The weather is cooling down, which means its the perfect time to get outdoors, light a fire and go camping.
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And there's plenty of places across the Central West region to enjoy camping, whether its by the the Turon River in Sofala or out at the Newnes camping ground in the Wollemi National Park.
However, be mindful when you go camping and light a fire. Make sure its completely extinguished before leaving.
1) Newnes Campground, Wollemi National Park
Located in the Wollemi National Park roughly 50 kilometres north of Lithgow via the Wolgan Road, Newnes has plenty of sites for keen campers who want to enjoy the comfort of nature's amphitheatre.
It's a beautiful, grassy, flat campground by the Wolgan River and the mighty sandstone cliffs and proud eucalyptus trees make a fantastic backdrop.
There's barbecue facilities and toilets, but water is not available at this campground, so remember to bring your own supply.
Remember to treat or boil all water taken from creeks in the park and to take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Bookings are not essential, with the campground operating in a first-in, first-served basis. It's a good idea to arrive early, especially if you're camping on public holidays or during school holidays.
Getting there is quite simple - driving towards Mudgee on the Castlereagh Highway, to right near Wallerawang and follow the for 35 kilometres until to arrive at the campsite.
2) Vittoria State Forest
Vittoria State Forest is located halfway between Bathurst and Orange and is home to one of the premier forest recreation sites in NSW. With both pine plantations and native trees, it's also home a variety of native fauna.
Within the forest in the relatively unknown Macquarie Woods, which offers both picnicking and camping areas, as well as tracks and fantastic viewing places for the Macquarie Valley.
Macquarie Woods covers an area of 600 hectares and was established in 1988 as a demonstration forest.
A large picnic area situated in the middle of the forest with a camping area, toilets and information shelter completes the site.
Getting there is quite easy: heading from Bathurst, follow the Great Western Highway towards Orange for 29 kilometres before turning off to the right at the signs.
3) Boyd River, Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Set on the banks of Morong Creek, the Boyd River campground offers a peaceful setting in an open forest.
You can camp beneath the tall snow gums that tower above and see their inhabitants like sugar gliders, brush-tail possums and tawny frogmouths in the early morning and late afternoon.
Even wombats, wallabies and kangaroos can be seen at the campground.
And if you're out there and the raining is falling, or even snow, there's a timber hut to provide shelter.
Oberon is the closest town to the campsite, located almost 44 kilometres north of location.
Camping is free and includes picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark and toilets.
Bookings are not available for this campground.
4) Dunphys, Blue Mountains National Park
While it might be located in a remote area, the Dunphys campground is well-maintained for adventures and families within the Blue Mountains National Park.
The campground is well placed to be a base for day walks and fishing along the Cox's River, extended hikes to Kanangra Walls, and climbing Narrow Neck's cliffs.
The short, family-friendly walk up to Bellbird Point is said to be a delightful sight in spring, but it's still worth the visit during the cooler months.
Campers may also get the chance to see some of Australia's most iconic animals, with kangaroos and wombats often spotted in the grassy clearings and wedge-tailed eagles and cockatoos in the skies above.
History buffs can check out the ruins of an original settler's cottage nearby.
Dunphys campground is equipped with undercover gas barbecues, fire rings, picnic tables, toilets and parking.
Access to Dunphys campground is via private property, so be respectful during your stay. Drive slowly, watch for pedestrians, livestock and native animals and leave gates how you found them.
It's also a remote campground, so come well-prepared.
Access to the campground is at the end of Megalong Road, off Shipley Road in Blackheath.
5) Federal Falls, Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
Head out to Mount Canobolas near Orange, pitch your tent and enjoy science views at the Federal Falls campground.
And make sure you bring warm clothing, as Mount Canobolas is always a few degrees cooler than the surrounding region, especially during winter.
It's also recommended to check weather and road conditions before heading out, as this area is prone during the winter months.
Facilities include picnic tables, barbecue facilities and toilets.
This is the location of an ancient Indigenous campsite, so be sure to check out the interpretive display to find out more about the Wiradjuri people's connection to the area.
The campsite is only a 30 minute drive from the centre of Orange.
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