CAMPSITES LOCATED IN PARKS AND RESERVES
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Munmorah State Conservation Area
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN OTHER AREAS
THERE’S AN INCREDIBLE NUMBER of national parks offering pristine beauty and a remote atmosphere, yet are still in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Lane Cove and Ku-ring-gai Chase national parks and Crosslands Reserve in Berowra Valley Regional Park are a stone’s throw away from the CBD, but the range of bushwalking, swimming, birdwatching, canoeing, cycling and picnicking opportunities they offer are second to none.
Venture only a little further afield and you hit Dharug National Park, where you’ll find an impressive array of wildlife amid rugged sandstone escarpments and magnificent forests. Bouddi National Park, with its panoramic coastal views, challenging walking tracks and killer surf breaks, offers peaceful camping. Equally spectacular coastline can be found at Munmorah State Conservation Area, a popular destination for surfers and anglers.
Those after authentic wilderness experiences need only travel a couple of hours north-west to Wollemi National Park, the second largest national park in the state (next to Kosciuszko) and its largest wilderness area. This is an awe-inspiring area, with a mosaic of diverse vegetation, dozens of native wildlife species and numerous signs of Aboriginal occupation. Experienced and fit bushwalkers will find demanding but richly rewarding walks across the rugged terrain.
Whether you’re a picnicker with a penchant for waterside dining, a Sydneysider with a couple of spare hours for a mountainbike ride or paddle, an overseas visitor wanting to see some quintessential Aussie bush and wildlife, or an experienced bushwalker looking for a challenging hike through rugged wilderness, the Central Coast and Hawkesbury region around Sydney will deliver rich rewards.
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN PARKS AND RESERVES
BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK
Heavily timbered hills and cliffs rise behind a cluster of lovely beaches at Bouddi National Park, south-east of Gosford. Once an important bush-tucker site for the Guringai and Kurringgai people, today the park is a mecca for those seeking sun, sand and surf, peaceful camping and a spot of fishing. The park’s camping sites are popular, so booking is essential.
How to book: NPWS Central Coast region campsite booking line (02) 4320 4203
1 Little Beach camping area
It’s a 750 m walk from the carpark at the end of Graham Dr off the Scenic Rd to this campsite, which has 6 tent sites, as well as toilets and gas/electric BBQs. Fires aren’t permitted and you’ll need to bring your own water. The track in isn’t too rough; NPWS suggests you roll your camping gear in by wheelbarrow! Several walking tracks fan out to the north and south from here. Map refs: E4, L6
2 Putty Beach camping area
The largest of the park’s 3 camping areas with 18 tent sites, this is close to the beach but only a short walk from the carpark at the end of Putty Beach Rd. The eastern end of the beach (unpatrolled) is good for swimming, and it’s also the beginning of the 8 km Bouddi Coastal Walk, which leads up to Gerrin Point for a spectacular coastal view, then on to Maitland Bay, Little Beach and MacMasters Beach. Even if you do not want to complete the entire walk, it is worth doing a small part, with beautiful coastal views and interesting rock formations all along the way. Note: fires are not permitted. Map refs: E4, L6
3 Tallow Beach camping area (walk-in camping)
This campsite is only accessible via a fairly strenuous, steep 1.2 km track from the end of Hawke Head Dr in the southwestern reaches of the park. It’s downhill to get there, which means a tough uphill walk back, and you need to carry your drinking water with you. But while there, there’s an unpatrolled beach for swimming, surfing and fishing, and several walking tracks. Fires are not permitted. Map refs: E4, L6
CATTAI NATIONAL PARK
At Cattai National Park, near Windsor, traditional parkland and natural bush provide ample opportunity for walking, picnicking and camping within easy reach of Sydney. There are 2 sections: the historic main section on a sweep of the Hawkesbury River; and the Mitchell Park section, about 2.5 km upstream, bordered by Cattai Creek. The Mitchell Park section has some lovely picnic areas along Cattai Creek, as well as a number of signposted walking tracks that highlight the variety of habitats here.
How to book: NPWS Scheyville (02) 4572 3100
4 Cattai camping area
You’ll need to book 2 weeks in advance to bag a spot at this camping ground on the Hawkesbury River, off Cattai–Wisemans Ferry Rd, 13 km north of Windsor. Part of the park was a First Fleet land grant to surgeon Thomas Arndell; the Arndell family homestead, built in 1821, is open to the public on Sun afternoons and public holidays. The Mitchell Park section has a number of walking tracks through forest, wetlands and rainforest. It’s possible to canoe on the river, but swimming is not advised. The campsites here are large, grassed and well shaded. The historic towns of Windsor and Richmond are nearby. Note: bring your own drinking water. Map refs: C4, K6
DHARUG NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Wisemans Ferry area north of Sydney, this park’s natural environment is one of sandstone cliffs and ridges, Hawkesbury River tributaries, eucalypt forests and verdant rainforest gullies alive with an impressive array of mammal, reptile and bird species. It also has a rich Aboriginal and European heritage.
