The best campgrounds near Iluka, New South Wales with horseback riding

Iluka means “near the sea” in the Yaegl language, and this village certainly is—right at the mouth of the Clarence River, the largest of NSW’s east coast rivers. But it’s what’s on land that makes Iluka so special. Iluka Bluff is the best whale watching spot, while the Iluka Nature Reserve, part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia, is the largest remaining littoral rainforest in New South Wales. It’s easily explored on foot, as the trail starts where the ferry from Yamba docks on the other side of the Clarence River. When it comes to camping getaways, caravan parks dot the area and the neighbouring Bundjalung National Park has several great beachfront camping areas.

95% (783)

Top-rated campgrounds

Iluka means “near the sea” in the Yaegl language, and this village certainly is—right at the mouth of the Clarence River, the largest of NSW’s east coast rivers. But it’s what’s on land that makes Iluka so special. Iluka Bluff is the best whale watching spot, while the Iluka Nature Reserve, part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia, is the largest remaining littoral rainforest in New South Wales. It’s easily explored on foot, as the trail starts where the ferry from Yamba docks on the other side of the Clarence River. When it comes to camping getaways, caravan parks dot the area and the neighbouring Bundjalung National Park has several great beachfront camping areas.

95% (783)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. River Views - Island Paradise

99%

(334)

14km from Iluka · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Ashby, NSW

You will see a well maintained property with lots of things for you to do canoeing bike riding walking around my sugar cane farm tasting the sugar cane juice from the stalk a quite place to rest and enjoy the view's

2. Dungarubba Fields

91%

(180)

45km from Iluka · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Dungarubba, NSW

Thankyou for considering Dungarubba Fields. We offer you a well located and secure camp-site to explore the North Coast or for that overnight stay while you are travelling to your destination and need a safe place to camp. Our four campsites are spacious and are freshly mown flat grassed sites. Each campsite has 1 or 2 stone circles for campfires, with free kindling and free firewood supplied to all campsites. Whether you are a single traveller, a couple, family or group booking we have the campsite for you. We are family friendly and dog friendly. Dungarubba Fields is a private, rural setting on six acres on Bundjalung country. Four of our camp sites are situated across a small bridge in the back paddock, and one camp site is situated just before the bridge for those self driving campervans with a wider wheel-base. The paddock was once cleared and in recent years we have planted and cared for over 100 new Koala and rainforest trees. After the Northern Rivers floods of 2022 we are now continuing the bush regeneration beside the Dungarubba wetland which borders our property. Our camp-sites offer shade, space, wildlife and birdlife. Campfires are allowed 12 months a year depending on fire ratings and local conditions except on days of Total Fire Ban and the preceding evening going into a Total Fire Ban. We supply the free firewood to each campsite as we understand how important the campfire is to the camping experience. Outside the fire season we can supply a readymade Bonfire at an additional cost to your booking. Hipcampers can access fresh drinking water (rainwater) from our rainwater tanks, with an accessible tap near our home. Hipcampers have access to a downstairs flushing toilet at the house. We offer a Portaloo for larger group bookings situated beside your camp site as an optional extra for an additional cost. The Portaloo needs to be booked when you make your booking. The house on the property was originally built in 1903 as the Catholic Church of the nearby locality Riley's Hill. In the 1940’s it was moved to the current site after low attendance by parishioners who didn’t want to have to row across the Richmond River and get their feet wet to attend Mass. The church sold the building in the 1980’s and it was raised off the ground with two new wings attached on either side to become a private residence. The sugar cane and soybeans, however more surrounding land is being planted to Macadamia nuts which will change the look of the landscape in future. During May to November of an evening, you can look out for the occasional cane fire which is a historic part of the harvesting of sugar. The Richmond River and boat ramp is a short 2 minutes drive for both fishing and water skiing. The Broadwater National Park with sand-dunes and a fishing beach is only a 10 minute drive away. The Pacific Highway is 7 minutes drive away. The beautiful coastal village of Evans Head with shops, a medical clinic and a patrolled beach is just a 15 minutes drive. The nearest townships are Broadwater (2 fuel stations and a pub under new management), Coraki (junction of 2 rivers), Woodburn (pub with a bistro and a laundrette) and Evans Head (a township with most services). We are a 45 minutes drive to Byron Bay and 25 minutes to the coastal city of Ballina up the Pacific Highway or 25 minutes drive inland to the city of Lismore. We welcome friendly dogs and there is plenty of space for them to run around and chase balls or other dogs. Our dog Stella is a 4 year old Blue Heeler, who greets people from the balcony barking as you drive in. Don’t let the barking fool you as she loves visitors and their dogs. We expect owners to be responsible for their dogs and in particularly when there are Koalas close by. We ask dogs not to roam at night as Koalas are nocturnal (and so are other critters) and night-time is when they choose their food tree for the next day and roam around. We are in Core Koala Habitat and love our koalas, we hope you do too. We look forward to hosting you and in creating a sensational camping experience for you. Lise and Pete Dungarubba Fields.

