What sounds higher than tenting below the celebrities, away from the town at campsites solely accessible by 4WD? Not very a lot. If you wish to discover such heavenly locations, listed below are the most effective 4WD tenting spots in NSW.
We Are Explorers acknowledges the Conventional Custodians of the International locations on which these adventures happen who’ve occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for hundreds of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
My most unpopular opinion is half the rationale I take pleasure in tenting – it’s the solitude and serenity being out in nature alone brings. I do know many individuals love the camaraderie of the tenting neighborhood, however I’m simply not a kind of individuals. I’ve made my peace with it. All I would like is my swag, some beer, and my Jeep, and I’m one literal pleased camper.
There are a lot of issues I really like about my Jeep, however maybe what I really like most about it’s the campsites it may well take me to that my pink Suzuki Alto by no means may have. It means I can camp in an area that’ll be much less crowded, and if there’s a crowd, it’ll be with my sort of individuals – individuals who benefit from the off-road life. It’s a win-win all spherical.Â
NSW has an insane variety of beautiful campsites, with a few of the greatest campsites being accessible by 4WD solely. In excellent news for you, we’ve rounded up the most effective 4WD tenting spots. And please, when you’re going to go to these locations, be sure to camp and drive responsibly, capiche?
Depart no hint:Â 10 Recommendations on How To Tread Softly in Our Wild Locations
Greatest 4WD Accessible Campsites Northern NSW
1. Pebbly Seaside Campground
The place: Yuraygir Nationwide Park
Distance from Sydney: 594km north (6 hours and 45 minutes)
Services: Bogs
Value: Park entry charge: $8, Tenting charge: $24 per night time
Head north for simply over six and a half hours and also you’ll attain Pebbly Seaside Campground located simply between Coffs Harbour and Yamba. Pebbly Seaside is 4WD-access-only as you must drive alongside the seaside after which throughout a saltwater tidal crossing (be sure to verify tides earlier than you go).Â
The campground is a gorgeous grassy spot solely a brief stroll from shore and is sheltered by massive sand dunes to the west. There are loads of spots for fishing, swimming or simply admiring the views. There are bogs, however be sure to BYO water. Entry features a mixture of unsealed roads, dune monitor, seaside, and saltwater creek crossings – all of the enjoyable issues!
Learn extra: 9 Issues to Assume About Earlier than Your First 4WD Journey
2. Nymboida River Campground
The place: Nymboida Nationwide Park
Distance from Sydney: 666km north (7 hours and 45 minutes)
Services: Picnic tables, barbecue services, bogs
Value: Free
If you happen to’re up for a little bit of an extended drive from Sydney, you possibly can’t go previous Nymboida River Campground round eight hours up north. If you happen to love campsites which can be distant, rugged, and untouched by the plenty (or 2WDs), this is without doubt one of the greatest 4WD entry solely campsites.Â
If water sports activities are your factor, Nymboida River will probably be your haven with the choice to fish, swim, canoe and even whitewater raft. Or, if land is extra your fashion, there’s loads of bush strolling too. The campground itself is comparatively small and quiet and when you head in on the proper time, you would possibly simply discover you’ve all of it to your self.
Learn extra: 8 Locations in Australia You Want a 4WD to Get To (That You Positively Don’t Need to Miss)
3. Mungo Brush Campsite
The place: Myall Lakes Nationwide Park
Distance from Sydney: 258km north (2 hours and 45 minutes)
Services: Picnic tables, barbecue services, boat ramp, bogs
Value: Park entry charge: $8, Tenting charge (peak): $24 per night time, off-peak: $17 per night time.
Mungo Brush Campground is a gorgeous 4WD tenting spot in Myall Lakes Nationwide Park, near Hawks Nest on the North Coast. Myall Lakes NP has one in every of NSW’s largest coastal lake methods and greater than 40km of seaside.
Whereas technically 2WDs can entry the Mungo Brush campsite itself, not too removed from Mungo Brush campground is an epic seaside drive, which your 4WD can entry through the Lemon Tree 4WD monitor. So far as 4WD accessible seashores go, Mungo Seaside is a bit quieter than different standard spots like Stockton or Blacksmiths. There’s a lake for some water enjoyable, and several other walks close by too.