Who to contact: NPWS Central Coast region (02) 4320 4200
How to book: NPWS Central Coast region campsite booking line (02) 4320 4203
5 Mill Creek camping area
One of the great drawcards of this camping ground is its wombat community. Sit quietly at dusk or dawn by one of the many freshly dug tunnels in the area, and you should be rewarded with a view of this enigmatic, lumbering mammal. The camping area itself is picturesque and spacious, with 30 sites and a large group area. There are walking tracks nearby; park rangers run Discovery walks, talks and tours all year-round. Follow the signs on Wisemans Ferry Rd, 8 km east of Wisemans Ferry. Note: bring your own drinking water and firewood, and preferably a gas/fuel stove. Map refs: D3, K5
6 Ten Mile Hollow camping area (walk-in camping)
This is a walk-in site and you’ll only find wood fireplaces here, so you need to be self-sufficient with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. You can reach the campground via the 2-day Great North Walk between Wisemans Ferry to Mangrove Mountain, or via the Simpsons Track. Mountain-bikers can also gain access via the Old Great North Rd up Devines Hill, or an easier ride can be had by using the Western Commission Track, a fire trail a few kilometres to the east of Wisemans Ferry. The impressive sandstone pylons of the convict-built Clare’s Bridge are near this campsite. Map refs: D3, K5
KU-RING-GAI CHASE NATIONAL PARK
One of the state’s best-loved and most visited parks, Ku-ring-gai Chase preserves an important stretch of natural bushland as well as the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury River and a number of its tributaries. This is a stunning recreational area, and it’s only 30 km north of Sydney’s bustling city centre. Bookings are essential for the camping area.
How to book: NPWS Basin booking line (02) 9974 1011
7 The Basin camping area
Camping for 400 visitors is permitted at this area only, near West Head. Vehicle parking is on West Head Rd; from there, it’s a 2.8 km walk or cycle to the campground. There is also access by water, via private boat, ferry or water taxi from Palm Beach Wharf. Bring your own firewood. If everything’s booked out, alternative accommodation is available at a YHA hostel at Towlers Bay. Map refs: D4, K6
LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK
Lane Cove River snakes its way through tranquil bushland at Lane Cove National Park, 10 km north-west of central Sydney via Plassey Rd off Delhi Rd or off Lady Game Dr. At the visitor centre you can learn about the area’s natural and Indigenous heritage; other activities include picnicking, walking and rowboat hire. There are pleasant picnic areas near Delhi Rd, by the weir, and bushland walking tracks on both sides of the river.
How to book: Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park (02) 9888 9133, 1300 729 133 www.lcrtp.com.au
8 Lane Cove River Tourist Park
You’ll find this topnotch park accommodation on Plassey Rd, off Delhi Rd in North Ryde. The 545 bus from Chatswood train station will drop you off at the corner. Ensuite and family cabins are available, as well as campervan and tent sites. There’s a swimming pool, and boat and bike hire, and basic grocery items are available at reception. Other drawcards are a recreation room complete with internet kiosk and large-screen plasma TV, wireless internet, and a camp kitchen. Bookings recommended. Map refs: D5, K6
MARRAMARRA NATIONAL PARK
This is an uncut gem of a park 50 km north-west of Sydney, with a wide range of walking tracks, as well as cycling, fishing and canoeing. Arrive by car via Canoelands Rd off Old Northern Rd; Bloodwood Rd; or from Wisemans Ferry along Singleton Rd. Water access is along Marramarra Creek, Berowra Creek and the Hawkesbury River.
Who to contact: Sydney North (Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park) Information Centre (02) 9472 8949 Note: for safety, visitors are advised to register and deregister with the information centre
9 Gentlemans Halt camping area (walk-in camping)
Perched on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, opposite Spencer, Gentlemans Halt is a 10 km walk from Canoelands Ridge Trail. Alternatively, you can paddle in by canoe as there are landing facilities here. Spare a few minutes to enjoy the mangrove forest. Note: you need to bring your own drinking water, and preferably a gas/fuel stove. Map refs: D4, K5
10 Marramarra Creek camping area (walk-in camping)
It’s a 4 km walk from the locked gate at Canoelands Rd, off Old Northern Rd, to this basic bush site. As with Gentlemans Halt, you’ll need to carry your drinking water with you, and preferably a gas/fuel stove. Map refs: D4, K6
MUNMORAH STATE CONSERVATION AREA
A stunning 12 km coastal ribbon 40 km north of Gosford, Munmorah State Conservation Area offers surfing, swimming, fishing, coastal walks and a kaleidoscope of wildflowers in spring. Follow the signs at the Pacific Hwy turn-off for Lake Munmorah.
