The best glamping in South Coast with hot tubs

Stretching from Sydney down to the Victorian border, the South Coast of NSW is a laid-back, unpretentious year-round destination filled with uncrowded white-sand beaches, crystal-blue bays, whale-watching opportunities, and wildlife-filled national parks. Adventurous travellers can find plenty of opportunities for surfing, diving, and bushwalking, while those who just want to relax can set up camp beachside and take in the natural beauty. As this region is far less-visited than the north coast, you might even feel like you have the place all to yourself.

93% (315)

Top-rated campgrounds

Look for the small orange arrow - it's pointing to the property which sits on a ridge line that leads right to the top of the escarpment.

Stretching from Sydney down to the Victorian border, the South Coast of NSW is a laid-back, unpretentious year-round destination filled with uncrowded white-sand beaches, crystal-blue bays, whale-watching opportunities, and wildlife-filled national parks. Adventurous travellers can find plenty of opportunities for surfing, diving, and bushwalking, while those who just want to relax can set up camp beachside and take in the natural beauty. As this region is far less-visited than the north coast, you might even feel like you have the place all to yourself.

93% (315)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mellows Ridge

95%

(174)

17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Calderwood, NSW

Nestled right up against the escarpment at an elevation of 450m, this high-end, off-grid 40 acre property effectively offers your own private slice of Macquarie Pass National Park - amazing views, giant cedar trees, fern forests, cascading waterfalls and palms surround. It feels remote but it's only 90 min from Sydney, 30 min to Kiama and just 15 min to the shops. The property also offers the only hiking path up to the top of the escarpment for some truly amazing views. As of September 2025, many of the trails on the property have been degraded by the rains and are now challenging for 2WD cars. If you're towing or it's wet we recommend AWD or 4WD vehicles. Since this is coastal rainforest and it has been very wet, expect leeches anywhere it is damp. These are easily kept at bay with deet and or trousers tucked into socks. We're not particularly price sensitive - until all those rate rises - but we are extremely value sensitive so we set out to make your stay extremely good value for your hard earned money. The land itself does most of the heavy lifting but also personal service and of course there's Lana to fall in love with. Note, Mellows Rd is 2.6km long and rises 400m - in parts the road is a 15 degree grade. It's all paved but narrow so if you are towing a large heavy load, it's going to strain your car.

2. Brooman, on the Clyde River

97%

(564)

30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Brooman, NSW

Imagine a mesmerizing camping destination nestled along the banks of the serene Clyde river. Towering trees provide a natural canopy overhead, dappling sunlight onto the lush forest floor. The tranquil sound of water gently flowing creates a soothing ambiance, perfect for relaxation. Picture yourself setting up camp near the riverbank, with the refreshing breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers. As the day fades into night, marvel at the starlit sky mirrored on the shimmering surface of the river. It's a breathtaking experience that seamlessly blends nature's beauty with the joy of outdoor living. Brooman rests approximately half way between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay on the fresh water section of the Clyde River. The property stretches south on both sides of the river from the Old Sawmill Town located at its northern end. Brooman is a working farm and encompasses lots of beautiful spaces, restored old buildings, two small mountains, fertile river flats, native forests, grasslands, deep water holes, tree covered rapid sections of river and sweeping views. Brooman is less than 30 minutes drive to some of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast. Shallow Crossing is 10 minutes to the south. North is Pigeon House car park, Yadboro and the base of The Castle. To the West there are hundreds of kilometres of Forestry and National Park roads through some of the most spectacular forested mountain country east of the Coastal Range. The Clyde River Berry Farm is just minutes down the road. Local fish and chips, great coffee and handmade bread is 25mins drive at Burrill Lake. Some of the best restaurants and bars on the coast are less than 40 minutes drive at Milton and Mollymook. If you are looking to relax and recharge in nature or explore amazing country, then Brooman is it.

