Located just off the Hume Highway, at Jugiong, in southern NSW you will find one of the best spots for Free Camping around. Jugiong is a lovely little village with plenty to offer the visitor. The settlement of Jugiong dates back to the 1840’s, so there is a bit of history around the area as well.
LOCATION
Jugiong is situated about mid-way between Canberra and Wagga Wagga. It is a popular spot for a weekend getaway from both these places. It’s also an easy drive from towns like Goulburn and Cootamundra.
FREE CAMPING
The Jugiong Showground has offered free-camping for a number of years. The area is huge so there is virtually no chance of you not being able to find a spot.
With the Murrumbidgee River running along one side, a spot by the river is always the best place to be. The whole area is remarkable flat so you shouldn’t need to do much levelling if you are in a van.
Campfires are permitted and we did see a couple of fire pits around the area, but most fires seem to be on the ground. We used an existing spot, rather than starting a new spot. You will need to bring your own wood though, as it was very hard to find even some kindling around the area.
At the front of the showgrounds there are public toilets, which were clean and tidy. There is also a donation box there and signage requesting a donation towards the upkeep of the whole area. So worth dropping a couple of dollars in the box!
The only negative for this free-camp is it’s close proximity to the Hume Highway. You can hear some noise from there but it really doesn’t spoil the fact that this is a great place to camp
THE SIR GEORGE (PUB)
Perhaps the best known attraction in Jugiong is The Sir George. This historic pub was established in 1854 and is a very popular destination all year round. With small, cosy rooms where you can relax by an open fire in winter to the spacious and shady beer garden, The Sir George is a great spot for a meal or a beer.
If you are not into free-camping then the accommodation at the rear of The Sir George might be for you. The individual chalet style rooms perfectly complement the existing buildings in the area.
JUGIONG VILLAGE
Right next door to The Sir George you will find the very popular Long Track Pantry. Here you can grab a light meal, morning or afternoon tea or coffee.
If you want to try some local wines then pop into the Jugiong Wine Cellar. They also sell a range of sauces and jams as well as art and gifts.
If you are interested in the history of the region then at the entrance to the Showground you will find the Sergeant Edmund Parry Memorial. This is a tribute to the Sergeant who was shot and killed by infamous Bushranger John Gilbert in 1864.
We would definitely stay there again.
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