Discovering the Blue Mountains: Our Acacia Flat Camping Adventure

If you’re itching for a hiking getaway, the Blue Mountains should definitely be on your radar. We recently spent a few days camping at Acacia Flat Campground, and let me tell you, it was an adventure worth sharing!

Remote Camping in the Blue Mountains

Let’s start with the basics: Acacia Flat Campground is your perfect backpacking base for exploring the Blue Mountains. This hike-in only campground will help you avoid the crowds and be in and amongst one of the wildest areas in the region.  It’s got two drop toilets that are surprisingly well-maintained (even toilet paper provided). Just a heads-up: no fires or smoking allowed, so keep that in mind while you’re packing.

One of the highlights of this spot is the abundance of wildlife. We spotted heaps of birds, including yellow robins, lyrebirds, currawongs, and red-browed finches. Plus, if you’re a fan of nighttime nature sounds, you’ll love listening to the frogs by the creek. 

There’s plenty of space for camping, and you’ve got loads of paths to access the Grose river. Oh, and did I mention it’s free? Just a $6 booking fee to reserve your spot, which you can easily handle through the NSW Parks website. 

Chill Out or Get Adventurous

When summer rolls around, taking a dip in the creek is an absolute must after a day of hiking. The cool, refreshing water is perfect for unwinding and cooling off. If you’re hitting the trails in winter, the creek transforms into a thrilling cold plunge—invigorating and bracing, a true test of your adventurous spirit.

One of the best parts of camping by the creek is enjoying nature's own shower. Ames and I, after a few days of bushwalking, decided to embrace the ice-cold water. It left us feeling incredibly refreshed and surprisingly free, not to mention it banished that hard-earned hiking smell (though we like to think of it as a badge of honour). With no one else around, we even went for a cheeky dip in the nude! We were lucky enough to have the entire campground to ourselves one night—pure magic.

Access & Day Hikes Galore

We accessed the campground through Perry’s lookdown, then set up camp on day one and left our tent there for the next three nights while we explored. It was such a relief not to carry our packs around during the day! Here are a few hikes you might want to check out, whether popping out for a day hike and returning, or hiking out an alternative route (all times and distances are from Acacia flat).

• Perrys Lookdown: (5.3km/ 3.5 - 4 hours / Hard track) - If beginning from here,  journey off at a car park with glorious giant boulders and make your way down into the Grose Valley. The trail takes you through lush underbrush and vibrant wattles (especially lovely in winter). Enjoy magnificent mountain views and if you’re lucky catch some of the local rock climbers doing their thing. Cross the Grose River—hop over rocks if you want to stay dry, or walk through the shallows. The trail levels out greatly from here, following the river the majority of the way until you reach the intersection for Pierces pass & Acacia Flat campground.

• Pierces Pass: (2 km / 1.5-2 hours / Hard) - A challenging hike with a steep climb guaranteed to make you sweat, but the views make it all worth it. Trekking poles are definitely a good idea here.

• Govetts Leap: (11km/ 4 - 5 hours / Hard) -  Mosey along the river then test your limits going up the mountain. A fantastic trail with incredible views, ending you up at a pretty popular lookout in the Blue Mountains.

• Locky Pylon: (13.2km/ 5.5 - 6 hours/ Hard) -  Involves some rock scrambling that offers panoramic vistas worth the hike. However not as well signed as other hikes from the campground, navigation skills or an offline map recommended.

• Burra Korain Flat campground: I couldn’t find the exact km’s on this, but from things I have seen on the internet it seems to be approximately a 4 hour walk from Acacia flat, or 3 and a half hours from Perrys lookdown. Here you can also visit Victoria Falls, which is an additional half hour walk.

  
  

Do check which routes are open, as landslides and seasonal closures can affect access. It’s always good to be informed before heading out. Our plans had to be changed slightly when we saw that Govetts leap access was impossible.

Explore Blue Gum Forest

The campground is nestled in the marvelous Blue Gum Forest. It’s one of the most remote and breathtaking places to enjoy camping in the Blue Mountains, showcasing towering eucalyptus trees that are a sight to behold. This area was saved from logging by passionate bushwalkers over a century ago, so it’s worth respecting and leaving no trace as you explore.

Trip Tips

Make sure to keep your food secured in your tent, we had some native rats and possums sniffing around at night. Fast things! One even left a little surprise (poop) in Ames shoes.

The water is not recommended for consumption by NSW national parks, especially being so close to town. Make sure you filter it before consumption, we recommend the Sawyer squeeze as a lightweight trusted filter.

Be careful crossing creeks, make sure to always unbuckle your pack. This way if you do happen to fall, it will be far easier for you to free yourself from that heavy old thing on your back.

Final Thoughts

Acacia Flat Campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent; it’s a gateway to some of the most stunning hikes and natural beauty the Blue Mountains has to offer. With its convenient location, beautiful surroundings, and variety of trails, it’s the perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience!