Top 20 Camping Spots to Go With the Family in New South Wales
Want to go camping these school holidays but have no idea where to go that will be suitable for the kids? Our team has shared their favourite spots to getaway!
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Want to go camping these school holidays in New South Wales but have no idea where to go?
We've found a few gems that will have you and the family adventuring on beaches, lakes, rivers, national parks or water parks, there's a little something for everyone... even the glampers!
At Springfree, we're big fans of heading outdoors whether for a weekend getaway or for those long weeks off in summer, so our team have also shared their favourite spots to getaway!
Image Source: Pinterest
1. Hat Head Holiday Park, Hat Head
Just north of Port Macquarie (around 1 hour) is a town called Hat Head and it is magic.
Built around reserve, one of the best things about it is that it cannot be further developed as its surrounded by national park.
Feels like you step back in time a bit, with old houses, one bowls club and two convenience stores. Better still, beach there is amazing and there is a river running out to the ocean which makes a great spot to swim, float etc.
Only one caravan park - Hat Head Holiday Park. Gets busy at peak times, but if you head there in winter it’s amazing.
One of the best spots growing up for sure.
Classic Family Resorts
2. NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach
The ultimate city escape just 90 minutes from Sydney, this perfectly placed holiday park is surrounded by bush and beach. The wide range of accommodation on offer means there is something for everyone, with two- and three-bedroom cabins, glamping tents and a variety of powered and unpowered sites all up for grabs. Not to mention the park’s swimming pool complex, tennis courts, pedal go-karts and kids’ club.
Image Source: Qantas
3. BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park, Kiama
With just over 14 hectares of property to enjoy, this holiday park is nestled between mountains and ocean, just a few kilometres from the seaside town of Kiama. Sitting right on the water, you could hardly ask for a better view, and with everything from a Flametree Family Villa (with views of Easts Beach) to an ensuite camping site, you are sure to have a comfortable stay. Big draws for kids include the park’s new jumping pillow, Sunny’s Aquaventure Park, a beautiful pool complex and the Little Monkeys Play Corner & Games Room.
Image Source: Eastsbeach.com.au
4. North Star Holiday Resort, Hastings Point
The award-winning North Star Holiday Resort sits on the ever-popular Tweed Coast, conveniently positioned near the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. The complimentary Neptune’s Castle Kids’ Club runs every weekend and throughout the school holidays, giving parents plenty of time to indulge at the adults-only Seascape Leisure Centre. Come nighttime, sit down for a meal beside the pool at Ripples Licensed Cafe and feast on fresh local seafood, with a kids’ menu on hand for any picky eaters.
Image Source: Lastminute
5. BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park, Tweed Head
The definition of family-friendly, BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park has everything you need for a splash-tastic holiday. The billabong that lies in the heart of the resort is a playground for swimmers, kayakers and fishermen alike, and their superb water park will provide little ones with hours of fun.
Image Source: VisitNSW
6. Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Yamba
Often-underrated Yamba is home to a whole host of great places to go, one of those being Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort. With a water park, water slides, go-karts and a private jetty all at your disposal, this holiday resort ticks all the boxes when it comes to planning a family getaway.
Image Source: Bluedolphin
10. BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park, Narooma
Surrounded by stunning beaches and lush rainforest, Narooma is the perfect holiday for families who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park is situated on the banks of the stunning Wagonga Inlet, brimming with fish and other marine life. Guests can choose from cabins, caravan or camping sites, or if you are after something with a touch of luxury, then spa units and waterfront bungalows are also available. Families have everything they need for an enjoyable stay right at their fingertips, including barbecue areas, indoor spa pool, jumping pillow, camp kitchen, pedal go-karts, tennis court and the long-awaited Monty’s Island Oasis – an indoor splash park that has just recently opened!
Image Source: Tourist Places in Australia
11. NRMA Darlington Holiday Resort, Arrawarra
Sprawled over 44 hectares of coastal forest, NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort prides itself on being eco-friendly and the perfect location to recharge and reconnect. Accommodation ranges from powered, unpowered and ensuite camping sites to a luxurious Lagoon Safari Tent overlooking the water. For an ultra-blissful stay, hit a few golf balls on the nine-hole course or pop into their heated spa on your quest for complete relaxation.
