GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #75 | Page 73

FREEDOM CAMP OF THE MONTH
Did you know that New South Wales national park campgrounds have a small booking fee ? However , there is no charge to camp !
We popped into Dangars Gorge campground recently at Oxley Wild Rivers National Park . A couple we met had paid their booking fee of $ 6 but there were no further fees for the week ' s site . And what a spot ! The bush camping meant loads of shade and fairly private sites . Like many national park camps , there was access to a toilet ( mostly ‘ longdrops ’), picnic tables , drinking water and firewood cut and ready to go .
I love the fire pits you find in different states . Often in New South Wales and Victoria , you ' ll see a swinging barbecue plate and a spot for your billy – very handy , because you ' ll want a fire if you are camping there this time of year !
Because of the cold weather , we didn ' t have a swim , but the options were wonderful at this camp . It is a short walk to the Gorge Lookout from the campsite . This trek has lots of steps , and takes you to a jaw-dropping view almost above the waterfall , with rock pools below and a massive gorge in front .
I am so glad we followed the other track as well . The Falls Lookdown allows you to see the actual waterfall cascading 120m down to the pools below ! This track has wonderful access to the rock pools in Salisbury Waters above the falls , from the boardwalk over the river .
You can follow this Salisbury Waters trail for a longer hike out to Mihi Falls ( 4.5km one-way ), three other lookouts and a natural pool , under the gorges . Both tracks leave from the picnic area .
While you are out this way , just off The Waterfall Way and not too far from another section of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park , is beautiful Blue Hole and a walk to Gara Gorge . Leave the caravan behind , as parking is limited at this day use area .
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