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Emu Creek Retreat

Hosted by Frank · Tabulam, New South Wales
172 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 2800 acres
97%
·
223 reviews
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Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at some sites.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Welcome to Emu creek Retreat One of the best destinations for hiking, camping, bushwalking, swimming, Kayaking, fishing, mountain bike riding (bicycles only), bird watching, 4wdriving and even fossicking., Dogs, men's best friend, are definitely welcome. But if your dog is not friendly or is likely to venture into someone else camping area, than will have to be on a leash. If travelling in a 2wd please contact us before booking, some of the campgrounds have to be reached by crossing the creeks, Girard camp is one of them where the office and the showers are, at times this crossing is under water and is only accessible by 4wd. Other campgrounds are available near the entry gate that don't require a creek crossing for access and toilets are available on some of them. One side of the property is bound by Emu Creek and the other by Girard Creek, both creeks have enough water with some permanent deep water holes for all year activities. Sightseeing inside the property we have Girard Falls, a 50m high waterfall, nature at it's best. In the vicinity you have the Clarence river at Paddy's Flat Road and Hootons Road within minutes drive from the property. The only entry into the property is by Emu Creek Rd a gravel road. Emu Creek Retreat is located in the far north-east of New South Wales. We are approximately 200 km from Brisbane, Toowoomba and Gold Coast, 150km from Byron Bay. Tabulam is the nearest town 12km away. Fuel and groceries are available at Tabulam along with a post office, pub and police station. Casino is 68km away and Tenterfield 78km. Once a working cattle property, in 1993 was converted into a camping and 4WD park. Since 2017 has been a family own and operated property, pet friendly, we are using the existing large camping grounds to convert it into a camping paradise. Two properties combined with close to 2800 acres, fronting Paddy’s Flat Rd for 2km and extends 7km to the back fence bordering a 22000 acre cattle property. The front section is undulating with plantation forest (spotted gum) and bushland, towards the back it has mountains, steep terrain and millions of trees with spectacular views and great hiking tracks.
from
AU$43
/ night
172 sites

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Vehicle/tent sites

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Emu Creek Retreat

97%
(321)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 40 · Vehicles under 30 m
Welcome to Emu Creek Retreat Camping is not allocated, you select where to camp, there are 14 separate nominated campgrounds with cleared flat lawns for motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers, tents or swags. No powered sites. Two creeks run through the property providing over 15 km of clear water suitable for swimming, kayaking, fishing and fossicking.  Girard Falls at the back of the property is an amazing sight 22 Flushing toilets and 12 hot showers are also available spread over 3 separate campgrounds. Free firewood is available throughout the property, but will have to collect it yourself. Bring a chainsaw. Only fallen trees and branches.  Dogs are welcome. CAMPING: The Oaks campground 7 acre flat campsite with 4 flush toilets, along side Emu Creek where swimming and fishing is possible all year round. Most times a 4wd is required for access. Girard Campground a 5 acre camp by Gerard Creek, with showers and flush toilets. Also permanent water holes for swimming and lots of turtles. At times the crossing is under water and is not suited for 2wd access. White Eagle camp is located next to Emu Creek at the front of the property, near the entry gate. Largest expansion of water in the property. Perfect for kayaks, swimming or just enjoying the solitude. No amenities. 2wd access all year round. Twin Dams campgrounds near the front of the property, have 8 flushing toilets, two dams with fish in them and several separate campgrounds for privacy.. Riverbend camp next to Emu creek with crystal clear water. If you are self sufficient and love solitude this is the camp for you. No amenities. You will need a 4wd to access this camp. There are a number of activities available, fossicking in the creeks for gold, since the abandon Lunatic gold township from the mid 1800 is just on the property behind us. If you feel lucky. Or towards the back of the property away from the camping grounds we have a couple of hundred kilometres of tracks for the 4wd enthusiast with rewarding views to go with it including Girard Falls a magnificent sight when the river is running. Hiking has become very popular lately, as well as bird watching, mountain bike riding and kayaking. You will have to bring your own equipment we don't provide ENJOY YOUR STAY IN OUR NATURE HABITAT
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
from
AU$43
/ night
for 1 guest

