Spend your weekend at a swamp? Don’t be scared off by the title – with epic views and a kick-ass kayak journey, Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp is quietly considered one of NSW’s finest campgrounds.
We Are Explorers acknowledges that this journey is situated on the standard Nation of the Dabee individuals who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for hundreds of years. We pay our respects to them because the Conventional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
Fast Overview
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, situated 28km from Rylstone in NSW, is an out of doors recreation space and family-friendly campground on the Cudgegong River in Wollemi Nationwide Park.
About Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
Identified for its peaceable setting on the winding Cudgegong River, Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp options an simply accessible campground the place households and Explorers of all ages can get pleasure from a weekend of leisure and out of doors actions.
The world hosts a wide range of simple bushwalks, taking hikers via sandstone boulders, alongside the river shoreline, below the roof of the Lengthy Cave, and as much as epic views from the Pagoda Lookout.
No journey to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp is full with out hitting the water in a kayak or SUP – each can be found to lease seasonally on-location from Southern Cross Kayaking. Push off from the water’s edge and also you’ll quickly end up within the shadow of towering sandstone cliffs and historical pagoda rocks.
Learn extra: 7 Spots To Kayak Close to Sydney
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Historical past
Often known as Ganguddy to the Dabee Individuals of the Wiradjuri Nation, Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp is considered one of greater than 120 Aboriginal websites recognized within the World Heritage-listed Wollemi Nationwide Park and contains hand stencils in pink ochre, regarded as greater than 7,000 years previous.
The colonial title ‘Dunns Swamp’ is common after the Dunns Brothers, who, in 1877, constructed a cottage and shearing shed on the swamp to utilize the freshwater. The panorama, in its present kind, was created when the world was flooded through the constructing of the Kandos Weir within the Twenties.
The best way to Get to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
One of the best ways to get to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp is by automotive, and with loads of nice views alongside the best way you’ll benefit from the street journey nearly as a lot because the campground itself.
From Sydney, it’s a four-hour drive to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground.
Make your approach via the Blue Mountains, previous Lithgow, and onwards to the city of Kandos. From right here you’ll head east and shortly come throughout clear signage for Wollemi Nationwide Park and Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp.
The ultimate few kilometres of street to achieve the campground are unsealed however well-maintained; you don’t want an off-road car to get there.
See this Google Maps location to plan your journey accordingly, Kandos or Rylstone are your final probabilities to fill up on meals or gasoline.
The place to Keep in Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
When you’re planning to go to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, I like to recommend spending no less than one night time below the celebs – there’s actually just one possibility to remain within the space, however it’s a goodie: Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp campground.
It’s situated straight on the banks of the Cudgegong River with easy accessibility to facilities similar to picnic tables, barbecues, bogs, and kayak/SUP leases.
Entry to the nationwide park is free, however you’ll have to guide a campsite if staying in a single day, with websites obtainable for tent, campervan, and caravan tenting.
The campground may be fashionable throughout faculty and public holidays so don’t wait till the final second to guide.
The place to Eat in Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
The closest city to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp is Kandos or Rylstone, each are about half-hour by automotive. When you’re on the lookout for a spot for a chew to eat or espresso, I like to recommend:
Mountain View Bakery & Espresso
Your basic nation bakery, fairly priced and conveniently situated on the principle street as you move via Kandos. After a couple of hours of driving, I recommend stopping in to seize a espresso and vanilla slice.
29 9 99 Yum Cha & Tea Home
An unexpectedly good Yum Cha restaurant in Rylstone, serving contemporary handmade dumplings, steamed pork buns, and an in depth tea checklist.
Issues to Do in Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
Mountain climbing, kayaking, or having fun with a lazy lunch at one of many riverside picnic tables – one of the best issues to do in Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp are fully as much as you.
Mountain climbing in Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
1. The Weir Stroll
Distance: 4.5km loop
Period: 1-2 hours
Begin/Finish: Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground
Issue: Newbie-Intermediate
The most well-liked hike at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, the Weir Stroll is beginner-friendly, clearly marked, and has a complete elevation of round 100m. The monitor is signposted and begins close to the campground boat ramp.
The monitor initially follows the swamp shoreline, winding as much as a shocking river lookout earlier than persevering with to the Weir Wall and Lengthy Cave. This path is a circuit and can take you again to the campground. You’ll wish to put on enclosed footwear and take 1L of water.
2. Pagoda Lookout
Distance: 2.5km
Period: 1 hour
Begin/Finish: Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground
Issue: Intermediate
Boasting one of the best views of Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp and the encompassing space, the Pagoda Lookout monitor includes a little bit of rock scrambling, which newbie hikers would possibly discover difficult.
