- Camping with Wildlife watching
The best camping near Gundaroo with wildlife watching
97% (2.7K) • 85 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gundaroo
Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art
1. Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art
99%
(171)
7.7km from Gundaroo · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Once a much larger property, we purchased our 120-acre (50-hectare) in 1984 as a means to live sustainably and raise a family.
Living in our shed whilst we prepared the garden, installed watering infrastructure, and built our house, which we finally moved into when our daughter was 6 months old in 1990.
Over the ensuing years, we have continued to increase biodiversity on the property and set it up so we can live sustainably, harvesting our own water, electricity, and food.
If you're lucky, you could get a hamper of our product when there is sufficient in season.
With the increased biodiversity, you will find that in the mornings and evenings, kangaroos and wallabies will visit with the occasional echidna, rabbi,t and hare; and to forget the large array of bird life - that may wake you early in the morning with the songs.
This campsite is set on lovely grassy open areas interspersed with gum trees. The sunrise looks spectacular near the dam, when the trees give off a lovely glow.
The main paddock has a Geodome, a shared space for relaxing in. With all that space, you can park and set up camp anywhere in the paddock.
There is access to drinking water, toilets, and a hot shower.
Around the dome is a fire pit, drinking water, and a camp kitchen. The fire pit features an Argentinian BBQ and a plate for cooking. The kitchen has plates, cups, cutlery, and other bits and pieces for you to use.
We also allow your pets to stay on-site; this includes horses.
If you want exclusive use of the paddocks, refer to Group Bush Retreat.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$51
/ night
PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW
2. PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW
100%
(115)
9.3km from Gundaroo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Located on a sealed road, on 220 acres of land, approximately 5-6 minutes to Sutton or Gundaroo, 10 minutes to Gunghalin and 20 minutes into Canberra. The site is very quiet and private. Sutton village (5 kms away) has a toilet block and shower amenities available.
A beautiful quiet location to stay. Close to a lot of amenities, such as Bakery, Wineries, Gundaroo, Mulligan's Flat Reserve and Gunghalin shops.
Sutton has a world class bakery, we recommend chicken and leek or pepper steak pies. Gundaroo has an old world pub with local wines and food. The old police station at Gundaroo has been converted to a gourmet pizza restaurant, there is also an excellent restaurant named Grazing. There is also Eagle Hawke pub, which is very popular. There are numerous wineries nearby including Gundog at Gundaroo and all of the many Murrumbateman wineries.
Water refill and waste disposal is available at Queanbeyan showground.
The Mulligans Flat Reserve, about 10 minutes away, is a real first in Australia, given that a very large area has been set aside near Canberra to foster wildlife. A walk through the reserve is well worth while. Check it out.
None of the above should be missed if you visit our area.
Situated on a farm, our property has flat terrain in most areas.
We have a land for wildlife reserve on site to explore native plants and wildlife.
Sites are suitable for Tents, Campers, Vans and Caravans.Must have own amenities.• Check in: After 12 PM• Check out: Before 11 AM• Cancellation policy: Flexible • On arrival: Meet and greet • Minimum nights: 1 night• Accepts bookings: 1 month out Surface type: grass or field Surface levelness: flat Generators allowed
Show less
Approximately 30 minutes into Canberra.
Owners live on site.
Pets
from
AU$37
/ night
Coots Creek Campground
3. Coots Creek Campground
99%
(384)
15km from Gundaroo · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful 240acre cattle property for campers to enjoy the beauty of the land and its flora and fauna in a pieceful environment.
Campers have enjoyed the easy accessibility,
stunning sunset views and the peace and quiet of feeling like they are a million miles away from civilization.
2 Dams available for swimming.
All sites in the Campground area are fenced and sited to give maximum privacy and safety from any fire threat, with plenty of room to place tents/vans/motorhomes for best viewing position.
Campground Sites x 8
Beautiful private sites that feel like you are away from the rest of the world.
Watch kangaroos, wallaroos and wedge tail eagles. Drive through comfort for large Caravans/RV.
Toilets for your comfort nearby and potable water available for refill of tanks.
Campfires are allowed unless there is a fireban.
Why not hire a van if you have no equipment- they will set the van up on your site https://www.camplify.com.au/rv/caravan-rental-murrumbateman-nsw-viv-the-viscount/33909
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
AU$31
/ night
Goolabri Estate
4. Goolabri Estate
95%
(694)
19km from Gundaroo · 125 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Goolabri, a peaceful country escape just 10 minutes from Canberra. Set on land that was once a golf course and surrounded by natural bushland, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe out, and enjoy a relaxed stay in nature.
Camp near our dams, wander the nearby nature reserve, and wake up to the sounds of birds and the sight of kangaroos grazing nearby. It’s an easy, quiet getaway that still feels close to everything.
Suitable for tents, campers, vans, and caravans, with good 2WD access.
Small campfires are permitted in designated areas when restrictions aren’t in place. You’re welcome to collect dead wood from the old golf course area (please don’t collect from the nature reserve).
No pets permitted.
What to do nearby
If you feel like a treat, the Little Sutton Bakehouse is a fantastic local bakery, and the Eagle Hawk Pub is just down the road with amazing meals.
And when you want more adventure, everything Canberra has to offer is right there
markets, galleries, wineries, walks, restaurants, and live music.
Goolabri is also a perfect campground for anyone attending Canberra or local festivals and events, giving you a calm place to return to at the end of the day.
If you’d like directions for the best bush walks and hidden spots around the property, just ask when you arrive.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$42
/ night
Bunyip Jerrawa
5. Bunyip Jerrawa
97%
(53)
31km from Gundaroo · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Located 20 minutes from thriving Yass we offer just under 200 acres of farm land to stay and explore. This really can be the holiday of your choice;
Set up camp and stay onsite to enjoy farm walks, dam and creek swims, wildlife watching and the odd farm animal. And of course cosy up in your camp chair around a fire during winter. Enjoy our 'loo with a view' for a unique toilet experience.
Or use it as a base to explore the local area, with Yass 20mins away, Canberra an hour, Murrambateman wineries 40mins, and Goulburn a 40min drive.
Be sure to visit Dalton Pub and grab a coffee in Gunning if that’s your thing.
Thanks for considering a stay on our property.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from
AU$20
/ night
Forest Elbow
6. Forest Elbow
90%
(31)
33km from Gundaroo · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are a 5 min drive to the historic township of Bungendore where you can find plenty of shopping and cafes. It's just a 25 min drive to Queanbeyan and a 30 min drive to Canberra CBD. We are about 1.5 hours from Batemans Bay and the NSW south coast.The night sky here is mesmerising. The milky way core is visible from January through to November and is an astrophotographer's dream. Bring a camera!
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$49
/ night
Shepherds Rest
7. Shepherds Rest
98%
(131)
35km from Gundaroo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Beautiful open views across rolling hills and paddocks.
Sit by the dam and enjoy the views.
Meet the goats, llama and chickens.
Walk the farm paddocks with the goats. Mountain bike on country roads.
Various sites to choose from.
Only 45 mins from Canberra. 15mins from the quaint town of Bungendore.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$37
/ night
Country Journey, Boxgrove farm
8. Country Journey, Boxgrove farm
99%
(258)
37km from Gundaroo · 43 sites · Tents, RVs
With over 600 acres of Australian bush, our property is ideal for campers that want their own space. We are completely off-grid (no wifi to distract you) and we run off tank water (for this reason showers are only available for two hours in the evening). There are multiple camp sites on the property - some are close to hot showers and toilets, others are within a short walking distance. Some sites are perfect for our self sufficient campers who might want a nice private location and don't need access to amenities.
There are two shared camp kitchen areas (with pizza ovens and bbqs). We have two amenities blocks with toilets and hot showers and two further compost toilets located at other sites. Campfires are permitted in designated areas (check with us when booking) and firewood can be added to your booking - we do require at least 24 hours notice if you want wood.
