The best star host camping near Wollongong

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The Illawarra Escarpment tumbles into the sea just north of Wollongong. The ‘Gong, as it’s known, is the third-largest city in NSW, and while it might have an industrial past, it’s also one of the most attractive seaside cities in Australia, where you can explore the horseshoe-shaped cove of Wollongong Harbour with its lighthouse, fishing boats, fish markets, and city beaches. Getting to Wollongong is half the fun: come by road and you’ll drive across the stunning cantilevered Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive; travel by train from Sydney and the tracks hug the coastline almost the entire way.

99% (2.8K) 56 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Wollongong

Melon Green at Oakdale

1. Melon Green at Oakdale

99%
(72)
49km from Wollongong · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging
Update: access road is now sealed. Melon Green welcomes self contained caravans and /or motorhomes. Lovely grassy farm on a 15 acre block. A quick 15 minute drive into Picton where you can find our local club and shops. Short drive to Nattai lookout overlooking Warragamba water catchment. Spectacular view. Also Thirlmere Lakes. Nearby Camden township restaurants, cafes, pool, bike track along Nepean River and more. We are located approximately 1 hour from Sydney airport so a day in the city is not out of the question. Shopping malls a short distance away. We have 4 horses, two dams, nice outlook, Clean tank water is available and picnic table can be provided. Please note we can no longer offer bathroom facilities. As we have horses, dogs must be on a leash. Campfires are welcome in the fire pit.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$46
 / night
Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre

2. Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre

97%
(156)
56km from Wollongong · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Sutton Farm is located in Sutton Forest, nestled in the Southern Highlands, and just an hour and a half from Sydney. Sutton Farm is easily accessible for all guests as we're just five minutes from the Hume Highway. Our historic stable complex featured as a setting in the iconic Australian movie, “Phar Lap”, and includes stables boxes immediately adjacent to our indoor arena. Please note only one tent or one vehicle, one caravan per site. Just minutes from the shopping delights of Bowral and Moss Vale, and an easy drive to other historic Highlands towns like Berrima, Bundanoon and Robertson, a stay at Sutton Farm puts you right in the middle of everything the area has to offer. This is the perfect weekend escape for busy city folk and a magical getaway for families. Our Equestrian Centre boasts state of the art equestrian facilities within a beautiful, historic setting. The lush, undulating green hills are shaded with leafy trees. We love our horses. We host horse lovers events twice a year, and offer boutique training, horse riding lessons, functions and five star events. We welcome all types of camping guests from tents through to campervans and caravans. The camping area is 2WD accessible. You are welcome to choose where you’d like to set up on arrival. PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 5PM. A gate code will be given on arrival if you need to exit after 5pm. We have a large open, grassy area close to the amenities or you can tuck your campsite away under the trees. PLEASE TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU. We have very comfortable toilet and hot shower facilities, with access to drinking water. For those wanting an indoor stay please check out our Loft above the Stables listing, a wonderful and quirky accommodation option that puts you right near all the horse action. No pets please. Take all your rubbish with you. ARRIVAL BEFORE 5PM We ask while staying with us you do not pat or feed the horses. Please ask one of our staff and they can direct you to something you can pat.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
AU$97
 / night
Noonameena - Sleep in the Bush

3. Noonameena - Sleep in the Bush

97%
(55)
54km from Wollongong · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Noonameena is a 100 acre natural bushland property located approx 7kms outside of Berrima, NSW in the Southern Highlands. While most of the property is covered by a variety of natural bushland, a small flat area of cleared land is perfect for recreational campers. The property has access to the Wingecarribee River to the south, a natural pool and large dam in the camping area. Other property features include commercial gardens, orchards and free range chicken coop as well as a homestead with surrounding gardens. There are also plenty of walking tracks on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$97
 / night
Cobbers Rest

