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.

Current advice: Southern end of Blowering dam reopened for Easter

Forestry Corporation will open the southern end of Blowering dam in time for Easter, following extensive work to repair bushfire and storm damaged roads and infrastructure.

From 14 April, visitors and residents will also be able to access between Batlow and Talbingo.

Many minor fire trails on the southern end of Blowering Dam remain impassable to vehicles. The public should keep to main roads. People will still need to drive through these areas with caution, as there are a lot of blind corners, and branches may drop from fire damaged trees.

We have established a 40km/hr speed limit for Yellowin Road; please adhere to this limit for your safety and that of others on the road.

The pine forest with dead and burnt trees on the western side of Blowering dam will remain closed to public access for the foreseeable future. Please follow all signs and directions from Forestry Corporation staff.

Read more here.

Visitor facilities

Blowering Dam Foreshore - restrictions

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Forestry Corporation has reopened the camping area on Blowering Camp road, but access to the remainder of Blowering Dam’s western foreshore remains restricted due to ongoing hazards. Access is via Batlow or Laurel Hill.

Access from Talbingo is remains closed due to hazardous road conditions, with Yellowin Rd closed between Talbingo and Blowering Camp Rd.

There has been significant repair work to the forest, however roads are currently closed for urgent repairs.

Map of Blowering Dam Camping Access.

Hume and Hovell Walking Track

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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

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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.

Paddy's River Dam

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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.

Please note that due to the small size of the dam only ‘passive water activities’ are permitted, such as kayaking, swimming, recreational fishing and use of only small electric motored boats, due to the small size of the dam. No powerboats, jetskis or waterskiing.

Paling Yards

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

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.