There are lots of old-style games for the kids such as cricket, tennis, playground, bikes available, a swim in the dam and general country running around fun! Unfortunately we no longer have our flying fox, but there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. We have some great bush walking areas where you might be lucky enough to see our resident wombats or our breeding pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles.
The property dates back to the early 1900s and there are numerous historic buildings on the property. The earliest is a wooden slab hut that was built around the beginning of the 19th century - the Goulburn Penny Post newspaper, dated 3 December 1904 lines the walls of the hut. It also has a two shearing stand wooden shed built by Marcus Dawe in 1922.
We try to make sure all of our guests have a great experience - so if you have any special requests reach out to us and have a chat!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$33
/ night
Spring Creek Valley Farm
9. Spring Creek Valley Farm
99%
(69)
46km from Gundaroo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Spring Creek Valley Farm is a 2200-acre farm located in the beautiful southern tablelands, 1 hour to the Canberra CBD and just 1 hour to Batemans Bay on the coast.
With over 3km of creek frontage and 100+ acres of untouched native bushland, there are ample options for campsites to suit just about anyone. All campers must be completely self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go.
The original name of this property is Wooraba which is an aboriginal word for 'hidden' which describes it very well. Here, you will immerse yourself in the Australian bush and enjoy a truly peaceful retreat. Enjoy fantastic bushwalks amongst the native flora and fauna, or take your mountain bike to the high open hilly area to check out the expansive views. Or lay in some of the creek's rock pools and sunbathe.
Whilst we can accept dogs, this absolutely must be discussed with us prior to booking. We are a working farm, with sheep, and it is important that any visiting pets do not hassle our sheep, and are kept on a lead at all times.
Campfires are permitted in the designated fire pit when conditions allow and no local fire bans are in play.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$46
/ night
The Ridge
10. The Ridge
100%
(54)
47km from Gundaroo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Only 4.5 kms from the Kings Highway lies this idyllic property where John and Pippa have built their rural home, keep goats, chickens and grow their own vegetables.
Once part of a huge thriving farmstead with lots of local history, a secret Bushrangers grave and scattered gold deposits are rumoured to be hidden
amongst the snow gums. Descendants of the original landowners still live in nearby Heritage listed Braidwood.
We have 104 acres of beautiful and varied terrain with fabulous rolling views.
During your stay enjoy our amazing bird life, kangaroos, wallabies, possibly echidnas, rosenburgs, wombats and even deer.
Guests are required to be fully self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are welcome permitting there are no restrictions in place at the time of your stay.
This is the ideal location to just relax and enjoy nature at its finest. On a clear night the stars are amazing.
We are only an hour from Canberra situated halfway between the picturesque towns of Braidwood and Bungendore, both within 20 mins away.
Sorry, no pets.
Campfires
Picnic table
from
AU$43
/ night
The Yurtfarm
11. The Yurtfarm
95%
(96)
47km from Gundaroo · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Situated between Goulburn and the rural village Crookwell is the Yurtfarm. Mike Shepherd has been running Back to Basics living camps here for more then 30 years and we now want to invite campers to our picturesque Yurt village. We can show kids what farm life is all about and how to make fun in the bush or you can just come and enjoy the peace and quiet. Apart from abundant wildlife we farm sheep and Scottish Highland cattle. We also have lots of horses and dogs and you can collect fresh eggs from our chickens. Take a stroll through our gardens, a hike to the Peace yurt and boil the Billy or learn about growing vegetables. We have toilets and a kitchen yurt for your convenience. We look forward to meeting you!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$49
/ night
Travellers Village Rest
12. Travellers Village Rest
100%
(22)
50km from Gundaroo · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Stay on our 2 acre block on the edge of a small village in the southern tablelands of NSW. We are conveniently close to the Hume Highway, with a level grassed site with scattered gum trees providing shade. Travellers between Melbourne and Sydney can easily pull in off the highway for a quick set up for the night, then be back on the road the next morning. Alternatively, our site is an excellent base to stay for a few days while you explore Canberra and surrounds, as it is an hour to the Nation’s capital.
Sure, we can hear the highway and occasional trains as they go past on the main line but there are also plenty of bird calls and some neighbouring wallabies. There is a small creek on the boundary of the camping block that attracts birds but is not suitable for swimming. We have town water available for campers and toilet facilities are a short 400m walk to the middle of the village. The nearest dump point is 15 minutes away in the town of Yass. Winters are excellent for small fires for cooking and then putting another log on to enjoy the rest of the evening under the stars. We have dedicated fire pits or you can use your own.
As an added bonus, there are metal sculptures dotted around the block created by the host.
Each site is spacious enough for up to 4 vans if you are travelling in a group. It is easy to navigate through the trees and use it as a drive through.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$25
/ night
The Hobby Sheep Farm
13. The Hobby Sheep Farm
99%
(219)
51km from Gundaroo · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
EV Charging station available Type 2 plug (costs applicable).
Come and pitch your tent or caravan in our hobby sheep farm.
Plenty to do from fishing (catch and release a perch from the dam), bush walking or simply relaxing in and around the garden.
There is access to drinking water and a toilet (no shower).
I can offer friendly advice for activities around the area, or you're welcome to go out exploring yourself. The Shoalhaven River is a short 25 minute drive from the property, 25 minutes to Goulburn CBD for all your supply needs, and Canberra is 1 hour away.
Enjoy the evenings warming your toes around the campfire as you gaze at the night sky. The area is peppered with many other quaint villages. Excellent overnight stop from the coast and the wine country.
Please note that firewood is not available and there are no fires permitted
October till April.
Pets welcome by agreement. Please contact property owner prior to booking to discuss your pet.
Welcome to our working farm! During your stay, you may see us carrying out normal farm activities such as moving livestock or using farm vehicles—part of the authentic farm experience. Well-behaved dogs are welcome by prior agreement but must be supervised kept under control and not chase livestock or wildlife. For your safety please do not enter paddocks or approach animals without permission and leave all gates as you find them....
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$37
/ night
Stary Ponds
14. Stary Ponds
93%
(37)
53km from Gundaroo · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A peaceful space with lots of trees and waterways as well as an abundance of wildlife such as deer, kangaroo, black cockatoos, butterflies and so many gorgeous birds.
The landscape is varied, with lots of options to explore. From hiking the mountainous steep terrains, to meandering through the many ponds and waterways, or discovering the cleared trails ready for a beautiful bush walk or ride through nature.
The peace at night and the stars are unlike anything I've seen, absolutely breathtaking, and only 15 minutes from all the modern amenities you may need.
We offer several camping sites, a cabin and a large teepee.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$43
/ night
Camp Rossi
15. Camp Rossi
90%
(103)
56km from Gundaroo · 6 sites
Small acreage about 400m from the Tallaganda State Forest which is known for picnic area with water wheel, lookouts, trout streams, bush walking, mountain bike riding and single track motorcycles.Campsites are beside the natural spring creek. The creek is suitable for swimming but a word of warning is it's freezing!Includes filtered rain water, shelter, toilet, gas BBQ, fire pit and free firewood.Not suitable for caravans at the moment. 2WD ok and suits camper trailers and tents only. Dogs welcome on a leash/restrained & well controlled.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
AU$49
/ night
Wattle Run
16. Wattle Run
99%
(55)
58km from Gundaroo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Located just 10 mins from Goulburn CBD within the picturesque Southern Tablelands area, Wattle Run is a beautiful 100 acre secluded property with plenty of wildlife and spectacular views over the valley into Goulburn.
We offer spacious nature based campsites around our property, some with views of the mountains, bush based, or in grassy cleared sites with dam views.
