Travelling family's favourite $10 camp spot near 'amazing' mineral pool: 'Hidden gem'

The coast of Australia may be known for its abundance of stunning swimming spots, cheap campsites and hidden rockpools, but many lesser-known places are worthy of a mention - and a visit. One such place has been enticing visitors with its extremely reasonable site fee and refreshing mineral pool, which is run by volunteers.

Barmedman Mineral Pool may be located in the Bland Shire of NSW, but travellers like Emma Zealey tell Yahoo Lifestyle that the area is anything but. Emma, who is currently travelling Australia with her husband and two children and shares their adventures via @six.wheel.wanderers, says despite its remoteness, it is the sort of place where you could "easily spend a few days relaxing and exploring."

"My husband Jarred is the ultimate trip planner—he’s an avid researcher who dives deep into Google Maps, WikiCamps, and Facebook groups before any trip," Emma says of how she and her family discovered Barmedman. "While planning our stop near Griffith, he stumbled across this campground on Google Maps and was instantly sold. When he saw it had a mineral pool, he said, ‘This is it—the kids and my wife will love this place!’ And he was absolutely right!”

Where is Barmedman Mineral Pool?

Barmedman is about 5 hours inland from Sydney and is best known, if known at all, for its mineral pool. The attraction originated from the flooding of the Barmedman goldmines by an underground stream in the 1880s and is thought to have some healing properties due to its high mineral content. It is maintained by a group of local volunteers and, despite being praised by those who manage to find it, remains largely under the radar.

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“When we visited Barmedman, it was wonderfully peaceful," says Emma. "There were only a few other campers at the site, creating a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. At the pool, there was a small group of friendly locals who added to the welcoming vibe. It felt like we had stumbled upon a hidden gem."

“We only stayed for one night because we had another booking to get to, but honestly, we wish we’d stayed longer," she continues. "The campground was incredible, with such a peaceful vibe and fantastic facilities. It’s one of those places where you could easily spend a few days relaxing and exploring. We’ve already promised ourselves we’ll come back for a longer stay next time."

Top-notch campsite for just $10 a night

A big drawcard to the campsite at Barmedman is the very affordable price tag - the entry fee is just a $10 per night donation, with the funds going towards the maintenance of the pool. It may only be a small amount, but it seems it goes a long way, with Emma raving about the experience.

“The standout feature for us was definitely the amazing mineral pool," she told Yahoo Lifestyle. "It was beautifully maintained and such a relaxing spot to unwind. The amenities were top-notch too—clean bathrooms with showers and toilets, which always makes a big difference. It’s clear that this place is a real gem for the locals, and we felt so lucky to experience it."

Emma also noted that she and her family appreciated the signs located around the site which provided information about the natural pool and its history, saying that it added a "special touch to the experience."

"It’s clear that this place is not only valuable to the locals but also somewhere special for visitors like us," she says.

What to do around Barmedman

Given that Barmedman boasts a population of just 230, it's not the place you go to immerse yourself in non-stop action and tourist crowds. However, Emma said that she and her family still found plenty to keep them entertained.

"Barmedman is a quiet little town with so much charm and a few hidden gems to enjoy," she says. "Walking through the Main Street, you’ll find lots of old shops with charming windows that give the town a nostalgic feel.

"The mineral pool is definitely the star attraction—it’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge. For a bit of fun, the local bowling club is a great place to spend some time. Coffee lovers will adore the lovely coffee shop on the main street, where you can sip a delicious brew and take in the laid-back country atmosphere. There’s also a playground for the kids, and if you need to fill up, there’s a petrol station nearby. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, soak it all in, and feel right at home.”

What to know before camping at Barmedman

For anyone promptly adding Barmedman and its peaceful mineral pool to their itinerary, Emma says that as the site runs on a self-sufficiency basis, campers and caravanners need to be sure to bring everything they will need - including power as there is no access to electricity.

Another thing to note is that the pool is closed from April to October - so you should plan accordingly if you are keen to check it out.

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"There’s plenty of water available, which is a bonus," she says. "The campsite has a donation of $10 per night, and there’s a small donation to swim in the mineral pool. Showers operate with a gold coin donation. Bins are provided on-site to help keep the place tidy.

"One thing to note—it’s such a cool place that you might find yourself wanting to stay longer than planned."

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