Discover the best beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Patonga, New South Wales

Australia
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New South Wales
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Patonga

87% (211 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Patonga

Available this weekend

6 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Patonga

100%

(5)

Two Shores Holiday Village

34 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · The Entrance North, NSW

Our picturesque lakefront Holiday Park is surrounded by breathtaking surfing beaches and National Parks. Two Shores Holiday Village provides the ideal accommodation and getaway with comfortable cabins and great sites for caravans and camping. Relax to the beautiful sunsets over Tuggerah lake and enjoy lazy walks on the pristine beaches. The Park is an ideal base for boating, fishing, kayaking and with a selection of nearby Restaurants, Entertainment, Golf courses and great shopping Two Shores is a favourite for many visitors. Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, Two Shores Holiday Village is perfectly located for getaways at any time of the year.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 2 times

Rock Shelf Campsite at Curl Curl

1 site · Tent1 acre · Curl Curl, NSW

This campsite is situated on top of a beautiful sandstone rock shelf in Curl Curl, NSW. The site has views across the valley to North Curl Curl. We keep native stingless bees and other beautiful native animals. Located only 300m from the Beaches best surf beach which has two beautiful rock pools to explore. Especially good for people that are not used to the surf. The 33km Northern Beaches Coast Walk is nearby. Cafes with views are everywhere. Only 30 minutes drive to Ku-ring-gai National Park. Close to W'gah mall and public transport for easy access to Manly and the city. Pets are welcome and we have a fire pit available. Please bring your own firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

87%

(42)

Gondwana Retreat

5 sites · Tents4 acres · Green Point, NSW

My name is Jason and I am responsible for caring and creating this space.Gondwana Retreat is sacred land. It is sacred to the original people as two rivers meet here which was auspicious, and sacred to me and all that visit. The Aboriginal people used to live and commune here. And now it seems a place where people like to be, and Rest and Rejuvenation - even healing happens here.Since moving here myself in 2014 it has been a place of transformation and change. The land itself was abandoned with rubbish and weeds everywhere when I arrived and with a bit of hard work, some patience and care it has become a place of beauty. It has been returned to much more of its natural and native state. This process of positive change has created a healing in the environment and for myself, and visitors express this magic in the air.Nowadays we are offering meditation, yoga, and therapeutic types of practices in the main home that the land and campsite is a part of. Campers are welcome to join and this really makes staying here an opportunity for exploring these practices if you choose.Be good to share the land and we welcome all to Gondwana retreat!

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(332)

Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW

Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance. Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. . There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 400m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ 1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times. 2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites. 3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability. We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close & just a walk to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring. Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come through, I assess the number of people booked for a site, and adjust availability on the others accordingly (such as blocking the rest of the day/s to prevent over-crowding) We usually only have two unconnected groups/families at a time. Our site is the perfect place to camp in comfort and safety, when taking an overnight rest after the long backpacking trek from Bundeena. We have firewood available for our cosy camp firepits (one firepit available for each site) We buy in reclaimed hardwood to reduce the impact of logging of native forest, but also often have seasoned firewood from our own fallen trees. $20 for approx 20kg. Heaps of kindling sticks are around on the forest floor. Please leave large and rotting logs alone for wildlife. Water - Connected to Sydney Catchment drinking water, so supply isn't an issue, but we conserve where we can. Kitchenette We have a tiny house mobile kitchenette with sink, basic table wear, microwave, kettle, toaster, LÓr Nespresso compatible Pod machine (BYO pods) single hot plates, mini bar fridge ,and; USB ports. You can also use the facility to recharge your mobile phone and; torches. We also provide a billy kettle, cast iron fry pan and camp fire hot plate. You'll also find 6 comfy directors chairs stored within the kitchenette, and a deck of cards, jigsaw puzzles, boardgames etc. Cricket bat, Bocce ball game, and Finish Kubbs set are stored within the timber box under the gazebo. "Nature Calls" We have a new long drop compost toilet - only human waste and; toilet paper please. A small bin is provided for sanitary products etc. Please leave the bushland surrounds free of solid waste. Gazebo Weatherproof /insect meshed gazebo and outdoor furniture. Absolutely no fires under the gazebo, otherwise it will melt and catch fire. Quiet Hours Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am Outdoor and Indoor Showers Warm water is heated by LPG gas bottles - please help conserve water and gas QUIET HOURS: To respect other campers who may be staying, and our amazing nocturnal wildlife, our quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, when noise is asked to be kept minimal. Such an exception would be event times like New Years Eve. We have found that camping is a great way to reset your Circadian rhythm - waking and sleeping according to the natural light & darkness , and a drink around a crackling camp fire super relaxing :) CONTACT: If you want me to send you more photographs of the camping sites/facilities , you can look up Otford Park or OtfordParkCamping on Facebook and contact me through there (can't send photos etc via HipCamp messages yet) WHAT TO EXPECT: We have horses, poultry, dogs and abundant wildlife so visiting pets must be either caged or leashed at all times. We have two waterproof dog beds available - just need to bring their blanket etc for softness As its a sanctuary for wildlife - absolutely No Hunting is permitted. Wildlife can be loud at times - morning and night, from the wild deer that wander through, to domestic roosters that like to visit. Its a bit 'farm country and wild bushland' tucked between Sydney and Wollongong Caravans/large motorhomes cannot access the rear of our property, due the narrowness of the track, but no problem for the many 4wd style camper vehicles. Necessities/consumables We have a supply of toilet paper, hand wash, hand sanitiser, insect repellent , fire lighters, mossie coils, matches, dish soap, paper towels and spray disinfectant. Its an honour system for use just while you're here, so please don't take them home with you. If you need to buy toilet paper for your next journey, just ask me. WHAT'S NEARBY: - easy walk to Otford railway station - easy walk to our free local tennis court just down the road -road walk up to Bald Hill lookout (famous for its hang-gliding and view of the Seacliff Bridge) or hike up the fire trail and around the Stony Batter headland - walk to Otford Lookout and the start of the many trails through the Royal National Park or the hike down (about 20 to 30min) to Bulgo beach to swim, fish or snorkel. Be sure to take water and wear comfy shoes - quick walk to the hidden entrance of the historic abandoned Otford railway tunnel entrance -its also an interesting and fun way to walk to Stanwell Park beach! Otherwise its just few minutes drive to Stanwell Park beach and Coalcliff Beach - all clean and beautiful or go further north to the many stunning beaches of the Royal National Park such as Garie, Burning Palms, Wattamolla - Darkes Forest - for trail horse riding, and the Glenbernie Orchard, for fresh apple and stone fruit produce and apple picking tours * * * * * * * * * * Off Leash Beaches - If you have a dog , it will probably love the northern end of Stanwell Park beach its been designated an off-leash area, north of the creek. - park your carpark of Park Parade. Sharkey's Beach, Coledale. A dedicated off-leash beach for dogs and surfers alike, all year round. Approx 10 min drive south. * * * * * * * * * * Others Sights & Activities - Four km to Symbio Wildlike Park - a lovely day out to see both exotic animals such as cheetahs or more local cuddly koalas and opportunities to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. A water theme park will keep the kiddies entertained and cool too - On the way to Symbio is the beautiful Kelly's Falls - part of the Garrawarra State Conservation area & historic Princess Marina Cliff Walk. - Seacliff Bridge - Not to be missed and part of the Grand Pacific Drive along the South East Coast, Seacliff Bridge is now an iconic Australian landmark. It beautifully hugs the huge sandstone cliffs around the ocean, and is popular to tourist and film makers alike. - Cafes - yum! Walk to the Otford Pantry on the corner of Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Drive, open weekends for great coffee and pastries, overlooking the ocean. Then many other cafes in nearby Stanwell Park and Helensburgh - We are situated in a valley, with the Illawarra train line about 500m to 1km away, so occasionally you might here a coal train passing, or more interesting on many weekends the historic Cockatoo Run steam train comes through around 10am and on its return approx 6pm. If children are at the station waiting to see it, the drivers usually oblige with a friendly toot of the steam horn. - Horse Riding - Book ahead for trail rides at either the local Otford Farm in Lloyd Place, or can drive to Darkes Forest Riding Ranch - Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Tops - if you're fit and love a challenging hike, the Wodi Wodi track can take you from the Hanging swamp around and down to Coalcliff. Water, comfortable shoes and insect repellent (for the odd leach) etc is essential, but the spectacular views at the top and destination make it worth it FOOD and PROVISIONS Helensburgh shopping centre is just 4km drive away. But if you're hiking on foot from the Royal National Park and would like basic provisions such as milk and bread available on your arrival, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to have them here. We have a generator run mini-fridge in the kitchenette to keep such items cold, if needed. TINY HOUSE If you'd like to sleep in a bit of luxury, check out our new tiny house listing here SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG &; BEYOND Otford is 9km by car to Waterfall, Sutherland Shire, 43 km to George St, Sydney CBD, 25km to Wollongong CBD. 44km to Bondi Beach, and 53km to Kiama. All can be accessed by train too. So the perfect area to set up base camp, whilst exploring greater Sydney, as well as the many beautiful spots within walking distance. HIP CAMP REVIEWS When reading and leaving reviews , please have a heart towards your camp hosts. The way the rating % works, it takes about 111 positive reviews out 112 reviews, to over-ride that 1 negative. So for the average Hipcamp, it takes a looong time, to get back to 99 or 100% positive feedback. If you have an issue onsite, please raise it immediately. I know the majority of hosts will try and rectify it for you.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 5 times