Please note, to get to some campsites there is a farm track, we recommend 4WD or SUV to access those campsites. but plenty of campsites available for smaller vehicles also.
There are families of kangaroos that live within the property as well as some wild rabbits and hares. Keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of wildlife like kookaburras, owls, parrots and ducks.
Plenty more for nature lovers here, including bush walking and bird watching. We are located within 15 mins to Pejar dam for local fishing and kayaking (no motors aloud on the dam).
Just 10 mins into Goulburn CBD for all the local amenities, including supermarkets and boutique shops and galleries. We also have a variety of local playgrounds and parks to wonder like the wetlands for more nature and wildlife walks. For the kids, we have our newly finished aquatic centre with splash park, and two bmx pump tracks and skate parks.
We are located a short 20min drive to "Rambo" the big ram, which is on the list of big things located within Australia. Walk to the top and experience the local sheep industry history as well as shop local produce and giftware.
Located a 20min drive west to the beautiful country towns of Crookwell and Taralga, where you can find country pubs, boutique eateries and shops or why not visit Taralga wildlife park for your up close encounter with some animals.
Dogs are welcome but must remain on leads at ALL times as this is a working farm and protecting our wildlife is priorty.
You MUST bring your own camping toilet and be COMPLETELY 100% self sufficient with everything including drinking water.
We have a Leave No Trace policy, so ask that you please take all waste with you as we dont have a bin service.
Strictly No Pre Booking tours of campsites allowed, a good description and photos of each campsite is available online.
NO DAY VISITORS ALLOWED
Campfires permitted when local/state government restrictions aren't in place. PLEASE NOTE at times Wattle Run has the right to enforce their own restrictions.
We are a working property and live on site, therefore at times you may hear farm machinery.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$43
/ night
The Lodge at Tinneburra
17. The Lodge at Tinneburra
100%
(21)
61km from Gundaroo · 1 site
The Lodge at Tinnenburra is a secluded getaway just 55 minutes from Canberra. Located above the most picturesque waterfalls on the Queanbeyan River; the Lodge started as a humble fishing cabin and has evolved over the years into a cozy, off grid sustainable
eco-house. Perfect for a family weekend away or a get together with friends to enjoy the beauty of the surrounds. The drive in through neighbouring farms and national parks sets the tone for the escape from the suburban surrounds of the Canberra region. Enjoy exploring the farm, the surrounding Yanununbeyan National Park or exploring along the gorges and flats of the river. There is an amazing array or native flora and fauna - spot the Platypus in the river gorges; the wombats on the flats in the evenings; the wallabies and kangaroos grazing in the paddocks nearby and more.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$520
/ night
Buenpaso - good step
18. Buenpaso - good step
100%
(17)
62km from Gundaroo · 3 sites
Private, quiet and secluded; Perry Lane is a no-through road used by only two other neighbours. "Buenpaso" is 118 acres of woodland and meadow. Stroll around and see Kangaroos, Wombats, Deer and a variety of native parrots. 29 klms away (25 mins) from the Bungonia National Park, 20 mins to Goulburn.
Pets
from
AU$79
/ night
The Sanctuary 2580
19. The Sanctuary 2580
100%
(52)
62km from Gundaroo · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
🌿 Welcome to The Sanctuary 2580 – A Hidden Bush Retreat close to Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra!
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of our biodiverse, timeless land sprawling across ~500 acres.
Conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Sydney, 1.3 hours from Canberra, and a short 25-minute drive from Goulburn, The Sanctuary 2580 (our postcode) is an exclusive haven for nature enthusiasts and those wanting their own cosy hidden valley experience.
🚗 Getting Here:
Ten kms off the Hume down a tar and gravel rural lane, with the final ~2 kms down a bush track/firetrail.
NOTE: ALL the Map Apps (Garmin Apple Google etc) get the directions Wrong, but on booking we will send you access instructions.
🌳 Nature's Symphony:
The firetrail that brings you to The Sanctuary descends ~2kms of the 3 km long catchment of Lyrebird Creek, where on arriving at our farm, the water slows, down dropping the sediments and nutrients carried by this fast perennial mountain creek onto the open uplands floodplain, enriching and watering a rich tapestry of native grasses and herbs in the woodlands and the poa tussock river grasslands further down. In a wet season the chorus of frogs is deafening along our 1km long main valley.
Lyrebird Creek after leaving the woodlands, descends past several natural springs to our southeast corner where it joins Jerrara Creek, that flows into Bungonia Creek, and then into the Shoalhaven River.
But don't expect to see Lyrebird Creek running, as it's only on the surface for few weeks per year on average in wet years, rarely in average years or standard El Niño years. It only runs on the surface for a few weeks a year in La Niña years after the catchment is saturated, as the rest of the time like many of Australia's creeks, it flows below the surface in ancient riverbed-rocked aquifers
Our quiet mornings and evenings are filled with birdsong from all the small forest, woodlands and creekside birds, over 10 species of cockatoos and parrots, and the second last bird chorus at night is the resident kookaburra family sings their boundaries, and if you listen carefully you’ll hear surrounding kookaburra tribes answering.
It's after the evening kookaburra boundary patrol and just on dark that you'll sometimes hear the male lyrebirds practicing their extensive repertoire. One thing that gives them away is that the birds they are mimicking area all tucked up for the night, and the different calls come from the same areas of the eastern or western ridges that hug the Lyrebird Creek catchment as they move to their overnight lairs deep in the forest.
After dark, if you have young hearing, or the right microphone and frequency converter attached to your smart phone, there’s the very high-pitched ecolocation of the many insect-eating microbats, the quiet calls of the barn and boobook owls as they set out on their nightly hunts, and sometimes the territorial calls and squabbles of the brush-tailed possum tribes.
The local council biodiversity officer told us earlier in 2024 to keep an eye and ear out for the calls of endangered species of glider possums, and over in the western valleys we may have the normally silent koalas. It's only male koalas in mating season who make a lot of noise for a few weeks a year.
Our native fauna also comprises the quiet, shy and camouflaged swamp and red-necked wallabies, echidnas, eastern grey kangaroos, wombats and the even more shy bandicoots.
Reptiles include skinks, blue tongues, water monitors, lace monitors (a species of goanna that can be well over 2m long, snakes include red-belly blacks and eastern browns, and 4+ species of frogs. While in the springs and waterways we have yabbies, freshwater mussels and whopping great leaches.
Some of the bigger waterholes on Jerrara Creek may have rakali, Australia's native rodent version in the ecosystem of the freshwater otters of the Northern Hemisphere. We're hoping the platypus move back once the catchment and stream health improves.
🌋 Ancient Rocks Unveiled:
Explore Hanging Rock and other ancient volcanic pumice-like rock formations, on both the eastern and western sides of the Lyrebird Creek valley standing resilient against hundreds of millions of years of geological erosion. These natural wonders we think are from the Silurian or Ordovician periods ~415-480 million years ago, add to the timelessness to the landscape.
🏞️ The Sanctuary is Spacious and Largely Untouched:
As the most recent custodians of the ~500 acres, we're all about having a small footprint, regenerating and restoring the creeklines impacted by the livestock and feral animals of European invasion. We currently use or travel over ~5% of the land and have a self-imposed limit of -10% maximum in our biodiversity and catchment management plans.
We are setting up remote monitoring systems to keep a check on the native fauna and flora as well as catchment and creek health, ensuring we only intervene if and when necessary.
Our boundary fence-lines dwarf your average suburban block: eastern - 1km, northern - 2.1km, western - 0.8km and the southern creek boundary is 5.6kms long. Luckily the southern boundary fencing is on the other side of the creek, but we are planning how to replace the other ~4kms of boundary fencing, as much of it traverses some quite rugged terrain.