3. Riverdell Farm

93%

(130)

53km from Iluka · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · East Wardell, NSW

Escape to Riverdell Farm, a 43-acre working cane farm located just 5 minutes off the M1/Pacific Hwy in East Wardell, perfect for campers, surfers, families, backpackers, or anyone looking for a peaceful break on their journey between Sydney and the Gold Coast. Just 2 minutes from the stunning Dog Friendly Patches Beach, enjoy the freedom of beach visits without the crowds, or spend your days fishing, boating, and biking along the tranquil riverfront. The peaceful firelit campsites are the perfect spot to unwind, offering a rustic yet comfortable retreat with nature right at your doorstep. Only 15 minutes from Ballina CBD and 30 minutes to Byron Bay Shire, you'll be able to explore the best of the region, from vibrant local culture to beautiful beaches, while escaping the hustle and bustle of larger campsites. Pet-friendly for your furry companions, Riverdell Farm lets you enjoy nature together. (Just a reminder, there are no fences to contain pets, so supervision is required.) Whether you're on a road trip, planning a short break, or looking for a serene place to camp, Riverdell Farm offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!

4. Waterfalls & More

94%

(223)

78km from Iluka · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Sherwood, NSW

HIDING IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE! Pure. Unadulterated. WILD. 104 very private acres, securely sandwiched between a National Park Nature Reserve and State Forest. On a dead end road. No agriculture or farms upstream, only one other like-minded property owner. Secluded, but hiding smack bang in the middle of everywhere! From vertiginous sandstone cliffs on which epipetrics cling tight, right through to palm-filled rainforests, and with two quite different creek systems (including a monster waterfall), you'll be spoiled for things to do and places to explore - without even leaving the property! HISTORY This land is Gumbaynggirr land. Please be particularly mindful of our First Nation's long presence on this land. In the 1800's, white men came seeking Red Cedar, closely followed by settlers having a go at dairying; though logging has remained this area's mainstay. This special property, despite last being selectively logged about 50 years ago, hosts many huge old-growth trees remaining steadfast for your discovery and wonder. And many more are continuing to grow out too. About 35 years ago about nine of this property's eastern-most 104 acres became part of a far larger nashi pear orchard which filled much of the flats of this top end of the valley that you see today. Ultimately they failed to set good commercial fruit, and the rootstocks took over. You can see remnant rows of these trees just south of the property, from along the road. (Beware though - they have spikes that could puncture Caterpillar tracks!) MORE RECENTLY extensive lantana control efforts have been undertaken as we now move into revegetating with native species and implementing a permaculture plan. Today the property is registered with Land For Wildlife and hosts a very wide mix of native vegetation communities. ACTIVITIES Bird watch. Climb. Abseil. Photograph wildflowers. Paint. Swim. In the next valley there's even gold to be found. Explore trails by mountain bike. Whale watch. Surf. Learn SCUBA. Go beach-combing. Catch a mudcrab. Go whitewater river rafting. Ask your host about where to find all the local waterfalls, the best walking, how to find gold, the gnarliest off-road tracks, Anything is possible here in this magnificent part of the world, except perhaps snow and ice.

5. Booyong Farm

98%

(129)

75km from Iluka · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Clunes, NSW

Our Hinterland hideaway, Booyong farm is Nestled in the beautiful Clunes hills. With a combination of natural bush and 600 grand old macadamia trees, Booyong Farm can give you that private off grid experience while being only 5 minutes to Clunes Store and Cellars (which has great food, coffee, groceries, fruit / veg, alcohol and a postoffice), 15 minutes to Bangalow, 20 minutes to Lismore and 30 minutes to Byron Bay. Alongside our old horse Sunny, our Chooks, the Cows and our dogs Bowie and Naboo :) there is abundant wildlife on the property such as wallabies, echidnas, platypus, eagles and a wide variety of other birdlife. Choose from 3 sites in either the Main Farm Plateau (Site 1), Creekside (Site 2) or the Macadamia field Site 3). Note: for Creekside and Macadamia Field access you will need a 4WD. All sites offer privacy for guests and have a great view of the stunning sunsets we have each day at Booyong Farm. The spring fed freshwater creek is accessible year round for all sites and is nice to cool off in after a bush walk, either on the property or at one of the many breath-taking locations nearby. There is so much to do in this area... from fine dining and horse riding to lazy days on the beach. No matter what time of year it is there is always something fantastic to experience here in the Byron Shire.

