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Dawsons Spring campground

Mount Kaputar National Park

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Overview

Dawsons Spring campground is a fully equipped accommodation area with a variety of barbecue options and several good walking tracks, including one to the summit lookout.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 17
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, showers, toilets
What to bring Firewood
Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • Sites are marked
  • Sites are not powered
  • Be careful when camping under trees. Do not stay in the park when high winds are forecast.
  • Caravans and large motorhomes are not permitted on Kaputar Road

This popular campground, perched on the side of a mountain just past the Mount Kaputar summit, offers everything you need to kick back and enjoy the best of the national park.

Snow gums surround picnic spots with dedicated barbecues and a well-equipped amenities block. Bring your tent to relax in the shade during warm summer months, don’t forget to pack your binoculars for some spectacular birdwatching.

Bushwalkers will find much of interest here too, with several superb walking tracks nearby. Dawsons Spring nature trail loops from the bottom of the campground, and it connects with the summit walk with dazzling views during clear autumn days. The beautiful Bundabulla circuit walking track, crosses through sub-alpine environments of the Kaputar plateau. The headwaters of Horsearm Creek can be seen along Dawsons Spring nature trail, and provide excellent photo opportunities.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Thu 31 October 2024, 4.11pm

Applies from Thu 31 Oct 2024, 3.52pm to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 31 Oct 2024, 4.11pm.

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the Barwon Area office on (02) 6792 7300 before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

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Nearby alerts

Applies from Thu 10 Oct 2024, 1.00am to Sat 30 Nov 2024, 6.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 14 Nov 2024, 1.22pm

Closed areas: Bark Hut campground closed due to amenities upgrade

Bark Hut campground will be closed from Monday 14 October to 6am Saturday 30 November 2024, due to amenity block upgrades. As an alternative, visitors are encouraged to use facilities at Dawsons Spring campground.

This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Narrabri area office on 02 6792 7300.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 31 Oct 2024, 3.52pm to Mon 31 Mar 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Thu 31 Oct 2024, 4.11pm

Fire bans: Park Fire Ban

A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the Barwon Area office on (02) 6792 7300 before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

Affects 2 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 16 Apr 2024, 10.35am. Last reviewed: Wed 23 Oct 2024, 1.05pm

Closed areas: Governor summit walking track CLOSED

The Governor (Corrunbral Borawah) summit walking track is closed until further notice due to elevated track damage. 

The Governor lookout walking track (from carpark to lookout platform) remains open. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Narrabri office on 02 6792 7300. 

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/dawsons-spring-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Dawsons Spring campground.

Getting there and parking

Dawsons Spring campground is in the Kaputar plateau precinct of Mount Kaputar National Park. To get there:

  • From Narrabri take Old Gunnedah Road south
  • After about 2.5km turn left onto Kaputar Road
  • Follow Kaputar Road from the park entrance for 20km of steep, single-lane road until you reach the T-junction, where you turn right.
  • The campground is at the end of the road

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available at Dawsons Spring campground.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Mount Kaputar National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

This is one of the best times of year to visit the park, with ideal temperatures for bush walking, cycling and camping.

Spring

A beautiful time of year to enjoy the abundant wildflowers and birds.

Summer

Escape the heat of the plains by heading up into the park.

Winter

Experience the mist surrounding the high plateau area and enjoy the beauty of the occasional blanketing of snow. Be prepared for the temperatures about 10°C cooler than in the nearby town of Narrabri.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

21°C and 35°C

Highest recorded

43.4°C

Winter temperature

Average

7°C and 18°C

Lowest recorded

-5.6°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

January

Driest month

August

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

188mm

Facilities

Water is available, however you’ll need to treat or boil it before drinking.

Amenities

Toilets

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)
  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
  • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

Showers

  • Hot showers

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

Firewood is not provided and may not be collected from the park.

Generators

Generators are not permitted in this campground.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Learn more about why this park is special

Dawsons Spring campground is in Mount Kaputar National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    A harsh lifestyle

    Scutts Hutt, Mount Kaputar National Park. Photo: Ian Brown

    Several pioneering families lived in the Mount Kaputar area in extremely harsh conditions. Stockmen looked after sheep and cattle on the Kaputar Plateau, often going for months without seeing another person. Enjoy a walk to the historic Scutts Hut to experience the pioneers' harsh lifestyle. The Scutt family lived in the hut in the 1940s and 50s, and it has been carefully restored to its original condition. Most of the materials to build the hut and furniture were brought in by horse - even the rainwater tank.

    An ancient heritage

    Views from Eckfords lookout, Mount Kaputar National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    Mount Kaputar National Park is the traditional Country of the Gamilaroi Aboriginal people. The park provided a rich resource for food, medicines, shelter and weapons and the landscape is part of Dreaming stories. Reminders of the Gamilaroi's connection to this ancient landscape are evident in Aboriginal rock carvings, campsites, marks on trees and axe grinding grooves throughout the park.

