The best camping near Port Macquarie with horseback riding

·

The gateway to Australia’s subtropical north, Port Macquarie enjoys an idyllic location on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. The city’s Koala and Wildlife Park draws visitors from around the globe, while beaches and coastal rainforests fan out from the city and nearby national parks, nature reserves, and national forests offer some of the most picturesque camping experiences in the country. Whether you’re looking for a secluded hideaway, dramatic coastline views, bushwalking, or flora and fauna spotting, you’ll find it all around Port Macquarie.

93% (417)

Top-rated campgrounds near Port Macquarie

1. Pipe Dream Bush Camp - Dog Friendly

96%
(178)
35km from Port Macquarie · 111 sites · Tents, RVs
If you want to avoid the crowds our property is only 10 minutes drive to great local surf and fishing beaches at Crescent Head. There is an abundance of bird life, the odd kangaroos and wallabies, and other wildlife. There is a melaleuca forest that children are welcome to play in and build a cubby house, and 2 pretty little dams to catch yabbies, and for dogs to enjoy a swim. The property where camping is provided is approx 20 acres with a limit of 10 groups so you can find your own little piece of paradise. There is plenty of fire wood for you to collect on the property on your way in. Please help yourself to any fallen timber for firewood but please do not cut any standing trees down. When checking out, ensure you properly extinguish fires and return any unused firewood to the bush. Dogs are welcome to be here off leash as long as they are well socialised and reasonably obedient. There is large areas for them to run freely and dams to swim in. It is accessible via a 2WD dirt road, even with a little wet weather. If rainfall is extreme we recommend 4wd's. The property is completely off grid so we have a 'leave it as you found it' approach. This means you will need a camp toilet, and to take all of your rubbish with you. We are a rural property so do not have rubbish collection services. (Fees apply for any left behind rubbish). Happy camping!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night

2. Herring Estate - Panoramic Views

99%
(73)
74km from Port Macquarie · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Amazing views, nestled in nature and only 1 minute off the highway. Located close to the Forster-Tuncurry exit. We are located 3 hours north of Sydney and 5 hours south of the QLD Border making it a convenient stop over for your travels, or a nice place to stop and explore the local areas being close to beaches and the Barrington Tops. The property has spectacular views that you won't find anywhere else. We are in a quiet rural area where the neighbours can't be seen. There are walking tracks for you to explore the natural environment. There are many kangaroos, wallabies and numerous amount of birds in the area. The property backs onto national park. There is a river that is only a few kms behind the property that you can put a small boat in to take you out to Saltwater Beach. Old bar beach is a 12 minute drive, Forster-Tuncurry is 15 minutes and the beaches of Pacific Palms a 45 minute drive. There are file piles near the bush sites that you can help yourself too. If in need of groceries or supplies Taree supermarkets and Stores are only 10 minutes away.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$40
 / night

3. Cameron Falls Farm

99%
(70)
20km from Port Macquarie · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Escape to the tranquil beauty of Cameron's Falls Farm, a 100 acre hobby farm just 5 minutes from Wauchope and 25 minutes from Port Macquarie's beaches. Immerse yourself in nature as you camp beside our friendly cows, swim, fish or kayak in the Hastings river, hike our trails, or forage in our wild orchards. All of our sites are secluded as our property is large, we invite you to our peaceful piece of countryside for a self contained camping trip with all the convenience of town just minutes away. Cameron's Falls is a historic site, the 'falls', really just gentle rapids, are the original river crossing site for horse drawn vehicles to travel from Port Macquarie/Wauchope inland to Beechwood and beyond. Today we are a hobby farm with cows, horses - we invite you to say hello, but please don't feed any of the animals. If we are here to greet you on arrival you can fill up with potable rain water at our cottage. The Hastings is still tidal at our place so the access and flow varies throughout the day - we generally take our littlest kids down at low tide. Swim, fish or explore our hiking trails though the old growth riparian vegetation along winding creeks. If you are into birds you will see plenty here - in the last 12 months we have counted nearly 100 different species on our property!
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night