Lodging

2 sites
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Cabin 2

100%
(4)
Cabin · Sleeps 4
Welcome to Emu Creek Retreat If travelling in a 2wd please contact us before booking, the Girard creek crossing to get to the accommodation, at times is only accessible by 4wd. Tracks inside the property are best accessed by 4wd. Note that no pets are allowed inside the cabin. Cabin 2 is fitted with a double bed and two single bunk beds suitable for children only. Price includes park fees. Adjacent is the amenities block with flush toilets and hot showers. The undercover picnic area has the only kitchen facility available, a large BBQ also table, chairs and solar power to charge your phone and lights. Girard Creek is in front of the cabin. Several rain water tanks provide plenty of water all year round. Cabins are fitted with lights and 240v power. But no high power appliances are allowed, all run by solar. One side of the property is bound by Emu Creek and the other by Girard Creek, both creeks have a number of permanent deep water holes, suitable for swimming and kayaking. There is plenty of native wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, parrots, eagles, foxes, dingoes, goannas, and a multitude of turtles in both creeks. We have seen several koalas on the large trees near Emu Creek. A herd of wild brumbies has taken up residence also. We had an unusual close encounter with a white eagle eating a turtle. Platypus has been spotted at River bend, Sleepy Hollows and White Eagle camps.  Outside the property there are quite a few scenic destinations, not to mention the Clarence River where Emu Creek runs into, a nice area on Hootons Road only 9km away.
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
from
AU$190
/ night
for 4 guests
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Cabin 4

100%
(2)
Cabin · Sleeps 2
Welcome to Emu Creek Retreat If travelling in a 2wd please contact us before booking, the Girard creek crossing to get to the accommodation, at times is only accessible by 4wd. Note that no pets are allowed inside the cabin. But they are welcome to the campgrounds. We have several Timber Cabins with a queen size bed in one of our campgrounds next to Girard Creek.  We also have a cabin with a double bed and two single beds in a bunk (children only) see Cabin 2 fees Price includes park fees, use of picnic area, and adjacent amenities block with toilets and showers facility. The undercover picnic area has the only kitchen facility available, a large BBQ also table, chairs and solar power to charge your phone and lights. Flushing toilets and hot showers are near the cabins. The cabins do have 240v power, but only through a small inverter and solar panels, so no high power appliances are to be used like kettles, coffee machines, etc. Girard Creek is in front of the cabins with some of the best swimming areas in the property. Several rain water tanks provide plenty of drinking water all year round, best to boil the water first, specially if you are not used to rain water. Cabins are fitted with lights and 240v power. The only entry into the property is by Emu Creek Rd a gravel road. Tracks inside the property are best accessed by 4wd Emu Creek Retreat is located in the far north-east of New South Wales. We are approximately 200 km from Brisbane, Toowoomba and Gold Coast, 150km from Byron Bay. Tabulam is the nearest town 12km away. Fuel and groceries are available at Tabulam along with a pub and police station. Casino is 68km away and Tenterfield 78km. One side of the property is bound by Emu Creek and the other by Girard Creek, both creeks have a number of permanent deep water holes, suitable for swimming and kayaking. There is plenty of native wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, parrots, eagles, foxes, dingoes, goannas, and a multitude of turtles in both creeks. We have seen several koalas on the large trees near Emu Creek. A herd of wild brumbies has taken up residence also. Platypus has been spotted at several of our campgrounds.
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
from
AU$143
/ night
for 2 guests
from
AU$43
/ night
172 sites

