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The attractive coastal city of Gosford, about 30 minutes’ drive from Bateau Bay, is a handy base for exploring the beaches and parks of the Central Coast. Kayaking and boating are particularly popular, with the Hawkesbury River, Brisbane Water, and the open ocean all nearby. It’s quite a big city so there are plenty of camping options on its outskirts, from well-equipped holiday parks to quieter, more basic tent sites further from the city.
Southeast of Bateau Bay, this large national park contains waterfalls, ancient First Nations rock art sites, and fantastic opportunities for walking, cycling, and fishing. While you can’t camp in the park itself, there are day facilities such as toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities. Campers might like to visit on a day trip from a serene Hipcamp site to enjoy a hike or other activity.
The climate of Bateau Bay and the whole Central Coast is hot in summer, mild in winter, and warm and generally pleasant in spring and autumn. As some of the main attractions of Bateau Bay are swimming, boating, and water sports, many campers prefer to come in summer when the weather is warmest. For national park hiking, the somewhat cooler spring or autumn may be preferable.