Remember, when visiting Yerranderie, you are in a historic town surrounded by spectacular wilderness areas, and inhabited by permanent residents, both human residents and of course our local wildlife.
Please leave the noise and music at home, and enjoy the peace and solitude that is so hard to find elsewhere. Plan to arrive and be set up well before nightfall. Take all rubbish with you, and leave things as you found them.
All accommodation at Yerranderie is managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). A caretaker is on site, however there are no food, fuel or supplies available, the nearest supplies are in Oberon.
There are two main campgrounds, plus a number of historic cabins/buildings that can be stayed in.
Cabins and Buildings
The available cabins/housing are listed below, in no particular order:
- Slippery Norris Cottage
- The Bank Room
- The Tailors Room
- Post Office Lodge
- https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/accommodation/post-office-lodge
- This accommodates up to 26 people, and is designed for larger group bookings only, contact the Yerranderie caretaker for further information, price and availability
Camping
Campgrounds
There are two campgrounds:
- Private Town campground
- Government Town campground
The Private Town campground is probably the more impressive setting, clustered within the most well-maintained historic buildings, including all of the “Cabin” options above, and with beautiful views of the Peak behind. This is close to the Caretakers building, and also has showers and toilets. However, it is also the busiest, and more expensive (approximately $35 for a group/site).
The Government Town campground is situated near the old Court House and Police Station, and feels a little more isolated. It is cheaper (only $6 per group/site), but has more space. It has a toilet, but no showers (those staying in the Private Town campground get a code for the showers). Depending on the season (and some luck), you may find it less busy. If you arrive and find the Private Town campground packed out, it might be worth checking the Government Town campground.
Bushwalking/camping
For those heading on long bushwalks (5km+) outside of the town, there are the normal bush camping options. However, near the town there is an extremely complex mix of land ownership, including private land and land owned by various authorities, plus the safety issue of old mine shafts. Please don’t try to find unofficial campsites within/around the town.
Surrounding the whole town is Schedule 2 (“Restricted Entry”) water catchment area, meaning generally only walkers are allowed (aside from the town/roads/private property). Further to the east is Schedule 1 land, where nobody is allowed, except bushwalkers walking through the narrow Beloon Pass corridor (and they are not allowed to camp until reaching the Nattai).
If any doubt, check with Water NSW, or check maps at sites such as bushwalkingmaps.com.
Fires
Check the current restrictions here: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/yerranderie-state-conservation-area/local-alerts
Generally, Park Fire Bans are in place from start of October to end of March, and these prohibit campfires and solid fuel fires. However, the two NPWS campgrounds may be exempt, unless there is a Total Fire Ban declared.
The information changes constantly and is often poorly worded, so please check the latest alerts above, or contact the Yerranderie caretaker 02 4659 6165 ; or Oberon office 02 6336 6200.
Water
The Tonalli River carries sediment from the old silver mines, with significant quantities of lead arsenic, zinc, copper cadmium and other pollutants. Plus of course the standard risk of water-borne infections. Therefore, it is recommended not to drink from it… bring your own water.