Free Aussie campsite with incredible hidden opportunity to make money

When you're planning a road trip around Australia, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before heading off. Do you want to hug the coastline, or are you willing to explore inland as well? Do you prefer well-appointed caravan parks and campsites, or are you more partial to off-the-beaten-path spots that only seasoned travellers know about?

Regardless of your preferences, the allure of a 'hidden gem' is often irresistible to most travellers. Just over three hours from Sydney lies one such hidden gem, and its campsite might just be too good to be kept secret.

The spot boasts riverside views, perfect swimming and fishing, and did we mention it’s free? Yet, despite plenty of visitors raving about the tranquility of the location on social media, it has somehow flown mostly under the radar.

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Ration Point Campground sits on the banks of the Turon River, 200 kilometres from Sydney and 40 minutes past Bathurst. The spot is just outside the old gold mining town of Sofala, and it’s the epitome of Aussie nature, with local William Elm -who owns the nearby Wattle Flat General Store - telling Yahoo Lifestyle that kangaroos, koalas, and the odd goanna reside there.

One visitor has even captured photos of rare and endangered Gang Gang cockatoos at the Sofala ground.

“There are sites all along the river, and you can camp wherever,” Elm said. “There are two or three main spots, but there’s lots off the beaten track, too. It can get a bit busy in the holidays, but in the week, it’s not bad.”

According to campers who have stayed, it’s perfect for tents as well as being accessible for caravans and RVs, and for those with pets, there’s something even more exciting about this site.

A free, dog-friendly campsite

As long as dogs are on the leash, the Sofala site is one for them, too.

“It’s dog friendly, animal friendly, people friendly,” Elm joked.

Other campers are obsessed with the free site after seeing a glowing review of the spot in an online group, which called it the “best little free camp at Sofala!”

“Looks amazing,” wrote one.

“How beautiful this area is. Frankie [our dog] would love it,” wrote another.

Plenty jumped in to agree.

“My dog loves Sofala. Last time she didn’t get out of the river, everyone was throwing pebbles in for her to chase,” said one dog mum.

“Such a tranquil spot out there, one of my all time favs,” said another.

While the only facilities you will find at Sofala are a long drop toilet and a couple of water tanks and fire pits, there is one thing you might find at Sofala that is far more luxurious and exciting... gold.

Sofala is Australia’s oldest surviving gold rush town

Gold was discovered in Sofala in 1851, and prospecting is still a popular tourist activity there today. “The shops have pans you can buy, and there’s still gold in there,” Elm said. “People do find a bit.”

The reports from tourists agree, with one posting his photo online of “6-7 decent flakes” found near the campsite.

“Was there on Monday..just starting out and found about the same amount….Happy for first try and great spot for camping and a cool dip,” said one of the comments.

“I'd love to try this; anything found would be awesome,” added another.

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Elm said that if you can’t find gold at Sofala, then it’s only 35 minutes up the road to Hill End, another gold rush town.

“You can even take the iconic bridal track, which runs from Bathurst to Hill End,” Elm said, referring to the popular four-wheel drive track that runs alongside the river. While not suitable for caravans, it’s a camper’s dream with 13 campsites along its full length.

And even if you don’t strike it lucky, there’s always fishing – “cod and trout,” Elm said

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