Learn Extra: Mungo Strolling Monitor
4. Samurai Seaside Campground
The place: Tomaree Nationwide Park, Port Stephens
Distance from Sydney: 218km north (2 hours and 45 minutes)
Services: None
Value: There are not any tenting charges at this campground however a $6 reserving charge applies.
If you happen to fancy a little bit of a nudey-rudy 4WD escape, Samurai Seaside Campground is the place it’s at. A really zen oceanside campsite, discover a spot amongst the dunes, settle in and get your package off (in order for you). Samurai Bach is a delegated nude bathing space, so don’t be shocked if come across somebody within the unfold eagle place (hey, it’s occurred to me).
Clothes is required in different areas, together with the dunes and bushland, so simply pay attention to the place you roam bare. Samurai Seaside can also be an important spot for a surf, or a swim within the waves. You’ll be able to’t camp immediately on the seaside, solely within the designated tenting spots. Entry to the 4WD solely accessible campground is through Gan Gan Highway. And please, don’t drive on the dunes – they’re fragile!
Learn extra: How To Get Nude For Mom Nature (Trace: She’s Seen it Earlier than)
5. Belmont Wetlands State Park
The place: Belmont
Distance from Sydney: 149km north (2 hours and quarter-hour)
Services: None
Value: Beach allow entry $33 for 7 days from date of buy. Month-to-month and annual permits out there too.
Please be aware! The parks administration plan is at present below overview and no tenting is allowed. Verify the web site for additional particulars.
There aren’t many locations you possibly can seaside camp in NSW, however Belmont Wetlands State Park is one in every of them, and it’s solely accessible by 4WD.Â
Situated on Awakabal Nation, Belmont Wetlands State Park is a large space of pure bushland, boasting wetlands, rolling hills and epic sand dunes. It’s proper close to Lake Macquarie and is a very beautiful 4WD entry solely campsite.Â
The excellent news is you possibly can camp virtually anyplace on the seaside that you really want, however not close to the wetlands or on high of the dunes. And in even higher information, seaside campfires are allowed. There are just a few allow choices, starting from weekly, to month-to-month to yearly, so take your choose! As a result of there are not any services, be sure to pack out what you soak up.
Greatest 4WD Accessible Campsites Central West NSW
6. Woolshed Flat Campground
The place: Turon Nationwide Park
Distance from Sydney: 191km north west (3 hours and quarter-hour)
Services: Picnic tables, barbecue services
Value: Free. There are not any tenting charges at this campground however a $6 reserving charge applies.
If you happen to head north west from Sydney for just below 200km you’ll stumble throughout Woolshed Flat Campground. Entry to this distant and tranquil campsite entails a cruisey river crossing, so it’s solely appropriate for 4WDs or self-sufficient campers.
From the campground there are many bushwalking tracks, in addition to a various panorama and native animals so you possibly can simply sit again with a beer in hand and luxuriate in.
7. Murphys Glen Campground
The place: Blue Mountains
Distance from Sydney: 88km west (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Services: Bogs
Value: Free. There are not any tenting charges at this campground however a $6 reserving charge applies.
I really like a sneaky tenting journey with the Jeep to Murphys Glen Campground within the Blue Mountains. It’s the best distance from Sydney for a brief in a single day journey and it’s a campsite not frequented by the plenty as a result of as you understand, it’s 4WD accessible solely.Â
Learn extra: A Love Letter to My 4WD
Take the Woodford Station to Murphy’s Glen 4WD path and also you’ll end up in your personal slice of paradise. It’s a free campground (double win) and it’s among the finest distant tenting spots I’ve been to in NSW – you’ll not often get a cellphone sign.
Learn extra: 11 Greatest Tenting Stoves in Australia in 2023
Greatest 4WD Accessible Campsites Southern NSW
8. Bendethera Valley Campground
The place: Deua Nationwide Park
Distance from Sydney: 358km south (6 hours)
Services: Picnic tables, barbecue services, bogs
Value: Free. There are not any tenting charges at this campground, however a $6 reserving charge applies.