How to book: NPWS Central Coast region campsite booking line (02) 4320 4203
11 Frazer camping area
The 6 sites here each fit 6 people, and you can stay for a maximum of 2 weeks. The camping ground is nestled in the Frazer Valley, close to the beach (only patrolled during Christmas and Easter holidays) and Snapper Point, a popular fishing spot. To get here, turn onto Frazer Beach Rd off Campbell Dr in the northern section of the park. It’s a sought-after camping area in peak periods; bookings can be made up to 3 months in advance. Bring your own drinking water. Map refs: F3, L5
12 Freemans camping area
Freemans, a short walk to Birdie Beach, has 8 caravan sites and 28 tent sites. Note: the grounds close at 6pm in winter, 9pm in summer, and camping is limited to stays of 2 weeks. You can only use gas BBQs and gas/fuel stoves here. Map refs: F3, L5
PARR STATE CONSERVATION AREA
Named for early explorer William Parr, this is a harsh and hardy environment of rocky outcrops, cliffs and steep gorges. You can go it alone or take part in a Discovery walk, talk or tour through the park. To get here, travel 35 km north of Windsor via Putty Rd, or head 8 km west of Wisemans Ferry via St Albans Rd.
Who to contact: NPWS Gosford (02) 4320 4200
13 Heartbreak Hill camping area (walk-in camping)
Heartbreak Hill is walk-in only, but don’t let the name put you off. It’s a stopover point for hikers on the Womera Range Track, which also passes through adjacent Yengo National Park. This is for self-sufficient campers only, although there are wood BBQs here – bring firewood, a gas/fuel stove, drinking water and good topographic maps, and let the parks office know when you intend to arrive and depart. Map refs: C3, K5
WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK
Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wollemi National Park is a sprawling, primeval landscape of precipitous escarpments and deep canyons, virgin forest, woodlands, flowering heath and pockets of rainforest. It’s brimming with Aboriginal and European history, myriad wildlife and walking trails aplenty. While there is little formal access to the park from Putty Rd, one trail that is worth checking out is the Bob Turner Track, which is accessed via 3 km of unsealed road, 500 m north of the Ampol service station at Colo Heights. This is 16 km north of the Colo Bridge. A 3 km walk leads down to a lovely swimming hole on the Colo River, just above some rapids.
Who to contact: NPWS Blackheath (02) 4787 8877 for campsite nos 15, 17; NPWS Richmond (02) 4588 5247 for campsite nos 14, 18; NPWS Mudgee (02) 6370 9000 for campsite no. 16 Camping fees: payable using self-registration
14 Colo Meroo camping area (walk-in camping)
Access to this camping site in the southern section of the park is by foot on the 24 km Mountain Lagoon Loop, which starts and finishes on Sam’s Way in the town of Mountain Lagoon. A far less taxing method of transport is by rubber raft along the Colo River. Make sure you’ve got good topographic maps and you’ve checked track and river conditions with the parks office. You’ll need to bring your own firewood and drinking water. Map refs: C3, J5
15 Coorongooba camping area
This basic camping area is set by the river at the start of the sandstone gorge gouged out by the Capertee River. Facilities are limited to picnic tables for sunset dining and wood BBQs. Bring your own firewood and drinking water. Access is 4WD only, via Glen Davis, 35 km north of Capertee. Map refs: B2, I4
16 Dunns Swamp–Ganguddy camping area
Camp by the tranquil Kandos Weir on Cudgegong River, accessed via Narrango Rd in the west of the park. There’s a rock-art site nearby and you can explore the swamp and surrounding forest on a number of walking tracks. The rock art is thought to be over 7000 years old and other tracks give access to the eroded beehive-shaped sandstone formations known as pagodas. Swimming, canoeing and birdwatching is also popular here. Bring drinking water, or boil/treat water from the dam. Map refs: A1, I3
17 Newnes Ruins camping area
Close to this site are the ruins of the old shale-oil mining town of Newnes, as well as a glow-worm tunnel. With 80 campsites to choose from there’s a lot of space, but keep in mind this is a very popular spot, particularly during holiday periods. The camping area is in the southern section of the park, on Wolgan River, en route to the ruins. Bring your drinking water and firewood or gas/fuel stove. There are also rustic cabins and camping sites at Newnes Hotel Cabins Historic Wilderness Retreat in the Wolgan Valley. Map refs: A2, I4
18 Wheeny Creek camping area