    Colourful locals

    Pink Slug (Triboniophorus aff. graeffei), Mount Kaputar National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    Mount Kaputar is famous for a very unusual, colourful local - a bright pink slug. It can be seen after rain on rocks, trees and amongst the leaf litter. With birds from both the east and west meeting together at Mount Kaputar, the park is also a wonderful place to go bird watching. More than 185 bird species live in the park, so don't forget your binoculars. A torch will also come in handy for seeing some of the other locals that come out at night, including possums and greater gliders. And watch out for the many kangaroos and wallabies, too.

    • Dawsons Spring nature trail Dawsons Spring nature trail is an easy walk from Dawsons Spring campground in Mount Kaputar National Park, near Narrabri. Great for families, you'll enjoy seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife...
    • Euglah Rock walking track Ideal for walking with kids, Euglah Rock walking track in Mount Kaputar National Park leads to a lookout offering stunning scenic views of Euglah Rock and beyond.

    Action or relaxation

    Verandah of Logan cabin, Mount Kaputar National Park. Photo: Simone Cottrell/OEH

    Mount Kaputar National Park is packed with walks, cycling and 4WD trails, plus plenty of scenic spots for camping and picnicking. Test your mountain bike legs up the steep Mount Kaputar Road to the Kaputar Plateau, or the challenging Barraba track. Enjoy a bite to eat at a serene picnic area before walking it off as you take in the stunning scenery. Don't miss the incredible Sawn Rocks formation. There's so much to see, why not book a cabin or set up camp for a few days to make the most of your country getaway.

    • Sawn Rocks picnic area Sawn Rocks picnic area is located at the start of Sawn Rocks walking track in Mount Kaputar National Park. It’s ideal for barbecues and picnics with scenic views of North West NSW.
    • Waa Gorge picnic area Waa Gorge is one of Mount Kaputar National Park’s most stunning attractions, and this picnic area offers enough sights to enjoy the show over a long lunch.

    Over 20 million years in the making

    Mount Kaputar, Mount Kaputar National Park. Photo: Ian Brown

    Two volcanos pushed Mount Kaputar high above the plains, and millions of years of erosion have carved a dramatic landscape of narrow valleys and steep ridges. Many of the mountains are ancient lava terraces. Experience ancient history for yourself by standing on Lindsay Rock Tops - an excellent example of a lava terrace. Or visit Sawn Rocks to see one of Australia's best examples of a spectacular rock formation called organ-piping - it really does look like a wall of giant organ pipes.

    • Bundabulla circuit walking track Bundabulla circuit walking track connects several walking tracks together. It offers a terrific bushwalking experience with places to picnic along the way and views of Mount Kaputar and surrounds.
    • Dawsons Spring nature trail Dawsons Spring nature trail is an easy walk from Dawsons Spring campground in Mount Kaputar National Park, near Narrabri. Great for families, you'll enjoy seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife...
    • Doug Sky lookout Doug Sky lookout in Mount Kaputar National Park offers scenic views over north-west NSW and Warrumbungles.
    • Kaputar scenic drive Kaputar scenic drive is a 20km driving route through dramatic landscapes, with access to lookouts, picnic spots and walking tracks.
    • Sawn Rocks walking track This easy walk beside a shady creek bed leads you to a spectacular rock formation - the unique, organ-pipe cliff face of Sawn Rocks and scenic views.
    • The Governor lookout walking track Enjoy scenic mountain views over Grattai wilderness area from The Governor lookout walking track.
    • West Kaputar Rock lookout For scenic mountain views across the wilderness of Mount Kaputar National Park, enjoy West Kaputar Rock lookout on a scenic car tour, near Narrabri.
    Show more

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • A Mount Kaputar skink suns itself on rocks in Mount Kaputar National Park. Photo: Jodi Rowley © Jodi Rowley

      Kaputar rock skink (Egernia roomi)

      The critically endangered Kaputar rock skink is found only in the high rocky peaks of Mount Kaputar National Park. With one of the smallest ranges of any vertebrate in NSW, this rare reptile is at risk of extinction.

    • Southern boobook. Photo: David Cook

      Southern boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)

      The southern boobook, also known as the mopoke, is the smallest and most common native owl in Australia. With a musical 'boo-book' call that echoes through forests and woodlands, the southern boobook is a great one to look out for while bird watching.

    • Wedge-tailed eagle. Photo: Kelly Nowak

      Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)

      With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.

    • Closeup of a laughing kookaburra's head and body. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

      Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

      Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.

    Plants

    • Wonga Wonga vine. Photo: Barry Collier

      Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)

      The wonga wonga vine is a widespread vigorous climber usually found along eastern Australia. A variation of the plant occurs in the central desert, where it resembles a sprawling shrub. One of the more common Australian native plants, the wonga wonga vine produces bell-shaped white or yellow flowers in the spring, followed by a large oblong-shaped seed pod.

    • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

      Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

      An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)