If you happen to desire to go south, you possibly can’t go previous among the finest 4WD entry solely campsites on the south, which is the Bendethera Valley Campground in Deua Nationwide Park. It’s a little bit of a problem to get there, however that’s half the enjoyable of a 4WD, proper?Â
Water crossings can get as excessive as your bullbar in regular climate, and inventory 4WDs would possibly discover the steep hill climbs a little bit of a problem (so it’s at all times safer to go together with one other 4WD). It’s additionally greatest to keep away from accessing this tenting spot in unhealthy climate (simply use your widespread sense).
Alongside the river you’ll discover loads of spots for a cheeky dip whereas kangaroos and wombats graze round you.
Greatest Campsites Central Coast NSW
9. Fairly Seaside Campground
The place: Bouddi Nationwide Park
Distance from Sydney: 95km (1.5 hours)
Services: Bogs, chilly showers, BBQs, picnic tables, and a kiosk
Value: Roughly $30 per night time
Fairly Seaside Campground is only a quick stroll from the close by Fairly Seaside. It’s conveniently situated near the Bouddi Coastal Stroll and quite a lot of strolling tracks so when you’re into climbing it’s very handy. Spend your days swimming, fishing, whale recognizing (when you’re there throughout whale migration season!), or exploring coastal walks close by.
It’s a great spot for households because of the calm water on the seaside, and loads of alternatives to identify wildlife. This seaside campground is definitely accessible through stable bitumen street so that you don’t want a 4WD to entry it. Because of this it tends to be rather a lot busier than the opposite campsites in nationwide parks on this checklist. Ensure that to e-book forward to safe your web site.
Ideas for 4WDing
The 4WD life is an entire lot of enjoyable, however there are some sacred fourby guidelines you must observe when heading to 4WD accessible solely campsites;
- Sounds apparent, however when you personal an AWD, don’t try and entry 4WD campsites. It’s solely going to finish badly for you. Learn up concerning the variations.Â
- Some entry tracks would require you to deflate your tyres so that you don’t get bogged. Getting bogged occurs to the most effective of us, however ensuring you understand how to alter the tyre stress is tremendous essential (having your personal deflator and inflator is useful). That is particularly essential for sand driving.Â
- It’s additionally a good suggestion to have a pair (or 4) Maxtrax, and a winch.
- Talking of a winch, it’s most secure to go out with different 4WDs. If you happen to get bogged, you’ll be grateful they’re there to winch you out.Â
- If a monitor says it’s restricted or closed, don’t suppose you’re particular and might drive down it anyway. Most nationwide parks replace their web sites with street closures, so verify earlier than you go.Â
- And at last, if it’s been raining closely or the weatherperson says the rains are coming, it’s smart to provide it a miss. Moist tracks plus 4WDs don’t combine properly.
Learn extra: 5 Straightforward 4WD Tracks Close to Sydney For Rookies
FAQs 4WD Seaside Tenting NSW
Is wild tenting authorized in NSW?
It’s authorized to camp solely in designated tenting areas.
What seashores are you able to drive on in NSW?
Mungo, Stockton and Samurai seashores are only a few in NSWÂ you possibly can drive on. If you’d like a full checklist, see our article on the greatest seashores close to sydney which you could drive on!
Are nationwide park campsites free?
Nope, nationwide park campsites sometimes aren’t free. Most require a park entry charge (suppose $8 or so) plus a per-night tenting charge, which may fluctuate. As an illustration, Pebbly Seaside will set you again about $24 per night time.
What’s the penalty for tenting illegally in NSW?
The effective for tenting illegally in NSW might be something as much as $5,500.
The place can I’m going 4WD seaside tenting in NSW?
There are many glorious and secluded beachside campsites in NSW. In some instances you possibly can set your tent up proper on the sand. Simply be aware to keep away from wetlands and sand dunes.
Pebbly Seaside campground in Yuraygir Nationwide Park on the north coast is a well-liked alternative — be ready for some seaside driving and a saltwater tidal crossing to achieve it.
Are there any good 4WD accessible-only seaside campgrounds on the north coast?
Yep! There are some nice seaside campsites on the north coast. Station Creek Campground in Macleay Nationwide Park affords secluded beachside campsites and pristine seashores to take pleasure in. Crimson Rock Campground in Coffs Coast State Park is one other goodie. It provides you the most effective of bush tenting mixed with fishing and swimming alternatives.
So now you’re armed with a bunch of drive in campsites what are you ready for? Get on the market and benefit from the serenity!