The CampKings Crew have returned from an amazing overnight #GTFO adventure to Wheeny Creek Campground which is around 90 minutes drive from Sydney and 60 minutes from Blacktown. The grounds are situated in the Wollemi National Park, a protected national park and wilderness area located in the Northern Blue Mountains and Lower Hunter regions of New South Wales, in Eastern Australia. We took the turn off where Kurmond becomes Kurrajong, then followed it all the way to the end where at this point, the road turns to dirt track and, even though the terrain in is best suited to 4WD, the trek can be made in a 2WD or AWD as long as it has not been raining.
Once we had carefully negotiated the winding twists and turns down into the ancient valley, we were welcomed by some of the largest and oldest eucalypts that I have ever seen. A quick inspection revealed three campgrounds to choose from - Kingfisher, Boobook and Cheese Tree. Boobook was chosen as it was the easiest to access from the carpark and looked to be the flattest site but be warned, if it rains, this is the site most prone to flooding! Our set up took about 70 minutes and included our CAMPA-KIT solo tarp set up, a BOAB gazebo tent, mesh floor, fast-pack kitchen, two burner stove, webber and 40W solar light kit plus the usual camp tables and comfy chairs.
Once we were set up it was time to crank the fire, crack a beer, settle in and relax. After getting to know a couple of the other campers and saying G'Day to Kirralee, the local ranger, Dave and Andy went on a discovery mission up into the mountain and across to the creek. You can swim in the creek if you so desire...
There are around 30 campsites available and scattered throughout are fire pits, however as the removal or collection of wood is prohibited in National Parks, you should bring your own firewood. There are good, clean facilities here, flush toilets but no showers or running water so bring your supply to drink and hand sanitiser to clean your hands.
With the bellbirds whistling away in the background we commenced a game of bush bocce and considered what would be on the menu for dinner... Fire Roasted Potatoes filled with cheese, pineapple, ham and topped with Chilli Con-Carne and sour cream with a side of coleslaw was the decision!
After the dinner preparations were completed, the game of twilight bocce continued and as nightfall arrived, the solar lights switched themselves on, the citronella bug burner was lit, and dinner was ready.
Well and truly stuffed after our feast, it was time to kick the camp chair back, put the feet up and take in the serenity and ambience of this place in the glow from the red hot embers of the campfire.
The morning was signalled by a very chatty group of Kookaburras as well as the wonderful aroma of our cafeteria brewing fresh coffee and the smells of bacon and toad in a hole capped off with fresh orange juice and more coffee. Feeling refreshed and recharged, the time to leave had unfortunately arrived and within 60 minutes, we had packed up and loaded the trailer, bid our new found friends farewell and were on the road back home.
All in all, the campgrounds are good quality, well maintained and in good order. There is no mobile reception at all so if you are looking for an adventure with no contact to the outside world - this is a good place. As with most remote roads, there are the usual hoons briefly trying to prove a point, though the campsites are far enough away that these distractions are only a minor disturbance.
As long as you are prepared with shelter, water and the usual bug spray or repellant lanterns, there are some great times to be had and the CampKings Crew will certainly be visiting this free camp ground again in the future.
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The CampKings Crew