CAMPSITES LOCATED IN PARKS AND RESERVES
South East Forests National Park
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN OTHER AREAS
FROM NOWRA IN THE north to the Victorian border in the south, from the spectacular coast to the soaring plateaus and escarpments of the Great Dividing Range, there’s not much that the South Coast doesn’t deliver.
Beach lovers go barmy for the pearl-white sands around Jervis Bay and Booderee National Park, while families take pleasure in the quiet haven of Murramarang National Park, with its sheltered beaches and grassed camping areas shared with laid-back wallabies and grey kangaroos.
Mimosa Rocks National Park brings an element of rawness into the coastal equation, with its mix of slate, granite, basalt and volcanic rock folded, faulted and shaped by weathering over millions of years. Wildlife-watchers will be rewarded with glimpses of swamp wallabies, ringtail possums and long-nosed potoroos, while birdwatchers can keep a sharp eye out for sooty and masked owls and hooded plovers.
For true NSW coastal wilderness, Nadgee Nature Reserve wins hands down. Hardened bushwalkers revel in the remote, windswept beaches, coastal lagoons, heath and headlands on the 60 km, 4-day Nadgee Howe Wilderness Walk, which also takes in part of Croajingolong National Park in Victoria.
The inland national parks are just as spectacular. Morton National Park is a true treasure, with thundering waterfalls, mountainous terrain, diverse vegetation, and the dauntingly rugged Budawang Range. In Deua National Park you can go canyoning and caving in strikingly decorated limestone caves, or follow a 4WD track through the rugged wilderness of the park’s central areas.
With the exception of high summer and mid-winter in Morton National Park, the South Coast region can be visited any time of year. Every season brings its own rewards, from carpets of wildflowers in spring to hot sunny summer days spent by beaches and swimming holes, to the warm colours and golden sunlight of autumn and the cold, clear beauty of winter.
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN PARKS AND RESERVES
BEN BOYD NATIONAL PARK
Ragged wave-worn cliffs, salt-pruned heath and banksia woodlands, beautiful beaches, historic buildings and a fascinating whaling heritage make Ben Boyd National Park a wonderful holiday destination. The northern part of the park is notable for its rocky coastline. Some of the highlights in the northern section of the park include North Long Beach, the coloured sands of the Pinnacles, Haycock Point and Terrace Beach. The southern part of the park has historic sites to explore, and includes highlights such as the sheltered Bittangabee Bay, Boyd’s Tower, Davidson Whaling Station and Green Cape Lighthouse.
How to book: bookings essential during peak periods and for Green Cape Lighthouse; NPWS Far South Coast Region (02) 6495 5000
346 Bittangabee camping area
On the long-distance but easy Light to Light walking track (30 km, 3 days) in the southern section of the park, Bittangabee camping area offers swimming, snorkelling, fishing and diving. A shorter section of the track can be walked between Bittangabee and Saltwater Creek (9 km, 2.5 hr) camping areas. To get here, follow the Princes Hwy 18 km south of Eden and turn onto Edrom Rd, then Green Cape Rd. There are rainwater tanks but it’s best to bring your own drinking water as well as firewood. Map refs: C7, E11
347 Hegartys Bay camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
This is a bush camping site with no facilities, along the Light to Light walking track north of Bittangabee Bay. Access either via Bittangabee Bay or Saltwater Creek to the north. Bring your own drinking water; gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C7, E10
348 Mowarry Point camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
With no facilities, this bush camping site is along the Light to Light walking track, 3 km north of Saltwater Creek. You can also walk in from the end of the road to the north, which passes by scenic Leatherjacket Bay. Camping here is a delight, tucked in above beautiful, northerly facing Mowarry Beach. Bring your own drinking water; gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C7, E10
349 Saltwater Creek camping area
To get to Saltwater Creek camping area, follow the Princes Hwy 18 km south of Eden and turn onto Edrom then Green Cape then Duckhole rds. Turn east onto Saltwater Rd and follow it to the end. There’s fishing, swimming, snorkelling, sea kayaking, walking and diving on offer here, which makes it a popular spot for family campers. There are rainwater tanks, but it’s best to bring your own drinking water just in case. Note: accommodation is also offered at the Green Cape Lighthouse; bookings essential. Map refs: C7, E10
BODALLA STATE FOREST
A gentle rainforest experience awaits those who enter Bodalla State Forest, south of Bodalla via Eurobodalla Rd. This is a good place to bring the family, with highlights including an easy 700 m rainforest walk through mossy, grey myrtle forest filled with birdlife, and a lookout offering impressive views across Narooma and the coast.