6. Grafton Southgate on the Clarence

100%

(28)

39km from Iluka · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Southgate, NSW

The large and grassy campsites are located on the banks of the Clarence River where you can enjoy fishing, swimming, water skiing and jet skiing. Guests staying with us are required to be fully self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Campers can launch a boat from the property to enjoy all the river has to offer. You can drive the boat to the Ulmarra Hotel nearby, they have a jetty where you can park and enjoy a feed and a drink. You also can take the Ulmarra Ferry and Drive to the Ulmarra Hotel for dinner or lunch. You can access the property via road from Grafton or via Ferry from Lawrence and Maclean. We are located just 11kms from Grafton should you need any supplies. Please note, caravans are not permitted on the Ferry but camper trailers are okay. We farm Hay on the property and do have some friendly cattle around who may wander past to say hello. Campfires are permitted outside of fire restrictions. Sorry, no pets.

7. Island Acres

94%

(16)

22km from Iluka · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Woodford Island, NSW

Island Acres is a Plant Nursery and Macadamia Farm, situated on the far north coast of NSW. The camping area's have uninterrupted western views of multiple mountain ranges with amazing sunsets. The property is only a short 5min drive to Maclean township and other great coastal towns Yamba and Brooms Head. The 100 acre property adjoins a 3000ha Woodford Island National Park if you enjoy a nature walk or If you enjoy playing Golf. It's located on the drive in to Island Acres. Maclean Golf Club is 18 hole course and is regarded as the 'hidden gem' and is one of the best regional courses in the Northern Rivers on the same road. The island is very accessible - two bridges and a free ferry. Only 10 Klm from the Pacific Hwy

8. Tall Timbers Retreat

94%

(18)

43km from Iluka · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Pillar Valley, NSW

Just 25 minutes from town and 15 minutes to beautiful swimming and surfing beaches, our peaceful Retreat is perfect for getting back to basics. Go hiking in Yuragir National Park or fish for Bass in Coldstream River. Surrounded by nature, our primitive sites are ideal for campers with their own shower and toilet.

9. BUNGAWALBIN WILDLIFE RETREAT

50%

(4)

37km from Iluka · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Bungawalbin, NSW

The Bungawalbin Wildlife reserve is 100 acres of natural wetlands that backs onto the Bungawalbin Creek. I have owned the property for 35 years and have spent that time re-establishing the diversity on the property. over the years the property had been logged mercilessly and used for cattle production. It was also subject to the devastating bushfires of 2019. The Bungawalbin wetlands is home to a vast selection of wildlife and I have created a purpose built waterbird sanctuary to attract and provide habitat to the many species of waterbirds that frequent the property.I know you will enjoy your stay at the Bungawalbin Wildlife Reserve.

10. Reltuc Springs

99%

(88)

74km from Iluka · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Corindi, NSW

Horse accommodation and camping, located 35km north of Coffs Harbour and just 5 minutes off the Pacific Hwy. Sites are large enough for Horse Floats, Goosenecks, Caravans, Motorhomes and Tents. Our camp kitchen has a BBQ, fridge, sink, tank water available for drinking, kettle, crockery, and basic utensils. There is a toilet, shower and laundry. Horse facilities include a grass arena and day yards. 5 minutes to dog and horse friendly beaches and Woolgoolga Mountain Bike Trails. Direct access to state forest for bike and horse riding. Horses and dogs welcome.

11. The Old Peach Farm

100%

(5)

64km from Iluka · 1 site · Tent, RV · Wells Crossing, NSW

This is an old peach farm, set over 25 acres with a quarter of the property cleared (our house and gardens there) and the rest left untouched. Only seven minutes off the Pacific highway but it feels like a world away. Perfect for a nice overnight stop. We've set up the camping area in a nice clearing immersed into the lovely natural forest surroundings. You will be camping next to an awesome lake where you can go for a paddle or a swim. Other than the summer hum of cicadas or the cackle of some resident kookaburras, it's peaceful and private. There are plenty of roos and wallabies around, as well as lots of birdlife including black swans in the lake. You can paddle in the lake and try to catch a fish there. We've set up a little homemade pontoon. So far only one spot to camp (that will fit up to 4 cars if you come in a group), so you will have the place all to yourselves. The next house (our Shouse) is at least 300m away from the camping area, so solitude and privacy is guaranteed. The property is close to plenty of beach options or nice little towns such as Woolgoolga (25 min south) and Grafton (25 minutes north).