⛰️ Elevate Your Experience with Cool Nights, Scenic Heights:
Experience a change in altitude, ranging from 590 to 810 meters above sea level. Enjoy cool nights even in summer, and as we catch up with the maintenance and add signage, there will be opportunities to walk our internal fire trails leading to Mount William and over to the western valleys.
🌲 Beyond The Sanctuary:
The beautiful Bungonia Gorge and National Park is just 40 minutes away offering well-marked trails for every skill level, from easy strolls to challenging hikes. And for the experienced there's some caves that speleologists love and well-meaning amateurs get rescued from.
Only 30 minutes away is Australia’s oldest inland city of Goulburn. It has great cafés, restaurants and takeways, and regal colonial architecture with the railway station, courthouse and the beautiful 2 cathedrals.
Other interesting tourist features include The Roundhouse (for train fans), the May St Wetlands restoration project, a number of art galleries, the Conservatorium, Lieder Theatre (Australia's oldest inland theatre) and the popular Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.
🌍 Mission and Values of a Social Enterprise – doing good by doing good business
Beyond our birdlife and tranquillity, we're on a social and environmental mission.
Our business plans for The Sanctuary are that becomes a hub for environmental and climate change science education, an example of good science-informed Permaculture design, and updated versions of the farm, garden, and nature therapy we were doing back in the 80s.
So your stay first of all pays the council and local land services rates, abd directly supports environmental management at The Sanctuary and beyond, including regenerative agriculture and agricultural biodiversity, catchment and wetlands restoration, and broadacre Permaculture design.
It also helps us create a walk-the-talk operational base for our other work through Sacred Earth Works and Transforming Lives Australia, in assisting communities, forward-thinking companies, and the 4 levels of Australian government transition to a world working in harmony with the biosphere & restoring the damage to the Planet of the last ~8,000 years of civilisation.
🏡 Off-the-Grid Experience:
Disconnect and unwind with a back-to-basics experience – just you, nature, and the crackling fire.
We're already solar and battery where we can for our work vehicles and plan to offer charging stations for all your devices, followed by onsite EV charging in the next 3-5 years.
🐾 Furry Friends Welcome but Safety for All Comes First:
Well-behaved dogs are part of the family. Bring your canine companions, but they must be on a leash or long lead — respecting both the wildlife and fellow guests.
Remember, that for dogs, as well as kids and adults, the Australian bush has lots of things that will injure or kill you if you don't keep your distance and show respect.
So please keep your distance from all wildlife, and don't let kids or dogs try to go down the wombat warrens. We've never had an incident, and that's the way we intend to keep it
Managing the risks and safely avoiding them means keeping the worst case scenarios in mind. These risks include
~ campfires are hot, and can escape,
~ at least 3 species of poisonous snakes,
~ goannas are not an ancient 2-3m long lizard you want to tangle with,
~ wombats can kill dogs that trespass down their warrens by squashing them against the tunnel roof,
~ pick up an echidna and you'll have lots of holes in your hands
~ male platypus have fighting spurs with poison glands on their back feet
~ open forest-dwelling jack-jumping ants bite and sting at the same time
~ seriously pissed off big male kangaroos can easily disembowel a person or dog,
~ the dominant male feral deer get territorial in mating season and no one wants to become a trophy on their huge antlers, and
~ local farmers shoot stray dogs on sight, then bury them out of view.
Years ago, we lost a few isolated few small farm dogs and puppies when they strayed away from us, to the huge 3m+ wingspan wedge-tailed eagles that visit to hunt roos, wallabies and rabbits
Remember that The Sanctuary is home to these potentially hazardous animals, birds, reptiles and insects, but stick to the rules, keep clear, everyone goes home happy, and we keep a perfect safety record.
Besides I hate incident paperwork !!
🤝 Mutual Respect and Responsibility:
We welcome families of all sorts including: different cultures, colours, rainbow, neurodiverse and AS, members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force, and the self-reliant differently-abled.
We believe in mutual respect for People and Planet. Our values guide us, and we want to ensure a safe, friendly and harmonious environment for all - our volunteers. farm team, contractors, guests and visitors.
If you share these values, we can't wait to welcome you to The Sanctuary 2580! We ask everyone to tread lightly. Respect the land, its inhabitants, and other guests and visitors.
🌳 Your Visit Matters:
Your stay contributes directly to the upkeep of The Sanctuary, environmental custodianship, ongoing conservation efforts. Together, we can work on restoration ecology, control weeds and feral animals, encourage agricultural and wild biodiversity by providing habitat for vulnerable species, protect endangered ecosystems and promote ecoagriculture.
🌈 👍 Connect with Us:
Stay in the loop by liking our Facebook page - The Sanctuary 2580,
Adding a presence on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Tiktok is in the business plans for 2024-25
🌱 Book Your Eco Escape:
Plan your escape through HipCamp, where booking is seamless, and communication is hassle-free. But after your booking, I find email phone and text quicker.
Hipcamp do a great jog handling the booking logistics, camper insurance, dispute resolution, camper and host quality control, and credit cards, allowing us to focus on what we do best—caring for the land and providing you with an unforgettable experience in nature.
🚫 Booking Details:
Please note, bookings exclusively through HipCamp. NO LATE BOOKINGS, NO SHOWUPS and HOPE. When we are Booked Out, we cannot make exceptions. To avoid that book early please.
Your understanding ensures a respectful and honest community of campers.
Book your eco escape at The Sanctuary 2580 and experience the magic of nature! 🍃✨
#TheSanctuary2580 #EcoRetreat #NatureEscape #Goulburn #SouthernTablelands #ForestBathing #NatureTherapy
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$73
/ night
Truffle Farm Camping
20. Truffle Farm Camping
97%
(94)
65km from Gundaroo · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our property is a working Truffle Farm, our land is fairly level but backs onto thousands of acres of Crown Land and the Shoalhaven River where you can relax in the fresh water, fossick for gold or enjoy bush trails.
EV Charging station available Type 2 plug (costs applicable).
If you'd rather read a book, you'll find lots of peaceful spots and the nights are just unbelievable with all the stars that shine so brightly.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$43
/ night
97% (2.7K) • 85 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gundaroo
Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art
1. Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art
99%
(171)
7.7km from Gundaroo · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Once a much larger property, we purchased our 120-acre (50-hectare) in 1984 as a means to live sustainably and raise a family.
Living in our shed whilst we prepared the garden, installed watering infrastructure, and built our house, which we finally moved into when our daughter was 6 months old in 1990.
Over the ensuing years, we have continued to increase biodiversity on the property and set it up so we can live sustainably, harvesting our own water, electricity, and food.
If you're lucky, you could get a hamper of our product when there is sufficient in season.
With the increased biodiversity, you will find that in the mornings and evenings, kangaroos and wallabies will visit with the occasional echidna, rabbi,t and hare; and to forget the large array of bird life - that may wake you early in the morning with the songs.
This campsite is set on lovely grassy open areas interspersed with gum trees. The sunrise looks spectacular near the dam, when the trees give off a lovely glow.
The main paddock has a Geodome, a shared space for relaxing in. With all that space, you can park and set up camp anywhere in the paddock.
There is access to drinking water, toilets, and a hot shower.
Around the dome is a fire pit, drinking water, and a camp kitchen. The fire pit features an Argentinian BBQ and a plate for cooking. The kitchen has plates, cups, cutlery, and other bits and pieces for you to use.
We also allow your pets to stay on-site; this includes horses.
If you want exclusive use of the paddocks, refer to Group Bush Retreat.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$51
/ night
PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW
2. PEACEFUL RURAL PROPERTY SUTTON, NSW
100%
(115)
9.3km from Gundaroo · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Located on a sealed road, on 220 acres of land, approximately 5-6 minutes to Sutton or Gundaroo, 10 minutes to Gunghalin and 20 minutes into Canberra. The site is very quiet and private. Sutton village (5 kms away) has a toilet block and shower amenities available.
