No-frills campers will love the cheap as chips sites at Bendeela Camping Ground, with free wombat viewing! Bendeela is a rustic campground and picnic area set in natural bushland on the banks of the Kangaroo River arm of Lake Yarrunga (Tallowa Dam), just out of Kangaroo Valley.
Facilities include basic campsites (there is no power to the camping and picnic grounds), toilets and drinking water. No wood, charcoal or solid fuel barbecues or cooking devices can be used. Portable gas barbecues are permitted except during total fire bans.
Permitted activities include fishing, swimming, bushwalking, canoeing and non-powered boating on the Kangaroo River and Lake Yarrunga. Picnic and camping sites are available on a ‘first in first served’ basis and cannot be reserved.
Due to COVID requirements all campers will be required to book in advance. No camping will be permitted without a booking.
Before visiting Bendeela, please read theVisitor Code of Conduct. It includes important safety messages to ensure an enjoyable visit.
Note: This picnic area may be closed during times of flooding or access to Lake Yarrunga is restricted when Tallowa Dam is spilling.
Top 4 things to see and do
1. Camp overnight in the rustic grounds and get back to nature
With its wide-open spaces, lush grass, huge trees along the riverbank and a backdrop of rugged hills and forest, Bendeela is a popular spot for camping. After you pitch your tent or unhook your caravan, hit the water for a swim, or head out canoeing or fishing. At night, look up as the stars put on a brilliant show! The rear camping ground is only open to vehicles during busy holiday periods. For more information, see booking information.
2. Swim, canoe and fish in Lake Yarrunga
This wide section of the Kangaroo River is part of the upper reaches of Lake Yarrunga, formed by nearby Tallowa Dam. It’s perfect for swimming and canoeing. There are two canoe launching areas along the river banks. Head downstream towards Tallowa Dam, or upstream towards Kangaroo Valley and beyond. The river is also a popular spot for fishing. Or you can try your luck at Fitzroy Falls Reservoir fishing area.
3. Look out for wombats!
Wombats are plentiful in the area, and often wander through the camping grounds. Known as the ‘bulldozer of the night’, wombats eat grass, roots, bark and fungus. When searching for food, they usually take a direct route – so be sure to secure your campsite belongings. Please do not feed, chase or touch the wombats – but a photograph is fine! As visitors of Bendeela, we need to take care of Bare-nosed wombats.
4. Spend the day and relax with a picnic
Throw down a rug and enjoy a picnic with family and friends in the scenic grounds. The river bank in the rear camping ground is for day use only (no camping), so there is plenty of space. Swim, canoe or fish, or just enjoy the fresh air and bush surroundings. Facilities include drinking water and toilets.
5. Visit nearby Tallowa Dam, Fitzroy Falls Reservoir, Morton National Park and Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
Tallowa Dam is a 30 kilometre drive west from Bendeela Recreation Area and more fishing is available at Fitzroy Falls Reservoir fishing area, a 20 kilometre drive north. Head further south and explore the lush escarpment country of the Southern Highlands between Robertson and Nowra, including spectacular Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre and Morton National Park.