12. Bagotville Farm

100%

(2)

48km from Iluka · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Bagotville, NSW

Bagotville Farm is a quiet spot in a great location that is close to many beaches and attractions. Enjoy wildlife galore and star gazing. Go walking or use it as a base. Set up camp in a field where you will be surrounded by nature. Bring your tent or camper trailer /van and chill out. Access is good and easy. North coast attractions include Byron Bay 30 min drive, local beach 10 min drive, nearby water falls and water holes. Walking tracks and peaceful surroundings. The property can also allow you to byo horse, camp with your horse available and ride at the local horse beach. This spot is a great spot for walking, bike riding and exploring the beautiful northern rivers. Pets ok so long as you have them trained, we have wallabies here so no dog chasing allowed.

13. Kentucky Camp

100%

(3)

66km from Iluka · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Mongogarie, NSW

Kentucky is a 400 acre property that was once a dairy, and is now devoted to raising horses and beef cattle. there is around three km of creek frontage and the land ranges from lush creek flats to rugged sandstone ridges. there are several dams and a billabong which are frequented by birds, including Jabiru storks. Wedgetail Eagles hunt overhead. Pretty faced wallabies are endemic and Koalas may sometimes be seen. Our property backs on to the Hogarth Range, where there are numerous orchards. We hope to convert the old dairy bails to a camp kitchen soon, but currently it can be used as shelter if required. Visitors need to be self contained at this stage. Pets are welcome if kept under control.

Camper favorites near Iluka

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Island Acres

94%

(16)

22km from Iluka · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Woodford Island, NSW

Island Acres is a Plant Nursery and Macadamia Farm, situated on the far north coast of NSW. The camping area's have uninterrupted western views of multiple mountain ranges with amazing sunsets. The property is only a short 5min drive to Maclean township and other great coastal towns Yamba and Brooms Head. The 100 acre property adjoins a 3000ha Woodford Island National Park if you enjoy a nature walk or If you enjoy playing Golf. It's located on the drive in to Island Acres. Maclean Golf Club is 18 hole course and is regarded as the 'hidden gem' and is one of the best regional courses in the Northern Rivers on the same road. The island is very accessible - two bridges and a free ferry. Only 10 Klm from the Pacific Hwy

Tall Timbers Retreat

94%

(18)

43km from Iluka · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Pillar Valley, NSW

Just 25 minutes from town and 15 minutes to beautiful swimming and surfing beaches, our peaceful Retreat is perfect for getting back to basics. Go hiking in Yuragir National Park or fish for Bass in Coldstream River. Surrounded by nature, our primitive sites are ideal for campers with their own shower and toilet.

BUNGAWALBIN WILDLIFE RETREAT

50%

(4)

37km from Iluka · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Bungawalbin, NSW

The Bungawalbin Wildlife reserve is 100 acres of natural wetlands that backs onto the Bungawalbin Creek. I have owned the property for 35 years and have spent that time re-establishing the diversity on the property. over the years the property had been logged mercilessly and used for cattle production. It was also subject to the devastating bushfires of 2019. The Bungawalbin wetlands is home to a vast selection of wildlife and I have created a purpose built waterbird sanctuary to attract and provide habitat to the many species of waterbirds that frequent the property.I know you will enjoy your stay at the Bungawalbin Wildlife Reserve.

Reltuc Springs

99%

(88)

74km from Iluka · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Corindi, NSW

Horse accommodation and camping, located 35km north of Coffs Harbour and just 5 minutes off the Pacific Hwy. Sites are large enough for Horse Floats, Goosenecks, Caravans, Motorhomes and Tents. Our camp kitchen has a BBQ, fridge, sink, tank water available for drinking, kettle, crockery, and basic utensils. There is a toilet, shower and laundry. Horse facilities include a grass arena and day yards. 5 minutes to dog and horse friendly beaches and Woolgoolga Mountain Bike Trails. Direct access to state forest for bike and horse riding. Horses and dogs welcome.

