Beehive Point
Lake Yarrunga, Shoalhaven River, Kangaroo Valley, NSW, Australia
On a small promontory jutting into Lake Yarrunga this beautiful bush campground is fairly easy to access but still makes for a peaceful bush getaway. There are great views of bush across the water to the other, tree-covered bank and camping is right on the water meaning you can easily punctuate your stay with swims. For serious swimmers who enjoy a bit of distance, there is a flooded forest around to the right as you look at the water, which was created when Tallows Dam was built to make mechanical fish lifting possible from the Shoalhaven River, and which makes an interesting destination for a long swim or canoe paddle. The area also used to be used for cattle farming and the name ‘Beehive Point’ harks back to the fact that beehives were kept here during those times. The lake is power-boat free and as peaceful as the rest of the beautiful Kangaroo Valley. At the time of writing there is a floating platform which can be pushed into deeper water for jumping etc.
How To Get There: Drive north out of Kangaroo Valley Village on the Moss Vale Road. Just after Hampden Bridge turn left onto Bendeela Road. This becomes Jack’s Corner Road at Bendeela Pondage and then turns into a dirt road. Continue on Jack’s Corner Road until the end. Go around a locked National Parks gate and follow the fire trail about 100m to the campsite. Another great way to access this spot is by canoe.
Difficulty of access: 3/10 – 4WD is usually needed to get to the end of the dirt road but from there it is a fairly straightforward short walk to the campground.
Opening Times/Seasons: All Day/All Year but check for park closures here.
Entrance Fee: Free
Facilities Nearby: There is one drop toilet at the campground. More facilities are available in the town of Kangaroo Valley including public toilets and shops for basic groceries.
Other Activities: Rent canoes from Kangaroo Valley Canoes. You can do an overnight canoe trip picking up your canoe from Bendeela Campground, staying at Beehive Point or one of the other lakeside spots for the night and then paddling to the dam wall where you and your canoe will be collected the next day. There is also horse riding with ‘The Man From Kangaroo Valley’ nearby. The area is also a great area to get out for a big mountain bike ride or trail run as there are loads of fire trails and other tracks running through the area.
Other Places of Interest Nearby: The charming rural town of Kangaroo Valley has a strong community atmosphere and is home to the Hampden Bridge, which is a historical wood and stone suspension bridge which has recently been restored. There is another swimming hole underneath the bridge. The valley itself is incredibly lush and green completely surrounded by dramatic sandstone escarpments.
Wildlife: Lace monitors, water dragons, heaps of birds including sea eagles, diamond pythons, and maybe wombats and platypus if you keep your camp peaceful.
Lace Monitor in the bush at Lake Yarrunga
Places to Eat: The Old Barrengarry Store on the outskirts of Kangaroo Valley has great pies and interesting local history and produce. It is also a heritage listed building. There are a couple of other pie shops in the valley as well as several restaurants.
Where to Camp: Right here! There is space for about 20 tents and a drop toilet. There is also another very small walk-in campground right on the lake at Acacia Flat and a larger, more popular and busier drive-in option at Bendeela Campground.
Other places to Stay: There are many farmstays and B&Bs in the local area. Right on the lake is The Glasshouse, a modern timber and glass house with easy access to your own private swimming spot on the lake.
Nearby Towns: Kangaroo Valley, Berry, Bowral, Robertson.
Other Swimming Holes Nearby: Fitzroy Falls, Hampden Bridge.
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