Bago State Forest

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Facilities

Bago State Forest is incredibly diverse covering the native alpine ash forests of the Bago Plateau, through historic plantation stands dating back to the 1920s and a large area of commercial radiata pine plantations.

View a map of the recreational areas in Bago State Forest.

Visitor facilities

Blowering Dam Foreshore

Camping:Yes Picnic facilities:Yes Toilets area:Yes BBQ:Yes

Located close to Tumut, where the pine forest meets the waters of Blowering Dam, are a number of secluded camping spots to spend a night or even a few days. Most popular during holiday periods over summer, visitors pass their time relaxing, fishing or boating on Blowering Dam.

Hume and Hovell Walking Track

Camping:Yes Walking tracks:Yes

A great adventure for those who enjoy hiking or are interested in Australian history. This 440km track stretches between Yass and Albury, retracing the route of explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell on their expedition to Port Phillip in 1824. Fully sign-posted, the track takes about 24 days to walk, although there are plenty of opportunities for various day walks. Major track heads can be accessed via Wee Jasper, Cootamundra River (near Tumut) and Henry Angel (near Tumbarumba). There are 18 campsites along the route, and the track passes through Buccleuch, Bago, Mannus and Munderoo State Forests. More information on the track, including maps, is available from Vistor Information Centres throughout the region and from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources office in Wagga Wagga.

Pilot Hill Arboretum

Disabled toilets:Yes Picnic facilities:Yes Toilets area:Yes Walking tracks:Yes BBQ:Yes

A fabulous spot for a picnic in Bago State Forest, located less than a half hour drive from both Batlow and Tumbarumba, near the village of Laurel Hill. The arboretum has plantings of more than fifty tree species from all over the world, with most planted in the 1920s and 1930s. Two short walking tracks pass through the arboretum and the adjoining native forest of alpine ash. The site is a great base to begin further explorations into the native alpine ash forest of the Bago Plateau.

Sugar Pine Walk

Sadly the iconic Sugar Pine Walk was destroyed in the 2019-2020 fire season. Work is happening now to remove the trees for public safety, and planning is underway to plant a new grove of sugar pine for future generations to enjoy.

Paddy's River Dam

Camping:Yes Picnic facilities:Yes Toilets area:Yes Walking tracks:Yes BBQ:Yes Disabled toilets:Yes Fishing:Yes

The beautiful Paddys River dam is a peaceful and scenic spot, and a popular attraction in the heart of the alpine ash forests of the Bago Plateau. In summer, it's a great place to go fishing or splash around in the waters of the Dam, and a year-round great place to camp and relax. It was originally constructed as a source of water for gold mining activities in the late 1800s.

Paling Yards

An interesting spot on the edge of the Paddy River, a lush green open flat in the high country plains.

Closures

Check for current closures and notices before setting out.

Useful information

Staying Safe
The most important part of your trip is arriving home safely. Make sure you read our information on forest tips and staying safe.

Authorised hunting
Some State forests are declared for authorised hunting. Find out more about authorised hunting in State forests, including licensing and applying for permits.

Pesticide use
This area is designated as ‘high public usage’ under Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Pesticide Use Notification Plan [PDF 3.83 MB].

Visit sustainably
Find out how to minimise the impact of your visit.