Lachlan River campground

Kalyarr National Park

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Overview

Pitch your tent on the riverbank at one of 4 secluded campsites in Lachlan River campground, near Hay. Set among river red gums, it’s a peaceful place to fish, spot wildlife and stargaze under the night sky.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 4
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, 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
  • Sites are not powered
  • Each campsite can fit up to 6 people
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Enjoy a tranquil camping holiday by the water at Lachlan River campground in Kalyarr National Park. Nestled between red river red gums and river cooba on the banks of the peaceful Lachlan River, it’s a secluded spot to get back to nature. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to camp here when it’s not too hot or windy.

Once you’ve set up camp, there’s plenty to see and do. Go fishing, swimming or paddling in the river or enjoy a picnic lunch next to Lake Ita. If you’re eager to see more of the park, take a walk through riverside woodland and open plains along Kalyarr Cultural trail which starts from the campground.

During your stay, keep an eye out for the iconic outback wildlife that call this place home. Red kangaroos, emus and shingle-back lizards are common in this area, and if you gaze to the skies, you might see wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead.

As evening falls, cook up a barbecue feast and enjoy the beautiful outback sunsets and uninterrupted 360-degree views of the starry sky.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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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://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/lachlan-river-campground/local-alerts

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Park info

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Lachlan River campground.

Getting there and parking

Lachlan River campground is near the Norwood area of Kalyarr National Park. To get there from Hay:

  • Drive west on Cadell Street/Maude Road
  • After 46km turn north onto Oxley Road
  • Drive for a further 19km, then turn east onto Norwood Main Drive.
  • Follow Norwood Main Drive north-east for around 10km, then east for 1km.
  • Continue east along Norwood-Thelangerin Road for 2km then turn north onto River campground trail and follow this trail to the river.

Road quality

Please check the weather before planning your visit. Roads are often impassable after even light rain, and vehicles that get bogged may not be able to be towed for several days.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

There is parking at each campsite.

Facilities

Drinking water is not available at this campground.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

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

Step-free access

The campground is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over a mixture of grass and hard-packed ground to reach the facilities.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

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.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach, the rocks or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing and rock fishing safety tips.

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).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Wildlife safety

Keep yourself and our wildlife safe by understanding the risks of wildlife encounters and how to avoid them.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Lachlan River campground is step-free with flat, grassy campsites that are easily accessible by car.

There are some places where people with reduced mobility may need assistance:

  • Some help may be required in the wider area as the ground is rougher. There are tree roots, cracking clay soils and rough vegetation.
  • The toilet is small and not wheelchair accessible

Permitted

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Camp fires and solid fuel burners are permitted at this campground unless there is a fire ban.

Cycling

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

Generators

Horses

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

Lachlan River campground is in Kalyarr National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Country of the Nari Nari People

Sunset over the Hay Plain, Kalyarr National Park. Photo: Samantha Ellis © DPIE

Kalyarr is the traditional Country of the Nari Nari People. Aboriginal people have lived here for at least 40,000 years and there are thousands of stone artefacts, scar trees, hearths, middens and mounds throughout the park. Today Nari Nari people advise on park management and share their traditional knowledge with the community. Explore the Kalyarr cultural trail to learn more about the park’s cultural landscape.

One of the flattest places on earth

Distant lightening striking the plain near Hay, Kalyarr National Park. Photo: Samantha Ellis © DPIE

Kalyarr is located on the Riverine Plain. The plain is incredibly flat and its vast open landscape is starkly impressive. Other than the Lachlan River, there is no permanent natural water on Kalyarr, but in wet years patchy ephemeral wetlands form in lakes, creeks and gilgais. There are no rock outcrops in the park, and few stones. Aboriginal people traded for stone to make tools and used alternatives such as clay for cooking.

A refuge for native animals

Two red kangaroos pause, surrounded by saltbush at Kalyarr National Park. Photo: Samantha Ellis © DPIE

Kalyarr supports a large expanse of saltbush and shrublands that thrive in the semi-arid environment where trees struggle. On the richer soil along rivers and creeks, there are woodlands of river red gum, black box, river cooba and myall. Kalyarr is an important refuge for native animals in a heavily cleared landscape, and is home to several rare and threatened species like the plains-wanderer. Birdwatchers can look out for spectacular arid-zone species like pink cockatoos and orange chats.

Graziers and shearers

An old fence and gate at sunset, Kalyarr National Park. Photo: Samantha Ellis © DPIE

The first European explorer to visit the area was John Oxley in 1817, followed by Charles Sturt along the Murrumbidgee in 1829. These expeditions led to the displacement of Aboriginal people and settlement by Europeans, who established a successful wool industry. Historic buildings relating to the former pastoral properties of Norwood, Darcoola, Corrong and Thelangerin are preserved in the park. They showcase the self-sufficient life of graziers during the late 19th and 20th centuries and give an insight into the challenges of living and working as a shearer on these stations.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  •  Blue Tongue lizard. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Eastern blue-tongue lizard (Tiliqua scinciodes)

    The eastern blue-tongue lizard, one of the largest skinks in Australia, is found throughout most of NSW. When threatened, the eastern blue-tongue lizard displays its blue tongue in a wide-mouthed intimidating show. Not an agile animal, they feed on slow-moving beetles and snails.

  • Emu, Paroo Darling National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

    The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.

  • 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.

  • Lace monitor, Daleys Point walking track, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    Lace monitor (Varanus varius)

    One of Australia’s largest lizards, the carnivorous tree-dwelling lace monitor, or tree goanna, can grow to 2m in length and is found in forests and coastal tablelands across eastern Australia. These Australian animals are typically dark blue in colour with whitish spots or blotches.

  • Red kangaroo, Sturt National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

    The red kangaroo is one of the most iconic Australian animals and the largest marsupial in the world. Large males have reddish fur and can reach a height of 2m, while females are considerably smaller and have blue-grey fur. Red kangaroos are herbivores and mainly eat grass.

  • Echidna. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

    One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.

  • 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.

  • Superb fairy wren. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)

    The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.

  • Tawny frogmouth. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)

    Found throughout Australia, the tawny frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl due to its wide, powerful beak, large head and nocturnal hunting habits. The ‘oom oom oom’ call of this native bird can be heard echoing throughout a range of habitats including heath, woodlands and urban areas.

  • 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.

  • White-bellied sea eagle. Photo: John Turbill

    White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

    White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

  • Brush tail possum. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

    One of the most widespread of Australian tree-dwelling marsupials, the common brushtail possum is found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforests and urban areas. With strong claws, a prehensile tail and opposable digits, these native Australian animals are well-adapted for life amongst the trees.

  • Brown-striped frog. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

    Brown-striped frog (Lymnastes peronii)

    One of the most common frogs found in Australia, the ground-dwelling brown-striped frog lives in ponds, dams and swamps along the east coast. Also known as the striped marsh frog, this amphibian grows to 6.5cm across and has a distinctive ‘tok’ call that can be heard all year round.

Plants

  • Billy Button flowers at Peery Lake picnic area. Photo: Dinitee Haskard OEH

    Billy buttons (Craspedia spp. )

    Billy buttons are attractive Australian native plants that are widespread throughout eastern NSW in dry forest, grassland and alpine regions such as Kosciuszko National Park. The golden-yellow globe-shaped flowers are also known as woollyheads. Related to the daisy, billy buttons are an erect herb growing to a height of 50cm.

  • River red gum, Murrumbidgee Valley National Park. Photo: Paul Childs

    River red gum (Eucalpytus camaldulensis)

    Australian native plants, majestic river red gum trees are widespread across Australian inland river systems. The river red gum is a dominant tree species of the Murray-Darling basin which spans NSW, Queensland and Victoria. This iconic native eucalypt grows to a height of 30m and is thought to have a lifespan up to 500-1000 years.

  • Saltbush. Photo: Jaime Plaza

    Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia)

    A hardy Australian native plant, the saltbush is a small spreading shrub that can withstand dry salty soils such as those found in the desert plains of western NSW. It is grey-white in colour and has small spear-shaped succulent leaves. It flowers from December to April.

Environments in this park