Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features
Euroka Campground is the primary camping area within the Glenbrook precinct, located at the eastern gateway to the Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales. While the area itself is a natural setting, the land has been protected as part of the National Park since 1959. Its indigenous history is significant, with the name “Euroka” thought to be an Aboriginal term meaning “sun.”
Visitors can expect a spacious, peaceful setting surrounded by bushland and the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Glenbrook Gorge. The campground is particularly famous for its resident population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, which are often seen grazing in the early morning and late afternoon. It is a back-to-basics bush camping experience with communal facilities, making it ideal for families and groups who want to stay close to Sydney while enjoying a National Park environment. Bookings are essential and must be made well in advance, especially for weekend stays.
Euroka Campground operating times and access
Euroka Campground is situated within the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains National Park. Access to the campground is governed by the park gate hours, and the main camping area is usually open year-round.
- Park gate hours (Summer): Open daily from 8:30am to 7:00pm (First Sunday in Oct to First Sunday in Apr).
- Park gate hours (Winter): Open daily from 8:30am to 6:00pm (Rest of the year).
- Check-in/Check-out: Check-in is generally from 2:00pm, and check-out is by 10:00am. Campers must ensure they are inside the gate before closing time.
- Current status: Visitors must check the NSW National Parks website for current fire bans, closures, and potential flood warnings after heavy rain.
Euroka Campground fees and booking details
All sites at this Blue Mountains campground must be reserved and paid for in advance through the NPWS booking system.
| Fee type | Price (Estimate, checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camping Fee (Per site per night) | AUD $24.60 for one person, $73.60 for six people | The price varies depending on how many people will be sharing the site. |
| Park Entry Fee (Per vehicle per day) | AUD $8.00 | This fee is payable on top of the camping fee, per vehicle. |
| Annual Pass (Multi Parks Pass) | AUD $65.00 | The annual pass covers the park entry fee component for all NSW National Parks. |
Booking requirement: All camping at Euroka is reservation-only and sites cannot be booked upon arrival. Bookings are processed via the NPWS website and are essential for securing a spot, particularly during peak periods.
Facilities, accessibility, and site amenities
Euroka provides a simple bush camping experience with essential communal facilities.
- Toilets: Flush toilets are available.
- Water: Non-potable water is available for washing up and extinguishing fires, but visitors must bring all their own drinking water.
- Cooking: Fire pits/rings are provided for cooking and warmth (subject to fire bans). Gas/electric cooking is preferred and recommended.
- Accessibility: The sites are grassy and generally flat, offering reasonable accessibility, although there are no dedicated accessible camping sites.
- Showers/Power: No showers or power are available at this campground.
Nearby attractions for Euroka Campground
The campground is centrally located near many of the key attractions in the Glenbrook area:
- Jellybean Pool: A popular natural swimming hole located a short drive or moderate walk from the campground.
- Blue Pool: Another accessible swimming spot, often quieter than Jellybean Pool, further along Glenbrook Creek.
- Red Hands Cave: Accessible via a challenging walk, this site features significant Aboriginal hand stencil art.
- Glenbrook Information Centre: Located near the park entrance, this is the main hub for park information, alerts, and detailed trail maps.
- The Oaks Trail: A renowned mountain biking and walking trail starting nearby.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to book in advance? | Yes, camping at Euroka is strictly reservation-only. You must book your site and pay online via the NPWS website well before your arrival. |
| Are dogs allowed at Euroka Campground? | No. As the campground is located inside the Blue Mountains National Park, dogs and domestic pets are strictly not permitted, even in vehicles. |
| Can I drink the water available on site? | No, the water available is non-potable. All visitors must bring their own drinking water for the duration of their stay. |
| What is the best time to see the kangaroos? | The Eastern Grey Kangaroos are most commonly seen grazing in the campground area during the early morning hours and again just before sunset. |
| Is firewood provided? | No. Campers must bring their own firewood if they intend to use the fire pits. Collecting firewood within the National Park is prohibited. |
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to visit Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands.
- What to expect at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary on the Central Coast.
- First time visitors’ guide to Symbio Wildlife Park near Wollongong.
- What first time visitors can expect at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
- Why the Eden Killer Whale Museum is worth visiting.
