McIntyres campground

McIntyres campground is a remote, riverside campsite on the banks of the Goodradigbee River in Brindabella National Park, about 83 kilometres west of Canberra. Over 30 unmarked sites scattered among eucalypts and river flats offer genuine back-to-basics alpine camping. The 4WD-only access keeps visitor numbers low. If you are after solitude, cold mountain water, trout fishing, and a historic hut to explore, McIntyres delivers.

Getting there#

Address: McIntyres Trail, Uriarra, NSW, 2611

You cannot reach McIntyres without a high-clearance 4WD. The route from Canberra follows Brindabella Road (dirt section west of the ACT border), then connects via Two Sticks Road to Mount Coree Summit Road, Dingi Dingi Ridge Trail, Webbs Ridge Trail, Waterfall Trail, and McIntyres Trail. Total distance roughly 83 km; allow at least two hours. Waterfall Trail is the most technical section with steep descents and deep ruts.

Tips: Air down tyres (25-30 PSI), only attempt in dry conditions, carry recovery gear. After rain or snow, roads become boggy and can be impassable. Stock up in Uriarra before entering the park. No vehicle entry fee.

Check the official page for current road conditions.

Facilities and layout#

Sites are unmarked and unfenced — pick your own spot among the eucalypts and grassy river flats. On a typical weekend, only a handful of the 30+ sites will be occupied.

What's here: Pit toilets (wheelchair accessible), grassy camping areas under eucalyptus shade, direct access to the Goodradigbee River, vehicle parking.

What's not here: No treated drinking water (river water must be boiled), no rubbish bins, no powered sites, no generators, no mobile reception, no campground host.

The best spots are along the flatter river flats with soft grass and solid shade. Watch children near the banks — some sections have a steep drop.

McIntyres Hut#

The campground takes its name from McIntyres Hut, built by Les McIntyre in the late 1940s as a fishing retreat. The original burned down in the late 1990s and was rebuilt by 4WD enthusiasts. It is maintained as part of the broader effort to preserve alpine huts throughout the Australian Alps. Worth a look for context on the long history of fishing and camping along this stretch of river.

Fees and booking#

Camping is free with a $6 online booking fee per reservation. No vehicle entry fee at Brindabella National Park. Book through the NSW National Parks website. Groups up to 20 people or five sites can book online; larger groups contact the Tumut Region Visitor Centre on 02 6947 7025.

Things to do#

Fishing the Goodradigbee River#

The main draw for many campers. Brown and rainbow trout in the pools and riffles around the campground. NSW recreational fishing licence required. Guided fly-fishing operators run trips in the broader Brindabella and Kosciuszko region.

Swimming#

The Goodradigbee runs cold year-round, fed by alpine snowmelt. On a hot summer afternoon, the clear water and moderate current make for excellent swimming. Check conditions after rain.

4WD touring#

The drive is an attraction in itself. Dingi Dingi Ridge Trail has rocky climbs and descents, and Waterfall Trail is one of the more technical tracks in the region. Many visitors combine McIntyres with a broader loop through Brindabella linking to Flea Creek, Lowells Flat, and other remote campgrounds.

Birdwatching#

Over 80 bird species including yellow-tailed black cockatoos, peregrine falcons, olive whistlers, and threatened species like powerful owls and pink robins. Most active at dawn and dusk along the river.

Bushwalking and horse riding#

The 4WD trails double as walking routes with ridgeline views across the Goodradigbee Valley. Horse riding is permitted in parts of the park, particularly from Doctors Flat Road northward.

Best time to visit#

Summer (Dec-Feb): Most popular. Warm days, river perfect for swimming. Evenings cool significantly at altitude. Check bushfire risk.

Autumn (Mar-May): Arguably the best. Mild weather, striking autumn colours along the river, trout fishing picks up as water cools.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Snow and ice possible. Roads can be impassable. Carry snow chains, extra fuel, and emergency supplies. Temperatures regularly below zero overnight.

Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflowers, high river from snowmelt, active birdlife. Wait until late October for more reliable access.

Nearby campgrounds#

All share the same self-sufficient style: pit toilets, no treated water, no bins, $6 booking fee.

Tips for camping at McIntyres#

• Water: Bring all drinking water, or carry a reliable filter and purification tablets. River water must be boiled or treated before drinking
• Firewood: Bring your own — collecting dead wood from the park removes habitat for small mammals and insects
• Phone reception: Expect zero mobile coverage. Download offline maps before you leave, and consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator for emergencies. The Emergency Plus app can provide GPS coordinates to triple zero if you get a faint signal
• Waste: Pack everything out. There are no bins
• Navigation: Save your route on an offline map app before entering the park. Signage on some 4WD trails is limited
• Weather preparation: Alpine weather changes fast. Even on a forecast sunny day, pack a rain jacket, warm fleece, and extra layers. Overnight temperatures can drop sharply from March to October

Can't get a booking?#

McIntyres campground can fill up during peak periods like school holidays and long weekends.

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