Best Places to Camp on the Macleay Valley Coast
Whether you’re travelling through or looking for the perfect spot to pitch a tent, throw out a line or relax by the ocean, the Macleay Valley Coast has something for you. Take a slow meander along the untouched coastline or head into the wilds to discover the secret bush trails and swimming holes that locals love. Here are some of Coastbeat’s favourite campgrounds and holiday parks in this beautiful, yet undiscovered region.
If you love waking up to the sound of gentle waves, then it doesn’t get much better than Trial Bay Campground. Consistently at the top of ‘best campground’ lists, Trial Bay lies one of the few north facing beaches on the coast and enjoys almost perennially calm conditions. Hop up with the sunrise and you’re likely to bump into a kangaroo or two – keep a respectful distance and they may just show you their shy joeys.
Blackbird Flat camping area is a popular free campground situated right beside the beautiful Macleay River. Adventurous four-wheel drivers will be rewarded with a riverside site complete with great fishing spots, swimming holes, mountain bike and walking trails and plenty of grass for the kids to run around on. There are basic facilities, so self-sufficiency is advisable and drinking water a must. The campground is pet friendly and perfect for an overnighter or relaxed stay for a couple of weeks.
Immerse yourself in the bush at Hungry Gate, a fantastic campground located beside the locally-loved surf break of Hungry Head. Nature lovers will enjoy regular wildlife sightings – including birds, goannas and kangaroos – and waking up to the sound of roaring waves and bird calls. Facilities are limited and the campground is only suitable for tents and trailers.
There’s a reason so many people keep coming back to Crescent Head Holiday Park year after year. Centrally located along both crystal-clear Killick Creek and the ocean foreshore, the park is also situated right in the heart of Crescent Head, close to some great cafes. The village of Crescent Head is famous amongst surfers for its right-hand break, and the untouched national parks that surround it. The beach and headland are perfect for recreational fishing, ocean based activities and golf and the new children’s playground will keep the littlies occupied for hours.
Hat Head Holiday Park is nestled between the ocean, a picturesque creek and undisturbed bushland. With accessible waterways and forest, this popular holiday park is an excellent option for young families who love the great outdoors. Hat Head is a short drive off the Kempsey bypass and is well worth the leisurely stop for a few days, especially if beachside recreation is your thing.
Cushioned within a unique pocket of coastal rainforest, Grassy Head one of the region’s best-kept secrets. With great facilities and a handful of nice powered sites, Grassy Head Holiday Park has all the perks of bush and beach camping without the crowds.
Sitting atop a hill looking over stunning Horseshoe Bay, you’ll soon discover why this holiday park is always busy. The park is right on the beach (one of the best in the region) and has a range of sites – from beachfront to riverside. It’s also right in the heart of South West Rocks, so you can enjoy a coffee in the morning and a sunset drink across the road at the Seabreeze Beach Hotel.
Drive down the backroads behind Crescent Head and you’ll find a true gem of a campground across the road from Delicate Nobby Beach. Waves Campground has a great range of reasonably priced sites for caravans and tents, with the added benefit of hot showers. There is also a fantastic on-site café called Fronds which do a great coffee, healthy breakfast, and even homemade marshmallows for you to toast on the fire! It’s also worth the two-minute drive to Bush Kitchen Café near Big Hill Beach – their pizzas made from produce grown in the kitchen garden do not disappoint!