Who to contact: Forests NSW South Coast Region (02) 4472 6211
350 Bodalla Forest Park
This shady picnic spot surrounded by spotted gums is 9 km north of Narooma via the Princes Hwy. There’s some drinking water here, but best to bring your own. After lunch, you can stretch your legs on an easy walking trail that leaves from here. Map refs: D4, F7
351 Red Creek camping area (bush camping)
This is a basic bush-camping site with no facilities, next to Red Creek. Bring your own everything, including toilet, drinking water and firewood. It’s 40 km south-west of Bodalla via Tuross River Rd and Red Creek Rd. Make sure you stick to the creek’s eastern bank; it’s national park on the other side. Map refs: C4, E7
BOODEREE NATIONAL PARK
On the southern side of Jervis Bay, Booderee is cloaked in coastal scrub and flowering heath, with cliffs fronting pale sandy beaches, clear blue waters and a wealth of Aboriginal archaeological sites. Its fascinating landforms, extraordinary plant and animal diversity and lovely coast make it a favourite destination for Canberra and Sydney residents. Advance bookings, which can be made up to 4 months before a visit, are essential.
How to book: Booderee Visitor Information Centre (02) 4443 0977
352 Bristol Point camping area
Wizened banksia, towering gums and coastal scrub meet the tranquil beauty of Bristol Beach at this medium-sized campsite off Jervis Bay Rd east of Green Patch. All sites require a short walk from car to tent (up to 50 m). Several walking tracks fan out from or near here. Bring your own firewood and a gas/fuel stove if you’ve got one. Map refs: E2, J10, G4
353 Cave Beach camping area
It’s a 300 m walk from carpark to tent site at this grassy camping area at the end of Cave Beach Rd off Jervis Bay Rd. It’s a small and secluded spot suitable for the lightweight camper. Tents must be no larger than 3 m x 3 m and there’s a maximum of 5 people per site. Bring your own gas/fuel stove. Map refs: E2, J10, G4
354 Green Patch camping area
This spacious but discreet beachside camping ground can be accessed off Jervis Bay Rd. There are walk-in and vehiclebased campsites, which are allocated depending on your group size and requirements. The easy Telegraph Creek Nature Trail (2.4 km return, 1 hr) leaves from here and loops through eucalypt forest, woodland and heath and across fern-lined creeks. Drinking water and firewood are supplied but limited, so best to bring your own, along with a gas/fuel stove. Map refs: E2, J10, G4
BOURNDA NATIONAL PARK
This is a magically beautiful place of sea and freshwater lakes, an extensive lagoon, creeks, weather-worn cliffs and pale beaches fronting the breakers of the Tasman Sea. Families can enjoy walking, fishing, swimming, surfing and canoeing. It’s 10 km north of Merimbula via Bournda Island Rd off the Sapphire Coast Dr.
How to book: bookings essential during peak periods; NPWS Merimbula (02) 6495 5000
355 Hobart Beach camping area
Spacious and well equipped, Hobart Beach camping area has shaded campsites, lovely picnic spots and excellent lookouts (Turingal Head is a favourite). A number of walking tracks fan out from here, and the park rangers run interesting tours over summer. The campground is 14 km north of Merimbula via Bournda Island Rd off Sapphire Coast Dr. It’s recommended you boil or treat water before drinking. Map refs: C6, E9
BUNDUNDAH RESERVE
Inside Morton National Park, Bundundah Reserve is 22 km west of Nowra via Yalwal and Burrier rds. It’s a picturesque spot offering bushwalking through eucalypt forest and gullies.
Who to contact: NPWS Nowra (02) 4428 6300
356 Grassy Gully camping area (bush camping)
You can reach this campsite via Grassy Gully Rd, which turns off Burrier Rd. It’s basic bush camping here – bring your own everything, including water and a portable toilet. There are no wood BBQs, so also bring a gas/fuel stove. Map refs: E1, I9, G3
CURROWAN STATE FOREST
You’ll find this forest, noted for its flourishing burrawang cycads, between Clyde Mountain and beautiful Nelligen, about 10 km west of Batemans Bay. To get here, follow the Kings Hwy west from Nelligen and turn onto Lyons Rd.