4. Heartwood - tranquility

97%
(89)
25km from Port Macquarie · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Heartwood Farm is a centrally located 120 acres on the Mid-North Coast - about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, only 1.5 kms off Pacific Highway, 25 mins to Port Macquarie, 15 Mins to Kempsey, 30 minutes to Crescent Head and 45 mins to South West Rocks. We are off grid and live close to nature and enjoy the abundance that provides. We have been building and developing for the last few years. We are still a work in progress. There are three Brumbies that live over the fence and 5 other horses that will no doubt come and say hello. They are all friendly, especially if you have a carrot. There are also a lot of kangaroos and wallabies, some quite friendly as they have been raised by our neighbour who does animal rescue. There are also a lot of different species of birds, including the much-loved Black Cockatoos which are in abundance here. We have also seen turtles, frilled neck lizards, diamond pythons, red belly black snakes (rarely) and goannas.
Pets
from 
AU$31
 / night

5. Homeville Camping and Farm Stay

100%
(12)
66km from Port Macquarie · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
Working grazing farm, with Cattle, Horses, Donkeys, Sheep and chooks and Ducks, emphasising self suficiency, and natural land managment. Exclusive sites with peace and privacy and a communal ground for large groups or events. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Bulga Plataeu a couple mins drive from the ledgendary Ellenbourough Falls in NSW. Beautiful creeks and swimming spots, loads of local lookouts and natural attractions, 4x4 adventures, quiet and idilic surroundings. Bring your toys and come and enjoy life in the wilds, milk the cow in the morning and get fresh milk for your camp, feed the chickens and collect the eggs, feed or pat the horses and donks, farm tours can also be arranged, or join us on our other varying farm jobs. Many local fridges stock produce grown here, and there are great markets at wingham first saturday of every month and Elands also has a market day every second sunday of the month.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$25
 / night

8. Falcons Nest

99%
(41)
79km from Port Macquarie · 9 sites · RVs
Falcons Nest is located 2 km from the amazing Blackhead Beach. It is an easily accessed semi-rural 25 acre property at Hallidays Point 20 minutes from Forster/Tuncurry. The Blackhead Tavern is within walking distance or you can grab the courtesy bus right from the front gate. Our local foodworks is just down the road. I'ts also just a 20-minute drive to Forster/Tuncurry. We have ample open space to park extra large motorhomes or small self-contained caravans. Power and water can be provided within the Big Shed sites. If Self contained camping is more your thing our paddock sites can cater to groups. The Property has treed areas along with some cleared paddocks so you can easily find some space to spread out as a group or on your own. There's a dam and dry creek bed with lots of bush down the back, and wallabies can be seen feeding most mornings and afternoons at the back of the property. For long stays please contact us for extended stay rates. Guests must be fully self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
AU$48
 / night

9. Escape to the Country

100%
(7)
63km from Port Macquarie · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy 10 acres of nature, with lots of peace & serenity yet just 10min to boutique town of Wingham 30min to beautiful Old Bar Beach (dog friendly) 20 min to Taree & just 30min drive from A1 highway. Wingham has award winning coffee & dining, golf club, town hotel with great meals & live bands most weekends, swimming pool (seasonal), bowling club, monthly markets, Coles, fuel, chemist, rifle range, clay pigeon shooting, famous brush walk to enjoy the resident bats & much more. Shared camp kitchen available with gas oven/stove & some pots, pans, plates, utensils etc. Camp kitchen has table & chairs & wash-up facilities with tank water. Outside Solar shower bag also set up where you can gaze at the sky above but private so modesty is protected! We have two full dams that host our 3 ducks, free range chooks (collect your own fresh eggs daily-not available in winter), 4 guinea fowl a couple of farm cats & awesome birds-Rainbow Lorikeets, King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas and Kookaburras. We also have a couple of swamp hen families. A number of fruit bats from Wingham brush reach us most nights at dusk. We have also seen an owl near the chicken coop & if you're lucky you may spot the kangaroos in the paddock. We welcome tents, campervans, trailer tents and caravans but you need to provide your own drinking water- outside solar shower is available that can be filled up at the rainwater tank by the camp kitchen. NEED TO HAVE YOUR OWN TOILET FACILITIES WITH HOLDING TANK The Paddock suits all vehicles- Max 3 parties at once. We also have more private spot Woodland Area which suits just one party but vehicle access is a couple of mins walk and further to the camp kitchen. Fires allowed but only in contained firepits and off ground. We currently have 3 firepit presently to use at your own site (must be kept off ground on bricks provided). Fires not allowed during total fire bans Take your camping chairs to the edge of 1 of 2 dams and watch our pet ducks. Pets on leashes are welcome. Plenty to see and do around here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$43
 / night

