Camping will once again be permitted in New South Wales from 1 June 2020, and Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park is a perfect spot to camp while social distancing, especially at this time of year. As well as being a campground, day visitors are also permitted to use the picnic facilities here as they travel through the national park.
Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park
Many people avoid camping in the mountains during the winter, but our experience at this campground was cosy, especially thanks to the campfire BBQ right next to our tent's site, and the rustic kitchen shelter with a fireplace. We did bring our own firewood in as collecting firewood from the rainforest is prohibited.
Cooking over a log fire at Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park
In addition to providing warmth, these facilities meant we were able to serve up hot meals to our kids before bedtime.
The best part of any campfire - marshmallows!
Forest Tops Campground is set deep within World Heritage-listed rainforest, and a hiking trail, the 18Km return
Booyong Walking Track runs directly from the campsite. With kids, we only walked the first few kilometres before turning around, but the track does go as far as
Sheepstation Creek Campground for those who are feeling energetic.
The Booyong Hiking Trail leaves directly from the campground
The Border Ranges National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife including birds, frogs, reptiles, koalas, and wallabies. At the campsite, it is worth keeping any food locked away or the large goannas are likely to make a dash to grab some!
There is an abundance of wildlife here - be careful on the roads
Additional facilities at Forest Tops Campground include picnic tables and toilets. However, visitors should bring their own drinking and cooking water.
Forest Tops Campground includes rustic facilities such as woodfire BBQs and picnic tables
The Border Ranges span both Queensland and New South Wales, and the drive to the campsite from either side provides beautiful views of the rainforest. At present the border between the two states is closed, however, so anyone camping at Forest Tops Campground will not be able to enter (or re-enter) Queensland without a permit.
Entrance to the Border Ranges National Park