A beautiful quiet location to stay. Close to a lot of amenities, such as Bakery, Wineries, Gundaroo, Mulligan's Flat Reserve and Gunghalin shops.
Sutton has a world class bakery, we recommend chicken and leek or pepper steak pies. Gundaroo has an old world pub with local wines and food. The old police station at Gundaroo has been converted to a gourmet pizza restaurant, there is also an excellent restaurant named Grazing. There is also Eagle Hawke pub, which is very popular. There are numerous wineries nearby including Gundog at Gundaroo and all of the many Murrumbateman wineries.
Water refill and waste disposal is available at Queanbeyan showground.
The Mulligans Flat Reserve, about 10 minutes away, is a real first in Australia, given that a very large area has been set aside near Canberra to foster wildlife. A walk through the reserve is well worth while. Check it out.
None of the above should be missed if you visit our area.
Situated on a farm, our property has flat terrain in most areas.
We have a land for wildlife reserve on site to explore native plants and wildlife.
Sites are suitable for Tents, Campers, Vans and Caravans.Must have own amenities.• Check in: After 12 PM• Check out: Before 11 AM• Cancellation policy: Flexible • On arrival: Meet and greet • Minimum nights: 1 night• Accepts bookings: 1 month out Surface type: grass or field Surface levelness: flat Generators allowed
Show less
Approximately 30 minutes into Canberra.
Owners live on site.
Pets
from
AU$37
/ night
Coots Creek Campground
3. Coots Creek Campground
99%
(384)
15km from Gundaroo · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful 240acre cattle property for campers to enjoy the beauty of the land and its flora and fauna in a pieceful environment.
Campers have enjoyed the easy accessibility,
stunning sunset views and the peace and quiet of feeling like they are a million miles away from civilization.
2 Dams available for swimming.
All sites in the Campground area are fenced and sited to give maximum privacy and safety from any fire threat, with plenty of room to place tents/vans/motorhomes for best viewing position.
Campground Sites x 8
Beautiful private sites that feel like you are away from the rest of the world.
Watch kangaroos, wallaroos and wedge tail eagles. Drive through comfort for large Caravans/RV.
Toilets for your comfort nearby and potable water available for refill of tanks.
Campfires are allowed unless there is a fireban.
Why not hire a van if you have no equipment- they will set the van up on your site https://www.camplify.com.au/rv/caravan-rental-murrumbateman-nsw-viv-the-viscount/33909
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
AU$31
/ night
Goolabri Estate
4. Goolabri Estate
95%
(694)
19km from Gundaroo · 125 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Goolabri, a peaceful country escape just 10 minutes from Canberra. Set on land that was once a golf course and surrounded by natural bushland, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe out, and enjoy a relaxed stay in nature.
Camp near our dams, wander the nearby nature reserve, and wake up to the sounds of birds and the sight of kangaroos grazing nearby. It’s an easy, quiet getaway that still feels close to everything.
Suitable for tents, campers, vans, and caravans, with good 2WD access.
Small campfires are permitted in designated areas when restrictions aren’t in place. You’re welcome to collect dead wood from the old golf course area (please don’t collect from the nature reserve).
No pets permitted.
What to do nearby
If you feel like a treat, the Little Sutton Bakehouse is a fantastic local bakery, and the Eagle Hawk Pub is just down the road with amazing meals.
And when you want more adventure, everything Canberra has to offer is right there
markets, galleries, wineries, walks, restaurants, and live music.
Goolabri is also a perfect campground for anyone attending Canberra or local festivals and events, giving you a calm place to return to at the end of the day.
If you’d like directions for the best bush walks and hidden spots around the property, just ask when you arrive.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$42
/ night
Bunyip Jerrawa
5. Bunyip Jerrawa
97%
(53)
31km from Gundaroo · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Located 20 minutes from thriving Yass we offer just under 200 acres of farm land to stay and explore. This really can be the holiday of your choice;
Set up camp and stay onsite to enjoy farm walks, dam and creek swims, wildlife watching and the odd farm animal. And of course cosy up in your camp chair around a fire during winter. Enjoy our 'loo with a view' for a unique toilet experience.
Or use it as a base to explore the local area, with Yass 20mins away, Canberra an hour, Murrambateman wineries 40mins, and Goulburn a 40min drive.
Be sure to visit Dalton Pub and grab a coffee in Gunning if that’s your thing.
Thanks for considering a stay on our property.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from
AU$20
/ night
Forest Elbow
6. Forest Elbow
90%
(31)
33km from Gundaroo · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are a 5 min drive to the historic township of Bungendore where you can find plenty of shopping and cafes. It's just a 25 min drive to Queanbeyan and a 30 min drive to Canberra CBD. We are about 1.5 hours from Batemans Bay and the NSW south coast.The night sky here is mesmerising. The milky way core is visible from January through to November and is an astrophotographer's dream. Bring a camera!
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$49
/ night
Shepherds Rest
7. Shepherds Rest
98%
(131)
35km from Gundaroo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Beautiful open views across rolling hills and paddocks.
Sit by the dam and enjoy the views.
Meet the goats, llama and chickens.
Walk the farm paddocks with the goats. Mountain bike on country roads.
Various sites to choose from.
Only 45 mins from Canberra. 15mins from the quaint town of Bungendore.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$37
/ night
Country Journey, Boxgrove farm
8. Country Journey, Boxgrove farm
99%
(258)
37km from Gundaroo · 43 sites · Tents, RVs
With over 600 acres of Australian bush, our property is ideal for campers that want their own space. We are completely off-grid (no wifi to distract you) and we run off tank water (for this reason showers are only available for two hours in the evening). There are multiple camp sites on the property - some are close to hot showers and toilets, others are within a short walking distance. Some sites are perfect for our self sufficient campers who might want a nice private location and don't need access to amenities.
There are two shared camp kitchen areas (with pizza ovens and bbqs). We have two amenities blocks with toilets and hot showers and two further compost toilets located at other sites. Campfires are permitted in designated areas (check with us when booking) and firewood can be added to your booking - we do require at least 24 hours notice if you want wood.
There are lots of old-style games for the kids such as cricket, tennis, playground, bikes available, a swim in the dam and general country running around fun! Unfortunately we no longer have our flying fox, but there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. We have some great bush walking areas where you might be lucky enough to see our resident wombats or our breeding pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles.
The property dates back to the early 1900s and there are numerous historic buildings on the property. The earliest is a wooden slab hut that was built around the beginning of the 19th century - the Goulburn Penny Post newspaper, dated 3 December 1904 lines the walls of the hut. It also has a two shearing stand wooden shed built by Marcus Dawe in 1922.
We try to make sure all of our guests have a great experience - so if you have any special requests reach out to us and have a chat!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$33
/ night
Spring Creek Valley Farm
9. Spring Creek Valley Farm
99%
(69)
46km from Gundaroo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Spring Creek Valley Farm is a 2200-acre farm located in the beautiful southern tablelands, 1 hour to the Canberra CBD and just 1 hour to Batemans Bay on the coast.
With over 3km of creek frontage and 100+ acres of untouched native bushland, there are ample options for campsites to suit just about anyone. All campers must be completely self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go.
The original name of this property is Wooraba which is an aboriginal word for 'hidden' which describes it very well. Here, you will immerse yourself in the Australian bush and enjoy a truly peaceful retreat. Enjoy fantastic bushwalks amongst the native flora and fauna, or take your mountain bike to the high open hilly area to check out the expansive views. Or lay in some of the creek's rock pools and sunbathe.
Whilst we can accept dogs, this absolutely must be discussed with us prior to booking. We are a working farm, with sheep, and it is important that any visiting pets do not hassle our sheep, and are kept on a lead at all times.
