Mount Werong Campground

Mount Werong is a basic campground at about 1,200 m in the southern Blue Mountains. It suits a self-sufficient overnight more than a developed holiday park: the Ruby Creek walking track starts here and leads to old mining remains and a waterfall lookout.

From Oberon, take Edith Road, then Butter Factory Lane/Shooters Hill Road and Mount Werong Road. The final approach is unsealed, and AWD or 4WD is recommended. Phone coverage is limited; carry a PLB, leave your trip plan with someone, and check wet-weather alerts before setting out. Don’t route through Burragorang Valley, where water-catchment access is restricted. Dogs aren’t allowed except certified assistance animals.

The sites are unpowered and unmarked, with some a short walk from the car. Toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and parking are listed, but there’s no food service, so bring what you need. Drinking water is listed, but reports conflict about whether it’s reliable; bring a backup and check before you depend on it. The stone hut is for temporary stays only, not a bookable cabin.

The easy Ruby Creek track follows tall forest beside the creek to a former alluvial gold mine, then continues down stone and timber steps to Ruby Creek Falls lookout. Plan on about 5.3 km return and 1.5 hours. The falls drop roughly 60 m, with views toward Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness and Boyd Plateau; an optional detour looks over the old mine shaft and machinery.

Ruby Creek was worked for alluvial gold. The miners’ bush huts are gone, but a few exotic fruit trees remain around the old hut site. This is Gundungurra and Wiradjuri Country. After dark, listen for powerful owls calling; seeing one isn’t guaranteed.