3. Ingenia Holidays Ulladulla

90%

(43)

196 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ulladulla, NSW

If you’re looking for a complete coastal escape, set your GPS to Ingenia Holidays Ulladulla. Set just minutes from the Ulladulla town centre, Ingenia Holidays Ulladulla covers 12 pristine acres and is surrounded by native Aussie bushland with popular Racecourse Beach and Burrill Lake nearby.With a splash pad, tennis court, waterslides, swimming pools and plenty of playgrounds – you might want to consider lengthening your stay so the whole family can make the most of the facilities.This park might have it all, but there’s plenty to explore beyond its ample amenities. Just a short drive north, you’ll discover the heritage village of Milton, popular Mollymook Beach, and shimmering Lake Conjola. A scenic drive west will take you to Pigeon House Mountain in Morton National Park and if you head south, you’ll find the Pot Holes walking track in Meroo National Park.Live like a local and join in the water sport action like fishing, tubing, and surfing from Warden Head Lighthouse to Rennies Beach before finishing the days off enjoying freshly caught seafood from locally loved shops and restaurants. For alternative adventures, take part in the two-day indigenous Jamanee Gunya Cultural Experience, visit South Pacific Heathland Reserve to spot whales migrating along the New South Wales South Coast, or discover the Dreaming poles on the Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail.

4. Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

100%

(21)

16 sites · RVs, Lodging · Cudmirrah, NSW

Surfside Cudmirrah Beach is a small family-owned and operated holiday park located on beautiful Cudmirrah Beach. At times, Cudmirrah feels like a secret little hamlet that no one has ever heard of (it’s pronounced Cud-mee-rah). Located near the township of Sussex Inlet, right next door to Berrara and surrounded by Conjola National Park, visitors to Cudmirrah Beach are spoilt for choice with many options for enjoying the outdoors. Cudmirrah Beach is ideal for long beach walks at any time of year, you can either walk north to Sussex Inlet (and take the dog who will love you for it) or south to Berrara then all the way to Bendalong if you are feeling adventurous!

5. 2Wrens Rd

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(56)

5 sites · Lodging · Murrah, NSW

Bunga Surf Shack is located 20m from our house we are completing building in mid-2025. It is private from our house with a seperate driveway. The property is coastal farmland, half wooded, half cleared, distant neighbours and nearby National Parks. Great surf beaches including Bunga Point, Cuttagee and Aragunnu all close by. There are numerous coastal lagoons, Biamanga and Mimosa Rocks National parks. We have a large dam at the entrance to the property. The township of Bermagui is 15 minutes drive north; Tathra and Bega are 30mins south. There is an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, eagles, wombats. You can enjoy whale watching, diving, swimming, surfing and walking coastal tracks from here. As well there is an abundance of great food available with Wapengo Organic oysters just down the road, Mimosa Winery close by and numerous cafes, pub, restaurants, sourdough bakery, woolworths, bottleshop etc in the gorgeous coastal village of Bermagui. Mobile phone and internet coverage is good with Telstra, not as reliable if you are with Optus. Lovely place to switch off from your device if possible though. If you require firewood please select this in the extras or leave $20 cash per nights supply as we do have to chop, split and deliver this to the site. There is plenty of kindling to scavenge on site. If you would like to have friends stay with you there is additional space we allow for campers, otherwise we do not allow campers without the Surf Shack booking. Please be respectful of neighbours, drive slowly for wildlife, and no flying of drones over private land. Thanking you.

6. Soul Wood

100%

(1)

2 sites · Lodging · Termeil, NSW

Tucked away in your own private piece of wilderness, with cloud-like bedding, an outdoor bath, firepit and stunning location. Soul Wood has two custom designed cabins that offer a tranquil, intimate space to relax and unwind from the everyday. A short drive to a choice of breathtaking beaches, national parks, Shallow Crossing and amazing South Coast restaurants - you can do as much or as little as you desire! Voted one of the most romantic getaways in NSW in The Daily Telegraph, Urban List and Concrete Playground.

