Wollondilly River Station - pet friendly low cost bush camping

Last year we went to Wollondilly River Station for a couple of nights with some relatives.  We enjoyed the place and decided to head back there this year with some friends of ours from Sydney.

For those in NSW the Wollondilly River is quite close to Wombeyan Caves - inland from Mittagong and about halfway between Sydney and Canberra.  The site is managed by a caretaker and his wife who have a small office and shop with very limited basic supplies available.  Other than that there is a hot shower (that we didn't use) and toilets on site that are a pump flush porta-loo design.

We drove in from Yass, to Goulburn, through Taralga, and onto Wombeyan Caves Road.  This leads to the office where we met the caretaker, had a bit of a chat and were directed to our site, which was across the river from the office.

 

 The view as we crossed the river in 2008

Roughly the same view in 2009

There was a state wide total fire ban as a result of heat and wind while we were there.  The whole problem increases with drought.  The photos above show how drought is having an effect on farmers and others in regional NSW.  Simply it is a lack of water, even in permanent creek and river systems.

We  found our site and started setting up while waiting for our friends from the city to arrive.

 

 Parked under river oaks

 

Our tent and gazebo set up

Once they arrived we set things up in earnest and put their gazebo along side of ours.  The good thing about the campsites here - you will always have enough room to set up and be comfortable.

And there are things to do like spotting wildlife...

Last years friend

 

A new friend this year!

So after a swim in the river, having some fun with the crazy dog on the bank, and walking for miles  we settled in for dinner, a sing-a-long, some games and that was the night.

The next morning we had breakfast and leisurely packed up.  We had decided to go to Sydney to see some relatives so we popped back in to the office and dropped off the gate key and drove up the Mittagong side of Wombeyan Caves Road.  One of my favorite bits is the 'tunnel.'

Behind my car was the rest of the convoy - including a lowered Mitsubishi hatch back !

All in all it can be a great spot to camp, particularly if you want to take a pet along.  There is ample room, good clean serviceable toilets and a hot shower.  There are plently of 'activities' to partake in - just a case of asking the caretaker.

The website has more details and includes a map of how to get there - please visit them at: www.wollondillyriverstation.com