| Cost | See Camps App |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Urbenville, NSW (about 1 hour from Kyogle) |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Waterhole for swimming, short steep track to falls |
| Vehicle Access | See Camps App |
| In Camps App | Yes – Check for current opening status |
Update: Tooloom Falls has reopened as Bandahngan Campground.
About an hour from Kyogle, discover Aboriginal culture, go swimming in a waterhole and see the spectacular Tooloom Falls.
Look out for platypus! There are only two sites and up to 12 people can book for this area. It is not suitable for group bookings. There is a short steep track down to the bottom of the falls for swimming in the waterhole.
November 2022:
We tried to pop into Tooloom Falls on our recent visit. This information below was dated September, 2020. Hopefully the falls and camping will be open again soon.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will temporarily close Bandahngan Aboriginal Area at Urbenville while essential rehabilitation and improvement work takes place.
The popular site includes unregulated camping areas at Tooloom Falls and Bandahngan Loop Road and is expected to reopen in June 2021.
NPWS Area Manager, Damien Hofmeyer, said NPWS had been advised by the Githabul Aboriginal community that the sacred Aboriginal area required a period of rest.
“Bandahngan Aboriginal Area is a natural jewel of NSW, and judging by its popularity amongst visitors, many people agree,” he said.
“Unfortunately, drought and a period of high visitation, has meant the ecology of the site has taken a hit. If we want to continue to enjoy this beautiful landscape in the future, we need to step in now and make sure it doesn’t decline any further.
“Based on advice from the Githabul Aboriginal community, and our own observations of the area, we have made the decision to temporarily close the site for an extended period,” said Mr Hofmeyer.
Chair of the Githabul Corporation, Charlie Ord, said the Bandahngan Aboriginal Area is one of the Githabul people’s most sacred places.
“We want to share our culture and sites, but we also need to protect them,” said Mr Ord.
During the closure, NPWS will focus on improving the health of native vegetation and waterways as well as developing a new plan of management for the site to reduce environmental impacts.
“We thank everyone for their patience during this time,” said Mr Hofmeyer.
During the closure period, visitors will be redirected to alternate camping areas including Richmond Range, Border Ranges and Koreelah National Parks as well as campgrounds in Urbenville and Woodenbong.
Reference: environment.nsw.gov.au
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tooloom Falls campground currently open?
As of the last update in November 2022, the campground was still closed. Tooloom Falls has since reopened as Bandahngan Campground. Check the Camps App for current details.
Why was Bandahngan Aboriginal Area closed?
The site was temporarily closed for essential rehabilitation work following advice from the Githabul Aboriginal community. The sacred area needed rest due to drought and high visitation impacting the ecology of the site.
How many campsites are available at Bandahngan?
There are only two sites available, with a maximum of 12 people able to book for the area. It is not suitable for group bookings.
Can you swim at Tooloom Falls?
Yes, there is a waterhole at the bottom of the falls for swimming. Access is via a short but steep track down to the waterhole.
Are there platypus at Tooloom Falls?
Yes, platypus have been spotted in the area, so keep an eye out when visiting the waterhole and falls.
What is the cultural significance of this area?
Bandahngan Aboriginal Area is one of the Githabul people’s most sacred places. The site allows visitors to discover Aboriginal culture while respecting the cultural importance of the land.
How far is Tooloom Falls from Kyogle?
Tooloom Falls is located about an hour’s drive from Kyogle in northern NSW, near Urbenville.
What alternative campgrounds are nearby?
Alternative camping areas include Richmond Range, Border Ranges and Koreelah National Parks, as well as campgrounds in Urbenville and Woodenbong.
