Dog Friendly Camping NSW Snowy Mountains

Paddy’s_River_Dam Bago State Forest

As regular campers we are constantly looking for dog friendly places to camp in the NSW. And Paddy’s River Dam is a great spot near Tumbarumba and ticks all the boxes
DOG FRIENDLY – FREE – CAMP FIRES ALLOWED (seasonal).


Paddy’s River Dam was built during the gold rush years in the 1800’s when the water stored here was used in local mining operations. The remains are still visible at the southern end.

Paddys-River-Dam-Map

HOW TO GET THERE

Whilst this place isn’t the easiest place to find first trip, you are destined to return.
It really is that nice.
With a good map, or google you will be able to find this picturesque camping area.
Located in the Bago State Forest between Laurel Hill and Blowering Dam.
A word of warning however, this place is becoming well known and can be busy during School Holidays and Public Holidays, especially at Easter.

Paddy’s River Dam Camping

CAMPGROUND

There are a variety of camping areas spread along the foreshore, so don’t be deterred. On the north eastern side the smaller camp is off Bullongra Rd. Whilst the larger western side camping area is off Perkins Road. From here you can access the foreshore camps closer to the Hume & Hovell Track Head also.

Foreshore Camp @ Paddy’s River Dam Bago SF

If you arrive early, before the crowds or visit during school terms there are some lovely spots right on the edge of the dam. We have always been lucky on the several occasions; even at Easter. However, I would strongly advise you to get there by the Thursday.

Misty Morning Paddy’s River Dam

Unfortunately there are only a few drop toilets, so it is advisable to take your own chemical loo. Firewood gets picked bare around the campground, so collect it on the drive in.
There is plenty of native timber in the State Forest.

Camping is available in several spots right on the waters edge and you’ll get great views over the water. If you are quiet you may also get visits from the resident platypus in the early morning mist.

Watch out around the dam edges as they are undermined by the platypus
and can collapse easily, trapping and drowning these beautiful animals.

EXPLORE

Buddong Hut

Bago State Forest is large and can be easily explored over a weekend. In particular the power lines track across to Talbingo is a very enjoyable drive.

The route passes Buddong Hut, built in 1925 by Water Resources and Irrigation Commission. With the development of the Hume and Hovell Walking Track the Department of Lands restored the hut in 1986, adding the verandah and wood box.

BUDDONG FALLS

Buddong Falls

Buddong Falls is not far, as the track crisscrosses in and out of the State Forest and National Park. The Falls are lovely and walk down is well worth it, although your legs might be telling your otherwise on the way back to the top.
Whilst this isn’t 4wd territory, you will be glad you are in one if it has been raining.

This forest is still fairly isolated and there are lots of other tracks leading off that are worthy
of further exploration.

TALBINGO FIRE TRAIL

Power Lines Track

The view from the top of the power lines track is wonderful; stop and take the time to photograph Talbingo Mountain.

You may be lucky enough to see one of the hang gliders that take off from this bluff and land on the grass across around Jounama Poundage. Keep an eye out for them when you’re down in Talbingo Village.

Brumbies

Whilst on the power lines track you may also catch a glimpse of some of the brumbies that are free to roam throughout the forest. They particularly like the clear grassy areas under the huge power stanchions. The brumbies are being rounded up and removed from the adjacent National Park, and although they aren’t native to Australia they are part of the legend that makes the Snowy Mountains such an Australian Icon and controversy still reigns over management of these creatures.

Tumut 3 Talbingo

You pop out of the forest near the junction of Buddong Creek and Jounama poundage, along the road to Tumut 3 power station, at Talbingo.

At the end of the track is the road up to Talbingo Pondage, turn right and drive up to the power station and onto Talbingo Dam.

Talbingo Dam Wall

This is truly remarkable country, and to know that you are really so close to Canberra
is quite surprising. The area has a lot to offer, and if you need a DOG FRIENDLY camp
it is a great place to use as a base for further exploration.

Tumbie Shops

TUMBARUMBA . . . and Beyond

Tumbarumba has a licensed IGA Supermarket, and a coin operated laundromat if your kids get muddy like mine. For the men there are TWO Pubs to keep them occupied whilst you spin the washing through and restock the larder. Tumbarumba also as a great Mitre10 hardware carrying general camping items if you need rope or another bucket.

Bring your fishing rod, as Paddy’s River Dam is stocked and well worth the effort. It’s a fisho’s heaven down here, with Blowering Dam on the eastern boundary and good fishing in the Tumut River up to the north. With plenty of great towns to explore all within a short drive of Tumbi like Tumut – Tooma – Tintaldra – Towong and even as far as Khancoban there are many great drives if you feel the urge to explore.
With famous Batlow apples for sale at the many roadside stalls, some even sell home made apple pies too.

Adelong Gold Diggings

Adelong Gold

Adelong is a great town to explore, nice couple of pubs. And lots of gold mining history out at the old gold workings reserve. I think this place is well worth a visit, stop and explore, the creek itself is very pretty. You could easily spend a good couple of hours here.

From Tumbarumba it’s also an easy drive up to Mt Selwyn. If you dare to venture here in the winter, I am sure you will have the whole place to yourselves.