13. Whip Mountain Farm

78km from Port Macquarie · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Located in the Nambucca Valley and set on 100 acres of mixed farmland, native bush, pockets of rainforest and rolling hills. You are surrounded by trees, farmlands, fields and nothing but nature. It is a place you can truly feel Mother Nature’s quirks and get away from the stress of the world. From rolling hills, to mountainous ocean views, to steep tree lined gullies & clear river swims in the Taylor’s Arm River; Whip Mountain Farm is a place to slow down & disconnect to re-connect with what’s important. Speaking of connection you won’t find phone service unless you trek to the top of the mountain, so rest assured you can completely switch off if you choose to. You are free to wander the property as you wish. There are plenty of walking trails throughout and many spots to set up camp for beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the mountains. As we are up high, noise carries through the valley, so we ask no parties or doofs are to be held here. We live for music but please respect the valley and the fauna that also calls this place home - so keep it low after 10pm. We love and respect our land & if you are to stay here, we ask that you will to. Treat it like your own piece of paradise, so that we can continue to offer this beautiful experience to others for years to come. There is a large freshwater lake to swim in and laze the sunny days away & the stars are so bright at night. There is also a river just down the road at the bottom of the property you can swim, kayak or fish. We get bass in the river, so if fresh fish for dinner is your kind of thing you will love it. The place is a little wild, and we like it like that. That being said you may be sharing with snakes and spiders occasionally, so keep an eye out and zip up your tents and close doors. Keep aware in the warmer summer months and make noise when you are bushwalking. We also have some neighbour cows that like to come and hang out on the land. They are friendly, so if you see them moving about, feel free to say hi. Here you feel like you are a million miles away from the world when in reality you are just a short 15 minutes from the cute country town of Macksville with an epic pub meal and essential items you need to stock up for a few days. It’s 5 minutes to the Taylors Arm River where you can swim and kayak and a 15 minute drive from Taylors Arm and the iconic ‘Pub With No Beer’ (they have plenty of beer). A little further east, a short 30 minute scenic country drive will end you up on some of the mid-north coasts most stunning coastlines and beaches including Scott’s Head, Grassy Head, Nambucca Beach, and Valla Beach all renowned for epic surfing spots and cute cafes. A longer drive of 50 minutes north, straight up the highway will get you to Coffs Harbour and 60 minutes south to Port Macquarie. It’s such a beautiful part of the world and we can’t wait for you to fall in love like we have.
Pets
from 
AU$33
 / night

The gateway to Australia’s subtropical north, Port Macquarie enjoys an idyllic location on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. The city’s Koala and Wildlife Park draws visitors from around the globe, while beaches and coastal rainforests fan out from the city and nearby national parks, nature reserves, and national forests offer some of the most picturesque camping experiences in the country. Whether you’re looking for a secluded hideaway, dramatic coastline views, bushwalking, or flora and fauna spotting, you’ll find it all around Port Macquarie.

93% (417)

Top-rated campgrounds near Port Macquarie

1. Pipe Dream Bush Camp - Dog Friendly

96%
(178)
35km from Port Macquarie · 111 sites · Tents, RVs
If you want to avoid the crowds our property is only 10 minutes drive to great local surf and fishing beaches at Crescent Head. There is an abundance of bird life, the odd kangaroos and wallabies, and other wildlife. There is a melaleuca forest that children are welcome to play in and build a cubby house, and 2 pretty little dams to catch yabbies, and for dogs to enjoy a swim. The property where camping is provided is approx 20 acres with a limit of 10 groups so you can find your own little piece of paradise. There is plenty of fire wood for you to collect on the property on your way in. Please help yourself to any fallen timber for firewood but please do not cut any standing trees down. When checking out, ensure you properly extinguish fires and return any unused firewood to the bush. Dogs are welcome to be here off leash as long as they are well socialised and reasonably obedient. There is large areas for them to run freely and dams to swim in. It is accessible via a 2WD dirt road, even with a little wet weather. If rainfall is extreme we recommend 4wd's. The property is completely off grid so we have a 'leave it as you found it' approach. This means you will need a camp toilet, and to take all of your rubbish with you. We are a rural property so do not have rubbish collection services. (Fees apply for any left behind rubbish). Happy camping!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night