4. Cobbers Rest

96%
(38)
20km from Wollongong · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to Cobbers Rest. Escape to nature and enjoy camping by a picturesque creek nestled at the back of our property. Cobbers Rest Camp area is surrounded by the stunning native flora of the Dharawal Region, offering a peaceful retreat where you can relax and unwind. This is a self- sufficient, off-grid camp-site with no electricity and no toilet facilities - campers must come fully prepared and practice a leave-no trace approach to preserve the natural environment. The creek is not only home to endangered frog species and other wildlife, but it also plays a vital role in irrigating the local stone fruit and apple orchard. To protect both the ecosystem and the food supply, it is essential that no pollutants enter the water. Campers are welcome to enjoy a fire in the designated fire pit when local regulations permit- perfect for gathering under the stars. Camp-site Details ● suitable for off- road camper trailers and tents only. Camper vans can be accommodated in a different area. Same experience, no creek. ●recommended for up to 2 camper trailers for privacy. ● Groups can be accommodated with space for 3-5 tents, depending on size and privacy needs ● The area is reasonably flat but can become wet and muddy during heavy rain- please check conditions before driving onto site Things To Do Nearby There's plenty to explore just a short distance from Cobbers Rest: ●Maddens Falls- Take a short walk to the beautiful waterfall and enjoy the serene surrounds. ●Glenbernie Orchard- located less than 1km away, experience pick your own adventure, or watch for Cider festival days, or join the apple baking competition, or simply enjoy browsing the farm shop and buying the deliciuos produce available. ●Darkes Firest Riding Ranch - Just 3km away, enjoy a guided horse riding experience through scenic trails. Bush walking and hiking- Explore multiple walking tracks in the area, including the stunning Woddi Woddi track. ● Helensburgh-(15km drive) This charming town has a small supermarket, several cafe's, and other essentials. ●Stanwell Park Beach -( 20min drive) Enjoy a scenic beach escape, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or a coastal walk. ● Sea Cliff Bridge- Enjoy whale watching or walking on this engineering highlight and enjoy the beautiful coastline.
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night
'Elouera Vale' Farm

5. 'Elouera Vale' Farm

98%
(617)
35km from Wollongong · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Elouera Vale is a working farm located just outside Mittagong NSW. We breed and train camels for sale, especially into the Southern Highlands. Camels are excellent for weed control and co-grazing with cattle. 'Elouera Vale' also breeds Belted Galloway cattle, Dorper and Wiltipol sheep and donkeys. Our property covers over 140 acres, 80 acres cleared and pasture improved and the rest consisting of forest. The Chain O Ponds creek runs through the property and makes for a lovely walk. You will probably get to see kangaroo, wallaby, wombats, echidnas, koalas and lots of bird life. The lush green hills abound with walking and cycling trails. You can head to the spectacular Nattai Gorge via the Box Vale Mine walking track, an easy 4.4km circular walk that follows an old railway line through a tunnel to breath-taking views. Enjoy a picnic in the magnificent Lake Alexandra Reserve or hike up extinct volcanic peak Mount Gibraltar. The closest shops are approximately a 15 minute drive to the Mittagong Town Centre where you will find all the shops, cafes and restaurants for your needs. It is well worth a visit to ‘The Shaggy Cow’ cafe, one of our favourite foodie spots (don’t forget to mention Elouera Vale). While you're here please try the Cool Climate wines. The region’s rich soil and high altitude are ideal for cool-climate wine growing. Visit cellar doors in the hills and valleys around Mittagong, including Centennial Vineyards. Enjoy a pleasant wine tasting experience at Centennial (don’t forget to mention us). The Camel Cottage offers a luxe off-the-grid escape for couples just one hour from Sydney but feels like "miles from anywhere". The Gums Cottage is a fully contained, off-grid modern getaway, surrounded by the magnificent white gum trees that are its namesake. The serene setting and stylish interior of The Gums provides all the essentials for a picturesque and peaceful country escape. The White Gum Forest Retreat offers campsites nestled in a white gum forest, not far from a beautiful trickling creek. There is access to toilets and a small dam near campsites for water supply for showers where required. For a truly memorable experience we recommend hiring our function space, White Gum Forest Functions, which is available for day visitors as well as guests staying overnight in our cabins and campsites. Why not book your next special family group gathering, milestone birthday or wedding here! The function space can cater for up to 50 guests, please contact us with your time and date requirements before booking. Feel spoilt in the midst of beautiful waratahs, grevilleas and ferns, watching camels grazing in the adjacent paddock. It's like being on a safari! There is 5G mobile telephone reception at the farm so you can reconnect with the world if need be. No pets please.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$85
 / night

