Hello and welcome to our campsite review for this month where we take a closer look at Farleigh Reserve Campground, located in Cowra, NSW. This is a Free Camp we recently stayed at and had one of the most enjoyable stays as we got back to some good old fashioned bush camping.
Location
Farleigh Reserve is right on the banks of the Lachlan River and only 8km west of Cowra. Cowra is a small rural community west of Sydney and sits between Bathurst and Young on the Mid Western Highway, with crossroads also branching out to Yass, Wyalong, and Cudal. The reserve is set aside for locals but also enjoyed by many caravans and motorhomes as it sits above the river making it an ideal spot to stay and explore the area.
A Birdseye view of the campground
The Grounds
The grounds of the reserve are spread along the river bank for a few hundred meters and most sites are level or require minor adjustments with ramps to get you that way. The site is well maintained and has direct access down to the river. It is really best suited and ideal for self-sufficient campers, as there are no showers or washing facilities on site, so it is best to have your own. The area is big enough to accommodate quite a few rigs, with plenty of space in-between so you are unlikely to be over-crowded, however, it does get busy on weekends.
Plenty of sites along the riverbank
The site itself offers a laid back camping atmosphere and is surrounded by farmland. The river access makes it an ideal place for a swim on a hot day, but also a great chance to pull out the odd cod.
Surrounded by farmlands and right on the river
Facilities
Being a free camp there are not many facilities at the reserve, with only a drop toilet and garbage bins provided. The nearest dump point is located in town which is only 8km away.
Drop Toilets & Bins Provided
Pet-Friendly
The reserve also allows pets, but it is best to keep them on a lead to stop them wandering, or do as this couple has done and bring your own pet fencing.
A small portable dog fence is an ideal way to keep pets under control
Managers
The reserve is self-managed and well looked after by the local council. Being a free camp, it is provided for convenience for travellers. The community would appreciate campers keeping it clean. Also, visit the local town and surrounding areas.
What we thought?
Loved it! After a few hectic weeks on the road, it was nice to stay put and catch up on some quite time. The Kids spent most days swimming and fishing in the river. The campfires and sunsets in the afternoon were ideal to kick back and have a quite drink on the banks of the river. Free camps don’t come any better than this. The town is great and full of every service you need. The locals were very welcoming and friendly. We even had a visit from one of the neighbours who dropped in a few fresh farm eggs.
Sunsets & Fishing made it an ideal spot
For more details and directions to the Farleigh Reserve Campground head on over to our detailed listing in the Free Range Camping Directory. Take me to the FARLEIGH RESERVE CAMPGROUND
Things to do in the area
The campsite itself is ideal for swimming, fishing and canoeing. But look further afield and Cowra has some great attractions including,
Cowra Japanese Gardens – Covering 5 hectares – the largest in the southern hemisphere! They were built here because of Cowra’s special significance to the Japanese.
The Cowra Japanese Gardens
Cowra Prisoner of War Camp – Is a heritage-listed former prisoner-of-war camp at Evans Street. The camp was built from 1941 to 1944 and was the location of the infamous Cowra breakout in 1944.
Memorial @ Cowra POW Campsite
Lachlan Valley Railway Museum – Opened in 1923, Cowra Depot and roundhouse is the state’s last survivor of medium-sized railway depots. It is designed to serve country areas.
The Cowra Railway Roundhouse
Bellevue Hill Reserve and Lookout – Comprising a large space for unstructured recreation. It has playground equipment, shaded picnic facilities, free barbecues, and public amenities. Bellevue Hill Reserve is one of Cowra’s most popular parks. To many local residents, the Reserve is referred to as ‘Billy Goat Hill’. It is after its steep nature and the goats that were once kept there.
A view from the Bellevue Hill Lookout
To find out more about the places above and other places of interest within easy reach of Cowra, including Wyangla Dam, Canowindra and Grenfell, be sure to call into the Cowra Visitor Information Centre, located on the corner of the Mid Western Highway & Lachlan Valley Way, Cowra.
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