Who to contact: Forests NSW South Coast Region (02) 4472 6211
357 Currowan Creek camping area (bush camping)
Basic bush camping is available by the Currowan Creek bridge in the forest. Bring your own portable toilet, food and drinking water. Map refs: H12, F6
DEUA NATIONAL PARK
Inland from Batemans Bay and Moruya, Deua National Park is a wilderness of densely clad mountains, limestone caves, deep valleys and fast-flowing pristine rivers. Access from Moruya is via Araluen–Moruya Rd; from the west via the unsealed Krawarree–Snowball Rd. There’s also 4WD access in the east and west.
Who to contact: NPWS Narooma (02) 4476 0800
358 Bakers Flat camping area
You can reach this camping area near the Deua River via Araluen Rd. There’s a short walk (70 m) from the carpark to the tent sites, where you can camp under the trees on a hillside above the Deua River. Boil or treat the river water before use, and bring your own firewood. Map refs: C3, H12, E6
359 Bendethera Valley camping area (bush camping)
Bendethera is set in a picturesque, grassy valley, with bushcamping sites scattered along the Deua River. Kangaroos and wombats are numerous here and there is a walk to Bendethera Cave as well. It’s 4WD dry-weather access only via Bendethera Fire Trail or Dampier Mountain Trail; the latter is not suitable for trailers. Bring your own drinking water and firewood. Map refs: C4, E7
360 Berlang camping area
For bushwalkers, a pleasurable easy walk from this camping area (4 km return, 1.5 hr) leads to the viewing platform for the Big Hole, a dramatic 110 m deep, 35 m wide crater created by the collapse of a limestone cave roof. More challenging is the medium Marble Arch walk (13 km return, 5.5 hr), which leads on from Big Hole. The camping site is in the north of the park, accessible via Krawarree Rd. Boil/treat river water before use; bring your own firewood. Map refs: C3, G12, E6
361 Deua River camping area
There are 4 unmarked sites at this camping area on the Deua River, which make a great base for swimming, canoeing and fishing. The river crossing to the north end of the Bendethera Fire Trail is here as well. Access is via Araluen Rd. Boil or treat the river water before drinking, and bring your own firewood. Sites are a short (70 m) walk from the road. Map refs: C3, H12, E6
362 Dry Creek camping area
It’s 4WD access only to this camping spot, via Dry Creek Fire Trail off Araluen Rd. It’s not dry, as the name suggests – if you plan to drink the river water, boil or treat it first. Bring your own firewood. Map refs: C3, H12, E6
363 Wyanbene Cave camping area
Wyanbene Cave is renowned for its intriguing formations and subterranean lake; however, public access is only allowed 200 m from the cave’s entrance. To go further, you’ll need a permit from the parks office. The camping area is close to the cave, as well as a number of bushwalks. To get here, follow Krawarree Rd and turn onto Wyanbene Rd. Come armed with drinking water and firewood. Map refs: C3, G12, E6
EAST BOYD STATE FOREST
Head south of Eden along the Princes Hwy and you’ll come to East Boyd State Forest, a leisurely patch of green abutting Mount Imlay National Park. It’s a popular place for 4WD touring, bushwalking and horseriding.
Who to contact: Forests NSW South Coast Region (02) 4472 6211
364 Scrubby Creek camping area
The facilities here are pretty basic, but they include picnic tables, drinking water and wood BBQs, which is all you need for a comfortable overnight stop. Follow the signs from the Princes Hwy to East Boyd State Forest. Map refs: C7, E10
EUROBODALLA NATIONAL PARK
This sliver of national park runs in 3 sections along the south coast between Moruya Heads and Tilba Tilba Lake, just south of Cape Dromedary. It is particularly picturesque, with 30 km of lovely beaches broken by estuaries and backed by wetlands, lakes and forests of spotted gum. It’s 12 km north of Narooma on the Princes Hwy.