2. Herring Estate - Panoramic Views

99%
(73)
74km from Port Macquarie · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Amazing views, nestled in nature and only 1 minute off the highway. Located close to the Forster-Tuncurry exit. We are located 3 hours north of Sydney and 5 hours south of the QLD Border making it a convenient stop over for your travels, or a nice place to stop and explore the local areas being close to beaches and the Barrington Tops. The property has spectacular views that you won't find anywhere else. We are in a quiet rural area where the neighbours can't be seen. There are walking tracks for you to explore the natural environment. There are many kangaroos, wallabies and numerous amount of birds in the area. The property backs onto national park. There is a river that is only a few kms behind the property that you can put a small boat in to take you out to Saltwater Beach. Old bar beach is a 12 minute drive, Forster-Tuncurry is 15 minutes and the beaches of Pacific Palms a 45 minute drive. There are file piles near the bush sites that you can help yourself too. If in need of groceries or supplies Taree supermarkets and Stores are only 10 minutes away.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$40
 / night

3. Cameron Falls Farm

99%
(70)
20km from Port Macquarie · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Escape to the tranquil beauty of Cameron's Falls Farm, a 100 acre hobby farm just 5 minutes from Wauchope and 25 minutes from Port Macquarie's beaches. Immerse yourself in nature as you camp beside our friendly cows, swim, fish or kayak in the Hastings river, hike our trails, or forage in our wild orchards. All of our sites are secluded as our property is large, we invite you to our peaceful piece of countryside for a self contained camping trip with all the convenience of town just minutes away. Cameron's Falls is a historic site, the 'falls', really just gentle rapids, are the original river crossing site for horse drawn vehicles to travel from Port Macquarie/Wauchope inland to Beechwood and beyond. Today we are a hobby farm with cows, horses - we invite you to say hello, but please don't feed any of the animals. If we are here to greet you on arrival you can fill up with potable rain water at our cottage. The Hastings is still tidal at our place so the access and flow varies throughout the day - we generally take our littlest kids down at low tide. Swim, fish or explore our hiking trails though the old growth riparian vegetation along winding creeks. If you are into birds you will see plenty here - in the last 12 months we have counted nearly 100 different species on our property!
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night

4. Heartwood - tranquility

97%
(89)
25km from Port Macquarie · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Heartwood Farm is a centrally located 120 acres on the Mid-North Coast - about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, only 1.5 kms off Pacific Highway, 25 mins to Port Macquarie, 15 Mins to Kempsey, 30 minutes to Crescent Head and 45 mins to South West Rocks. We are off grid and live close to nature and enjoy the abundance that provides. We have been building and developing for the last few years. We are still a work in progress. There are three Brumbies that live over the fence and 5 other horses that will no doubt come and say hello. They are all friendly, especially if you have a carrot. There are also a lot of kangaroos and wallabies, some quite friendly as they have been raised by our neighbour who does animal rescue. There are also a lot of different species of birds, including the much-loved Black Cockatoos which are in abundance here. We have also seen turtles, frilled neck lizards, diamond pythons, red belly black snakes (rarely) and goannas.
Pets
from 
AU$31
 / night

5. Homeville Camping and Farm Stay

100%
(12)
66km from Port Macquarie · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
Working grazing farm, with Cattle, Horses, Donkeys, Sheep and chooks and Ducks, emphasising self suficiency, and natural land managment. Exclusive sites with peace and privacy and a communal ground for large groups or events. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Bulga Plataeu a couple mins drive from the ledgendary Ellenbourough Falls in NSW. Beautiful creeks and swimming spots, loads of local lookouts and natural attractions, 4x4 adventures, quiet and idilic surroundings. Bring your toys and come and enjoy life in the wilds, milk the cow in the morning and get fresh milk for your camp, feed the chickens and collect the eggs, feed or pat the horses and donks, farm tours can also be arranged, or join us on our other varying farm jobs. Many local fridges stock produce grown here, and there are great markets at wingham first saturday of every month and Elands also has a market day every second sunday of the month.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$25
 / night

