If you’re keen to getaway to some of New South Wales’ best coastal camping spots over the Christmas and New Year break, it’s best to ensure that you have all the essentials packed and ready to go before you leave.
For starters, it’s a good idea to have your car serviced before you head off, plus pack a tent and sleeping bag, a GPS or map for navigation and plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.
However, if your car is not ‘built’ for off-road or rough travel, it may be worth considering hiring a campervan. Hire companies such as Mighty Campers, have campervans with all the creature comforts from as little as $156 for three nights. Campervans are perfect for small groups travelling together, and since it’s always a good idea to have some company when you’re planning on camping or surfing in isolated spots, it’s the ideal way to travel with a group of mates.
Once you’re all packed, head to one of the following four NSW camping spots for a great summer vacation.
Murramarang National Park
Situated on the South Coast of New South Wales, Murramarang National Park spans 44km of breathtaking coastline and is perfect for visitors who love to swim, surf, hike or fish. Murramarang is popular year-round and features four different campsites for travellers to choose from, all of which are nice and close to the ocean and also provide a range of facilities. Sites at the Park cost $5AUD per night for children and $10AUD per night for adults, plus you’ll also need to purchase a daily vehicle entry pass for $7AUD.
Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay
If you’re travelling with a loved one and want to spend a night or two enjoying some more upmarket “glamping” facilities, head to this luxury accommodation spot on the South Coast. Paperbark Camp is located in Jervis Bay and is popular with couples who want to enjoy some romantic time together while still feeling like they’re in the midst of nature. The Camp provides safari-style, five star tents that are built above the ground and come with wraparound verandas, hardwood flooring, quality linen, fluffy robes and private en-suites. Accommodation at Paperbark starts from $370 per night, twin share.
Byron Bay
Being one of the most popular holiday spots in New South Wales, it’s no surprise that Byron Bay provides visitors with a variety of camping ground options that are ideal all year-round. The town is home to a multitude of caravan parks where tourists can find facilities such as swimming pools, wireless internet, bike hike, kiosks, tennis courts, tour bookings, guest laundries, barbecues and picnic tables. Prices vary according to your choice of site and location, but there are options to suit every budget and taste.
Note that over New Years Eve, camping becomes nearly impossible as the town hosts the annual and extremely popular Falls Music Festival.
Myall Lakes National Park
Due to its hosting one of the largest coastal lake systems in the state, the Myall Lakes area is popular with both beach and nature lovers year-round. One of the most visited camp grounds is Mungo Brush, where sites cost just $5AUD for children and $10AUD per night for adults. Facilities on site include flush toilets, barbeques, picnic tables and wheelchair access. Sites at the camp ground cannot be booked so make sure you arrive early at this popular destination to secure yourself a spot.
