Jacky Barkers campground

Nowendoc National Park

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Overview

Combine 4WD camping and Aboriginal heritage with birdwatching, swimming, bushwalking and mountain biking at Jacky Barkers campground in NSW’s Northern Tablelands.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 5
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • This is a basic and remote campground, please arrive well prepared for your visit.
  • Sites are marked.
  • Sites are not powered.
  • If you get washed out or require emergency accommodation there is a small country motel in Nowendoc.
  • Wrights Hut can be inspected but is not to be used by campers or picnickers.
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Ideal for intrepid, self-reliant campers, this campground is nestled in a pretty hidden valley on a tributary of Jacky Barker Creek. Whether you’re camping alone or in a group, you’ll find each site at Jacky Barkers campground is wonderfully private, and blessed with unique scenic views.

Magnificent river oaks encircle sun-dappled rock pools, while eucalypts and rainforest shelter the creek lines. Those who love birdwatching will thrill at the sight of honeyeaters, bowerbirds and brightly coloured parrots, while everyone will want to spy the various animals that gather at the creek’s edge late in the day.

Once you’ve set up your tent or trailer, you can make use of the barbecues and picnic tables in the adjacent picnic area, or check out nearby Wrights Hut. Those feeling energetic can try mountain biking or bushwalk the 1.8 km loop that passes the ruins of the old Watts Homestead.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

See also

  • The exterior of Karamea Homestead in Curracabundi National Park. Photo © Sean Thompson

    Karamea Homestead

    Stay at Karamea Homestead for a secluded rural getaway by the Barnard River, in Curracabundi National Park. Only 1 hour from Gloucester, you’ll find mountain biking and water activities at your door.

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://uat.nswparks.cloud/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/jacky-barkers-campground/local-alerts

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Jacky Barkers campground.

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Learn more

Jacky Barkers campground is in Nowendoc National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

An intriguing history

Jacky Barkers campground, Nowendoc National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Discover the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage and European settlement history. Jacky Barkers Creek has a special connection with one Aboriginal family, the Wrights. You can visit Wrights Hut, built in the early 1960s from materials recycled from older slab huts nearby. In 1837, the Australian Agricultural Company (AAC) established Nowendoc Station, and in 1846 the AAC reached the top of Hungry Hill immediately east of Jacky Barkers Creek.

Beautiful waterways

Myall Creek, Nowendoc National Park. Photo: John Spencer

In Nowendoc National Park, it’s impossible not to be tempted by the cool, clear waters of Myall and Jacky Barkers creeks. Take your pick of streams and rock pools, and swim in the shade of river oaks. The park also protects the headwaters of the Barnard River – a major tributary of the Manning River, first explored by European explorer, Henry Dangar.

Impressive and important

Local vegetation, Nowendoc National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Nowendoc National Park is not only beautiful to look at, it also serves a very important purpose – protecting old growth forest and other plants and animals. The park is home to five threatened plants and 18 threatened animal species. You may be lucky enough to spot an endangered brush-tailed rock wallaby or spotted-tail quoll, while a night walk could give you glimpses of threatened masked, powerful or sooty owls. Surveys have also recorded seven species of frog, 14 species of reptile, 78 native bird species, 19 native mammals and 14 species of bat in this park. Be sure to tread carefully as you walk, and don’t forget those binoculars if you’d like to go bird watching.

Simplicity and solitude

Jacky Barkers campground, Nowendoc National Park. Photo: John Spencer

This rugged, remote park gives you the opportunity to feel at one with both nature and your thoughts. There are so many ways to experience the park’s diverse natural beauty. Breathe the pure air and feel the temperature drop as you travel down to the valley floor.

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