8. Falcons Nest

99%
(41)
79km from Port Macquarie · 9 sites · RVs
Falcons Nest is located 2 km from the amazing Blackhead Beach. It is an easily accessed semi-rural 25 acre property at Hallidays Point 20 minutes from Forster/Tuncurry. The Blackhead Tavern is within walking distance or you can grab the courtesy bus right from the front gate. Our local foodworks is just down the road. I'ts also just a 20-minute drive to Forster/Tuncurry. We have ample open space to park extra large motorhomes or small self-contained caravans. Power and water can be provided within the Big Shed sites. If Self contained camping is more your thing our paddock sites can cater to groups. The Property has treed areas along with some cleared paddocks so you can easily find some space to spread out as a group or on your own. There's a dam and dry creek bed with lots of bush down the back, and wallabies can be seen feeding most mornings and afternoons at the back of the property. For long stays please contact us for extended stay rates. Guests must be fully self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
AU$48
 / night

9. Escape to the Country

100%
(7)
63km from Port Macquarie · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy 10 acres of nature, with lots of peace & serenity yet just 10min to boutique town of Wingham 30min to beautiful Old Bar Beach (dog friendly) 20 min to Taree & just 30min drive from A1 highway. Wingham has award winning coffee & dining, golf club, town hotel with great meals & live bands most weekends, swimming pool (seasonal), bowling club, monthly markets, Coles, fuel, chemist, rifle range, clay pigeon shooting, famous brush walk to enjoy the resident bats & much more. Shared camp kitchen available with gas oven/stove & some pots, pans, plates, utensils etc. Camp kitchen has table & chairs & wash-up facilities with tank water. Outside Solar shower bag also set up where you can gaze at the sky above but private so modesty is protected! We have two full dams that host our 3 ducks, free range chooks (collect your own fresh eggs daily-not available in winter), 4 guinea fowl a couple of farm cats & awesome birds-Rainbow Lorikeets, King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas and Kookaburras. We also have a couple of swamp hen families. A number of fruit bats from Wingham brush reach us most nights at dusk. We have also seen an owl near the chicken coop & if you're lucky you may spot the kangaroos in the paddock. We welcome tents, campervans, trailer tents and caravans but you need to provide your own drinking water- outside solar shower is available that can be filled up at the rainwater tank by the camp kitchen. NEED TO HAVE YOUR OWN TOILET FACILITIES WITH HOLDING TANK The Paddock suits all vehicles- Max 3 parties at once. We also have more private spot Woodland Area which suits just one party but vehicle access is a couple of mins walk and further to the camp kitchen. Fires allowed but only in contained firepits and off ground. We currently have 3 firepit presently to use at your own site (must be kept off ground on bricks provided). Fires not allowed during total fire bans Take your camping chairs to the edge of 1 of 2 dams and watch our pet ducks. Pets on leashes are welcome. Plenty to see and do around here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$43
 / night