Who to contact: NPWS Narooma (02) 4476 0800
365 Brou Lake camping area
In the middle of the coastal sweep of Eurobodalla National Park, Brou Lake offers swimming, beach walking, surfing, and lake and beach fishing. Anglers need to keep an eye out for signs depicting sanctuary zones where fishing isn’t permitted. Bring your own drinking water and firewood. The campground is at the end of Brou Lake Rd off the Princes Hwy, about 10 km north of Narooma. Note: the campsite is only suitable for caravans and camper trailers capable of driving on unsealed roads. Map refs: D4, F7
366 Congo camping area
You’ll find this camping area at the point where Congo Creek meets the ocean – which makes it a top spot for swimming, fishing, beachcombing and canoeing. To reach it, follow Congo Rd from South Head Rd, off the Princes Hwy south of Moruya. There’s bore water supplied, but it’ll need to be boiled or treated first. Campfires not permitted. Map refs: D4, F7
MEROO NATIONAL PARK
Meroo National Park is 5 km south of Ulladulla, and comprises 2 sections: a coastal area between Tabourie Lake Village and Bawley Point, and a region south-west of Burrill Lake on the western side of the Princes Hwy. The park is characterised by sandy beaches, coastal lakes and inland forest, all of which protect a variety of plant and animal species, in particular migratory waterbirds.
Who to contact: NPWS Ulladulla (02) 4454 9500
367 Meroo Head camping area
Follow Meroo Point Rd off the Princes Hwy to reach this camping area. Given the relative newness of the national park, facilities are underdeveloped, but this is part of the park’s charm. You can walk to the beach from the camping ground, and explore the coastline as far as your feet and energy allow. There’s a short walk from carpark to campsite; bring water and firewood. Stick to established fire pits. Map refs: D3, I11, F5
368 Sunburnt Beach camping area (walk-in camping)
Walk-in bush camping is available at Sunburnt Beach, north of Termeil Point. There are no facilities at this site so bring your own everything. Access is off the Princes Hwy south of Ulladulla. Map refs: D3, I11, F5
369 Termeil Point camping area
There are 11 sites at this car-based camping area. To reach Termeil Point turn east off the Princes Hwy on Blackbutt Rd, about 2 km south of Tabourie. Roads are unsealed, so check conditions in wet weather. Bring your own everything. Map refs: D3, I11, F5
MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK
At Mimosa Rocks National Park, 10 km north of Tathra along the Bermagui–Tathra Rd, a 16 km volcanic-rock coastline has been sculpted by weather and water into cliffs, rock stacks and jutting headlands, ideal for whale-watching. The beaches, bays and coves are perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing and snorkelling.
Who to contact: NPWS Narooma (02) 4476 0800
370 Aragunnu camping area
This northernmost campground can be accessed along Aragunnu Rd off the Bermagui–Tathra Rd, about 25 km south of Bermagui. There’s a short, easy walk linking the northern and southern picnic areas, and a 200 m boardwalk leading to a lookout over the intriguing Mimosa Rocks. You can also walk to Aragunnu Beach from here. There is a variety of sites, some sheltered in among the bloodwoods and cycads at the south end, others being in a more open clearing near the path to Mimosa Rocks. Bring drinking water. Note: some sites require a short walk from the carpark. Fees are payable on site. Map refs: C5, E9
371 Gillards Beach camping area
The Bermagui–Tathra Rd turns onto Gillards Rd, at the end of which you’ll find 70 camping sites and at night, grazing potaroos. You can swim, fish or take a long walk along the beautiful sandy beach. Bring your own drinking water. Fees are payable on site. Map refs: C6, E9
372 Middle Beach camping area (walk-in camping)
Aptly named, this camping area is smack-bang in the middle of the national park’s coastline. To get here, take the Haighs Rd turn-off from the Bermagui–Tathra Rd, and look for Middle Beach Rd. If you hit Bithry Inlet you’ve gone too far. There are 12 walk-in campsites here, 100 m from the carpark. Bring drinking water with you. Map refs: C6, E9
373 Picnic Point camping area
With only 18 sites and no bookings taken at this camping area, you’ll just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. Tent up amid gnarly banksias, then take your pick of swimming, fishing, picnicking or walking. This spot can be very busy during holiday periods. Bring drinking water and firewood. Picnic Point is located at the end of Wapengo Lake Rd off the Tathra– Bermagui Rd. The road leading to the camping area is private; leave gates the way you found them. Map refs: C6, E9
MURRAMARANG NATIONAL PARK
Murramarang National Park rims the south coast for 44 km and includes Darras Lake and several small offshore islands. The park features a string of lovely coves, sandy and shingle beaches, intriguing weathered sea stacks, rock platforms and a backdrop of low mountains. It’s 10 km north of Batemans Bay via the Princes Hwy.
