About Bingara
Bingara is a quiet, historic, gold and diamond-mining town set in the Gwydir River Valley. Surrounded by cypress-covered mountains it is a popular with anglers and fossickers. Gold, sapphires and tourmalines are still occasionally found in the river and local creeks. The district is known for its fine wool, beef cattle and mixed farming. The town attracts people interested in the horrific story of the Myall Creek Massacre and those interested in the history of Greek cafes and cinemas in regional New South Wales. (sourced from the Aussie Towns website – click for more).
Bingara Riverside Camping Area would have to be one of the nicest free-camps we have ever visited. It’s even more special when you have decided to camp beside a lovely river with 20 other Bailey mates.
The campground stretches along the banks of the Gwydir River (called Site 1 Gwydir River Common – maplink) and can accommodate a large number of campers. We heard that at time like Christmas holidays its really jamb packed.
After we had set-up our vans we settled in beside the tranquil waters of the Gwydir River for a coffee and meet some of the locals, especially the cute little blue wrens who just flickered around us without a care in the world.
As the day wore on the usual 4:30pm happy hour approached and we gathered around our campfire in a large circle and enjoyed the end of the day. As the sunset, in what was another spectacular orange and red sunset, everyone moved back to their vans for dinner. Then it was back to the campfire, stoking it up, and enjoying a port or two while our mate Paul strummed away on the guitar sharing some great songs.
Much later in the night Jock decided to take a stroll in the dark, as nature called. As he was standing on the bank, it collapsed and he fell face first into the river – which is only about 6″ deep LOL. Totally saturated Jock staggered back ashore minus his glasses, hair full of river weeds and small cut on the head. This became one of the most discussed and laughed about highlights of our tagalong.
The campground is frequented by a mob of local horses. They just stroll around the paddocks, coming down to the river for a drink whenever they want. It’s pretty cool and they are really beautiful animals.