The Illawarra Escarpment tumbles into the sea just north of Wollongong. The ‘Gong, as it’s known, is the third-largest city in NSW, and while it might have an industrial past, it’s also one of the most attractive seaside cities in Australia, where you can explore the horseshoe-shaped cove of Wollongong Harbour with its lighthouse, fishing boats, fish markets, and city beaches. Getting to Wollongong is half the fun: come by road and you’ll drive across the stunning cantilevered Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive; travel by train from Sydney and the tracks hug the coastline almost the entire way.

99% (2.8K) 56 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Wollongong

Melon Green at Oakdale

1. Melon Green at Oakdale

99%
(72)
49km from Wollongong · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging
Update: access road is now sealed. Melon Green welcomes self contained caravans and /or motorhomes. Lovely grassy farm on a 15 acre block. A quick 15 minute drive into Picton where you can find our local club and shops. Short drive to Nattai lookout overlooking Warragamba water catchment. Spectacular view. Also Thirlmere Lakes. Nearby Camden township restaurants, cafes, pool, bike track along Nepean River and more. We are located approximately 1 hour from Sydney airport so a day in the city is not out of the question. Shopping malls a short distance away. We have 4 horses, two dams, nice outlook, Clean tank water is available and picnic table can be provided. Please note we can no longer offer bathroom facilities. As we have horses, dogs must be on a leash. Campfires are welcome in the fire pit.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$46
 / night
Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre

2. Sutton Farm Equestrian Centre

97%
(156)
56km from Wollongong · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Sutton Farm is located in Sutton Forest, nestled in the Southern Highlands, and just an hour and a half from Sydney. Sutton Farm is easily accessible for all guests as we're just five minutes from the Hume Highway. Our historic stable complex featured as a setting in the iconic Australian movie, “Phar Lap”, and includes stables boxes immediately adjacent to our indoor arena. Please note only one tent or one vehicle, one caravan per site. Just minutes from the shopping delights of Bowral and Moss Vale, and an easy drive to other historic Highlands towns like Berrima, Bundanoon and Robertson, a stay at Sutton Farm puts you right in the middle of everything the area has to offer. This is the perfect weekend escape for busy city folk and a magical getaway for families. Our Equestrian Centre boasts state of the art equestrian facilities within a beautiful, historic setting. The lush, undulating green hills are shaded with leafy trees. We love our horses. We host horse lovers events twice a year, and offer boutique training, horse riding lessons, functions and five star events. We welcome all types of camping guests from tents through to campervans and caravans. The camping area is 2WD accessible. You are welcome to choose where you’d like to set up on arrival. PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 5PM. A gate code will be given on arrival if you need to exit after 5pm. We have a large open, grassy area close to the amenities or you can tuck your campsite away under the trees. PLEASE TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU. We have very comfortable toilet and hot shower facilities, with access to drinking water. For those wanting an indoor stay please check out our Loft above the Stables listing, a wonderful and quirky accommodation option that puts you right near all the horse action. No pets please. Take all your rubbish with you. ARRIVAL BEFORE 5PM We ask while staying with us you do not pat or feed the horses. Please ask one of our staff and they can direct you to something you can pat.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
AU$97
 / night
Noonameena - Sleep in the Bush

