Lakeside camping near Sussex Inlet
Chase waterfalls, dive under the sea, and watch whales migrate when camping near Sussex Inlet.
- Sussex Inlet
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Lakeside camping near Sussex Inlet guide
Overview
On the coast, roughly halfway between Canberra and Sydney, Sussex Inlet provides campers with easy access to big urban cities as well as the scenic outdoors. Discover a wealth of accommodations in town, like pet-friendly cabins, holiday parks with powered sites, and rustic campgrounds. Then adventure across the inlet to Booderee National Park for all of nature’s splendours. Or jet over to Jervis Bay National Park to watch whales from the shoreline and scuba dive into the depths of the ocean. Budderoo National Park is another must-see attraction where campers can explore rainforest trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls. Since every season in Sussex Inlet offers something different, campers can take advantage of this area year-round.
Where to go
Booderee National Park
Situated on Aboriginal land, Booderee National Park sits directly across the inlet. Hike to a beach-side campground that offers access to fresh water, toilets, and cold showers. Or get cosy in the caravan and enjoy a drive-in pitch with nearby hot showers and sheltered BBQ areas. After a good night’s rest, visit Cape St. George Lighthouse and wander along the numerous sandy beaches. With several activities to choose from, campers have their pick when it comes to whale watching, surfing, fishing, scuba diving, or snorkelling.
Jervis Bay National Park
Just under an hour from Sussex Inlet, Jervis Bay National Park offers world-class whale watching and sumptuous white-sand beaches. While there’s no camping inside the park, there is a variety of accommodations in the nearby village of Huskisson, from cabin rentals to holiday parks for tents and caravans. After setting up, check out Bull Hole Lookout, paddle Coonemia Creek, or saunter down the Hyams Beach Trail or Hare Point walking track.
Budderoo National Park
Head roughly two hours north to Budderoo National Park and get settled into a campground equipped with basic amenities like toilets and picnic tables, as well as easy access to Kangaroo River. Adventure over to Nellies Glen Picnic Area or conquer the Minnamurra Falls walk and Carrington Falls walking track—all of which reward hikers with outstanding waterfalls at the end of the journey. For more stunning views, head to Jamberoo Lookout—and don’t forget the camera!
When to go
The balmy summers of Sussex Inlet are perfect for visits to the beachy paradise of Jervis Bay National Park or aquatic adventures at Booderee National Park. As temperatures start to drop when autumn and winter roll around, wildlife watching opportunities quickly rise. Whales migrate just off the coast from May to November while rare birds head home for mating season in Budderoo National Park. The spring season brings gifts, too—swathes of colourful wildflowers come to life throughout the park’s grassy areas, making picture-perfect backgrounds and stunning hiking scenery.