The Old Peach Farm

100%

(5)

64km from Iluka · 1 site · Tent, RV · Wells Crossing, NSW

This is an old peach farm, set over 25 acres with a quarter of the property cleared (our house and gardens there) and the rest left untouched. Only seven minutes off the Pacific highway but it feels like a world away. Perfect for a nice overnight stop. We've set up the camping area in a nice clearing immersed into the lovely natural forest surroundings. You will be camping next to an awesome lake where you can go for a paddle or a swim. Other than the summer hum of cicadas or the cackle of some resident kookaburras, it's peaceful and private. There are plenty of roos and wallabies around, as well as lots of birdlife including black swans in the lake. You can paddle in the lake and try to catch a fish there. We've set up a little homemade pontoon. So far only one spot to camp (that will fit up to 4 cars if you come in a group), so you will have the place all to yourselves. The next house (our Shouse) is at least 300m away from the camping area, so solitude and privacy is guaranteed. The property is close to plenty of beach options or nice little towns such as Woolgoolga (25 min south) and Grafton (25 minutes north).

Bagotville Farm

100%

(2)

48km from Iluka · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Bagotville, NSW

Bagotville Farm is a quiet spot in a great location that is close to many beaches and attractions. Enjoy wildlife galore and star gazing. Go walking or use it as a base. Set up camp in a field where you will be surrounded by nature. Bring your tent or camper trailer /van and chill out. Access is good and easy. North coast attractions include Byron Bay 30 min drive, local beach 10 min drive, nearby water falls and water holes. Walking tracks and peaceful surroundings. The property can also allow you to byo horse, camp with your horse available and ride at the local horse beach. This spot is a great spot for walking, bike riding and exploring the beautiful northern rivers. Pets ok so long as you have them trained, we have wallabies here so no dog chasing allowed.

Kentucky Camp

100%

(3)

66km from Iluka · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Mongogarie, NSW

Kentucky is a 400 acre property that was once a dairy, and is now devoted to raising horses and beef cattle. there is around three km of creek frontage and the land ranges from lush creek flats to rugged sandstone ridges. there are several dams and a billabong which are frequented by birds, including Jabiru storks. Wedgetail Eagles hunt overhead. Pretty faced wallabies are endemic and Koalas may sometimes be seen. Our property backs on to the Hogarth Range, where there are numerous orchards. We hope to convert the old dairy bails to a camp kitchen soon, but currently it can be used as shelter if required. Visitors need to be self contained at this stage. Pets are welcome if kept under control.

Stories from the community

D

Dillon

1 week ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at The Old Peach Farm

Sight was nice and secluded, felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. And the hoast was very gracious

J

Jen

2 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to River Views - Island Paradise

Beautiful property to stay, even in rainy weather. Well signed and very tidy. Stayed in our van right on the water. Fish were on the bite. Lots of things to do and the beach not too far. Squiggles was the nicest host you'll ever meet. His pet chooks would visit for happy hour and his dogs were super friendly.

Ed & Jen

2 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to River Views - Island Paradise

Awesome spot.. Squiggles has thought of everything for all us hip campers to enjoy. We have been to many hip camps over the last 3 years and this has to be one of our favourites. Squiggle s was friendly and welcoming and so were his dogs and chooks. The perfect spot to just kick back and relax and watch the dolphins swim past or get as busy as you like with kayaks and fishing. Thanks for letting us camp on your little spot of paradise.

D

Darren

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Dungarubba Fields

I was there midweek so it was very quiet and peaceful. There was a koala in the tree next to my campsite and 3 goats which were also great fun to watch.

E

ELLA

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Dungarubba Fields

Amazing place with beautiful scenery, sunsets and wildlife! The hosts were so kind and respectful, we had a lovely time! Hope return eventually !

D

David

November 2025

5 m car

2 nights at River Views - Island Paradise

Great spot terrific bloke couldn’t have picked a better spot to stay squiggles was happy to help out where and when he could. Can’t wait to go back

M

Marjolein

November 2025

7 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Booyong Farm

It was lovely and quiet, you have a whole piece of land to sleep on that isn't too far from the road.