Campfires are permitted in the designated fire pit when conditions allow and no local fire bans are in play.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$46
/ night
The Ridge
10. The Ridge
100%
(54)
47km from Gundaroo · 1 site · Tent, RV
Only 4.5 kms from the Kings Highway lies this idyllic property where John and Pippa have built their rural home, keep goats, chickens and grow their own vegetables.
Once part of a huge thriving farmstead with lots of local history, a secret Bushrangers grave and scattered gold deposits are rumoured to be hidden
amongst the snow gums. Descendants of the original landowners still live in nearby Heritage listed Braidwood.
We have 104 acres of beautiful and varied terrain with fabulous rolling views.
During your stay enjoy our amazing bird life, kangaroos, wallabies, possibly echidnas, rosenburgs, wombats and even deer.
Guests are required to be fully self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are welcome permitting there are no restrictions in place at the time of your stay.
This is the ideal location to just relax and enjoy nature at its finest. On a clear night the stars are amazing.
We are only an hour from Canberra situated halfway between the picturesque towns of Braidwood and Bungendore, both within 20 mins away.
Sorry, no pets.
Campfires
Picnic table
from
AU$43
/ night
The Yurtfarm
11. The Yurtfarm
95%
(96)
47km from Gundaroo · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Situated between Goulburn and the rural village Crookwell is the Yurtfarm. Mike Shepherd has been running Back to Basics living camps here for more then 30 years and we now want to invite campers to our picturesque Yurt village. We can show kids what farm life is all about and how to make fun in the bush or you can just come and enjoy the peace and quiet. Apart from abundant wildlife we farm sheep and Scottish Highland cattle. We also have lots of horses and dogs and you can collect fresh eggs from our chickens. Take a stroll through our gardens, a hike to the Peace yurt and boil the Billy or learn about growing vegetables. We have toilets and a kitchen yurt for your convenience. We look forward to meeting you!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$49
/ night
Travellers Village Rest
12. Travellers Village Rest
100%
(22)
50km from Gundaroo · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Stay on our 2 acre block on the edge of a small village in the southern tablelands of NSW. We are conveniently close to the Hume Highway, with a level grassed site with scattered gum trees providing shade. Travellers between Melbourne and Sydney can easily pull in off the highway for a quick set up for the night, then be back on the road the next morning. Alternatively, our site is an excellent base to stay for a few days while you explore Canberra and surrounds, as it is an hour to the Nation’s capital.
Sure, we can hear the highway and occasional trains as they go past on the main line but there are also plenty of bird calls and some neighbouring wallabies. There is a small creek on the boundary of the camping block that attracts birds but is not suitable for swimming. We have town water available for campers and toilet facilities are a short 400m walk to the middle of the village. The nearest dump point is 15 minutes away in the town of Yass. Winters are excellent for small fires for cooking and then putting another log on to enjoy the rest of the evening under the stars. We have dedicated fire pits or you can use your own.
As an added bonus, there are metal sculptures dotted around the block created by the host.
Each site is spacious enough for up to 4 vans if you are travelling in a group. It is easy to navigate through the trees and use it as a drive through.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$25
/ night
The Hobby Sheep Farm
13. The Hobby Sheep Farm
99%
(219)
51km from Gundaroo · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
EV Charging station available Type 2 plug (costs applicable).
Come and pitch your tent or caravan in our hobby sheep farm.
Plenty to do from fishing (catch and release a perch from the dam), bush walking or simply relaxing in and around the garden.
There is access to drinking water and a toilet (no shower).
I can offer friendly advice for activities around the area, or you're welcome to go out exploring yourself. The Shoalhaven River is a short 25 minute drive from the property, 25 minutes to Goulburn CBD for all your supply needs, and Canberra is 1 hour away.
Enjoy the evenings warming your toes around the campfire as you gaze at the night sky. The area is peppered with many other quaint villages. Excellent overnight stop from the coast and the wine country.
Please note that firewood is not available and there are no fires permitted
October till April.
Pets welcome by agreement. Please contact property owner prior to booking to discuss your pet.
Welcome to our working farm! During your stay, you may see us carrying out normal farm activities such as moving livestock or using farm vehicles—part of the authentic farm experience. Well-behaved dogs are welcome by prior agreement but must be supervised kept under control and not chase livestock or wildlife. For your safety please do not enter paddocks or approach animals without permission and leave all gates as you find them....
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$37
/ night
Stary Ponds
14. Stary Ponds
93%
(37)
53km from Gundaroo · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A peaceful space with lots of trees and waterways as well as an abundance of wildlife such as deer, kangaroo, black cockatoos, butterflies and so many gorgeous birds.
The landscape is varied, with lots of options to explore. From hiking the mountainous steep terrains, to meandering through the many ponds and waterways, or discovering the cleared trails ready for a beautiful bush walk or ride through nature.
The peace at night and the stars are unlike anything I've seen, absolutely breathtaking, and only 15 minutes from all the modern amenities you may need.
We offer several camping sites, a cabin and a large teepee.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$43
/ night
Camp Rossi
15. Camp Rossi
90%
(103)
56km from Gundaroo · 6 sites
Small acreage about 400m from the Tallaganda State Forest which is known for picnic area with water wheel, lookouts, trout streams, bush walking, mountain bike riding and single track motorcycles.Campsites are beside the natural spring creek. The creek is suitable for swimming but a word of warning is it's freezing!Includes filtered rain water, shelter, toilet, gas BBQ, fire pit and free firewood.Not suitable for caravans at the moment. 2WD ok and suits camper trailers and tents only. Dogs welcome on a leash/restrained & well controlled.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
AU$49
/ night
Wattle Run
16. Wattle Run
99%
(55)
58km from Gundaroo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Located just 10 mins from Goulburn CBD within the picturesque Southern Tablelands area, Wattle Run is a beautiful 100 acre secluded property with plenty of wildlife and spectacular views over the valley into Goulburn.
We offer spacious nature based campsites around our property, some with views of the mountains, bush based, or in grassy cleared sites with dam views.
Please note, to get to some campsites there is a farm track, we recommend 4WD or SUV to access those campsites. but plenty of campsites available for smaller vehicles also.
There are families of kangaroos that live within the property as well as some wild rabbits and hares. Keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of wildlife like kookaburras, owls, parrots and ducks.
Plenty more for nature lovers here, including bush walking and bird watching. We are located within 15 mins to Pejar dam for local fishing and kayaking (no motors aloud on the dam).
Just 10 mins into Goulburn CBD for all the local amenities, including supermarkets and boutique shops and galleries. We also have a variety of local playgrounds and parks to wonder like the wetlands for more nature and wildlife walks. For the kids, we have our newly finished aquatic centre with splash park, and two bmx pump tracks and skate parks.
We are located a short 20min drive to "Rambo" the big ram, which is on the list of big things located within Australia. Walk to the top and experience the local sheep industry history as well as shop local produce and giftware.
Located a 20min drive west to the beautiful country towns of Crookwell and Taralga, where you can find country pubs, boutique eateries and shops or why not visit Taralga wildlife park for your up close encounter with some animals.
Dogs are welcome but must remain on leads at ALL times as this is a working farm and protecting our wildlife is priorty.
You MUST bring your own camping toilet and be COMPLETELY 100% self sufficient with everything including drinking water.
We have a Leave No Trace policy, so ask that you please take all waste with you as we dont have a bin service.
Strictly No Pre Booking tours of campsites allowed, a good description and photos of each campsite is available online.
NO DAY VISITORS ALLOWED
Campfires permitted when local/state government restrictions aren't in place. PLEASE NOTE at times Wattle Run has the right to enforce their own restrictions.
