Family camping experiences in and around Sydney
You don’t need to leave Sydney to embrace a sense of wilderness and adventure under the stars
SLEEPING under the stars, waking to birdsong and bonding with family are among the timeless joys of camping.
Often, though, the experience is accompanied by frustrating holiday traffic and an endless refrain of “are we there yet?”
If you don’t have the time or patience for a long trek, try these options closer to home where you can embrace a sense of wilderness and adventure, even if it’s only for a night or two.
LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK
Just moments from North Ryde train station and the area’s bustling business district, Lane Cove National Park feels worlds away.
Camping options in Lane Cove River Tourist Park range from tent and caravan sites among the gum trees through to family cabins and luxurious safari tents for Mum and Dad.
There’s fun to be had all around, including swimming in the pool, kayaking, bushwalking and cycling.
More: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
CLAMSLEY HILL CITY FARM
Get a feel for farm life without leaving Sydney at Calmsley Hill City Farm.
The Western Sydney attraction offers families the opportunity to camp in a paddock surrounded by grazing kangaroos, wallabies and emus.
Children can help the farmer feed the animals and collect eggs for their breakfast.
The experience includes dinner and breakfast, and costs $265 for a family of five.
Camping gear is also available for hire.
More: calmsleyhill.com.au
PARK AFTER DARK
Holidaying doesn’t get much more convenient than setting up camp 10 minutes from the CBD.
Park after Dark at Centennial Parklands incorporates twilight tours to spot nocturnal wildlife, stories and s’mores around the campfire, a barbecue dinner and breakfast, and a morning nature walk.
It will be led by parkland educators and will run from 2.30pm until 9am the next day. Upcoming dates include October 12 and 13, and November 9 and 10.
Tickets cost $69 a child or $129 for a parent and child.
More: centennialparklands.com.au
COCKATOO ISLAND
The surrounds are more industrial than natural, but camping on Cockatoo Island offers a unique way to experience Sydney Harbour.
If you don’t have your own gear, you can book a camping package with all the basics covered from $99, or go all out and glamp along the waterfront.
While marooned on the island, there’s plenty to keep the children entertained, including haunted history tours (offered on Saturday nights), movies in the Convict Cinema, tennis courts, basketball and novelty-sized chess.
More: cockatooisland.gov.au
ROAR AND SNORE
Imaginative children might envision lions, tigers and bears lurking in the shadows of their campsite, and in this case, it’s true.
Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo enables families to spend a night alongside exotic creatures and enjoy an exclusive insight into the zoo after the crowds have left.
Campers can see what the animals get up to after dark on a night safari and enjoy close encounters with some of the friendly creatures at the campsite.
Luxurious tents take in views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with the surreal wake-up call of screeching primates.
School holiday prices start from $195 for children and $295 for adults, and places need to be booked well in advance.
More: taronga.org.au
JAMBEROO AND SURROUNDS
Enjoy the best the South Coast has to offer, just 90 minutes out of Sydney.
Camping options abound around Jamberoo, Minnamurra and Kiama, and provide access to a full suite of splash-happy activities, from pristine beaches to rivers, waterfalls and pulse-pounding water rides at Jamberoo Action Park.
For a bush camp setting a short drive from the thrills of Jamberoo, try Carrington Falls Campground, within Budderoo National Park.
The peaceful site is on the banks of the Kangaroo River, close to walking tracks, swimming holes and waterfalls.
Or, if you prefer a seaside setting with all the trimmings, try Big4 Easts Beach Holiday Park in Kiama, which offers cabins and villas, a pool and water playground.
More: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au; eastsbeach.com.au
BLUE MOUNTAINS
If you like the idea of waking up to a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can fly to Rome or the Great Wall of China, or just drive to the Blue Mountains.
At Euroka campground, just beyond Sydney’s western border, you’ll share your site with kangaroos, cockatoos and parrots, and can immerse yourself in nature while mountain biking along fire trails.
If convenience is key, Ingenia Holidays Nepean River, just out of Penrith, will put you in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, with the option of camp sites or cabin accommodation, a pool and playground.
More: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au; ingeniaholidays.com.au/nepeanriver
BUNDEENA
Just across the water from Cronulla and surrounding Shire neighbourhoods, Bundeena offers a sense of blissful seclusion.
Bonnie Vale campground puts you in prime position to soak up the area’s natural beauty, with tent, trailer and caravan sites available by the beach.
Along with bushwalking, swimming and kayaking, there’s fishing at nearby Jibbon Beach, foodie delights at the Bundeena Saltwater Market, held the first Sunday of each month, and scenic ferry rides to Cronulla.
More: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
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