3. Noonameena - Sleep in the Bush

97%
(55)
54km from Wollongong · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Noonameena is a 100 acre natural bushland property located approx 7kms outside of Berrima, NSW in the Southern Highlands. While most of the property is covered by a variety of natural bushland, a small flat area of cleared land is perfect for recreational campers. The property has access to the Wingecarribee River to the south, a natural pool and large dam in the camping area. Other property features include commercial gardens, orchards and free range chicken coop as well as a homestead with surrounding gardens. There are also plenty of walking tracks on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$97
 / night
Cobbers Rest

4. Cobbers Rest

96%
(38)
20km from Wollongong · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to Cobbers Rest. Escape to nature and enjoy camping by a picturesque creek nestled at the back of our property. Cobbers Rest Camp area is surrounded by the stunning native flora of the Dharawal Region, offering a peaceful retreat where you can relax and unwind. This is a self- sufficient, off-grid camp-site with no electricity and no toilet facilities - campers must come fully prepared and practice a leave-no trace approach to preserve the natural environment. The creek is not only home to endangered frog species and other wildlife, but it also plays a vital role in irrigating the local stone fruit and apple orchard. To protect both the ecosystem and the food supply, it is essential that no pollutants enter the water. Campers are welcome to enjoy a fire in the designated fire pit when local regulations permit- perfect for gathering under the stars. Camp-site Details ● suitable for off- road camper trailers and tents only. Camper vans can be accommodated in a different area. Same experience, no creek. ●recommended for up to 2 camper trailers for privacy. ● Groups can be accommodated with space for 3-5 tents, depending on size and privacy needs ● The area is reasonably flat but can become wet and muddy during heavy rain- please check conditions before driving onto site Things To Do Nearby There's plenty to explore just a short distance from Cobbers Rest: ●Maddens Falls- Take a short walk to the beautiful waterfall and enjoy the serene surrounds. ●Glenbernie Orchard- located less than 1km away, experience pick your own adventure, or watch for Cider festival days, or join the apple baking competition, or simply enjoy browsing the farm shop and buying the deliciuos produce available. ●Darkes Firest Riding Ranch - Just 3km away, enjoy a guided horse riding experience through scenic trails. Bush walking and hiking- Explore multiple walking tracks in the area, including the stunning Woddi Woddi track. ● Helensburgh-(15km drive) This charming town has a small supermarket, several cafe's, and other essentials. ●Stanwell Park Beach -( 20min drive) Enjoy a scenic beach escape, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or a coastal walk. ● Sea Cliff Bridge- Enjoy whale watching or walking on this engineering highlight and enjoy the beautiful coastline.
Campfires
from 
AU$49
 / night
'Elouera Vale' Farm