Learn extra: We’ve received a full article on the Pagoda Lookout Monitor.
3. Campsite Rocks Circuit
Distance: 500m loop
Period: 20 minutes
Begin/Finish: Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground
Issue: Newbie
No mountain climbing footwear? No drawback. Situated within the centre of the campground, this brief monitor winds a path via towering pagoda rocks and big sandstone boulders, with signposted info detailing the world’s pure and industrial historical past.
Kayaking in Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
For me, this one is non-negotiable. You haven’t completed Dunns in case you haven’t explored it with a paddle.
For these of us who (sadly) don’t have room to stow a pair of kayaks in our residence, you’ll find John and Cindy of Southern Cross Kayaking parked up proper beside the boat ramp at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground between September and April.
Guided excursions and hourly charges for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be found on-site, with the usual kayak circuit taking round two hours to finish.
What makes kayaking at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp so nice? When you’ve completed the Pagoda Lookout Monitor, you’ll have seen the looming sandstone partitions and castle-like pagoda rocks lining the swamp’s edge – and so they’re much more spectacular up shut.
Important Gear for Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
- Mountain climbing footwear
- Water bottle
- Swimmers
- Camp chair
- Hat
- Sun shades
- Sunscreen
- Camp gear in case you’re staying for the weekend
Learn extra: Bear in mind to go away no hint!
What It’s Prefer to Go to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
Top-of-the-line components a few journey to Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp is planning the street journey to get there. The scenic four-hour drive from Sydney takes you thru the Blue Mountains, alongside the unimaginable Capertee Valley, and throughout farmlands the place alpacas shade below lofty sandstone escarpments.
For many Explorers, the mountain climbing and kayaking actions may be completed inside a couple of hours, so I take the chance to construct out the street journey with a couple of stops alongside the best way. When you’re like me and hit the street early, seize a espresso and benefit from the morning view of Wentworth Falls – a terrific likelihood to stretch your legs.
The doorway to the swamp itself feels nearly like a gateway as bushes and bushes are changed by imposing pagoda rock towers, forcing the street to wind and weave between weathered partitions of stone.
If it’s your first time at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, I recommend taking a fast tour of the campground through the Campsite Rocks Circuit, which additionally offers signposted details about the world’s ecology and historical past.
When you’re arriving later within the day (and will likely be spending the night time), plan to kayak the next morning and sort out the Weir Stroll when you’ve settled at camp. The Pagoda Lookout monitor can simply be linked with the Weir Stroll, and with a improbable panorama view of the panorama, it’s hands-down one of the best place to get pleasure from sundown.
You’ll wish to put no less than two hours apart to discover the swamp by kayak. From the boat ramp in the direction of the weir (left), there are multi-coloured sandstone cliffs and dense clusters of pagoda rocks; heading the opposite approach (proper), the swamp opens up, and the pagoda rocks stand alone like stranded castles among the many reeds.
The natural world of Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp are as numerous because the panorama itself. The chatter of birds begins at dawn and continues via the day, with Purple swamphens patrolling the shoreline and Lengthy-necked turtles hurriedly diving under the floor on the first signal of hazard. When you’re actually fortunate (moreso than me), you could even spot a platypus or Larger gliders within the treetops after sundown.
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp is a perfect spot in case you’re seeking to get out of city for a couple of days and reconnect with nature, with nice choices for adventurous Explorers and those that wish to plop down of their favorite camp chair and watch the world float by.
Suggestions For Visiting Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
- Pitching a tent? A couple of selection spots are Campsite #31 (non-public amongst pagoda rocks) and Campsite #43 (waterfront property)
- Cell protection within the space may be spotty, it’s a protected wager to convey money for kayak leases
- When you’re sporting shorts whereas kayaking, don’t neglect to use sunscreen to the a part of your legs uncovered whereas sitting
- Possums are prevalent within the campground, hold your meals locked up in case you’re not eager on sharing
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FAQs Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
Are you able to swim at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp?
Yep! Swimming is allowed. At all times bear in mind to take care whereas wild swimming.
Are you able to fish at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp?
Certain can. Plus there are wooden barbeques to cook dinner up your catch for an ideal outdoorsy meal. You’re probably to reel in Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Silver Perch.
Is there kayak rent at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp?
Southern Cross Kayaking operates seasonally on the campground from September to April. They’ve kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for rent, and likewise supply guided excursions of the world.