Kintelliko

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Newcastle, NSW

A beautiful flat grassy bed for your Rv, caravan or tent awaits you at Kintelliko. Kintelliko means “to laugh” in the local Awabakal language and we hope to share our joy of living on this beautiful acreage nestled into 100 acres of bushland - yet only 5 minutes to the beach, lake and shops. Your fully powered site has everything you could need. A compost toilet (sorry you have to share it with the brush tail possum who’s decided it’s nice there), an amazing outdoor hot shower made from a huge sculpture, an outdoor kitchen with BBQ and stainless steel benches (it’s out in the open).

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(5)

Michaels Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Lake Munmorah, NSW

Michaels Place is 18 acres but mostly bushland, about 5 acres grassed area. It's kind of hidden but central to everything in Lake Munmorah, Frazer national park is minutes away. The lake is in walking distance as is bowling club , shopping centre. At the property is just me my daughter, dogs and the chickens. There is birdlife everywhere. help yourself to free range eggs ... cant beat it...

* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(5)

Michaels Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Lake Munmorah, NSW

Michaels Place is 18 acres but mostly bushland, about 5 acres grassed area. It's kind of hidden but central to everything in Lake Munmorah, Frazer national park is minutes away. The lake is in walking distance as is bowling club , shopping centre. At the property is just me my daughter, dogs and the chickens. There is birdlife everywhere. help yourself to free range eggs ... cant beat it...

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 2 times

Rock Shelf Campsite at Curl Curl

1 site · Tent1 acre · Curl Curl, NSW

This campsite is situated on top of a beautiful sandstone rock shelf in Curl Curl, NSW. The site has views across the valley to North Curl Curl. We keep native stingless bees and other beautiful native animals. Located only 300m from the Beaches best surf beach which has two beautiful rock pools to explore. Especially good for people that are not used to the surf. The 33km Northern Beaches Coast Walk is nearby. Cafes with views are everywhere. Only 30 minutes drive to Ku-ring-gai National Park. Close to W'gah mall and public transport for easy access to Manly and the city. Pets are welcome and we have a fire pit available. Please bring your own firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(5)

Two Shores Holiday Village

33 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · The Entrance North, NSW

Our picturesque lakefront Holiday Park is surrounded by breathtaking surfing beaches and National Parks. Two Shores Holiday Village provides the ideal accommodation and getaway with comfortable cabins and great sites for caravans and camping. Relax to the beautiful sunsets over Tuggerah lake and enjoy lazy walks on the pristine beaches. The Park is an ideal base for boating, fishing, kayaking and with a selection of nearby Restaurants, Entertainment, Golf courses and great shopping Two Shores is a favourite for many visitors. Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, Two Shores Holiday Village is perfectly located for getaways at any time of the year.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(332)

Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW

Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance. Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. . There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 400m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ 1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times. 2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites. 3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability. We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close & just a walk to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring. Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come through, I assess the number of people booked for a site, and adjust availability on the others accordingly (such as blocking the rest of the day/s to prevent over-crowding) We usually only have two unconnected groups/families at a time. Our site is the perfect place to camp in comfort and safety, when taking an overnight rest after the long backpacking trek from Bundeena. We have firewood available for our cosy camp firepits (one firepit available for each site) We buy in reclaimed hardwood to reduce the impact of logging of native forest, but also often have seasoned firewood from our own fallen trees. $20 for approx 20kg. Heaps of kindling sticks are around on the forest floor. Please leave large and rotting logs alone for wildlife. Water - Connected to Sydney Catchment drinking water, so supply isn't an issue, but we conserve where we can. Kitchenette We have a tiny house mobile kitchenette with sink, basic table wear, microwave, kettle, toaster, LÓr Nespresso compatible Pod machine (BYO pods) single hot plates, mini bar fridge ,and; USB ports. You can also use the facility to recharge your mobile phone and; torches. We also provide a billy kettle, cast iron fry pan and camp fire hot plate. You'll also find 6 comfy directors chairs stored within the kitchenette, and a deck of cards, jigsaw puzzles, boardgames etc. Cricket bat, Bocce ball game, and Finish Kubbs set are stored within the timber box under the gazebo. "Nature Calls" We have a new long drop compost toilet - only human waste and; toilet paper please. A small bin is provided for sanitary products etc. Please leave the bushland surrounds free of solid waste. Gazebo Weatherproof /insect meshed gazebo and outdoor furniture. Absolutely no fires under the gazebo, otherwise it will melt and catch fire. Quiet Hours Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am Outdoor and Indoor Showers Warm water is heated by LPG gas bottles - please help conserve water and gas QUIET HOURS: To respect other campers who may be staying, and our amazing nocturnal wildlife, our quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, when noise is asked to be kept minimal. Such an exception would be event times like New Years Eve. We have found that camping is a great way to reset your Circadian rhythm - waking and sleeping according to the natural light & darkness , and a drink around a crackling camp fire super relaxing :) CONTACT: If you want me to send you more photographs of the camping sites/facilities , you can look up Otford Park or OtfordParkCamping on Facebook and contact me through there (can't send photos etc via HipCamp messages yet) WHAT TO EXPECT: We have horses, poultry, dogs and abundant wildlife so visiting pets must be either caged or leashed at all times. We have two waterproof dog beds available - just need to bring their blanket etc for softness As its a sanctuary for wildlife - absolutely No Hunting is permitted. Wildlife can be loud at times - morning and night, from the wild deer that wander through, to domestic roosters that like to visit. Its a bit 'farm country and wild bushland' tucked between Sydney and Wollongong Caravans/large motorhomes cannot access the rear of our property, due the narrowness of the track, but no problem for the many 4wd style camper vehicles. Necessities/consumables We have a supply of toilet paper, hand wash, hand sanitiser, insect repellent , fire lighters, mossie coils, matches, dish soap, paper towels and spray disinfectant. Its an honour system for use just while you're here, so please don't take them home with you. If you need to buy toilet paper for your next journey, just ask me. WHAT'S NEARBY: - easy walk to Otford railway station - easy walk to our free local tennis court just down the road -road walk up to Bald Hill lookout (famous for its hang-gliding and view of the Seacliff Bridge) or hike up the fire trail and around the Stony Batter headland - walk to Otford Lookout and the start of the many trails through the Royal National Park or the hike down (about 20 to 30min) to Bulgo beach to swim, fish or snorkel. Be sure to take water and wear comfy shoes - quick walk to the hidden entrance of the historic abandoned Otford railway tunnel entrance -its also an interesting and fun way to walk to Stanwell Park beach! Otherwise its just few minutes drive to Stanwell Park beach and Coalcliff Beach - all clean and beautiful or go further north to the many stunning beaches of the Royal National Park such as Garie, Burning Palms, Wattamolla - Darkes Forest - for trail horse riding, and the Glenbernie Orchard, for fresh apple and stone fruit produce and apple picking tours * * * * * * * * * * Off Leash Beaches - If you have a dog , it will probably love the northern end of Stanwell Park beach its been designated an off-leash area, north of the creek. - park your carpark of Park Parade. Sharkey's Beach, Coledale. A dedicated off-leash beach for dogs and surfers alike, all year round. Approx 10 min drive south. * * * * * * * * * * Others Sights & Activities - Four km to Symbio Wildlike Park - a lovely day out to see both exotic animals such as cheetahs or more local cuddly koalas and opportunities to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. A water theme park will keep the kiddies entertained and cool too - On the way to Symbio is the beautiful Kelly's Falls - part of the Garrawarra State Conservation area & historic Princess Marina Cliff Walk. - Seacliff Bridge - Not to be missed and part of the Grand Pacific Drive along the South East Coast, Seacliff Bridge is now an iconic Australian landmark. It beautifully hugs the huge sandstone cliffs around the ocean, and is popular to tourist and film makers alike. - Cafes - yum! Walk to the Otford Pantry on the corner of Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Drive, open weekends for great coffee and pastries, overlooking the ocean. Then many other cafes in nearby Stanwell Park and Helensburgh - We are situated in a valley, with the Illawarra train line about 500m to 1km away, so occasionally you might here a coal train passing, or more interesting on many weekends the historic Cockatoo Run steam train comes through around 10am and on its return approx 6pm. If children are at the station waiting to see it, the drivers usually oblige with a friendly toot of the steam horn. - Horse Riding - Book ahead for trail rides at either the local Otford Farm in Lloyd Place, or can drive to Darkes Forest Riding Ranch - Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Tops - if you're fit and love a challenging hike, the Wodi Wodi track can take you from the Hanging swamp around and down to Coalcliff. Water, comfortable shoes and insect repellent (for the odd leach) etc is essential, but the spectacular views at the top and destination make it worth it FOOD and PROVISIONS Helensburgh shopping centre is just 4km drive away. But if you're hiking on foot from the Royal National Park and would like basic provisions such as milk and bread available on your arrival, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to have them here. We have a generator run mini-fridge in the kitchenette to keep such items cold, if needed. TINY HOUSE If you'd like to sleep in a bit of luxury, check out our new tiny house listing here SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG &; BEYOND Otford is 9km by car to Waterfall, Sutherland Shire, 43 km to George St, Sydney CBD, 25km to Wollongong CBD. 44km to Bondi Beach, and 53km to Kiama. All can be accessed by train too. So the perfect area to set up base camp, whilst exploring greater Sydney, as well as the many beautiful spots within walking distance. HIP CAMP REVIEWS When reading and leaving reviews , please have a heart towards your camp hosts. The way the rating % works, it takes about 111 positive reviews out 112 reviews, to over-ride that 1 negative. So for the average Hipcamp, it takes a looong time, to get back to 99 or 100% positive feedback. If you have an issue onsite, please raise it immediately. I know the majority of hosts will try and rectify it for you.

