Camping on the Nymboida River
I’m often asked for recommendations on great camping spots close to home and with the array of National Parks, state forests, private stations and You Camp listings on the coast and in our hinterland, it’s a tough choice.Below, my favourite riverside spot is highlighted. See these articles for my two favourite beach camping spots and top hinterland locations.
Coffs Harbour
Nymboida – About 1.5 hours west of Coffs Harbour
The Coffs Coast is such a great place but when I need to unwind and switch off, it’s off to the hills I go, headed for the Nymboida region. Directly west of Coffs and only an hour or so inland is where the mighty Nymboida River cuts through gorges. It twists and winds its way north to join the Clarence River.
And while there are several fantastic camping options along the river, my favourite has to be Platypus Flats. Here, we often just spend the day watching and listening to the water trundling by, crashing over the rocks into huge pools of water. Swimming and rafting in the warmer months is the perfect way to escape the heat.
Platypus Flats campground. Image by Kevin Smith
Morning walkers will often see the odd platypus popping its head up checking things out and possibly looking for a feed. Along the road to Platypus Flats there are many options to stop to observe old growth forests, heritage locations and waterfalls.
But what I like best about this spot is that you’re so close to town, yet it feels a million miles away. And another plus? There’s no phone service.
Kevin Smith is a mad keen fisherman, camper, mountain-biker, explorer and all-round adventurer. He has been based on the coast for the better part of 30 years and runs Woolgoolga Off Road as a sideline hobby. He loves getting out and about, be it by vehicle, kayak or SUP. Kev can be reached via Facebook and Instagram