Honeysuckle Campground Namadgi National Park - Camping ACT

Historic Camping in the Heart of Namadgi

Honeysuckle Campground offers a unique camping experience steeped in both natural beauty and space-age history. Located approximately 35 minutes south of Canberra’s suburbs in Namadgi National Park, this campground occupies the site of the former Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station. This station played a pivotal role in the Apollo 11 moon landing, being the dish that received the first footage of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. Today, concrete foundations of the old station remain visible, providing a fascinating historical backdrop to your camping trip.

The campground is situated in a relatively open woodland setting at a higher altitude, making it a cool retreat during summer and a crisp, sometimes snowy, destination in winter. It is designed to accommodate a mix of camping styles, from tents and swags to camper trailers and small caravans. The sites are unallocated, meaning you select your spot upon arrival, though booking online in advance is mandatory for all stays in ACT National Parks. The area is generally flat and grassy, interspersed with native gum trees that offer partial shade and wind protection.

Facilities at Honeysuckle are well-maintained for a bush campsite. While there is no power, campers have access to a large covered shelter with gas barbecues and picnic tables, making meal preparation easy regardless of the weather. There are drop toilets on-site, and carrying your own toilet paper is always recommended. Importantly, there is no drinking water supply at the campground, so you must bring sufficient water for drinking and cooking for the duration of your stay. Fire pits are provided for warmth and ambience, but you must bring your own firewood as collecting wood from the national park is strictly prohibited.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Honeysuckle Campground is a perfect base camp. It serves as the starting point for the walking track to Booroomba Rocks, which offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the ACT. The Australian Alps Walking Track also passes nearby. Wildlife is abundant here; expect to see kangaroos grazing at dusk and dawn, and a variety of birdlife. Please note that as a protected National Park, domestic pets are strictly forbidden.

Campground Details

Name: Honeysuckle Campground
Address: Apollo Road, Tennent, ACT, 2620
Website: Visit Official Website
GPS Coordinates: -35.582967, 148.975010

Site Information

• Location: Namadgi National Park (South of Tharwa).
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans (Small to Medium). Large rigs may find maneuvering tight.
• Road Access: Sealed road all the way via Apollo Road. Accessible for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt; generally level.

Facilities Available

• Drop Toilets (Wheelchair accessible)
• Covered Picnic Shelter
• Gas BBQs (Free)
• Communal Fire Pits (Bring your own wood)
• Picnic Tables
• No Drinking Water Available (Bring your own)
• No Power

Essentials to Bring

• Drinking Water: Essential (none on site).
• Firewood: Purchase before arrival (e.g., at Namadgi Visitor Centre or service stations).
• Warm clothing (nights can be very cold, even in summer).
• Rubbish bags (Bin facilities may be limited; pack it in, pack it out).

Recreation & Rules

• Pet Friendly: NO. Pets are strictly prohibited in Namadgi National Park.
• Fishing: No fishing on-site. Nearest fishing in Murrumbidgee River (Tharwa).
• Short Walks:
  • Walking on the Moon: Interpretive signs around the old tracking station site.
  • Booroomba Rocks: Track starts a short drive up the road (steep but rewarding views).

Local Amenities

Local Pubs / Bars

The Banks Bar & Bistro
17-19 Strayleaf Cres, Banks ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 22 km

Calwell Club
1 Were St, Calwell ACT 2905
Approximate Distance: 25 km

Places to Eat

Tharwa General Store (Historical Store & Supplies)
North St, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 17 km

Lanyon Marketplace (Various Cafes/Takeaway)
Box Hill Ave, Conder ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 22 km

Local Attractions

Namadgi Visitor Information Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 15 km

Booroomba Rocks Carpark (Hiking Trailhead)
Apollo Rd, Tennent ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 4 km (further up Apollo Rd)

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Discovery Dr, Paddys River ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 35 km

Alternate Caravan Parks

Orroral Campground (Namadgi NP)
Orroral Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 20 km (Paid, Bookings Required)

Woods Reserve Campground
Corin Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 28 km (Paid, Bookings Required)

Alternate Free Camps / Low Cost Camps

Coree Campground (Brindabella National Park)
Brindabella Rd, Coree ACT 2611
Approximate Distance: 60 km (Access via dirt road, Free)

Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area
Majura Pkwy, Majura ACT 2609
Approximate Distance: 45 km (Roadside rest area, Free, 20hr limit)

Alternate Dump Points

Kambah Pool Recreation Area Dump Point
Kambah Pool Rd, Kambah ACT 2902
Approximate Distance: 30 km

Tuggeranong Archery Club Public Dump Point
Soward Way, Greenway ACT 2900
Approximate Distance: 28 km

Nearest Petrol Station

Shell Coles Express Banks
17-19 Strayleaf Cres, Banks ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 22 km

Caltex Woolworths Conder
Lanyon Marketplace, Conder ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 23 km

Alternate Drinking Water Resupply

Namadgi Visitor Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 15 km

Alternate Public Toilets

Tharwa Bridge Recreation Area
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 17 km

Namadgi Visitor Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 15 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Honeysuckle Campground

Honeysuckle Campground sits at an elevation of approximately 1000m. Temperatures are significantly cooler than Canberra city, and weather can change rapidly.