* Before taxes and fees

87%

(42)

Gondwana Retreat

5 sites · Tents4 acres · Green Point, NSW

My name is Jason and I am responsible for caring and creating this space.Gondwana Retreat is sacred land. It is sacred to the original people as two rivers meet here which was auspicious, and sacred to me and all that visit. The Aboriginal people used to live and commune here. And now it seems a place where people like to be, and Rest and Rejuvenation - even healing happens here.Since moving here myself in 2014 it has been a place of transformation and change. The land itself was abandoned with rubbish and weeds everywhere when I arrived and with a bit of hard work, some patience and care it has become a place of beauty. It has been returned to much more of its natural and native state. This process of positive change has created a healing in the environment and for myself, and visitors express this magic in the air.Nowadays we are offering meditation, yoga, and therapeutic types of practices in the main home that the land and campsite is a part of. Campers are welcome to join and this really makes staying here an opportunity for exploring these practices if you choose.Be good to share the land and we welcome all to Gondwana retreat!

* Before taxes and fees

Beach and dog-friendly camping near Patonga guide

Overview

Patonga is a peaceful beachside town on the southern end of New South Wales’ Central Coast, separated from northern Sydney by the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. Many visitors come on day trips from Palm Beach, as a ferry connects the nearby towns of Ettalong and Wagstaffe with Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It’s easy to stay for longer, though, as there’s a large, well-equipped campground in Patonga itself, and further options in nearby towns and national parks. It’s worth lingering to enjoy the swimming, kayaking, SUP boarding, and chilled-out beach vibes.

Where to go

Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Patonga is only separated from Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park by the Hawkesbury River. Campers can drive the longer way around or take the passenger ferry from Ettalong or Wagstaffe to Palm Beach. Palm Beach, Whale Beach, and Avalon Beach offer well-equipped campgrounds suitable for all types of campers, while Ku-ring-gai Chase has one campground, the Basin Campground, which can be reached by ferry.

Brisbane Water National Park

Just north of Patonga, the Brisbane Water National Park offers walks, cycling, and fishing, and has some ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. There’s a small, basic bush tent site within the park, as well as a picnic area, or visitors can stay in Patonga or nearby coastal campsites at Umina or Gosford and make day trips into the park. The roads into the park are sealed so two-wheel-drive vehicles have access.

Bouddi National Park

On another peninsula and across Brisbane Water from Patonga but connected by a bridge, the small Bouddi National Park has a golden-sand beach, a popular coastal walk, and fantastic lookout points. There are three beachside campgrounds within the park, which should be booked in advance, and they’re only suitable for tents. Some of the campsites provide drinking water but not all, so come prepared.

When to go

To best enjoy the beautiful beaches around Patonga, visit in summer, when the weather is hot and conditions perfect for going between the sand and the sea. The summer school holiday period will be especially busy at campsites, though. For other outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, spring and autumn are preferable, with cooler temperatures. Winter is the off-season and the weather can be cool and wet but not very cold, so staying in campervans, caravans, and cabins is more comfortable.