I’ve always been drawn to places that feel untouched, and my recent trip to the Mount Airly Camping Area in Capertee National Park didn’t disappoint. Tucked beneath the rugged cliffs of Mount Airly, this spot offered a mix of wild beauty, hiking opportunities, and a quiet escape from the hustle. With some camping gear in tow, I spent a few days exploring its trails and soaking in the views. It’s a place that feels like a secret, and I’m excited to share what made it special for us.
What we like
- Free, $6 booking fee
- Under towering sandstone cliffs
- Hiking, canyons and mining ruins
- Wide, grassy plateau
- Very quiet: hardly anyone around
- Eagles and great stargazing
What we don’t
- No toilets and no water
- Steep in places; tricky after rain
- No pets
Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area, near Capertee and west of the Blue Mountains, is known for its sandstone pagodas, slot canyons and historic oil shale mining ruins, and the camping area sits at the edge of this wilderness. A 2WD can get in when it’s dry, and it’s a spot for anyone after a chance to disconnect. With sandstone cliffs, historic mining ruins, and starry nights, it left a lasting impression.
About Mount Airly Camping AreaAbout
Set in Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area, the camping area is a wilderness retreat beneath Mount Airly’s cliffs, reachable in a 2WD when it’s dry. Ideal for budget campers, it features unmarked sites for tents or vehicles, offering hiking, birdwatching, and 4WD trails. Enjoy stunning valley views, mining ruins, and stargazing, with wildlife like eagles adding charm. No water or power; self-sufficiency is key. A $6 booking fee applies, and pets are not allowed.
Quick facts
- AddressMount Airly Camping Area, Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area, Mount Airly Rd, Capertee, NSW 2846, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- Phone receptionPatchy
- FacilitiesFire PitsHiking Trails4WD TracksNo toiletsNo waterNo pets
- Good to knowCapertee 15 km2WD in the dryBest in spring or autumn
- FeesFree$6 booking fee
- 6.9/10Overall rated
- Book via NSW National Parks
Getting There and AccessibilityGetting there
Reaching it was an adventure in itself. I started from Capertee, heading along Mount Airly Road, which turns to dirt on the way in. The last few kilometres are steep and rocky in places, but the views of the sandstone cliffs kept me motivated. In dry weather a 2WD can manage it if you take it slow; after rain it’s a different story.
The isolation was part of the appeal. I barely saw another soul on the way in. Booking through NSW National Parks was straightforward, with just a $6 fee, and I’d recommend checking conditions beforehand, as rain can make the tracks tricky. It took about 30 minutes from Capertee, and the drive in set the tone for a true wilderness experience.
The Campground Experience
Pulling in, I was greeted by a wide, open space beneath the towering cliffs. The campground sprawls across a grassy plateau, with a few scattered fire pits marking the spots. I picked a site near the edge, where the view of the cliffs stretched out above– it was stunning at sunset. We even spotted a pair of wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead.
The vibe was serene, with room to spread out across the unmarked sites. Without toilets, I had to plan ahead with a portable toilet and camp shower, which worked fine for our needs. There’s no water or power either, so I relied on a portable water tank and a small gas stove. Nights were quiet, save for the occasional call of a currawong, and the lack of light pollution made for some of the best stargazing I’ve experienced. It’s rough and ready, but that’s what makes it special.
The camping area keeps things minimalist. With no toilets, I brought a portable camping toilet, which was a must for our stay. It’s a self-sufficient setup all the way. Fire pits are dotted around, and I enjoyed a crackling fire each night with firewood I brought, as collecting is off-limits to protect the park. There’s no water source, so my 20L water container was a lifesaver for cooking and drinking.
Being remote, you need to be prepared. I packed extra fuel, a first-aid kit, and a portable chair for comfort. The grassy sites were mostly level, though some areas near the cliffs had uneven ground, so I took time to scout. Pets are not allowed, and the terrain isn’t suited for wheelchairs due to the roughness.
Activities and Surroundings
The area is a haven for outdoor lovers. I spent a morning hiking the Mount Airly Trail, which climbs to the summit for panoramic views of the Capertee Valley. The path was rocky but manageable. Along the way, we found remnants of the old oil shale mining tramway, a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past.
Birdwatching was a highlight, with regent honeyeaters and rosellas flitting through the trees. I brought binoculars, and it paid off spotting some rare species. The nearby Tramway Trail offered a gentler walk, winding past ruins and a lookout that’s perfect for photos. For 4WD enthusiasts, the tracks around Mount Airly are a treat, though we stuck to the lighter routes. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and explore.
Practical Tips when camping at Mount YorkPractical tips
Check the weather before heading out, because wet conditions can make the 4WD tracks slippery. Always confirm closer to your trip. Book via NSW National Parks early, as the sites can get busy on weekends. Bring ample water (10L per person per day) and a portable toilet for camp hygiene since there are none on-site.
A headlamp or torch is handy for night walks, and bug spray is a must at dusk. If you’re new to 4WD, practice on similar terrain, and carry recovery gear. The hiking trails are worth exploring. Bring sturdy shoes!
Summary: Is Mount Airly Camping Area Worth It?Summary
What sets it apart is its wild, untouched feel. It’s peaceful, yet close enough to Capertee for a quick supply run. The cliff-top views and hiking trails are a draw for nature lovers, and I loved how it felt like a step back in time with the mining history. We had a blast exploring, and the minimal $6 booking fee makes it an affordable getaway. It’s not for those seeking luxury, because you need to be self-reliant, but for wilderness seekers, it’s a hidden treasure.
The Mount Airly Camping Area offers a rugged, budget-friendly escape in Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area, reachable in a 2WD in dry weather.
Its cliffside sites are perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing, with fire pits for cosy nights. No toilets or water suit self-reliant campers, and the valley views and mining history shine, though wet weather can challenge access.
- 4WD tourers
- Hikers
- Campers
Yes, if you’re self-sufficient. It’s free with a $6 booking fee and the cliff views are dramatic, but there are no toilets.
Recommended Gear for Mount Airly Camping Area
A trip here calls for gear that matches its wild, off-grid vibe. A sturdy set of recovery gear like the Maxtrax MK2 Recovery Tracks is a lifesaver for those steep tracks. Pair it with a reliable Camping Shovel to tackle rough spots.
For camp comfort, a set of lightweight titanium cookware keeps meals going, while a water container like a 20L tank ensures you stay hydrated. Bright camp lighting enhances those starry nights. This gear turns Mount Airly into a cosy, adventure-ready escape for the self-sufficient camper.
