9 best campsites in NSW for next school holidays
From the beach to the bush and all the beautiful national parks in between, from June 1 you can start hitting the road in NSW and these nine campsites are the ultimate spot for a family getaway.
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The ban on regional travel in NSW will be lifted on June 1 — just in time for the NSW school holidays and the Queens Birthday long weekend.
The perfect time to break out the camping gear and hit the road, we’ve short-listed the best camping spots to take the family across regional NSW.
Apsley Falls
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Apsley Falls campground in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is bush camping at its best.
Surrounded by bushwalks with waterfall views, the site near Armidale is great for spotting wildlife and is a popular bird watcher spot.
Costs: $6 per adult per night. $3.50 per child per night.
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecues and toilets
Tips: Apsley Falls campsite is remote so you need to bring in everything, from food to water and first-aid kit. Untreated water is available but you’ll need purifier tablets or boil for 10 minutes. Fires recently hit the region so check with National Parks for up-to-date advice.
Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp
Wollemi National Park
A picturesque riverside campsite near Mudgee, kayaking is king here but the river is great for fishing and swimming as well.
Tackle the Pagoda Lookout track while you’re there for sweeping views of the national park.
Costs: $6 per adult per night. $3.50 per child per night.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, kayak hire (September to April)
Tips: This is a popular spot, and you’re more likely to nab a space with a tent. Best bring your own drinking water. Fires recently hit the region so check with National Parks for up-to-date advice.
Pebbly Beach
Yuraygir National Park
The Pebbly Beach campsite is about 50km from Coffs Harbour, making it great for remote camping while still sticking close to a tourist town.
A popular site for ocean fishing, there are some great bushwalks in the national park.
Not ideal for large caravans — access is via the beach and a salt water estuary at low tide.
Costs: $6 per adult per night, $3.50 per child per night, with a minimum spend of $24 in school holidays and long weekends.
Facilities: Toilets
Tips: This spot gets busy, so arrive early. Bring plenty of supplies including drinking water. Free firewood nearby.
Murphy’s Glen
Blue Mountains National Park
In the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains National Park, Murphy’s Glen is a great base for exploring the area, especially if you have a 4WD, while plenty of bushwalks surround the campsite.
Costs: Free
Facilities: Barbecue facilities, toilets
Tips: You can attempt to access the site in a 2WD, but this spot is best for 4WDs. Remote camping at its best, so make sure to bring all your supplies including water and firewood.
The Ruins
Booti Booti National Park
One of the better-equipped sites on this list, The Ruins is 5km outside Forster meaning the comforts of a town are still close by.
Great for all levels of camping experience, The Ruins is a good base for exploring walking tracks, fishing, swimming in lakes and the ocean and whale watching in winter.
Costs: $34 per night (includes 2 people) during school holidays. Additional adult (16+years) $17 per night, additional child (5-15years) $8.50 per night, infants (0-4years) free.
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecues, carpark, drinking water, showers, toilets
Tips: Arrive early and make sure your car is suitable to get to the site. Remember National Parks can come with access fees not included in the camp site fees, so bring spare change.
Thungutti campground
New England National Park
Set in dense New England forest, the Thungutti campsite is one for the tree-lovers.
Located at the start of the Tea Tree Falls walking track and nearby the Styx River, there are plenty of bushwalking opportunities for the family to enjoy.
Also make sure to visit the nearby Ebor Falls for brilliant views (and Instagram pics).
Costs: $12 per night (includes 2 people). Additional adult $6. Child (5-15 years) $3.50. Infants (0-4 years) free.
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, drinking water, showers, toilets
Tips: There may be firewood available, but it’s a good idea to bring your own. Untreated tank water only so boil before drinking. Bring warm clothes in the cooler months.
Cutters Camp
Mebbin National Park
A great family friendly site in far north NSW surrounded by forest, Cutters is a bird lovers’ favourite but the wildlife, walking and horseriding tracks make it worth a visit for families.
The amenities and secluded location makes for a great remote camping experience without roughing it too much.
Costs: Costs vary for this site by time of year, so best to book online.
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets
Tips: Best to bring your own firewood here and plenty of supplies.
Halfway Flat Campground
Kosciuszko National Park
There aren’t many camping spots as picturesque as the Halfway Flat spot in the Lower Snowy River. Right on the banks, this little-known site is great for spotting wildlife with kangaroos and emus and wombats coming out at night. A secluded getaway off the beaten track.
Costs: Free
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, toilets
Tips: This is fairly remote camping, with little if any phone reception. Bring firewood, a gas stove top, and if you want to drink from the river, boil it for 10 minutes.
Glenworth Valley
This Central Coast region is an outdoor adventure wonderland. Camp under the stars and enjoy horseriding, mountain biking, kayaking and more outdoor activities.
Far from remote, you can opt for glamping or a cabin.
Costs: Adult $25 a night, children $12.50 a night in off-peak periods, $30 for adults and $5 for kids in peak times.
Facilities: Hot showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic tables
Tips: This site is well suited to those new to camping, or want something low stress for the family. Make the most of all the activities Glenworth Valley has to offer, and even has Wi-Fi at the horse station.