We are a working property and live on site, therefore at times you may hear farm machinery.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$43
/ night
The Lodge at Tinneburra
17. The Lodge at Tinneburra
100%
(21)
61km from Gundaroo · 1 site
The Lodge at Tinnenburra is a secluded getaway just 55 minutes from Canberra. Located above the most picturesque waterfalls on the Queanbeyan River; the Lodge started as a humble fishing cabin and has evolved over the years into a cozy, off grid sustainable
eco-house. Perfect for a family weekend away or a get together with friends to enjoy the beauty of the surrounds. The drive in through neighbouring farms and national parks sets the tone for the escape from the suburban surrounds of the Canberra region. Enjoy exploring the farm, the surrounding Yanununbeyan National Park or exploring along the gorges and flats of the river. There is an amazing array or native flora and fauna - spot the Platypus in the river gorges; the wombats on the flats in the evenings; the wallabies and kangaroos grazing in the paddocks nearby and more.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$520
/ night
Buenpaso - good step
18. Buenpaso - good step
100%
(17)
62km from Gundaroo · 3 sites
Private, quiet and secluded; Perry Lane is a no-through road used by only two other neighbours. "Buenpaso" is 118 acres of woodland and meadow. Stroll around and see Kangaroos, Wombats, Deer and a variety of native parrots. 29 klms away (25 mins) from the Bungonia National Park, 20 mins to Goulburn.
Pets
from
AU$79
/ night
The Sanctuary 2580
19. The Sanctuary 2580
100%
(52)
62km from Gundaroo · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
🌿 Welcome to The Sanctuary 2580 – A Hidden Bush Retreat close to Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra!
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of our biodiverse, timeless land sprawling across ~500 acres.
Conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Sydney, 1.3 hours from Canberra, and a short 25-minute drive from Goulburn, The Sanctuary 2580 (our postcode) is an exclusive haven for nature enthusiasts and those wanting their own cosy hidden valley experience.
🚗 Getting Here:
Ten kms off the Hume down a tar and gravel rural lane, with the final ~2 kms down a bush track/firetrail.
NOTE: ALL the Map Apps (Garmin Apple Google etc) get the directions Wrong, but on booking we will send you access instructions.
🌳 Nature's Symphony:
The firetrail that brings you to The Sanctuary descends ~2kms of the 3 km long catchment of Lyrebird Creek, where on arriving at our farm, the water slows, down dropping the sediments and nutrients carried by this fast perennial mountain creek onto the open uplands floodplain, enriching and watering a rich tapestry of native grasses and herbs in the woodlands and the poa tussock river grasslands further down. In a wet season the chorus of frogs is deafening along our 1km long main valley.
Lyrebird Creek after leaving the woodlands, descends past several natural springs to our southeast corner where it joins Jerrara Creek, that flows into Bungonia Creek, and then into the Shoalhaven River.
But don't expect to see Lyrebird Creek running, as it's only on the surface for few weeks per year on average in wet years, rarely in average years or standard El Niño years. It only runs on the surface for a few weeks a year in La Niña years after the catchment is saturated, as the rest of the time like many of Australia's creeks, it flows below the surface in ancient riverbed-rocked aquifers
Our quiet mornings and evenings are filled with birdsong from all the small forest, woodlands and creekside birds, over 10 species of cockatoos and parrots, and the second last bird chorus at night is the resident kookaburra family sings their boundaries, and if you listen carefully you’ll hear surrounding kookaburra tribes answering.
It's after the evening kookaburra boundary patrol and just on dark that you'll sometimes hear the male lyrebirds practicing their extensive repertoire. One thing that gives them away is that the birds they are mimicking area all tucked up for the night, and the different calls come from the same areas of the eastern or western ridges that hug the Lyrebird Creek catchment as they move to their overnight lairs deep in the forest.
After dark, if you have young hearing, or the right microphone and frequency converter attached to your smart phone, there’s the very high-pitched ecolocation of the many insect-eating microbats, the quiet calls of the barn and boobook owls as they set out on their nightly hunts, and sometimes the territorial calls and squabbles of the brush-tailed possum tribes.
The local council biodiversity officer told us earlier in 2024 to keep an eye and ear out for the calls of endangered species of glider possums, and over in the western valleys we may have the normally silent koalas. It's only male koalas in mating season who make a lot of noise for a few weeks a year.
Our native fauna also comprises the quiet, shy and camouflaged swamp and red-necked wallabies, echidnas, eastern grey kangaroos, wombats and the even more shy bandicoots.
Reptiles include skinks, blue tongues, water monitors, lace monitors (a species of goanna that can be well over 2m long, snakes include red-belly blacks and eastern browns, and 4+ species of frogs. While in the springs and waterways we have yabbies, freshwater mussels and whopping great leaches.
Some of the bigger waterholes on Jerrara Creek may have rakali, Australia's native rodent version in the ecosystem of the freshwater otters of the Northern Hemisphere. We're hoping the platypus move back once the catchment and stream health improves.
🌋 Ancient Rocks Unveiled:
Explore Hanging Rock and other ancient volcanic pumice-like rock formations, on both the eastern and western sides of the Lyrebird Creek valley standing resilient against hundreds of millions of years of geological erosion. These natural wonders we think are from the Silurian or Ordovician periods ~415-480 million years ago, add to the timelessness to the landscape.
🏞️ The Sanctuary is Spacious and Largely Untouched:
As the most recent custodians of the ~500 acres, we're all about having a small footprint, regenerating and restoring the creeklines impacted by the livestock and feral animals of European invasion. We currently use or travel over ~5% of the land and have a self-imposed limit of -10% maximum in our biodiversity and catchment management plans.
We are setting up remote monitoring systems to keep a check on the native fauna and flora as well as catchment and creek health, ensuring we only intervene if and when necessary.
Our boundary fence-lines dwarf your average suburban block: eastern - 1km, northern - 2.1km, western - 0.8km and the southern creek boundary is 5.6kms long. Luckily the southern boundary fencing is on the other side of the creek, but we are planning how to replace the other ~4kms of boundary fencing, as much of it traverses some quite rugged terrain.
⛰️ Elevate Your Experience with Cool Nights, Scenic Heights:
Experience a change in altitude, ranging from 590 to 810 meters above sea level. Enjoy cool nights even in summer, and as we catch up with the maintenance and add signage, there will be opportunities to walk our internal fire trails leading to Mount William and over to the western valleys.
🌲 Beyond The Sanctuary:
The beautiful Bungonia Gorge and National Park is just 40 minutes away offering well-marked trails for every skill level, from easy strolls to challenging hikes. And for the experienced there's some caves that speleologists love and well-meaning amateurs get rescued from.
Only 30 minutes away is Australia’s oldest inland city of Goulburn. It has great cafés, restaurants and takeways, and regal colonial architecture with the railway station, courthouse and the beautiful 2 cathedrals.
Other interesting tourist features include The Roundhouse (for train fans), the May St Wetlands restoration project, a number of art galleries, the Conservatorium, Lieder Theatre (Australia's oldest inland theatre) and the popular Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.
🌍 Mission and Values of a Social Enterprise – doing good by doing good business
Beyond our birdlife and tranquillity, we're on a social and environmental mission.
Our business plans for The Sanctuary are that becomes a hub for environmental and climate change science education, an example of good science-informed Permaculture design, and updated versions of the farm, garden, and nature therapy we were doing back in the 80s.
So your stay first of all pays the council and local land services rates, abd directly supports environmental management at The Sanctuary and beyond, including regenerative agriculture and agricultural biodiversity, catchment and wetlands restoration, and broadacre Permaculture design.
It also helps us create a walk-the-talk operational base for our other work through Sacred Earth Works and Transforming Lives Australia, in assisting communities, forward-thinking companies, and the 4 levels of Australian government transition to a world working in harmony with the biosphere & restoring the damage to the Planet of the last ~8,000 years of civilisation.
