. All require 4WD capability.

Download current park maps, check weather and alerts, and allow much more travel time than the distance suggests. Tell a trusted person your route and return time. NPWS recommends carrying a personal locator beacon; free hire is available from several Snowy Mountains visitor centres. A second vehicle is sensible for a remote group trip.

Before committing, confirm fuel range for the full return journey and identify the last dependable resupply point. The flat may feel close on a map, but slow surfaces, gates and a cautious turnaround can materially extend the day.

A true no-facilities camp#

No facilities are provided. Bring all drinking and cooking water, food, shelter, rubbish storage, a fuel stove, recovery equipment, first aid and a toilet system. Do not expect toilets, tables, bins, tap water or mobile reception.

If you cannot carry waste out, NPWS instructs campers to toilet at least 100m from water and campsites and bury waste about 15cm deep. A sealed carry-out toilet is the lower-impact option. Keep soap, scraps and wastewater out of the river, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.

Pack for High Plains weather even in summer. Cold fronts, wind and rain can arrive quickly. A fuel stove is more dependable than a fire and reduces pressure on fallen timber. Current fire bans and park restrictions always override older trip reports.

River and High Plains activities#

The Goodradigbee River makes Perkins Flat attractive for fishing, paddling in suitable conditions and a cool swim. Check NSW fishing requirements separately, assess current and depth before entering, and never assume this remote waterway is supervised.

Walking and wildlife watching begin from camp, but navigation and communications are your responsibility. Avoid trampling wet ground, secure food and leave pets at home. Darkness and isolation are part of the appeal, so plan evening movements before the light fades.

What campers say#

Public evidence is limited. Anycamp and ParkCheck contain only a handful of reviews, which repeatedly describe a quiet, no-frills riverside camp rather than a serviced campground.

Recent four-wheel-drive club reports, including Southern Trails March 2025, reinforce the long travel time, solitude and appeal of a riverside stop. Treat these as individual experiences, not evidence that a road is open or suitable today.

Booking and departure checklist#

Book through NSW National Parks before entering the High Plains and save the confirmation offline. Then verify every connecting road, the forecast and fire conditions. Carry enough supplies for an unplanned delay, and turn back if the surface or river crossings exceed your vehicle, recovery gear or experience.

CampWatch can monitor a booked-out date, but it cannot open a seasonally closed road or assess conditions. Route confirmation is the decisive step for Perkins Flat.