Wheeny Creek, in the southern section of the park, has 30 camping sites available. It’s a spacious, picturesque medley of grassy terraces by the creek, which is a tributary of the Colo River. It’s on Comleroy Rd off Bells Line of Road, 14 km north of Kurrajong, and is suitable for campervans and trailers. There is good mountain-biking here where Comleroy Rd heads on towards the Colo River. A few kilometres along there is a road to the left which gives access to Mountain Lagoon and then goes on to Bilpin. Come with your own firewood and water. Map refs: C4, J5
CAMPSITES LOCATED IN OTHER AREAS
19 Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Camp at this Bateau Bay hideaway and you’ll awaken to the sounds of the sea and an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the ocean. The beachfront resort has tent and caravan sites as well as cabins; a heated 25 m and toddler pools; 6 spas; tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; and best of all, a protected and inviting beach lagoon. It’s a 20 min drive north-east of Gosford along The Entrance Rd; turn right into Bateau Bay Rd. Bookings are recommended year-round. Map refs: E3, L5
How to book: 10 Bateau Bay Rd, Bateau Bay (02) 4332 1447, 1800 680 036 www.bluelagoonbeachresort.com.au
20 Crosslands Reserve camping area
Set amid some of Sydney’s best forest – peppermint, blackbutt, scribbly gum and blue gums – this family-friendly camping site is in Hornsby Shire in the city’s north. You can drive in on Somerville Rd in Hornsby Heights, or walk in via Benowie Walking Track, part of the Great North Walk. Canoes and boats can also access the shores of the reserve via Berowra Creek. Visitors can partake in a number of activities including guided Aboriginal heritage tours, spotlighting and an eco-history walk. Note: bring your own drinking water and gas/fuel stove. Map refs: D4, K6
How to book: Hornsby Shire Council (02) 9847 6791
21 El Lago Waters Tourist Park
Enjoy views of Tuggerah Lakes at The Entrance on the picturesque Central Coast at this tourist park, which offers a range of accommodation options including camping. Don’t get it confused with the adjacent resort of the same name, although you’ll need to check in at the resort reception before heading to your campsite. Map refs: E3, L5
How to book: 11 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance (02) 4332 3955, 1300 664 554 www.ellago.com.au
Great North Walk
If you’re passionate about getting to know NSW – its bushland, rural and urban settings – then the Great North Walk is for you. Stretching for 250 km from Sydney to Newcastle, the track can be covered in its entirety in 10–14 days. The track is divided into 4 sections, but the possibilities are endless.
Please note that campsites are listed in alphabetical order, not track order. Refer to the map for further information.
Who to contact: Walk coordinator Peter Corrigan (02) 4920 5074
22 The Benowie Walking Track
This 25 km slice of the trail leads from Thornleigh to Berowra, through Berowra Valley Regional Park. Stop off for a tasty meal with a view in one of the Berowra Waters cafes. There are 8 camping sites on this track. Map refs: D4, K6
23 The Hawkesbury Track
The Hawkesbury Track takes you 78 km from Berowra Waters to Somersby, supplying 7 camping areas along the way. It’s centred around the beautiful Hawkesbury River and includes several magnificent vantage points of the region. Map refs: D3, K5
This track continues through the Hunter Valley and Coast region.
24 Patonga Caravan and Camping Area
Nestled between Patonga Beach and an enticing river inlet, perfect for fishing or catching the currents on your boogie board, this serene camping area is located 25 km south of Gosford via Patonga Dr. Skirted by Brisbane Waters National Park, it’s a great spot for swimming, bushwalking or whiling away lazy days to the tune of the ebb and flow of the ocean. There’s a children’s play area, tennis courts, amenities block and laundry in the park and a nearby general store sells the basics. An access code to enter the park is provided on payment. You can also catch a ferry here from Palm Beach. Map refs: D4, K6
How to book: Gosford Council (02) 4325 8222; or site manager (02) 4379 1287
25 Toowoon Bay Holiday Park
This well-appointed holiday park stretches along patrolled Toowoon Bay beach and is just south of The Entrance, via The Entrance Rd and Koongara St. There’s an expanse of caravan and camping sites as well as cabins with killer views of the Pacific. There are 4 amenities blocks, 2 playgrounds, a pool, and a kiosk that sells the basics: groceries, ice, bait, coffee and gas refills. Map refs: E3, L5
How to book: Koongara St, Toowoon Bay (02) 4332 2834, 1800 241 342 www.toowoonbayhp.com.au