Reviews

97% Recommend327 Ratings · 223 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Absolutely perfect for a getaway, driving the tracks, swim in the creek and feeding the horses that roam on the property. We camped at the oaks campground, massive area with clean amenities. Will definitely be back. Frank was an awesome host. Thank you
S
Spider M.
3 reviews
Mixed feelings
· January 2026
Okay but wouldn’t return again
Tent · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Nice enough place but wouldn’t return again. We were shocked and disappointed that a place that welcomes dogs would allow fireworks to be lit without any notice to campers who had dogs. We almost had ours run away due to no notice on this happening. Notice would’ve helped us prepare our dog so he wouldn’t have been so distressed. This occurred over 2 nights, we left a night earlier because of this and got no compensation or even a sorry from Frank. Whilst it was nice to disconnect we wouldn’t go back because of this experience.
A
Abby M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· January 2026
A retreat in name only
Tent · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
My naïveté probably got the better of me when booking this stay. Based on the photos on Hipcamp, I expected something tranquil and peaceful — a place to unwind, paddle in a creek, and enjoy a bit of quiet. The creek part was true. The rest, not so much. It wasn’t until after booking (and once everyone was excited) that we discovered this is actually a full-scale 4WD park, not a retreat. For reference, a retreat is defined as “a place for quiet reflection, rest, or spiritual renewal.” If that involves listening to vehicles with their exhausts cut off for most of the day, then this may be the place for you — especially over peak periods like New Year’s. Thankfully, there is one campsite somewhat removed from the noise: White Eagle Campground near the entrance. It’s flat, well maintained, and sits beside a great little creek for swimming or paddling a kayak or canoe. That said, it’s also easily accessible for caravans, and when generators run for 10–12 hours a day, it becomes hard to tell whether you’re listening to cicadas or another refuel. To be fair, the amenities are ridiculously good — far better than expected and clearly well maintained. A note for dog owners: despite being advertised as dog-friendly, if neighbouring dogs are aggressive, you’ll be expected to tie your dog up in camp (which we had to do). This has since been updated on the Hipcamp lisiting to represent this but not on the website. I suggest visiting in quiet times to make the most of this property.
A
Alex K.
1 year on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· January 2026
Tent · With kids ·
Emu Creek Retreat
We booked three nights but only stayed two due to ongoing noise issues. Loud music, engine revving and disruptive behaviour continued until around 2am on the first night and again on the second night (ending earlier). Some language used was inappropriate and not family-friendly. We raised the issue on the first night, however the noise continued. The overall atmosphere made it difficult for families unless you were part of the group involved. We were unable to stay the final night and followed up afterwards but received no response.
B
Bethany C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Loved it.
Tent · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
We were able to pick any spot we wanted. Very relaxed vibe and friendly. So much space that we didn’t need to be near anyone else and this was between Xmas and new year. Lots of shade and grass. Camped right next to the creek. Clean and well kept amenities. Daily visit from goanna.
M
May R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
6 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Beautiful camping spot. Peaceful and relaxing. Would camp there again.
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Michelle M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
6 m pop-up camper · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Beautiful property, really friendly hosts, amazing 4WD tracks to test your skills, entertaining watching them attempt almost vertical tracks!! Loads of space to spread out and find quiet spots too, and awesome creek and swimming holes to explore. Amenities were useful and spotless, well done Frank and thanks for sharing your slice of paradise.
J
Jacqui P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
camping with relaxing action
With kids ·
Cabin 2
camping at emu Creek retreat was also relaxing but also filled with exciting four-wheel driving and great host. Great swimming areas awesome campgrounds. Super kid friendly and just overall great time
S
Steve Y.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
5 m car · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Emu Creek is great. The hospitality was excellent, the guys were very accommodating and helpful throughout the stay. I will definitely be back
T
Trevor C.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
10 m pop-up camper ·
Emu Creek Retreat
The camp site was awesome, unfortunately it rained the whole time but we will be back.
S
Simon M.
9 months on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· July 2025
great amenities, great disconnect
12 m pop-up camper · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Great amenities, remote and great to disconnect. Everything about the venue was great However, check if it is a 4wd event as they can be loud late into the night which isn't so great when your trying to get kids to sleep.
A
Anne C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Amazing family spot
7 m Class B · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Amazing place to camp with the family. We had the best time and will definitely be back with friends. Hosts extremely friendly and welcoming.
