10 secluded Thredbo camping spots you won’t want to leave

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Weary heads will delight in a blanket of stars and swaying snow gums scattered throughout the best Thredbo camping destinations. 

Riverside barbecues and adventures through rich Australian bushland – Thredbo  camping offers humbling escapes and memories to last a lifetime. While Thredbo’s best hotels and resorts provide comfortable lodgings against breathtaking backdrops, nothing awakens your senses like immersing yourself in nature.

We’ve rounded up the most picturesque camping spots at Thredbo to add to your bucket list. 

1. Thredbo Diggings Campground 

Thredbo Diggings
Thredbo Diggings campground has great access to hiking and local attractions. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where: Bullocks Walking Track, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 10 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Drop toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited mobile reception and car parking. 

Perks: A standout Thredbo camping location, Thredbo Diggings Campground in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park is a super scenic bush camping site bounded by the meandering Thredbo River. 

You’ll find access to peaceful walking tracks and mountain biking trails, plus spectacular mountain views. It’s a popular spot with anglers who come to catch rainbow trout, but families also love to pitch up here and take to the trails or swim in the river’s crystal-clear waters. 

Hardy, well-prepared souls can camp or park a campervan on the grounds during winter, too. You’ll need to fork out for park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll be hit with a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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2. Ngarigo Campground 

Ngarigo Campground
Riverside grassy spots are open to all tents and camper trailers.

Where: Alpine Way, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 8 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: One non-flush toilet, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited mobile reception and car parking. 

Perks: A Thredbo camping hot spot set even closer to the village than Diggings, Ngarigo campground is an adventure-lover’s paradise just a turn off the long and winding Kosciuszko Alpine Way. 

Fly fishing folk love it here as rainbow and brown trout abound, plus there’s plenty of amazing hiking to be done as a diverse forest is decorated with scenic trails. 

All tents, camper trailers and caravans are welcome to set up shop on one of the grassy riverside patches. Quiet generators are also welcome in some parts. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and there’s a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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3. Leatherbarrel Creek Campground 

Where: Alpine Way, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 20 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Drop toilets, fire ring barbecue facilities (BYO firewood), picnic tables, space for tents and small campervans but nothing larger.  

Perks: Another spectacular Thredbo camping spot within Kosciuszko National Park, Leatherbarrel Creek campground is a great spot for a picnic and is frequented often by day-trippers. However, the campground itself is worth hanging around for. 

Dotted by fascinating birdlife like rosellas, kookaburras and currawongs plus plenty of shade, the space is peaceful and idyllic. The terrain is steep so arriving in anything bigger than a small campervan isn’t advised, however you can sleep in vans so plan accordingly. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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4. Island Bend Campground 

Island Bend campground
Island Bend is a magical campground in the Snowy Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where: Guthega Road, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 45 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited phone reception. 

Perks: Open to tents, camper trailers and sleeping beside your car, the Island Bend campground is closer to Perisher than Thredbo but well worth the consideration for other reasons.  

Located right on the Snowy River, it’s a Thredbo camping spot made for kayaking and canoeing and there’s also a network of hiking and biking trails to be tackled. 

You’re also on the same road as the historic Guthega Power Station and a series of old huts along the Whites River so exploring fascinating relics is a bonus. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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5. Tom Groggin Campground 

Tom Groggin Campground
Tom Groggin is a serene camping spot. (Image: Office of Environment and Heritage NSW)

Where: The Bicentennial National Trail, Murray Gorge, Kosciuszko National Park 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: A little over 40 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Picnic tables, drop toilets and fire ring barbecue facilities (BYO firewood). It should also be noted there is no mobile reception. 

Perks: Located in the southern section of Kosciuszko National Park, the Tom Groggin Campground is right on the NSW and Victorian border. It rests right along the upper Murray River, offering ideal fishing conditions and serene riverside campsites. 

There is also plenty of impressive wildlife including emus and sensational birds. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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6. Adventist Alpine Village 

Adventist Alpine Village
Wildlife lovers will have a fantastic experience at Adventist Alpine Village.

Where: 122 Tinworth Drive, Jindabyne 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 35 minutes 

Price: $-$$ 

Amenities: Showers, toilets, coin-operated washing machines (BYO powder), dryers, a children’s playground, camp kitchen, tennis court, disc golf course, basketball court, equipment hire, barbecue facilities and dump point. 

Perks: Offering plenty of grassy space within the grounds of a tourist park, the Adventist Alpine Village is littered with local wildlife including kangaroos and wombats, plus the odd farm animal, making it a hit with families seeking a memorable Thredbo camping experience. 

The campground welcomes tents, caravans and camper trailers and it’s dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend if they stay on a leash. 

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7. Old Geehi Campground

Where: Geehi Hut Road, Geehi 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 55 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). There is no water available at this campground and mobile coverage is limited. 

Perks: Another hidden gem along the Swampy Plain River, the Old Geehi Campground offers unmarked and unpowered camping in the middle of nature. From ground level — nestled into a camping chair with a cold one, we say — you’ll spy the Snowy Mountains’ peaks, and there’s also historic stone huts to explore along a nearby walking trail. 

Mountain biking, swimming and fishing is the norm during the warmer months as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and possums scurry along this magical destination right past you.  

You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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8. Geehi Flats Campground 

Geehi Flats Campground
Geehi Flats Campground is a picturesque spot near the Swampy Plain River. (Image: Murray Vanderveer)

Where: Geehi Campground Access, Geehi 

Driving distance from Thredbo village: 50 minutes 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables and wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). There is no water available at this campground and mobile coverage is limited. 

Perks: Another soothing site located within the Kosciuszko National Park, the Geehi Flats Campground offers flat, unmarked grassy grounds in which to set up digs as the Snowy Mountains loom around you. 

Set on the banks of the Swampy Plain River, it’s the perfect Thredbo camping spot for some fun-filled tubing, kayaking, canoeing and fly fishing. 

And if 4WDing is more your thing, you’ll find several great roads nearby. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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9. Gungarlin River Campground 

Where: Gungarlin River, Burrungubugge 

Driving distance to Thredbo village: Just over 1 hour 

Price: $ 

Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). Mobile coverage is limited. 

Perks: Catch sparkling water views straight from your campsite at the Gungarlin River Campground in Kosciuszko National Park. It’s only accessible by 4WD and camper trailers are as big as you can get, but the remote nature of this pick makes every effort worth it (just nine campsites are offered in total). 

If it’s warm, mountain biking, swimming and fishing are good time killers, while alpine huts are also worth checking out, originally built in 1909 and offering unrivalled insight into what once thrived.  

You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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10. Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park 

Khancoban Lakeside Park
Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park boasts lake frontage and majestic mountain views. (Image: Matt Beaver/Snow Valleys Council)

Where: 1362 Alpine Way, Khancoban 

Driving distance to Thredbo village: 1 hour and 20 minutes 

Price: $-$$ 

Amenities: Camp kitchen, games room, outdoor barbecues, showers, toilets and a laundry 

Perks: Pick from structured powered and unpowered sites within Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park. You’ve got the option of cabins, too, but given all the bells and whistles included in this Thredbo camping hot spot, you’re hardly slumming it in canvas walls. 

The property is situated right off Khancoban Pondage, renowned for great fishing and home to a boat ramp. A visit here is best experienced in summer, as crowds will prove.  

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .