The Diggings campground

Turon National Park

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Overview

The Diggings campground is a great spot to explore all that Turon National Park has to offer – bushwalking and camping, mountain biking, trout fishing, canoeing and 4WD touring.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 20
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Barbecue facilities, toilets
What to bring Firewood
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Group bookings Book up to 40 people or 9 sites online. For larger groups, make a group booking enquiry.
Please note
  • Sites are not marked and not powered.
  • The nearest general store is in Capertee.
  • Camping along the Turon River is also available to book.
  • Check the weather before you set out as the road to this campground can become boggy and the river crossings can be impassable after heavy rains.

This peaceful campground at the mouth of Turon River is very popular with 4WD enthusiasts, as you’ll need a bit of 4WD skill and savvy to access it.

Being located right on the river, it’s also great for those who want to enjoy trout fishing or canoeing or just paddling in the water when the weather is hot.

The grassy flats of riverbank are lined with she-oak, and you’re likely to spot kangaroos and wombats hopping around here at dawn and dusk. You’ll also see plenty of evidence of the early pioneers’ mining activities, which once thrived in the area.

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/the-diggings-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about The Diggings campground.

Getting there and parking

The Diggings campground is in Turon National Park. To get there:

  • Take Mudgee Road from Lithgow and drive about 40km through Capertee
  • Turn left into Lochaber Road just north of Capertee and follow signs to Turon National Park and The Diggings campground

Road quality

  • Access is by 4WD only
  • Suitable for camper trailers
  • Unsealed roads.

Parking

Parking is usually available next to the river on a large grassy flat.

Best times to visit

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

Autumn

The cooler days make it a good time to enjoy the more active adventures in the park – such as remote bushwalking or mountain biking. Or take a tour from the comfort of your 4WD.

Spring

Thanks to bird migrations in the area, this is a fantastic time for keen birdwatchers to visit and see many interesting species. The mild weather also makes it a perfect time for camping with the kids.

Summer

Enjoy camping in the summer and cool off by paddling, swimming, fishing or canoeing on the river when the days are hot.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

7°C and 26°C

Highest recorded

25.2°C

Winter temperature

Average

-1°C and 10°C

Lowest recorded

-0.2°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

April

Driest month

January

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

135mm

Facilities

  • River water is usually available at this campground, but you’ll need to treat or boil it before drinking.
  • Rubbish bins are not available, so please take your rubbish with you when leaving.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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).

Prohibited

Drones

Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

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

The Diggings campground is in Turon National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A prosperous gold mining area

Trees along the river, Turon National Park. Photo: OEH

In 1851, a delighted Aboriginal prospector found a large gold nugget in the Turon River. Subsequent valuable finds led to the development of the nearby town of Sofala during a gold mining boom. The park area has now been extensively mined for gold and many relics of this activity are still visible along the river’s banks. The park’s historic gold diggings hold local, regional and state significance and are on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Dramatic geological activity

Trees along the river, Turon National Park. Photo: OEH

Central west NSW has had an eventful geological history and the landscape of the area still bears striking reminders of these events, from gold mining remnants to volcanic activity. The gold extracted in the Turon area was alluvial, having washed down over millions of years, to be deposited in the gravels and silts of the creeks and streams.

Important cultural history

Reflections in the creek, Turon National Park. Photo: OEH

Turon National Park is Wiradjuri Aboriginal country and is home to many sacred sites that bear witness to the land’s earliest occupiers. Archaeological surveys from recent times have revealed evidence of extensive Aboriginal occupation prior to European arrival in the area. Therefore, the park plays an important role in conserving evidence of traditional, historical and contemporary land use and is of cultural significance to the Wiradjuri people, as well as descendents of early settlers of European and Chinese heritage.

Riverine oak forest communities

Turon National Park. Photo: D Noble

Turon National Park protects regionally important stands of fringing riverine oak forest communities along Turon River. With an abundance of plant life, you can also find snow gum and ribbon gum woodlands in the area. If you're seeking an adventure, then explore the park and head to the relatively undisturbed ranges throughout the park, which are filled with eucalypt communities.

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