The best camping near Mann River Nature Reserve

Set along the banks of the Mann River, with the bush-clad peaks of the New England Tablelands rising on the horizon, the Mann River Nature Reserve provides an idyllic backdrop for a camping adventure. Pitch your tent or park your motorhome by the riverside at the reserve’s only campsite, then head down to the waterfront to fish, swim, or bushwalk. Hikers have plenty of trails to explore, but the most popular is the climb to Tommys Rock, where views expand over the Great Dividing Range. Keep a lookout for wallabies, blue tongue lizards, and eastern water dragons along the way. 

Summer is the peak season in the Mann River Nature Reserve, when average daytime temperatures are around 25°C, and you can cool off with a swim when it gets too hot. Spring and autumn are the best times for bird-watching, and the best sightings are in the early morning. The weather is still mild enough for hiking through winter, and it’s the ideal time for stargazing—wrap up warm as temperatures drop after sundown.

• Mann River Nature Reserve is 37 kilometres east of Glen Innes and about a 50-minute drive along the Gwydir Highway. Access to the reserve is along unsealed roads.
• Some of the park’s trails (including Tommys Rock) are only accessible by 4WD.
• There is a reservation fee for the Mann River campground and picnic area, but camping is free.
• The Mann River Camping Ground has public restrooms and picnic and barbecue areas. The closest shops are in Glen Innes, so bring everything you need with you. 
• There is limited cell phone reception in the park.
• Fire bans are common throughout New South Wales during dry periods. Check local regulations before lighting your campfire.