How to book: bookings are essential during peak periods; Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre (02) 4887 7270 for campsite nos 374, 376; (02) 4478 6582 for campsite no. 375; (02) 4478 6023 for campsite no. 377; (02) 4457 2019 for campsite no. 378
374 Bush camping areas
There are a number of opportunities for self-sufficient campers to strike out and find a site for themselves. The rules are you must camp more than 100 m from the coastline and roads, and 500 m from villages, and camping and picnic areas. Contact the parks office for maps and information. Campfires are not permitted. Bring your own everything. Map refs: D3, F6
375 Depot Beach camping area
You’ll find plenty of grassy camping areas shaded by tall eucalypts at this well-appointed campground next to the beach. It’s 20 km north of Batemans Bay via Mount Agony Rd off the Princes Hwy. Powered and unpowered sites are available – you may need to share your space with the kangaroos. Bring your own firewood. Map refs: D3, I12, F6
376 North Head Beach camping area
Basic and very secluded, North Head Beach camping area is accessible via North Head Rd. Bring your own drinking water and firewood. Map refs: D3, H12, F6
377 Pebbly Beach camping area
Pebbly Beach is sheltered and tranquil, ensconced in eucalypts, ringed with low hills and populated with laid-back wallabies, which wander through the campsite and lounge on the grass just behind the beach. The birdlife here is also abundant and friendly, with galahs, cockatoos and lorikeets often visiting. Fishing, swimming and canoeing are popular, as are the many coastal walking tracks nearby. The campground can be reached via Mt Agony Rd off the Princes Hwy. It’s well appointed, with an amenities block, drinking water and firewood supplied. Map refs: D5, D3, I12, N7, F6
378 Pretty Beach camping area
Pretty by name, pretty by nature: grey kangaroos, wallabies, brush-tail possums and myriad birdlife against a backdrop of blue ocean, white sand and towering eucalypts. It’s a wellequipped campground complete with an amenities block. To get here, take the Bawley Point/Kiola turn-off at the Princes Hwy, and Murramarang Rd from Bawley Point. Note: cabin accommodation is also available. Bring your own firewood; gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: D3, I12, F6
NADGEE NATURE RESERVE
Nadgee Nature Reserve is the only remaining coastal wilderness in NSW; together with nearby Croajingolong National Park in Victoria, it forms a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Experienced walkers and sea-kayakers revel in its isolation and pristine, natural beauty, which includes oldgrowth eucalypt forest, extensive coastal heath, sea caves and diverse wildlife. Campers need a permit to bush camp, and walkers need to bring up-to-date topographic maps; contact the parks office for detailed track information.
How to book: advance booking and payment essential; NPWS Merimbula (02) 6495 5001
379 Bunyip Hole camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
From Nadgee Lake to Bunyip Hole is approximately 4.1 km – although if the lake is full it will be about 4.6 km. This is a bush-camping site for self-sufficient walkers only. Gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C8, E11
380 Cape Howe camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
It’s about 1 km from Bunyip Hole to Cape Howe. This is a designated bush-camping site for self-sufficient walkers only. Gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C8, E11
381 Little Creek camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
From Newtons Beach to the designated bush-camping site at Little Creek is approximately 4.3 km. Gas/fuel stove preferred. For self-sufficient walkers only. Map refs: C8, E11
382 Merrica River Entrance camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
It’s about 4.5 km from the trackhead to Merrica River Entrance camping area. This is a designated bush-camping site for self-sufficient walkers only. Gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C7, E11
383 Nadgee Beach camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
From Little Creek to Nadgee Beach North is 4.2 km, then another 700 m to Nadgee Beach South. These are designated bush-camping sites for self-sufficient walkers only. Gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C8, E11
384 Nadgee Lake camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
From the southern end of Nadgee Beach, it’s about 2.4 km to Nadgee Lake camping area, a designated bush-camping site for self-sufficient walkers only. Gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C8, E11
385 Newtons Beach camping area (walk-in and bush camping)
About 9 km from the trackhead, this camping site is a designated bush-camping site for self-sufficient walkers only. Gas/fuel stove preferred. Map refs: C8, E11
SOUTH EAST FORESTS NATIONAL PARK
South East Forests National Park sprawls across undulating hills and rugged, mountainous terrain, with tracts of precious old-growth forest, flowering heathlands, massive granite tors, tumbling waterfalls, fern-filled gullies and rare and threatened plant and animal species. Access throughout the park is on fire roads, which can become slippery in the rain. Devils Crossing on the Cattlemans Link Trail involves a water crossing of Tantawangalo Creek. Its southern boundary abuts the Victorian border.