J

Jacob

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

Loved every bit of this trip. Great property, most amazing waterfall walk . Highly recommend to get away from people and enjoy nature

S

Steph

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Views - Island Paradise

We had a beautiful time at Squiggles place, the spot was perfect and right next to the water. The amenities were great, Squiggles and the dogs were friendly. We’ll definitely be back ☺️ thanks Squiggles

H

Hannah

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to River Views - Island Paradise

Squiggles farm was beautiful. Lucky enough to see dolphins up close! Our dogs loved it & so did we. Little finches in the mandarin tree were special to see up close. Farm dogs are absolutely lovely

Natasha

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

Absolutely beautiful spot, away from the crowd and the waterfall is such a hidden gem. Rod is a great host

A

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Views - Island Paradise

Absolute champion of a bloke. And to camp on his neat well kept part of the river was a privilege to my partner and I. Mr Squiggles was out maintaining his property all day long , yet still was available for a good story or two while bringing in fire wood and making the stay feel that much more comfortable and relaxed. And his knowledge and passion for the land is second to none. Ill be back to cull the caties soon that's for sure. All the best ya bloody legend. Andy & Kylie

K

Katerina

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Views - Island Paradise

Magic spot. Beautiful, quiet, well maintained right on the river. We had a few local ladies visit (friendly chickens). We’ll be back

Garry

October 2025

Tent

5 nights at River Views - Island Paradise

Sez and myself had an excellent stay @ Squiggles place. Squiggles is a very generous + accommodating bloke, couldn't do enough for you. We had a great time chatting and getting to info on cane farming. the stay was perfect for drawing and painting of that is your thing. A well worth visit if you are staying longer is to go to the Chatsworth General Store on the Chatsworth island. The BLT and bacon and eggs rolls are top business. Cheers Gaz

S

Sarah

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Grafton Southgate on the Clarence

Amazing space with fishing at the door step David was friendly host and couldn't do more toale you feel welcome. Thank you for having us

J

Jeremy

October 2025

3 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Tall Timbers Retreat

A space where you can truly disconnect from life and get back to basics and ground yourself. An inspirational and peaceful place. Facilities were simple and clean, always fire wood, and the jams Traci makes are just delightful. Will be retiring soon — ocean, 4wd tracks and civilisation all just a stones throw away from this unique and simplistic getaway.

L

Lana

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

My partner and I had a lovely stay at the Topshed site. The site was well maintained, the fire pit was large enough to have a decent size fire, and the toilet was a lovely surprise - a private toilet tent with a clean and tidy compost toilet with everything you may need. The highlight for us was absolutely the waterfall on the property, Rod provides an easy to follow map guiding you to the stunning waterfall just 25-30min walk/trek from camp where you can swim and enjoy the serenity. Rod himself was very friendly, stopping by camp to say introduce himself and his pup Reddy without interrupting the peace and quiet, we found him to be a lovely chat and it was clear that he loves having people come and enjoy the property. With the perfect mix of bush and access to the beach 20min drive away this was our ideal stay. Would recommend!

Lenka

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

Camping at Rod's place was amazing. Waratah camp side was perfect. Plenty of space to relax, have a campfire and read a book. And what a magical swim at the waterfalls. If you relax and stop for a lunch at the viewing natural platform, you can spot wildlife while enjoying the views of the waterfalls. Rod was great. Knowing the local land, he was able to recommend lovely hikes and definitely saved me many extra km as Google map would take me for a ride to nowhere. If you love hiking, swimming in natural waterfalls and relaxing place to enjoy your time around campfire Rod's place is the right place to go.

D

Dene

October 2025

5 m Class A

With pets

4 nights at River Views - Island Paradise

It was our second visit to River Views - Island Paradise and it certainly will not be our last. Squiggles is a friendly, helpful and generous person. You always knew that he was around when the two farm dogs came for a pat. We also had a very successful time fishing. Catching big Flathead and Jewfish. The property is well maintained. Thank you Sqiggles for sharing your piece of paradise with us.

K

Kate

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfalls & More

We had an amazing time staying on Rod’s property. We loved being away free from phone reception and surrounded by nature. The waterfall was a clear highlight as was the rapids at the creek nearby camp. My nervous dog enjoyed her wild escape and it was so fun to see her enjoy herself in the bush being a dog. We will definitely be back!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Iluka with horseback riding guide

When to go

The NSW north coast gets very busy during summer school holidays, but February and March are pretty crowd-free with many accommodation options. Even in winter—when you’ve got a good chance of seeing migrating whales from the many headland vantage points—the weather is usually very kind. Swimming is best from October to May, while autumn is ideal for beach fishing.

Know before you go

Road rules are the same on beaches as they are on bitumen roads, except that the maximum speed limit allowed on beaches is 40 kilometres per hour. Also keep an eye out for nesting seabirds…and sunbathers.
Iluka tour operators offer kayak tours, snorkelling, bikes, standup paddle boarding, and kayak hires.
Recreational fishing licenses are mandatory in New South Wales. Find them online or at most fishing bait-and-tackle shops.