🏡 Off-the-Grid Experience:
Disconnect and unwind with a back-to-basics experience – just you, nature, and the crackling fire.
We're already solar and battery where we can for our work vehicles and plan to offer charging stations for all your devices, followed by onsite EV charging in the next 3-5 years.
🐾 Furry Friends Welcome but Safety for All Comes First:
Well-behaved dogs are part of the family. Bring your canine companions, but they must be on a leash or long lead — respecting both the wildlife and fellow guests.
Remember, that for dogs, as well as kids and adults, the Australian bush has lots of things that will injure or kill you if you don't keep your distance and show respect.
So please keep your distance from all wildlife, and don't let kids or dogs try to go down the wombat warrens. We've never had an incident, and that's the way we intend to keep it
Managing the risks and safely avoiding them means keeping the worst case scenarios in mind. These risks include
~ campfires are hot, and can escape,
~ at least 3 species of poisonous snakes,
~ goannas are not an ancient 2-3m long lizard you want to tangle with,
~ wombats can kill dogs that trespass down their warrens by squashing them against the tunnel roof,
~ pick up an echidna and you'll have lots of holes in your hands
~ male platypus have fighting spurs with poison glands on their back feet
~ open forest-dwelling jack-jumping ants bite and sting at the same time
~ seriously pissed off big male kangaroos can easily disembowel a person or dog,
~ the dominant male feral deer get territorial in mating season and no one wants to become a trophy on their huge antlers, and
~ local farmers shoot stray dogs on sight, then bury them out of view.
Years ago, we lost a few isolated few small farm dogs and puppies when they strayed away from us, to the huge 3m+ wingspan wedge-tailed eagles that visit to hunt roos, wallabies and rabbits
Remember that The Sanctuary is home to these potentially hazardous animals, birds, reptiles and insects, but stick to the rules, keep clear, everyone goes home happy, and we keep a perfect safety record.
Besides I hate incident paperwork !!
🤝 Mutual Respect and Responsibility:
We welcome families of all sorts including: different cultures, colours, rainbow, neurodiverse and AS, members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force, and the self-reliant differently-abled.
We believe in mutual respect for People and Planet. Our values guide us, and we want to ensure a safe, friendly and harmonious environment for all - our volunteers. farm team, contractors, guests and visitors.
If you share these values, we can't wait to welcome you to The Sanctuary 2580! We ask everyone to tread lightly. Respect the land, its inhabitants, and other guests and visitors.
🌳 Your Visit Matters:
Your stay contributes directly to the upkeep of The Sanctuary, environmental custodianship, ongoing conservation efforts. Together, we can work on restoration ecology, control weeds and feral animals, encourage agricultural and wild biodiversity by providing habitat for vulnerable species, protect endangered ecosystems and promote ecoagriculture.
🌈 👍 Connect with Us:
Stay in the loop by liking our Facebook page - The Sanctuary 2580,
Adding a presence on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Tiktok is in the business plans for 2024-25
🌱 Book Your Eco Escape:
Plan your escape through HipCamp, where booking is seamless, and communication is hassle-free. But after your booking, I find email phone and text quicker.
Hipcamp do a great jog handling the booking logistics, camper insurance, dispute resolution, camper and host quality control, and credit cards, allowing us to focus on what we do best—caring for the land and providing you with an unforgettable experience in nature.
🚫 Booking Details:
Please note, bookings exclusively through HipCamp. NO LATE BOOKINGS, NO SHOWUPS and HOPE. When we are Booked Out, we cannot make exceptions. To avoid that book early please.
Your understanding ensures a respectful and honest community of campers.
Book your eco escape at The Sanctuary 2580 and experience the magic of nature! 🍃✨
#TheSanctuary2580 #EcoRetreat #NatureEscape #Goulburn #SouthernTablelands #ForestBathing #NatureTherapy
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$73
/ night
Truffle Farm Camping
20. Truffle Farm Camping
97%
(94)
65km from Gundaroo · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our property is a working Truffle Farm, our land is fairly level but backs onto thousands of acres of Crown Land and the Shoalhaven River where you can relax in the fresh water, fossick for gold or enjoy bush trails.
EV Charging station available Type 2 plug (costs applicable).
If you'd rather read a book, you'll find lots of peaceful spots and the nights are just unbelievable with all the stars that shine so brightly.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
AU$43
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Jo
2 weeks ago
6 m pop-up camper
This is our second visit. We love how close to home it is but that it feels miles away. We saw Gang-gang cockatoos, kangaroos in the morning mist and met Harry the friendly magpie. Thanks Margot.
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H
Helen
2 weeks ago
4 m travel trailer
With pets
Great little getaway
Shower plus loo with a view
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L
Len
2 weeks ago
6 m Class B
Out of way and nice and quiet. Clean toilets, no other facilities.
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A
Andrew
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great spot with an amazing view. Very comfortable facilities and check in was a breeze.
See moreA
Andrew
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great view and very comfortable. Check was simple and an excellent stay.
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K
Kate
2 weeks ago
13 m travel trailer
With kids
A nice peaceful spot, convenient proximity to town. A 15-25min drive to the sights we were visiting. We shared the area with 6 other groups and there was plenty of room to spread out and have your own privacy. This was the first time we hip camped so maybe it’s normal but we didn’t know to bring our own toilet paper. Lucky there was a spare roll in the caravan. I would stay again if I was in the area.
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V
Vicky
2 weeks ago
Tent
Margot is welcoming, the extras are amazing Inc solar battery charging for phones, etc. Really well organised camping space and delicious home dried organic fruit.
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K
Kim
3 weeks ago
6 m travel trailer
Plenty of room. Lots of flat ground. Lovely views of the dam and local animals
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Elisa
3 weeks ago
Tent
Easy to find, peaceful, would recommend for people wanting to stay near Canberra
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G
Glenn
3 weeks ago
5 m Class B
With pets
Directions were clear, including accessing locked gate. Quiet and peaceful paddock shared with kangaroos in the evening and sunrise.
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Z
Zied
3 weeks ago
Tent
I usually stay at camp site 1. Site 3 has a few level spots that site 1 does not have but is much harder ground so if your are a tent camper stakes in the ground is something to consider. Overall any site at Coots Creek will serve you well.
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L
Lachlan
February 2026
5 m car
Really enjoyed our stay. Bonus with the friendly llama on the property. Would highly recommend
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Jono
February 2026
5 m pop-up camper
Great location, views that went forever. Beautiful natural creek below the site as well.
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S
Sharon
February 2026
5 m pop-up camper
Loved the large flat area to setup our camper trailer for the night. Beautiful views over the area, private and serene. Very good communication from our hosts.
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P
Peter
February 2026
8 m travel trailer
Lots of space and location so close to Canberra is the biggest plus. Toilets on site are proper flushing and are a bonus. Plenty of wildlife to view as in birds, ducks and kangaroo’s . Wrong time of year for us as we couldn’t have a campfire but lots of small kindling about if you wandered around. Can stay till 12 noon before departure
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K
Kane
February 2026
Tent
With kids
We loved camping in shady spot near Dam. Great welcome and overview of the property provided by Karen and Jol. We will be back!
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Lobsang
January 2026
Tent
So lovely place. We went there for a night. You can also see trains passing by from your tent.
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Abbie
January 2026
Tent
Very peaceful place!! Had a lovely stay here with the kangaroos.
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T
Tanya
January 2026
6 m Class B
Second trip to Goolabri, love the wildlife and the quiet. Don’t change a thing!
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Sandra
January 2026
Tent
With pets
Lovely property that is well cared for by Jol and Karen. They are friendly, helpful and patient with kids and Jack Russells. We used as a base to visit friends in ACT, but would have also loved to just stay on the property, swim in the dam and bike ride for the four days.
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