Image Source: BIG4 Parks + Resorts
12. BIG4 Happy Hallidays, Hallidays Point
Welcoming everyone from tiny tots to loyal labradors, BIG4 Happy Hallidays accommodates all whether you feel like keeping it simple with the grass sites or booking out the Large Spa Villa. Enjoy the pool, play some mini-golf or jump aboard the famous red train, Happy 01, which chugs around the resort throughout the day.
Image Source: TripAdvisor
National Parks
13. Cave Beach, Booderee National Park
Situated at family-favourite Jervis Bay, just a three-hour drive from Sydney, this camping spot is perfect for lightweight camping clans.
Pitch your tents on the grassy area among coastal tea trees and steps from the beach.
You’ll find fresh water, toilets, cold-water showers and a sheltered barbecue area all on site.
> This area is currently closed due to COVID19 restrictions, keep a look out on their website for furture updates.
Image Source: Trover
14. Diamond Head Campground, Crowdy Bay National Park
This spot, near Port Macquarie, is great for tents, caravans and camper trailers. The amenities block has picnic tables, barbecue facilities, showers and toilets. Reservations should be made beforehand and supplies can be purchased 10 kilometres north of the campground in Laurieton.
Image Source: Pinterest
15. Pretty Beach Campground, Murramarang National Park
Meet the kangaroos of Murramarang National Park at Pretty Beach campground, where forest friends from goannas to lyrebirds also roam. Enjoy the nearby waters by day and relax with your latest catch on the barbecue by night; it’s the stuff childhood memories are made of. If camping isn’t quite your thing, though, Pretty Beach also has two cabins available.
Image Source: Trover
16. Black Rocks Campground, Bundjalung National Park
Take advantage of the nearby Clarence River with a morning paddle before enjoying a dip at Ten Mile Beach during the afternoon. River and beach are both just a short walk from Black Rocks campground. All the necessities are here, from toilets to barbecues (but bring your own firewood), to make your trip exactly what it should be – easy and relaxing.
Image Source: NSW National Parks
17. Barrington Tops National Park, NSW
Barrington Tops is about four hours north of Sydney. You can camp at Devils Hole, on the family-friendly Gloucester River. There are easy strolls for tikes, tougher walks for fit bods and swimming, fishing and picnicking for everyone. What makes it so special: All credit goes to the World Heritage-listed rainforests. With majestic trees and crystal waters, the park’s Eastern water dragons and ground orchids just add to the magic.
Image Source: NSW National Parks
Something Different
18. Paperbark Camp, Wollamia
Camping with the kids doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights and mozzie infestations. Paperbark Camp’s cosy canvases, near Jervis Bay, may well have inspired the ‘glamping’ craze in New South Wales. Spend lazy days snorkelling off Huskisson and Hyams beaches, the latter boasting the whitest sand in the world. Explore Booderee National Park on hiking trails tailored to even the tiniest member of the family, and picnic at Currambene Creek. Paperbark’s Gunyah Restaurant serves up delicious breakfasts and dinners, with gourmet picnics on hand for lunch on the fly. The minimum age of children is six.
Image Source: Paperbarkcamp
19. Cockatoo Island, Sydney
This may be the only accommodation in the world that simultaneously offers campsite bonfires and harbour views. Located in Sydney Harbour, this makes for an easy outdoor experience without the work; simply catch the ferry to enjoy a campsite all ready for you to use, hot showers and all. There’s a communal camp kitchen with barbecues, fridges and microwaves, or if you’re feeling a family dining experience, Societe Overboard offers kid-friendly options like burritos and burgers. While you’re there, take the all-ages Haunted Histories tour, which is a thrilling and valuable lesson in Australian history.
Image Source: Aircamp
20. Zoofari Lodge Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
Fifteen impressive African-style lodges bring a whole new meaning to a room with a view, 10 offering prime vistas of the zoo’s African Savannah environment. Wake to the sight of giraffes and zebras grazing just beyond your door as you take in the sunrise on your private deck, or relax in your own double bath. Each lodge includes a private ensuite, mini-bar and fridge, with all linen and towels provided. Nearby, a guest house offers dining, a bar and lounge, plus a saltwater swimming pool.
Image Source: mynrma
We'd love to know your favourite holiday spots so connect with us on Facebook or Instagram and tag #springfreesummer with your favourite summer holiday spot.
If you're looking for camping spots in other states, you might like to check out our other blogs:
Happy Camping!
