Orroral Campground Namadgi National Park - Camping Guide ACT

Camping in the Valley of Stone and Space History

Orroral Campground is widely considered one of the most accessible and picturesque camping destinations within Namadgi National Park. Located approximately 45 minutes south of Canberra, the campground is situated in the expansive Orroral Valley, a landscape defined by open native grasslands, towering granite boulders, and the gently flowing Orroral River. It serves as a fantastic retreat for families, history buffs, and nature lovers looking to escape the city without venturing too far into remote wilderness.

Unlike some of the more rugged campgrounds in the southern parts of the territory, Orroral Campground is well-suited to a variety of setups. The access road is sealed (though narrow in parts), making it accessible for conventional vehicles, camper trailers, and caravans. The campground layout offers defined bays that provide a good balance of privacy and community. The open nature of the valley floor means there is plenty of room for children to play, and the site is famous for its resident population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, which can often be seen grazing peacefully around the tents at dawn and dusk.

The area is rich in both Indigenous and European history. A short drive or walk further down the valley leads to the site of the former Orroral Valley Tracking Station, which supported NASA space missions from the 1960s to the 1980s. While the dish is gone, interpretive signs and the foundations remain. For those interested in older history, the Orroral Homestead offers a glimpse into the pastoral life of the 1860s. The campground facilities are practical for a national park setting, featuring flushing toilets and wood-fired barbecues, although campers should note there are no showers and no power available.

As with all sites in Namadgi National Park, bookings are essential and must be made online via the ACT Parks website before you travel. Mobile phone reception is generally non-existent in the valley, so all arrangements should be made prior to leaving the city. The site acts as a trailhead for several popular walks, including the hike to the Granite Tors, which offers sweeping views over the valley. Whether you are visiting to explore the walking tracks or simply to sit by a fire and watch the stars, Orroral Campground provides a classic Australian bush experience.

Campground Details

Name: Orroral Campground
Address: Orroral Road, Rendezvous Creek, ACT, 2620
Website: Visit Official Website
GPS Coordinates: -35.662823, 148.989032

Site Information

• Location: Orroral Valley, Namadgi National Park (off Naas Road).
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans. (One of the more caravan-friendly sites in Namadgi).
• Road Access: Sealed road access via Naas Road and Orroral Road. Accessible for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt; generally level.

Facilities Available

• Flushing Toilets (Wheelchair accessible)
• Wood-fired BBQs (Firewood not supplied)
• Picnic Tables
• Communal Fire Pits
• No Showers
• No Drinking Water (River water must be treated; best to bring your own supply).
• No Power

Essentials to Bring

• Drinking Water: Highly recommended to bring ample supply.
• Firewood: Purchase before entering the park (e.g., in Canberra or Tharwa). Collection in the park is illegal.
• Rubbish bags (Take all rubbish with you).
• Warm bedding (temperatures drop significantly at night).

Recreation & Rules

• Pet Friendly: NO. Pets are strictly prohibited in Namadgi National Park.
• Fishing: Not permitted in the Orroral River within the campground area (check local guides for permissible zones nearby).
• Short Walks:
  • Orroral Heritage Walk: Explores the homestead and woolshed (starts nearby).
  • Granite Tors Walking Track: A steeper walk to massive granite boulder formations overlooking the valley.
  • Tracking Station Walk: Walk or drive to the old space station site.

Local Amenities

Local Pubs / Bars

The Banks Bar & Bistro
17-19 Strayleaf Cres, Banks ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 30 km

Calwell Club
1 Were St, Calwell ACT 2905
Approximate Distance: 33 km

Places to Eat

Tharwa General Store
North St, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 18 km (Coffee, cakes, light snacks)

Lanyon Marketplace (Various Restaurants/Takeaway)
Box Hill Ave, Conder ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 30 km

Local Attractions

Namadgi Visitor Information Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 16 km

Orroral Valley Tracking Station Site
Orroral Rd, Rendezvous Creek ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 4 km (Further along Orroral Rd)

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

Alternate Caravan Parks

Honeysuckle Campground
Apollo Rd, Tennent ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 15 km (Note: Tighter access for large caravans)

Cotter Campground
Cotter Rd, Stromlo ACT 2611
Approximate Distance: 45 km

Alternate Free Camps / Low Cost Camps

Coree Campground (Brindabella National Park)
Brindabella Rd, Coree ACT 2611
Approximate Distance: 65 km (Unsealed access)

Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area
Majura Pkwy, Majura ACT 2609
Approximate Distance: 55 km (Roadside rest area, 20hr limit)

Alternate Dump Points

Kambah Pool Recreation Area Dump Point
Kambah Pool Rd, Kambah ACT 2902
Approximate Distance: 35 km

Tuggeranong Archery Club Public Dump Point
Soward Way, Greenway ACT 2900
Approximate Distance: 32 km

Nearest Petrol Station

Shell Coles Express Banks
17-19 Strayleaf Cres, Banks ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 30 km

Caltex Woolworths Conder
Lanyon Marketplace, Conder ACT 2906
Approximate Distance: 30 km

Alternate Drinking Water Resupply

Namadgi Visitor Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 16 km

Alternate Public Toilets

Tharwa Bridge Recreation Area
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 18 km

Namadgi Visitor Centre
Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Approximate Distance: 16 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Orroral Campground

The Orroral Valley can be an extreme environment. It is known as a "frost hollow" in winter, where cold air settles, often resulting in temperatures significantly lower than Canberra.