5 Ripper Bush Camps: Waterfront campgrounds on the NSW South Coast
Now that the bushfire threat is over, the country needs your tourist dollars. And since you can throw a rock from your caravan to the water at these idyllic NSW South Coast campgrounds, what are you waiting for? 1. Depot…
Now that the bushfire threat is over, the country needs your tourist dollars. And since you can throw a rock from your caravan to the water at these idyllic NSW South Coast campgrounds, what are you waiting for?
1. Depot Beach Campground, Murramarang National Park, NSW
Depot Beach Campground is within Murramarang National Park, a 25-minute drive north of Batemans Bay. Here you can set up your caravan beneath the shade of beautiful spotted gums that are native to the area. The campground is mere minutes’ walk to the beach, with views to the water through the trees. It has showers, toilets and barbecue facilities, and even a woodfired pizza oven. A couple of excellent walks leave from the campground, while at the beach you might catch a fish or spot one of the local dolphins.
Okay, so this one is technically in the coastal hinterland region, but waterfront it is – on the banks of the Kangaroo River in the stunning Kangaroo Valley. Bendeela is a sprawling grassy free camp with ample room to spread out. It’s scenically framed by the escarpments that make this valley iconic. Stay here and you’ll encounter wombats, LOTS of friendly wombats! Bring a kayak or a lilo to make the most of the riverside location. Bendeela is run by Sydney Water and is best visited in off-peak times as it can get very busy. It’s an easy 10-minute drive into Kangaroo Valley village where there’s excellent cafes and shops.
Cost: Free
Address: Bendeela Road, Kangaroo Valley, NSW, 2577
3. Hobart Beach Campground, Bournda National Park, NSW
Having recently reopened on March 2 after the bushfires, Hobart Beach Campground is ready to host campers and caravanners once more and is perfectly situated to do so. It’s located on the shores of the peaceful Wallagoot Lake, the shallow, calm waters of which are ideal for kids to splash about in. The campsite is also a stone’s throw from the surf beach. With plenty of level sites and excellent facilities, including hot showers and barbecues, this picturesque campsite is the perfect way to while away a few lazy days by the water. It’s conveniently located a 15-minute drive north of Merimbula, which has plenty to offer by way of eateries and shops.
If colourful native birds, old-growth gum forests, pristine white sandy beaches and gently lapping azure water are the ingredients for a wonderful campsite in your book, you’ll love Green Patch. Located in Booderee National Park on the southern reaches of Jervis Bay around 30-minutes drive south of Nowra, Green Patch is a large campsite in a spectacular setting. Rainbow lorikeets, king parrots and crimson rosellas frequently land on the heads of delighted campers, while the calm waters of the beach are perfect for safe swimming.
Cost: $25/night per campsite, plus $13/night for each adult
Address: Booderee National Park, Village Road, Jervis Bay NSW 2540
5. Gillards Campground, Mimosa Rocks National Park, NSW
One of those campgrounds you’ll wish you’d discovered earlier, Gillards is scenically wedged between a beautiful stretch of untouched beach and the bush in the stunning Mimosa Rocks National Park. It’s an easy 30-minute drive to Bega for services and to stock up on supplies. You’ll want to bring a fishing road, the surfboards, a good book and your hiking shoes – there’s loads to see and do here. It’s suitable for caravans and motorhomes and has toilets, firepits and barbecues.