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If you feel like taking your tent and getting away from it all for a weekend (or longer!), then the amazing NSW coastline awaits. Just remember that as well as slip, slop, slap there are some rules around pitching a tent on NSW beaches.
Lots of Australia’s best beach campsites is within the 870 national parks where permits are required. Rules also apply to council beaches so check for any restrictions before you arrive. If you’re travelling in a campervan or with a camper trailer know that it’s illegal to park overnight at any of Sydney’s beaches and fines do apply.
But, if you’re ready to explore the pretty NSW beaches and are willing to pay a small price for the pleasure, simply fill up your tank and take your pick from the best beach camping in NSW.
Top 5 beachside camping spots in NSW
1. Best Remote Beach Camping in NSW
Right between Coffs Harbour and Yamba you can get back to nature and pitch your tent at Pebbly Beach in Yuraygir National Park. Not to be confused with Pebbly Beach in Murramurang National Park, (although that’s equally as picturesque), this northern NSW campground is a beachside gem.
The sites are spacious and lined with she-oaks which provide some much-appreciated shade on hot, sunny afternoons. Thankfully, you can park right next to your tent. Note: this site is remote and you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD to drive along the beach and get across a saltwater creek into the campground.
Price: $12 per adult per night. $6 per child per night. No charge for children under 5.
60 spots. No bookings.
2. Best free beach camping in NSW
There aren’t many totally free beach camping spots in NSW but approximately 15km south of Ulladulla you’ll find Meroo Head. Pack lightly because you’ll have to bring your food and water from the car to the campground.
Once you’ve pitched, it’s just a short 150m walk to the sandy shoreline – a great spot for snorkelling, surfing and whale watching (from May to November). This is rustic camping at its best with no showers and no power sites. Just you, your tent and the sound of the waves.
Price: free
25 spots. No bookings.
3. Best Beach Cabins In NSW
If you prefer glamping to camping then Kiama Harbour Cabins offers luxurious cabins perched right on Blowhole Point. These one, two and three-bedroom cabins have sea views, fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, wifi and a spa bath.
An easy walk brings you to Kiama’s cafes, where you can journey onto the lighthouse or take a short drive to Jamberoo Action park and enjoy some aqua fun. Or just chill in your cabin and enjoy the view.
Price: 1-bedroom cabins from $150 per night, 2-bedrooms from $160 per night, 3-bedrooms from $210 per night. Bookings required.
4. Best Beach Camping Northern NSW
Suffolk Park
An easy 5-minute drive into Byron Bay and just across the road from Byron’s famous farm-to-table family eatery, The Farm, Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park is the perfect place if you want to camp near Byron without all the fuss.
Don’t have your own tent? Not a problem, this beachfront campground has it all: safari tents and cabins, plus space for trailers and caravans. The surf beach is a just shell’s throw away and the park is pet friendly during the off season – which is also a great time to escape winter in the cooler regions and when Byron is at its best.
Price: Tent site from $39 per night, Safari tents from $84 per night (sleeps 4), cabins from $134 per night (sleeps 2). Bookings required.
5. best beach camping near Sydney
For a peaceful escape from city life, and less than 3 hours drive south of Sydney, Green Patch in Booderee National Park tops the list. With 55 discrete campsites located right next to the ocean, this is an escape you’ll remember. Hot showers make it one of the more luxurious bush camping experiences, especially welcome on windy days, when the sand can get whipped into a frenzy.
However, there are no powered sites at Green Patch, so leave the hairdryer at home. Weekend sites generally get booked up to a month in advance so some future planning is advised in warmer months, but with pristine white sandy beaches and Jervis Bay a short 10-minute drive away Green Patch is one of the best beach camping spots near Sydney you’ll ever find.
Price: Standard campsite $13 pp/pn (off peak), $25 pp/pn (peak). Add $13 per car (48-hour limit) for entry into the National Park.
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