Located just 14 kilometres north of Naracoorte it is the perfect stopover on your way between Adelaide and Melbourne.
Travelling between these two cities on a regular basis over the years we have often spotted the sign to the Black Cockatoo Bush Camp on the road between Padthaway and Naracoorte. Being keen birders we of course wondered if you were guaranteed a viewing of the endangered southern species of the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo at this camp, so an overnight stop became necessary. The location of the camp is perfect for us as Naracoorte is the half way point when travelling to Adelaide. The scenery along the picturesque road through the Padthaway and Coonawarra vineyards is our preferred route.
But this camp is not just a convenient stopover, it is a destination.
Rustic tin sheds are scattered throughout the old farm paddocks where you are welcome to pull your rig up to utilise the shelter. You may choose to camp beside the yabby filled dam, or in amongst the tall gums. If you are in a group you are in luck, as there is a mile of room to set up, and a couple of different areas with shower blocks and flush toilets. This campground even has a dump point!
At the edge of the Bush Camp is a block of native bushland that has never seen the settler’s axe. This stand of bush is full of birdlife, orchids in the right season, and the occasional echidna. Tom Yelland’s Bush walk is a pleasant, easy stroll through gum and banksia on a meandering track, complete with a Wedge-tailed Eagle’s nest.
But if action is more like what you are looking for, then Black Cockatoo Bush Camp has you covered there too.
With their newly installed 4 x 4 course you can practice your skills and set yourself some challenges. They have deep water driving, mud driving with boggy holes and huge wheel ruts, and even a dry, rocky track to test out your vehicle and suspension’s capability.
Take a 35 kilometre trip to the Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves to visit the Wonambi Fossil Centre. On display are fossils from over the 130 species of animals that have been recorded in the pitfall traps within the Naracoorte Caves system. Here you can book yourself in for a tour of the Victoria Fossil Cave where you can participate in a one hour tour. Don’t be daunted by the 50 steps down into the cave, for once you get to see the reconstructed fossils of the megafauna that roamed the area over 500 000 years ago, you soon forget your creaky knees. And it is a sloping path back up to the sunshine, where you might like to grab some lunch or refreshments at the Caves Café.
Back at the Black Cockatoo Bush Camp your friendly camp hosts will call around and collect the fees of $10 an adult. You pretty much set up where you fancy, the showers are clean and hot and the toilets flush.
What more could you want?
Maybe a flock of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos to fly over…
Fact File
Black Cockatoo Bush Camp 14 km north of Naracoorte, turn at the showgrounds.
Or if coming from Padthaway, 16 km from the signed turnoff. The final few kilometres are gravel but suitable for 2 WD vehicles.
$10 per adult.
Pets by arrangement.
Suits all styles of camping including big rigs and coaches.
Bookings and enquiries phone: 0428 621 613.
Email: blackcockatoobushcamp@hotmail.com
Wonambi Fossil Centre open 9am-5pm
Adult $13, concession $11, child $8
Victoria Cave Tour 10.15am and 2.15pm
Adult $30, concession $25, child $15
www.environment.sa.gov.au/naracoorte/discover/under-the-ground
Caves Café Monday to Saturday 10am-3pm (hot food till 2pm)
Sunday 9.30am-3pm (hot food till 2pm)