Blatherarm Campground, Torrington State Conservation Area, NSW.

Blatherarm Campground

I have lost count of the number of national park managed campgrounds we have camped in over the years and although they vary quite a bit we have always found something to like about each campground. Sadly, Blatherarm Campground became the first ever campground that we rejected on sight. We had intended camping there but on arrival we quickly changed our minds. We are not normally shy about staying in remote and deserted locations but this time it just did not feel right, particularly as it was the weekend. There were bags of rubbish dropped down the non-flush toilet, trees had been ring-barked by a chainsaw and except for one shanty-like establishment the place was deserted. Ultimately, I think it pays to listen to your gut and ours were ringing alarm bells.

We took a few quick photos and drove to the nearby parking area for the Ugly Corner Falls Walk. 

Ugly Corner Falls Walk: Grade 4, 3 km return.
The walk starts on an old fire trail. A short distance in we passed a picnic table before the track narrows and descends to the creek. There were lots of Eastern Water Skinks at the creek. However, we were unable to find the trail from the creek to the falls as it appeared to have become overgrown. After some fruitless searching we decided to return to the car park.

Ugly Corner Falls Walk, picnic table on the right.

We weren't completely alone.

We couldn't find the track after reaching the creek.

Eastern Water Skink

Our main reason for coming to Torrington State Conservation Area was to do the Mystery Face and Thunderbolts Lookout walks. These turned out to both be excellent walks so don't be put off by our campground comments. There are several options for camping in the area, including the free Bluff Rock Rest Area and the privately run Kookaburra Camping and Caravan Park. The walks could also be easily done as a day trip from either Tenterfield or Glen Innes.


Details for Blatherarm Campground:
Where: In Torrington State Conservation Area. 77 km south-west of Tenterfield or 83 km north of Glen Innes. Turn off the Highway just north of Deepwater onto Torrington Road. Ignore Goggle Maps and continue on to turn right into Silent Grove Road. Turn right into Blatherarm Road and drive 2 km to the campground.
Access: Approximately 12 km of unsealed road. There are three separate areas: areas 1 and 2 have 2WD access. Area 3 has 4WD access with a challenging river bed crossing and is not suitable for caravans.
Booking & Fees: No bookings. Self-register on arrival. $6 per adult $3.50 per child.
Sites: 15 undefined sites, hard surface. Areas 1 & 2 suitable for tents, camper trailers, camping beside vehicle, caravans. Area 3 is serious 4WD only and not suitable for caravans.
Facilities: Tables, fire rings, non-flush toilet. 
Of Interest: Fossicking area for topaz, beryl and quartz.
Caution: Remote location.