Who to contact: NPWS Bombala (02) 6458 4080
386 Alexanders Hut
In the central section of the national park, Alexanders Hut is a simple slab dwelling that provides shelter and basic facilities for campers. You can also set up a tent in the grounds around the hut. The hut is situated picturesquely on a grassy hillside above a large dam; the camping area is adjacent, and nicely grassed. It’s 2WD dry-weather access only. From Nunnock camping area continue south on Cattlemans Link Trail; at a fork in the road turn left and follow the road to the hut. From Postmans camping area, head across Devils Crossing and follow Cattlemans Link Track; turn east onto Cattlemans Link Trail and follow for 600 m to the hut. Bring drinking water and firewood. Map refs: B6, D9
387 Nunnock camping area
It’s 2WD dry-weather access only to this camping ground. To get here from the north, follow the Snowy Mountains Hwy from Nimmitabel and turn onto Packers Swamp Rd. Turn left onto Cattlemans Link Trail, and follow it to the campsite. From the south, take Tantawangalo Mountain Rd from Mt Darragh Rd, turn left onto New Line Rd and then right onto Packers Swamp Rd. Head north to Cattlemans Link Trail and follow this to the campsite. It’s a picturesque site with an easy 4 km loop walking track with lookouts over a high-altitude perched swamp. There are also some interesting pastoral ruins, including stockyards, in a clearing across the road from the start of the Nunnock Swamp walk. Bring drinking water and firewood. Map refs: B6, D9
388 Postmans camping area
Located on a sandy bend in Tantawangalo Creek, this camping area is 4WD dry-weather access only via Postmans Track off Tantawangalo Rd. There’s a long walk from the car to the tent sites. There’s water in the creek, but it’ll need boiling or treating if you plan to drink it, otherwise bring your own. Bring firewood. Map refs: B6, D9
389 Six Mile Creek camping area
As you follow the Tantawangalo Mountain Rd to this campsite, you can inform your companions you’re travelling on a road originally constructed more than 150 years ago. Six Mile Creek is a refreshing and scenic place to swim or picnic, and there’s an easy 300 m return walk to a viewing platform over Tantawangalo Creek. Note: there are only 4 sites here, with limited space for trailers. If you’re going to use the water in the creek, boil or treat it before drinking. Bring firewood. Map refs: B6, D9
390 Waratah Gully camping area
It’s hard to beat the magic of old-growth forest, and you can experience it yourself at Waratah Gully camping area. It’s in the Coolangubra section of the national park, accessible east of Bombala on Bucky Springs Rd, then Coolangubra Forest Way and Wog Way. Bring drinking water and firewood. Pheasants Peak (4 km return, 4 hr, hard) and Myanba Gorge (2 km, 1 hr, medium) are 2 walking tracks that can be accessed from here. Map refs: B6, D10
TIMBILLICA STATE FOREST
Nestled in the far southern reaches of NSW, Timbillica is 30 km south-west of Eden via Imlay Rd from the Princes Hwy. Swimming and picnicking are popular here as is 4WD touring. There’s a cracking good swimming hole at Newtons Crossing, on the Wallagaraugh River.
Who to contact: Forests NSW Eden 1300 880 548
391 Newtons Crossing camping area
Take Allan Brook Rd off Imlay Rd and follow the signs to Newtons Crossing. It’s just a small spot, with 5 sites available. However, it is a lovely area, situated next to the Wallagaraugh River, which flows through a wide rocky clearing in the forest here. And being slightly inland you may find a break from the crowds at the coast, even in peak times. Bring your own firewood and drinking water or boil/treat the river water. Map refs: B7, D11
WADBILLIGA NATIONAL PARK
Abutting the northern boundary of South East Forests National Park, Wadbilliga is a rugged wilderness of plunging gorges and expansive rolling plateaus. It hosts a great diversity of plant and animal species, one of the state’s largest untouched river catchments and the fascinating Brogo Wilderness Area.
