The picture-perfect village of Carcoar sits quietly in a sheltered valley beside the gently winding Belubula River. A true historic gem, it is the third-oldest settlement west of the Blue Mountains, and with its rolling hills and fertile surrounds, it’s easy to understand why early settlers were drawn here. Wandering its streets feels like stepping back in time — a township that history has carefully preserved rather than left behind.
We took a detour just out of town to explore the old historic railway — not a signposted tourist attraction, but one marked on WikiCamps and absolutely worth seeking out. Be sure to pack a torch and wear sturdy boots; the track in is a little rough, and the approach to the tunnel can be uneven and snakey underfoot.
Classified by the National Trust for its remarkable collection of intact 19th-century buildings, Carcoar showcases beautifully preserved mid- to late-Victorian architecture along its main street. Highlights include St Paul’s Anglican Church, consecrated in 1849, the 1882 Court House, and the convict-built stables of Stoke House dating back to 1849. Every corner seems to tell a story, and the village rewards those who slow down and take it all in.
We based ourselves at Carcoar Dam Campground, set in a scenic location just outside town. The dam provides a peaceful setting for a range of outdoor activities, with power boating, sailing, sailboarding and water skiing all popular here. Fishing is another drawcard, with the dam stocked with golden perch, trout and Murray cod, and a recently installed fishing pontoon making access easy.
Camping here is free and available year-round. Basic facilities include toilets, cold showers, barbecues and picnic tables. At present, a number of long-term campers are staying on site and the amenities are showing signs of wear, so expectations should be modest. For us, travelling fully self-contained, it wasn’t an issue — and the peaceful setting more than made up for the rough edges.
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