Old Kowen Homestead Camping Area Kowen Forest Getaway ACT

The Old Kowen Homestead Camping Area offers a distinct and spacious outdoor experience within the eastern boundary of the Australian Capital Territory. Nestled deep within the Kowen Forest, the largest commercial pine plantation in the ACT, this site is a hidden gem for those who appreciate the intersection of heritage and recreation. The camping area is situated on the site of an old homestead, providing a large, relatively flat expanse that is particularly well-suited for large groups, schools, and social clubs looking to gather in a private, natural setting. While the forest around it is an active timber production zone, the camping precinct itself feels like a secluded island of tranquility, surrounded by towering pines and native bushland.

One of the primary advantages of staying at Old Kowen is its unique atmosphere. Unlike the river-focused campgrounds elsewhere in the Territory, Kowen offers a forested plateau experience. The air is often filled with the scent of pine needles, and the sprawling layout allows campers to find their own corner of the homestead grounds without feeling crowded. The area is steeped in local history, with the remnants of the original homestead still evident, providing a tangible link to the region's pastoral past. For enthusiasts of mountain biking and orienteering, the surrounding forest is a world-class playground, featuring an extensive network of fire trails and single-track paths that cater to all skill levels.

Access to the Old Kowen Homestead is managed via a locked gate system, ensuring a high degree of privacy and security for those who book the site. The journey from Sutton Road takes you through several kilometres of winding forest tracks, offering glimpses of the diverse topography that characterises this part of the ACT. Because the site is located on a ridge, it often enjoys cool breezes during the height of the Australian summer, making it a comfortable alternative to the hotter valley floors. The proximity to both Canberra and Queanbeyan means that while you feel entirely removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, essential supplies and regional attractions remain within a reasonable driving distance.

Whether you are organising a major group event or simply looking for a quiet place to set up a caravan and enjoy the starry night skies, Old Kowen Homestead provides a versatile and atmospheric destination. It is a place that encourages traditional camping values—self-sufficiency, respect for the environment, and an appreciation for the quiet rhythms of the forest. As you sit by a communal fire pit and watch the shadows of the pines lengthen across the old homestead clearing, it is easy to see why this location remains a firm favourite for those who know where to find the ACT’s best-kept secrets.

• Name: Old Kowen Homestead Camping Area
• Address: Kowen Forest, Kowen ACT 2620 (Access via Sutton Road)
• Website: parks.act.gov.au/old-kowen-homestead
• GPS Coordinates: -35.289, 149.2873

• Location: Eastern ACT, within the Kowen Forest pine plantation, accessed via Sutton Road.
• Site Suitable For: Large groups, Caravans, Motorhomes, and Tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally accessible by 2WD in dry weather, but higher clearance or 4WD is recommended after rain.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass and compacted earth clearings.

Available Facilities

• Large Picnic Shelter
• Communal Fire Pits (Seasonal restrictions apply)
• Composting Pit Toilets
• Non-potable Water (Tank water available but not for drinking)
• Large grassed areas for group activities

Essentials to Bring

• Drinking Water (all drinking water must be carried in)
• Firewood (must be brought in from outside the forest)
• Rubbish Bags (this is a 'carry in, carry out' site)
• First Aid Kit (remote location)
• Portable Gas Stove

Environment & Activities

• Pet Friendly: No (Pets are not permitted in Kowen Forest).
• Fishing: Nearby Molonglo River access (fishing license required).
• Short Walks: Homestead ruins walk, various forest fire trails, and Molonglo Gorge (short drive away).

Local Amenities

Local Pubs

• Walsh's Hotel (Queanbeyan) - approx 14km
• Royal Hotel (Queanbeyan) - approx 14km
• Eaglehawk Hotel (Sutton) - approx 18km

Places to Eat

• Queanbeyan CBD Restaurants - approx 14km
• Majura Park Shopping Centre Food Court - approx 16km
• Brindabella Business Park Cafes - approx 15km

Local Attractions

• Kowen Forest Mountain Bike Trails - on-site
• Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve - approx 8km
• Mount Majura Vineyard - approx 18km
• National Museum of Australia - approx 22km
• Pialligo Estate - approx 16km

Caravan Parks

• Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park - approx 14km
• Crestview Tourist Park - approx 16km

Free Camps

• Burbong Day Use Area (Day use only) - approx 9km
• Bywong Rest Area (Federal Highway) - approx 22km

Dump Points

• Queanbeyan Public Dump Point (Henderson Rd) - approx 15km
• Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) - approx 24km

Petrol Stations

• Shell Queanbeyan - approx 13km
• 7-Eleven Majura Park - approx 16km

Drinking Water Resupply

• Queanbeyan Public Parks - approx 14km
• Majura Park Shopping Precinct - approx 16km

Public Toilets

• Molonglo Gorge Picnic Area - approx 8km
• Queanbeyan Town Centre - approx 14km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Summer (Dec-Feb)

• Avg: 13°C - 29°C
• Warm and dry; afternoon forest breezes provide relief from the heat.

Autumn (Mar-May)

• Avg: 7°C - 21°C
• Crisp mornings and spectacular clear, sunny days.

Winter (Jun-Aug)

• Avg: 0°C - 12°C
• Cold with frequent morning frosts; very clear night skies.

Spring (Sep-Nov)

• Avg: 6°C - 20°C
• Mild temperatures; ideal for mountain biking and forest exploration.