Stories from the community

N

Nikki

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

I stayed in the beautiful Bell Tent at Mellows Ridge and absolutely loved it. The setting is incredible, surrounded by tall trees, birdlife, rocky outcrops, and stunning views. It’s so peaceful, with plenty of wildlife around. I even spotted a diamond python and echidnas! The Bell Tent itself was spacious and luxurious, with lights, music, power, and a private toilet - everything you could need. Enjoying delicious wood-fired pizza and wine in the hot tub overlooking the valley was just perfect. My dog had the best time too and even made a new friend, Lana (Ian’s lovely dog), who took us on a tour to the waterfall! Sitting by the campfire listening to the birds was so relaxing. It feels wonderfully secluded yet it’s just a short drive from town. The customer service was exceptional - having a strong coffee delivered at 7am was amazing. I really didn’t have to bring a thing. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for peace, comfort, and a touch of luxury in nature.

Y

Yvette

July 2025

1 night at Mellows Ridge

My son and I had a great stay in the Bell Tent. Very easy, lots of good walks for a five year old. Ian was friendly and we loved the pizza and the puppy!

L

Luke

June 2025

1 night at Mellows Ridge

The Bell tent was exactly what we were looking for, a night escape. We had a pizza and some Pinot Gris on the deck before heading back and lighting the fire - will be back!

Simon

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

Ian was extremely nice and hospitable to make it a pleasant experience! With enougb privacy and good ammenities. Worth every penny.

J

Joseph

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

The Bell Tent was amazing! We enjoyed every single minute of it and the hosts were very accommodating and welcoming. The pizza was very delicious and sitting by the firepit drinking our complementary beers kept us warm on a cool night. The Bell Tent was also stacked with a power bank and Apple home pod which kept us entertained. Overall, we would highly recommend!

K

Kobie

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Mellows Ridge

We had the absolute best time!! I went with my partner for a night as a getaway from busy Sydney and this hipcamp exceeded our expectations. Ian is so hospitable, so much so that he even gave us a backpack and a lunchbox to go hiking with. He was constantly going out of his way to ensure we had the best possible experience. We will definitely be back.

A

Anthony

January 2025

1 night at Mellows Ridge

Tranquil private secluded bell tent- Ian is an amazing host- outstanding homemade gourmet pizza! Nothing too much trouble- Hike up the escarpment well worth the effort

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best glamping in South Coast with hot tubs guide

Where to go

Illawara

On the Illawara Coast, Shellharbour is home to the National Surfing Reserve of Killalea, and the area is also a favourite of snorkellers and divers who can explore the many shipwrecks and marine life-filled underwater cliffs. Beachfront and just a short walk from the centre, various tourist parks offer a range of accommodation including powered sites, ensuite cabins, and self-contained beachside cottages. A little farther south, Killalea State Park has a secluded camping area in the park’s grassy meadows with access to facilities including toilets, hot showers, and an undercover electric barbecue area.

Shoalhaven Coast

Another favourite among surfers and divers, the Shoalhaven Coast is also known as a wine-growing region and for the powder-white sands, crystalline waters, and whale- and dolphin-spotting opportunities of Jervis Bay. Within Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay, the Cave Beach camping area offers some of Australia’s best secluded beach camping with access to cold showers and barbecues. Farther south, beachfront caravan sites and campgrounds in Murramarang National Park let you can camp alongside resident kangaroos.

Eurobodalla Coast

The Eurobodalla Coast is home to the seaside town of Batemans Bay, famed for its fresh seafood, particularly oysters, as well as the Clyde River National Park, where you can go bushwalking, kayaking, and fishing. Just south of town, Batemans Bay holiday parks offer villas as well as powered sites with access to laundry facilities and BBQ areas. Farther south, Tuross Head is perched on a headland between two tidal lakes, making it the perfect spot for kayaking, fishing, boating, and swimming. Look out for peaceful holiday units, plus powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites with ocean views and easy access to the beach and lake.

Sapphire Coast

At the southern end of the NSW coast, the tranquil Sapphire Coast is home to the small town of Eden, one of the best places in Australia to spot humpback whales on their annual migration from May through September. Just outside town, waterfront holiday parks offer large powered and unpowered caravan sites, as well as a range of cabins, with access to camp kitchens. Forty minutes north, rustic Hobart Beach Campground in Bournda National Park has unpowered sites that make the perfect base for swimming, hiking, and exploring nearby secluded beaches.