5. 'Elouera Vale' Farm

98%
(617)
35km from Wollongong · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Elouera Vale is a working farm located just outside Mittagong NSW. We breed and train camels for sale, especially into the Southern Highlands. Camels are excellent for weed control and co-grazing with cattle. 'Elouera Vale' also breeds Belted Galloway cattle, Dorper and Wiltipol sheep and donkeys. Our property covers over 140 acres, 80 acres cleared and pasture improved and the rest consisting of forest. The Chain O Ponds creek runs through the property and makes for a lovely walk. You will probably get to see kangaroo, wallaby, wombats, echidnas, koalas and lots of bird life. The lush green hills abound with walking and cycling trails. You can head to the spectacular Nattai Gorge via the Box Vale Mine walking track, an easy 4.4km circular walk that follows an old railway line through a tunnel to breath-taking views. Enjoy a picnic in the magnificent Lake Alexandra Reserve or hike up extinct volcanic peak Mount Gibraltar. The closest shops are approximately a 15 minute drive to the Mittagong Town Centre where you will find all the shops, cafes and restaurants for your needs. It is well worth a visit to ‘The Shaggy Cow’ cafe, one of our favourite foodie spots (don’t forget to mention Elouera Vale). While you're here please try the Cool Climate wines. The region’s rich soil and high altitude are ideal for cool-climate wine growing. Visit cellar doors in the hills and valleys around Mittagong, including Centennial Vineyards. Enjoy a pleasant wine tasting experience at Centennial (don’t forget to mention us). The Camel Cottage offers a luxe off-the-grid escape for couples just one hour from Sydney but feels like "miles from anywhere". The Gums Cottage is a fully contained, off-grid modern getaway, surrounded by the magnificent white gum trees that are its namesake. The serene setting and stylish interior of The Gums provides all the essentials for a picturesque and peaceful country escape. The White Gum Forest Retreat offers campsites nestled in a white gum forest, not far from a beautiful trickling creek. There is access to toilets and a small dam near campsites for water supply for showers where required. For a truly memorable experience we recommend hiring our function space, White Gum Forest Functions, which is available for day visitors as well as guests staying overnight in our cabins and campsites. Why not book your next special family group gathering, milestone birthday or wedding here! The function space can cater for up to 50 guests, please contact us with your time and date requirements before booking. Feel spoilt in the midst of beautiful waratahs, grevilleas and ferns, watching camels grazing in the adjacent paddock. It's like being on a safari! There is 5G mobile telephone reception at the farm so you can reconnect with the world if need be. No pets please.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$85
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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The best star host camping near Wollongong guide

Where to go

Grand Pacific Drive

NSW’s answer to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Grand Pacific Drive (also known as Lawrence Hargrave Drive) is a cliffside scenic route that meanders along the coastline south of Sydney. Soak in the views from Stanwell Tops, then wind along the edge of the cliffs 50 metres out to sea on the famous cantilevered Sea Cliff Bridge between Coalcliff and Clifton. After that, you’ll want to hop from beach to beach—most have a caravan park or beachside camping ground nearby—all the way to Wollongong.

Southern Highlands

Reminiscent of England with green hills, stone houses, and cool-climate gardens of tulips and daffodils in spring, these highlands that flank the coast between Sydney and Wollongong are the place for a country weekend getaway. You’ll find good holiday parks in the towns of Mittagong, Moss Vale, and Bowral, or choose to bush camp in riverside camping areas in the state forests and national parks. Bring your winter woollies—it can get cold at night.

Kangaroo Valley

Valleys don’t get much prettier than Kangaroo Valley, just over an hour’s drive southwest of the ‘Gong and home to the oldest suspension bridge in Australia, set over the Kangaroo River. Despite the name, you’ll probably see more wombats than wallabies at riverside camping spots, caravan parks, and glamping areas. Nearby must-sees include Fitzroy Falls in Moreton National Park.

Shellharbour, Kiama, Berry, and Jamberoo

Watch the waves woosh through the blowhole at Kiama, climb the Illawarra Fly (a bouncy, 500-metre-long, 25-metre-high, elevated treetop walk near Robertson), tackle the waterslides at Jamberoo Action Park, walk with lyrebirds in the rainforest at Minnamurra, or feed your sweet tooth with a hot donut from Berry Donut Farm. If you’re a surfer (or just a lover of sleeping by the sea), head to The Farm at Killalea State Park, where the campsites are right behind the beach.

When to go

Summer time is best for seaside camping, especially if you plan on swimming. Camping and caravanning are top choices on the South Coast during the summer months and school holidays, especially in late December and throughout January, when you’ll need to book well in advance to secure a place. If you want to see whales, go between June and November.

Know before you go

  • The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading to Minnamurra Falls in Minnamurra Rainforest is perfect for families.
  • Set at Stanwell Tops just north of Wollongong, 275-metre-high Bald Hill is Australia’s best spot for hang-gliding and paragliding thanks to ocean views with Royal National Park to the north and the escarpment to the south. Tandem flights are available—no experience needed...just a good head for heights.
  • The surf beaches of the Illawarra are a great place to learn to surf.