B
Brooke F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
7 m travel trailer · Group trip ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Great spot Good facilities —————-///////—————————
M
Mark R.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Fabulous spot, made even better by being the only ones there 😊
K
Katrina P.
5 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Great group camping!
Tent · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Massive area to camp with campsites spread out so you don't have to be onto of one another. Dog friendly and off leash allowed. The staff were friendly and helpful when needed.
J
Jacob H.
5 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Amazing experience!
6 m Class B · With kids ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Such a beautiful place! We loved the large grassy area’s, natural spaces, flowing creeks and the amenities. There were so many places to explore and heaps of things for the kids to do, we even had brumbies run through our campsite in the middle of the night. We had the best holiday & everyone was so lovely. Highly recommend Emu Creek for camping with kids & animals
A
Ashley P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
6 m pop-up camper · With pets ·
Emu Creek Retreat
So much space, we camped at the oaks in easter weekend and there was plenty of space. Amenities so clean and maintained. Definately be back!!
D
Dylan J.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
13 m travel trailer ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Such a lovely place to set up camp for a few nights, on the river side at white eagle camp ground
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Jason T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
5 m pop-up camper ·
Emu Creek Retreat
An abundance of well maintained and picturesque campsites. Friendly, organised and helpful hosts! Will definitely be returning to explore more of this fabulous retreat.
N
Nerida B.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
5 m car · Group trip ·
Emu Creek Retreat
What a beautiful spot! We camped at ‘The Oaks’ and it was a great spot with the little creek running behind the camp.
I
Isla N.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
10 m pop-up camper ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Lovely well looked after camp ground with great shower and toilet facilities Will definitely be back with a group of mates
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Alix C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
5 m travel trailer ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Great camping facilities, and well maintained sites.
J
John L.
3 reviews
Recommends
· January 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Highly recommend River Bend, nice and secluded. Only a 7min drive to the main toilets which were as good as I've found while camping.
N
Naomi A.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
5 m travel trailer ·
Emu Creek Retreat
What a great spot to camp, bush camping with all the facilities.
J
John L.
3 reviews
Recommends
· January 2025
4 m travel trailer · Group trip ·
Emu Creek Retreat
A beautiful camping spot! We camped and also used one of the cabins and it was great! Simple cabin accomodation and plenty of soft, flat grassy ground. Lots of shade, so many spots with direct access to the creeks or swimming holes. The amenities were very clean with hot water showers and flush toilets. There was also a table/ chairs and big bbq under cover near our cabin with basic coeaning and cooking utensils. Frank was super friendly and always up for a chat or to help us if we had any questions. We will 100% be coming back!
S
Skye D.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
7 m pop-up camper · With kids ·
Emu Creek Retreat
Beautiful place, absolutely pristine crystal clear water. Such a peaceful place to camp. The hosts are amazing they will bend over backwards to ensure your stay is enjoyable.
G
Geoff S.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
Best Camping Spot!
Tent ·
Emu Creek Retreat
This was honestly the best camping spot and experience! The 4wd tracks are extensive and loads of fun. The facilities including the showers and toilets are so clean and well maintained. I highly recommend this place and I will definitely be back!
N
Nicole A.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Emu Creek Retreat
A beautiful spot with plenty of space to spread out! A refreshing creek perfect for floaties Clean toilets and showers
D
Debbie M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· January 2025
5 m Class B · With kids ·
Emu Creek Retreat
We thoroughly enjoyed camping at the Oaks camp in Emu Creek! Ablutions were neat, there's shade and a place to light a fire. Plenty of flat, open space and Frank checked in regularly. Road was a bit rocky at times but our 1980s campervan made it just fine. Swimming in the creeks was such fun!
C
Catherine G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
Camping with kids and dogs!
7 m travel trailer · With kids ·
Emu Creek Retreat
We absolutely loved staying at Emu Creek Retreat. We stayed at the White Ridge campsite because we were set up for off grid. We had the whole place to ourselves so our dogs could roam free. There is so much to do at this retreat for kids, dogs and adults a like! We unfortunately had to cut our trip short because our son had an accident and Frank was very accomodating in helping us find a hospital and checking in on us. We will definitely be back!
D
Danielle K.
1 year on Hipcamp

Location

Tabulam, New South Wales, AustraliaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Frank P.

Joined in August 2020
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 7 hours

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