13. Whip Mountain Farm

78km from Port Macquarie · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Located in the Nambucca Valley and set on 100 acres of mixed farmland, native bush, pockets of rainforest and rolling hills. You are surrounded by trees, farmlands, fields and nothing but nature. It is a place you can truly feel Mother Nature’s quirks and get away from the stress of the world. From rolling hills, to mountainous ocean views, to steep tree lined gullies & clear river swims in the Taylor’s Arm River; Whip Mountain Farm is a place to slow down & disconnect to re-connect with what’s important. Speaking of connection you won’t find phone service unless you trek to the top of the mountain, so rest assured you can completely switch off if you choose to. You are free to wander the property as you wish. There are plenty of walking trails throughout and many spots to set up camp for beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the mountains. As we are up high, noise carries through the valley, so we ask no parties or doofs are to be held here. We live for music but please respect the valley and the fauna that also calls this place home - so keep it low after 10pm. We love and respect our land & if you are to stay here, we ask that you will to. Treat it like your own piece of paradise, so that we can continue to offer this beautiful experience to others for years to come. There is a large freshwater lake to swim in and laze the sunny days away & the stars are so bright at night. There is also a river just down the road at the bottom of the property you can swim, kayak or fish. We get bass in the river, so if fresh fish for dinner is your kind of thing you will love it. The place is a little wild, and we like it like that. That being said you may be sharing with snakes and spiders occasionally, so keep an eye out and zip up your tents and close doors. Keep aware in the warmer summer months and make noise when you are bushwalking. We also have some neighbour cows that like to come and hang out on the land. They are friendly, so if you see them moving about, feel free to say hi. Here you feel like you are a million miles away from the world when in reality you are just a short 15 minutes from the cute country town of Macksville with an epic pub meal and essential items you need to stock up for a few days. It’s 5 minutes to the Taylors Arm River where you can swim and kayak and a 15 minute drive from Taylors Arm and the iconic ‘Pub With No Beer’ (they have plenty of beer). A little further east, a short 30 minute scenic country drive will end you up on some of the mid-north coasts most stunning coastlines and beaches including Scott’s Head, Grassy Head, Nambucca Beach, and Valla Beach all renowned for epic surfing spots and cute cafes. A longer drive of 50 minutes north, straight up the highway will get you to Coffs Harbour and 60 minutes south to Port Macquarie. It’s such a beautiful part of the world and we can’t wait for you to fall in love like we have.
Pets
from 
AU$33
 / night

Camper favorites near Port Macquarie

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Port Macquarie with horseback riding guide

Where to go

South Along the Coast

About a 40-minute drive south of Port Macquarie, Crowdy Bay National Park is a coastal getaway famed for its rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, and wildlife-filled forests. It’s also the perfect vantage point from where to watch migrating whales in winter. Diamond Head, in the park’s northern section, is one of the biggest and most popular camping areas with plenty of space and facilities, while Crowdy Gap Campground is a short walk from the beach and Kylie’s Beach Campground is set behind sand dunes.

North Along the Coast

Just under an hour north of the city, Goolawah National Park and Goolawah Regional Park offer camping in peaceful surroundings just a short stroll from the beach. Opportunities for outdoor adventures abound, from surfing and fishing to birdwatching. Accommodation options include Racecourse Campground in the national park, which offers showers and toilets, or the basic but pet-friendly Delicate Campground, in the regional park. Another 40 minutes north takes you to Hat Head National Park, known for landmarks like Smoky Cape Lighthouse and the Trial Bay Gaol, as well as plentiful canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Hungry Gate and Smoky Cape campgrounds both have toilets and barbecues.

Inland

About 45 minutes southwest of Port Macquarie, Kerewong State Forest offers lush surroundings, walking trails through native forest, and cool creeks ideal for swimming. In the forest, Swans Crossing is a popular camping area with toilet facilities and picnic tables on former farmland. Mount Boss State Forest is a secluded getaway about 90 minutes northwest of Port Macquarie by road. Area campgrounds offer peace and quiet as well as waterholes ideal for cooling off.

When to go

Port Macquarie’s warm subtropical climate is one of Australia’s most comfortable and makes camping and enjoying the area a pleasure year-round. Campsites are typically less crowded during the winter months (June through August), which is also the time for whale-watching. Spring (September through November), on the other hand, is a draw for birdwatchers and promises coastal heathlands blooming with brightly colored wildflowers. Temperatures and rainfall are highest in summer (December through February).

Know before you go

  • Port Macquarie has several camping gear stores where you can gather supplies before heading out. Top picks include Anaconda and BCF (Boating Camping Fishing).
  • Smoking is prohibited in all NSW national parks.
  • Pets are not permitted in New South Wales national parks or reserves, but they are allowed in some regional parks and all state forests.
  • Some area campgrounds, such as Crowdy Gap, require advance bookings.

Nearby attractions

  • Well worth the visit for those camping near the Peel Valley, Chaffey Dam is an engineering marvel surrounded by pristine parkland.
  • An exciting adventure for anyone camping near Port Macquarie, Caves Beach is home to much more than just stunning ocean views.
  • Clean sands and rolling green hills are dotted with remnants of the once bustling coal mining operation at Catherine Hill Bay.