Who to contact: NPWS Narooma (02) 4476 0800
392 Cascades camping area
The stunning Tuross Falls are accessible via 2 easy walking tracks from the carpark and camping ground. The camping area is beside the Tuross River off Peters and Badger rds. Most of the sites are spread around a large clearing, with a few just a couple of metres from a calm pool on the Tuross River. While the falls are at the end of a 3 km return walk, there are also good views of the cascades along the way. It’s 4WD access only. Bring drinking water and firewood. Map refs: B4, D7
393 Lake Creek camping area
To get here, head west from Cobargo along Wandella Rd, then Yowrie Bourkes rds. It’s 2WD, not suitable for caravans and only off-road camper trailers. Bring drinking water and firewood. Map refs: C5, D8
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN OTHER AREAS
394 Araluen Creek camping area
Nestled in a picturesque valley at the foot of Mt Araluen, Araluen is a small town known for its peaceful charm and stone-fruit orchards. The village is 27 km south of Braidwood and 72 km west of Moruya on the south coast. The camping area is at the junction of the Araluen–Braidwood and Majors Creek rds. It’s a simple set-up but you can swim in the river, let your dog run free, and enjoy a barbecue picnic for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Bring your own drinking water and firewood. Map refs: C3, G12, E6
Who to contact: Braidwood Tourist Information Centre (02) 4842 1144
395 Bega Caravan Park
Nestled into the lush and verdant Bega Valley, Bega Caravan Park is a well-appointed, comfortable place with a range of accommodation options – including motel-style units, cabins, and powered and unpowered tent sites. There’s a laundry and an amenities block here. Note: pets allowed except over Christmas and throughout January. Map refs: C6, E9
How to book: 256 Princes Hwy, Bega (02) 6492 2303 www.begacaravanpark.com.au
396 Danjera Dam camping area
The dam’s waters cover an old gold-rush town called Yalwal; today, visitors come to the area for aquatic activities such as kayaking, swimming, fishing (the dam is stocked with rainbow trout and bass) and boating. The surrounding bushland makes it a picturesque camping spot and provides a variety of walking tracks. To get here, follow Yalwal Rd from Nowra and Burrier. The steep, unsealed road isn’t suitable for caravans. Bring your own firewood and drinking water. Map refs: D1, I10, G4
Who to contact: Shoalhaven Visitor Information Centre (02) 4421 0778, 1300 662 808
397 Lake Conjola Entrance Tourist Park
Set along the southern bank of sparkling Lake Conjola as it ambles towards the sea, this park enjoys both lake and beach access and is fringed by bushland. A 4 hr drive south of Sydney along the Princes Hwy and Lake Conjola Entrance Rd, the park has an array of cabins as well as tent and caravan sites, an amenities block, a jumping cushion, a playground, a tennis court and resident kangaroos. Map refs: E2, I11, G5
How to book: Lake Conjola Entrance Rd, Lake Conjola (02) 4456 1141, 1300 133 395 www.conjolaentrancetouristpark.com.au
398 Mystery Bay Camp Ground (bush camping)
This is a gorgeous spot overlooking Mystery Bay, at the end of Mystery Bay Rd signposted off the Princes Hwy 15 km south of Narooma. Even your dog gets to enjoy this one. The sites are shaded by tall and slender gums, there is plenty of room for vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and the views at the beach close by are fabulous. Firewood is available for sale on-site; gas and ice can be purchased at a nearby farm. Map refs: D5, F8
Who to contact: (02) 4476 8596, 0428 622 357
Tents and caravans at Congo camping area, Eurobodalla National Park
399 Nimmitabel Caravan Park
This caravan park is situated at the northern entrance to the small town of Nimmitabel, 40 km south of Cooma on the Monara Hwy. What the town lacks in size it makes up for with character: many of its buildings date back to the mid-19th century. The caravan park is simple but sufficient; bring your own firewood. Pick up the key to the amenities block from the caretaker. Map refs: B5, D8
How to book: Boyd St, Nimmitabel 0427 406 668 www.nimmitabel.nsw.au
400 North Head Campground
A friendly and picturesque campground ringed with Norfolk pines and eucalypts, North Head is within walking distance of the beach and river. The other drawcard is the nearby town of Moruya, with its craft and novelty shops, Sat morning markets and Oct jazz festival. The town is 25 km south of Batemans Bay on the Princes Hwy; North Head Campground is 7 km east of town via North Head Dr. There’s a dump point for caravans in town. Bring your own firewood or buy it from the caretaker. Map refs: D4, F7
Who to contact: 0428 633 447