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Platypus Pools

100%

· Monkerai, New South Wales

300 acres hosted by Chris O.

5 Vehicle/Tent sites

Private sites

99% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Premium and exclusive natural camping at its best. Our property is located on the beautiful Karuah River in the picturesque Monkerai valley. The river is a fresh mountain river running from the foothills of Barrington Tops. We were very pleased to have been recognised by Hipcamp as being one of the top 20 Hipcamp locations in NSW for 2022. Most of the year the river is lovely and clear and ideal for swimming canoeing floating on airbeds fishing photography or just enjoying. There is also some really nice bike riding and walking opportunities around the valley although you will be on gravel roads and we are only 25 min drive from the popular Dungog mountain bike park. You are likely to see a variety of birdlife other wildlife including black and white cockatoos ducks some lizards, occasionally wallabies, echidnas and if you are lucky a Platypus or two. We are fortunate to see platypus in the river frequently which is a sign of just how pristine the water running down from the mountains really is. You will have your campsite completely to yourself with no other camper near you . Privacy, tranquillity, relaxation and just enjoying nature is waiting for you. Be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. With some recent late summer rains the river is running at normal levels and is great for a swim, fish or canoe. We continue to monitor the weather as it is possible that fire restrictions could come in to effect that would impact on having a campfire. Please be mindful of this. Swimming, canoeing and running the rapids on surf mats is always popular at our property and as long as the river is it normal levels a lot of fun. However, we always highly recommend people wear some form of footwear in the river such as rafting sandals or old joggers or similar as the rocks are very hard on your feat and there’s a particular nasty little fish called a “Bullrout” that whilst rare can infect a nasty sting if you tread on one. No need to be overly concerned but be mindful. Our property is ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, it’s up to you. There are no toilets so only suitable if you have your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All toilet waste, leaving our property is very important and an absolutely essential requirement for all visitors. Gloucester Dungog and historic Stroud village are nearby as well as Barrington Tops World Heritage wilderness area and national park. This is an operating farm and therefore farming activities such as cattle droving, fencing, grass cutting or hay making may occasionally be occurring somewhere near your site but we would always let you know. We are sure you will enjoy it far more than a crowded traditional caravan park or campground. We do have some limited bags of firewood for sale at $20 a bag. These are heavy bags of very dry local Hardwood. You can also collect firewood along the river banks yourself or bring your own firewood for a campfire (subject to any fire restrictions) if that is easier and more convenient for you. When you make a reservation at the property we will always endeavour to put you in your preferred location as best we can. However if we are impacted by adverse weather or need to run cattle on certain parts of the farm then we may need to make a change to the actual site you are in and trust you understand. We look forward to you visiting our farm.

Activities

Biking

Fishing

Hiking

Horseback riding

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

Mountainous

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100%

431 Ratings · 206 reviews

Tamsin M.recommends

April 15, 2024

The Rapids

Lovely quiet and pristine spot, plenty of space and easy to find. Chris was friendly and helpful. Lots of places to walk and swim in the river.

Emma W.recommends

April 2, 2024

Platypus rock

We had the best time here, and would 100% come back again! Chris was super inviting and an awesome host. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

Iain G.recommends

March 31, 2024

Cedar Glade

Beautiful, peaceful and lush. A few days here will recharge the batteries.

Michele E.recommends

March 31, 2024

Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)

10/10 perfect in so many ways.

Perfect for stargazing, perfect for stretching out as there is so much space, perfect for nature watching as there is plenty around. Perfect for 4 legged campers due to the location and generous host that allows pets. Perfect location to unwind. Super helpful and friendly host.

Richard W.recommends

March 18, 2024

The Rapids

Platypus Rock

Really great place to camp. Very peaceful. River great for a swim. Great to see so many platypus about. A good sign of a healthy river! Chris is a terrific host. All of the sites are level and well kept so setup is a breeze and very easy with a swag or tent. Have stayed with a caravan too - easy access. The border collie enjoyed her freedom to roam and herd her ball and sticks! Will definitely be back.

Carolynne H.recommends

March 8, 2024

Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)

Hipcamp Heaven

Love this property. The drive up from Sydney is easy and very scenic, m Makes me want to move here lol. As usual the campsite is wonderful. Right on the riverbank, which is surprisingly entertaining. Plenty of birdlife and the platypus love to make an appearance whilst sipping on your sundowners. Privacy guaranteed, so a skinny dip is on the cards if you're feeling cheeky. I'll be back, I'm sure (visit no 4).

Location

Monkerai, New South Wales, AustraliaTraditional, ancestral territory of Guringai and Worimi First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Chris O.Joined in September 2020

Response rate: 80%Response time: Within 5 hours

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.