Our top choices for campers who love the feelings provided by wilderness and remoteness.
Once upon a time, in a campground far, far away…
For those campers who love the feelings provided by wilderness and remoteness, this story has a happy ending.
The Barrington Coast is huge, almost three times the size of metropolitan Sydney, so we have plenty of cosy corners, hidden havens and almost-secret spots to pitch your tent.
Wilderness here is actually not so far, far away.
From the mountains to the sea, you’ll find many grassy campsites near a river, lake or beach. The suggestions below are a little bit removed from busier campgrounds but it’s probably those you’re trying to avoid, right?
Some offer easy access while others are trickier to get to. But hey, we all know that the journey is always part of a good story.
Hot tips:
- Some provide bonus extras (hot showers, flushing toilets, ice) that will help soften the seclusion;
- Make sure you bring all your provisions, drinking water and firewood with you;
- Always check to see if they’re dog-friendly before bringing your furry friend.
And always respect the delicate environment that these campgrounds sit in. Afterall you want it to be still looking good the next time you visit.
Now that’s a happy ending.
Mungo Brush Campground, Myall Lakes
Only 20 minutes from Hawks Nest, you’ve probably heard of Mungo Brush. It’s a popular spot in the Myall Lakes National Park wilderness with everything you need for a remote camping experience. This place offers all the signature experiences of the Barrington Coast: lakeside camping; walks to Mungo Rainforest, Tamboi and Mungo Beach; paddling by kayak or canoe on the Myall River to Hawks Nest; beach swimming, fishing and sailboarding. If you’re not enjoying the wilderness feelings here, then you probably need an extra week to truly unwind.
Violet Hill Campground, Myall Lakes
Only 25 minutes from Bulahdelah is Myall Lakes National Park with an instant coastal wilderness feel. Especially great for lake lovers, Violet Hill Campground has a boat ramp, wharf and temporary boat moorings. Take your tinnie, kayak, canoe or SUP for an awesome day on Boolambayte Lake or Myall Lake.
Treachery Camp, Seal Rocks
Who said you had to ‘rough it’ in wilderness? Not at Treachery Camp. The stunning beachside location of this campground is considered remote but the facilities are first class, so you’ll never feel lost in the wilderness. At the end of a scenic drive about 45 minutes from Bulahdelah, you’ll find plenty of space for your tent or camper trailer plus there are onsite options for huts, cabins and lodges. There’s a large modern amenities block with hot showers, flushing toilets, baby change table plus camp laundry and camp kitchen. You’ll love the wilderness feel of Treachery Beach and Lighthouse Beach.
Manning River Campground, Barrington Tops
There are many wilderness campgrounds in Barrington Tops, it’s hard to pick just one. But the Manning River Campground in the State Forest section of the Barrington Tops parklands ticks a lot of boxes: it’s free and dogs are welcome; picnicking and riverside camping (the Manning River here is mostly a mountain stream); and it’s very remote, don’t get lost.
If you're heading to Barrington Tops the best approach is via Gloucester on the eastern side, stop for fuel, provisions, a coffee or a meal on your way through.
Bretti Reserve, Bretti
Nestled between four national parks, this campground offers 10 hectares of natural beauty on the Barnard River near its junction with the Manning River. This free campsite is also dog-friendly so it’s popular and just 30 minutes north of Gloucester along Thunderbolts Way.
The Steps Barrington Campground, Bindera
Although the scenic 25 minute drive from Gloucester gives this riverside campground a remote feel, the facilities include hot showers, flushing toilets and a family-friendly onsite mountain bike park.
The Steps Rapids are the most picturesque rapids in the whole region and the large grassy campzones are perfect for groups.
Sorry, no pets, just enjoy the resident wallabies instead.
Adventurous campers with mountain bikes can also opt for a day on the purpose-built downhill trails of Barrington Bike Park (additional entry fee applies) located further up the mountainside.
Cundle Flat Farm, Cundle Flat
Riverside camping in the country with all the trimmings, this campground attracts campers looking for large grassy unpowered campsites with easy river accesses. Facilities include hot showers, flushing toilets, it’s dog-friendly plus you can buy firewood, ice and soft drinks. About 45 minutes from Wingham or 60 minutes from Gloucester, it's a great spot for families to enjoy special times together. The Manning River here offers all the river fun you’re looking for, so bring your water toys!
Knorrit Flat Riverside Retreat, Caffreys Flat
A peaceful riverside location on the banks of the Nowendoc River, about 35 minutes from Wingham. Surrounded by picturesque countryside with a 400m river frontage, this campground with large grassy sites offers fun on the river for all ages. There's a shelter shed with tables and seating for the use of all campers plus you can buy ice and ice creams. This campground has been a firm family favourite for over 40 years.
Dingo Tops Campground, Tapin Tops
The surrounding national park draws visitors here, especially for the nearby beautiful Potoroo Falls, one of our top ten waterfalls of the Barrington Coast. About 55 minutes from Wingham, you can unwind amongst the tall trees with all the usual facilities provided by NPWS picnic areas. Although much of the park is still recovering from the 2019 bushfires, make sure you visit Rowleys Rock Lookout, the view is worth the steep climb on foot.
Farquhar Park Campground, Manning Point
Looking for out of the way plus hard to get to? This one requires a bit of determination as 4WD access to this campground is currently closed. The park is still accessible by boat at high tide or foot traffic along the beach, so be prepared to backpack in all your gear.
See here the FAQs for Farquhar Park Camping Ground.
There are no facilities at all (except the dreaded pit toilet), no campfires and no pets allowed due to the proximity of nesting migratory birds. But once you’re here and fully self-sufficient, the solitude can be wonderful.
Broughton Island, Myall Lakes
The ultimate out of the way campground, sitting in an active bird colony within Myall Lakes National Park that’s only accessible by boat. There are just 5 campsites and you’ll need to check ferry services before booking the campsite with NPWS. If you have your own boat, keep in mind the moorings there are privately held, there are no public moorings. Keep this one on your Bucket List, it’s a rare beauty: wild, remote, natural and experienced by just a lucky few.
