If you’re looking for a picturesque retreat away from the city noise, Dalli’s Campground, in the heart of the Blue Mountains, offers the perfect dose of peace and nature.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Wiradjuri people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

Dalli’s Campground is a vast, private 122-acre family-owned and operated property, over the Blue Mountains, 200km north-west of Sydney.

About Dalli’s Campground

This remote campground is nestled in the Capertee Valley, the second-largest canyon in the world, where sandstone cliffs dominate the escarpment. You’re totally surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, an orchard, and a crystal-clear river.

 

 

The campground has flat, shady, undesignated camping areas, and is accessible for all types of vehicles, including caravans, motorhomes, and campervans.

If you want to see some kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and many bird species, wander along the bush tracks, or relax by an open fire, this is the place to be!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Dalli’s Campground History

Prior to European settlement, the Capertee district was occupied by the Wiradjuri people.

Early European explorers were seeking a pass through the ranges to the pastoral lands. By the early 1830s Sir John Jamison, a wealthy colonial landholder, had established a pastoral run of about 18,000 acres in the Capertee Valley.

Jamison’s cattle station was named Capertee and was operated using convict labour. By the 1840s land in the Capertee Valley was opened up for sale, leading to the establishment of a number of sheep stations in the valley.

 

 

In the early 1970s, the original owner of this acreage lovingly built a bush hut beside the beautiful Coco Creek, made from recycled materials.

Steve Dalli bought this acreage in 2006, developing the land for campers and building new amenities. Steve and his partner Donata run the campground all year except the winter months.

How to Get to Dalli’s Campground

The road trip takes about three hours from Sydney. You can go via the Great Western Highway through Katoomba, or go through Bilpin on the Bells Line of Road.

Either way, from Sydney it’s 140km north west to Lithgow. From there you drive to Capertee, which is a village 45km further north. The campground is a final 15km east along Glen Davis Road.

 

Accommodation at Dalli’s Campground

The campground has 65 camping sites. You can book the rustic bush cabin or one of the three on-site vans. Otherwise bring your caravan, motorhome, campervan or tent and set up around a campfire and be ready to soak in this unique wilderness.

 

Where to Eat Near Dalli’s Campground

If you want a break from camp food, travel 15 minutes east along Glen Davis Road and you’ll find an amazing cafe for brunch. ‘From the Paddock’ is a farmhouse café, nestled between the Capertee River and towering escarpments of the World Heritage listed Wollemi National Park.

The fresh coffee and wholesome light meals made from local produce are served at tables under the trees, in the paddock, overlooking the stunning valley views.

 

Skill Level

Beginner – perfect for everyone.

The campground is wheelchair friendly, as it’s on flat ground with no stairs, including the wide access into the bathroom facilities which are individual rooms with a shower, toilet, and hand basin.

 

Essential Gear for Dalli’s Campground

  • All your food and drinks as there are no shops nearby
  • Drinking water – Water at the campground is bore water, fine for showers and for washing your dishes, but not for drinking
  • Camping gear (or your caravan, motorhome, or campervan)
  • For those staying in the bush hut or vans, Steve and Donna will tell you the bedding you need to bring with you. The communal kitchen has a fridge and cooking items for you to use.
  • BYO firewood or purchase at time of booking

What it’s Like to Visit Dalli’s Campground

Once you arrive at Dalli’s Campground, you’ll notice the magic and stillness of this remote area. The wind rustles through the trees, melodic songs and calls of the many bird species ring out and the soft tinkle of Coco Creeks can be heard as it flows through the valley.

 

 

The peace you feel, totally immersed in this Australian bushland hide-away is something you’ll want to share. If you’re lucky, a few local wallaby and wombat residents may come and say hello early in the morning or late afternoon.

Steve’s upgraded the bush cabin, added some vans for those not wanting to camp, and installed an outdoor kitchen, dining area, and pizza oven. This area is next to the rustic bush hut, just past the extensive orchard, where you can help yourself to seasonal fruit.

There’s a large, open grassy area in the centre of the campground, perfect for children to have a game of football or cricket, or even for the adults to join in.

From the campground you can set out on a few walking trails that range in difficulty. There’s much to explore and the scenic views of the valley from the higher ground are breathtaking.

Dalli’s Campground is the perfect base to explore the Capertee Valley, including Garden of Stones, Turon and the Capertee National Parks. It’s only an hour away from historic Rylestone, Mudgee or Dunns Swamp, and 20 minutes to the old shale mines at Glen Davis.

On your drive back home, just before reaching Lithgow, detour ten minutes off the road and do the 15 minute hike to the Blackfellows Hand Cave.

 

 

It’s a large rock overhang and shelter and of cultural significance, being home to well-preserved Aboriginal drawings of hands and weapons.

Who needs five stars when you can experience this memorable five million star wilderness?

Tips For Visiting Dalli’s Campground

  • You can pick up supplies or go out for meals if you’re willing to drive a short distance to get there
  • There are bins on the grounds for garbage and recycling

 

FAQs Dalli’s Campground

Where is Dalli’s Campground located?

Dalli’s Campground is located in Capertee Valley, 200km north-west of Sydney.

How do you get to Dalli’s Campground?

To get to Dalli’s Campground, drive three hours from Sydney. Go via the Great Western Highway through Katoomba or through Bilpin on the Bells Line of Road to Lithgow, then to Capertee, then east along Glen Davis Road to the campground.

Can you bring your dog to Dalli’s Campground? 

Yes you sure can! Dalli’s Campground is dog friendly.

When is Dalli’s Campground open?

Dalli’s Campground is open weekends and school holidays. It’s closed in July and August.

Do I need to book my visit to Dalli’s Campground?

Yes! A booking is required to visit Dalli’s Campground. Call Steve or Donata on 0419 901 993

When’s the best time of year to visit Dalli’s Campground?

The best time of year to visit Dalli’s Campground is when you want a holiday. Summer is perfect for swimming in the river, spring perfect for picking fruit and bird watching and autumn nights are perfect to gather around a camp fire.

How long should I spend at Dalli’s Campground?

A visit to Dalli’s Campground for one night or seven is up to you. On your own or with a ground of friends is perfect.

Is Dalli’s Campground good for beginner campers?

Dalli’s Campground is great for beginners. The ground is flat and spacious. The new amenities, with hot showers and flushing toilets, are a luxury in this wilderness. The communal camp kitchen makes first time camping easy.

Can you swim at Dalli’s Campground?

Yes, at Coco Creek with overhanging trees creating a lush oasis.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Dalli’s Campground?

No, no 4WD needed.

Is Dalli’s Campground free?

No, it’s $25 per person, per night to camp and $15 for children 12 and under. Children three and under are free.

Peak season rates are $30 for adults per night and $20 for children 12 and under.

Contact Steve and Donata for bush hut and on-site van rates.