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Mellows Ridge

Hosted by Ian · Calderwood, New South Wales
11 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 40 acres
95%
·
134 reviews
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at some sites.
Private sites
96% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
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.
from
AU$76
/ night
11 sites

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Tent sites

5 sites
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The Dwayne - magical walk in

92%
(19)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
We've only just set foot on this amazing site hidden behind a huge rock. Just 30m from the access road is a lovely flat clearing overlooking a steep drop-off and fern filled gully. It has beautiful dappled light, and is filled with birdsong. You will be surrounded by trees, ferns and vines. You will be able to drive up and park one car near the access point, and a camping toilet is provided for your use at that spot.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
AU$63
/ night
for NaN guests
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Tree Fern Terrace

89%
(14)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Situated lowest on the southern side of the ridge, this site provides utmost privacy, wind protection, scenery as well as access to the creek and cascading waterfall. Water is available from a transfer tank fed from a creek originating from the top of the escarpment. Access is by 4WD ONLY - currently the trail is very sandy and if it rains, the trail will become slippery.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
No picnic table
from
AU$78
/ night
for NaN guests
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Dugout terace

100%
(11)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Once inaccessible, this site offers a large flat pad for cars and tents with a 180 degree views of the escarpment and good protection from wind. Onsite power and water.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
AU$99
/ night
for NaN guests
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Stump no more - sheltered with view

90%
(10)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Once inaccessible due to a fallen tree (see the photos!), this site offers a large flat pad for cars and tents with a 180 degree views of the escarpment and good protection from wind. Note, this site is on a switchback road which leads to the waterfall so it will have people coming past so if you're looking for total privacy, other sites are better.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
AU$64
/ night
for NaN guests
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Waratah Corner - escarpment views

100%
(10)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
This is a large site 10x10m, with stunning south facing views to the escarpment. You will be surrounded by trees, and in September the Waratahs flower in abundance. This site is the closest site to the escarpment trail and the Macquarie Pass National Park border. There is a flat area with decking, and a camping toilet in a tent. There will be a water tank and fire pit on site. 4WD cars are recommended, it is accessible by AWD cars when dry. Front wheel drive cars cannot access this site.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
AU$88
/ night
for NaN guests

Vehicle/tent sites

5 sites
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Hidden Terrace

97%
(34)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 9 · Vehicles under 7 m
Why hidden? Because nobody thinks to look there. We used this to store building materials but recently cleared everything, enlarged it, improved the views and reopened a single track trail to the waterfall and creek areas. Situated on the same level as our entry gate, this site provides the easiest access to our property. It has views of the southern escarpment and is close to the hiking trails. Power is provided by a solar trailer located on the lower terrace. Water is available from a 415L tank.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
AU$102
/ night
for NaN guests
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Lower terrace

92%
(25)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 7 m
Situated close to our entry gate, this site provides the easiest access to our property. It has views of the southern escarpment and is close to the hiking trails. Power is provided by a solar trailer that also provides a multi purpose room with a Bose sound system and a Sony LCD screen. Potable water is available from a cube tank. It is located off our main driveway so there will be cars coming past.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
AU$97
/ night
for NaN guests
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Cedar Loggers Camp - very private

100%
(23)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 20 · Vehicles under 6 m
This is the most secluded and stunning sites on the property. You will have access to the site of the old Cedar Loggers Camp - a beautiful fern covered clearing in the rainforest adjacent to Macquarie Pass National Park. There are views down the valley to the ocean. The property has walking tracks, access to a cascading waterfall and a creek to explore. There is also a trail up the escarpment for the adventurous. At night the two ferns are lit from below using a solar battery. The main house is 10-15 minutes walk from the site, so you will have privacy. 4WD cars are recommended, but it is accessible by AWD cars when dry. Front wheel drive cars cannot access this site. https://youtu.be/L0APSJ0EqFU
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
AU$112
/ night
for NaN guests
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Upper terrace

94%
(16)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 7 m
Situated close to the house this site provides both electricity and water but also total privacy thanks to a steep embankment. It offers stunning views of the western escarpment and is close to the hiking trails. After major roadworks, this site is nice and flat and readily accessible via 2WD even towing a trailer. We have had trouble with large front wheel drive campers not quite making it up. There's a tent with a portable flushing toilet, 240V power, a large water tank with potable water, a wooden deck and a fire pit.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
AU$92
/ night
for NaN guests
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Old spa terrace

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 1 m
This is the site we originally created for the spa which has now moved to under the house. It has a beautiful outlook, generous decking 1.8m x 3.6m a fire pit, camping toilet and tent, space for your car, a concrete bench and stone wall feature. It also offers potable water and 240V power. You are close to the house and shed but you won't be looking in that direction - and it means you are close to more ammenities. If you search for "MellowsRidge spa" in YouTube you'll see a nice drone pull back of the site and property. We opened this site because of the flood of requests for sites over the holiday period. If you are interested, we recommend booking quickly.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
AU$93
/ night
for NaN guests

Lodging

1 site
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Bell tent on switchback terrace

100%
(9)
Bell tent · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
Want to experience camping without having to invest in all the equipment? This 5m bell tent provides a comfy queen size bed a lounge chair and a couple of coffee tables. Apple HomePod with access to full music catalogue. Articulating fan will keep you cool. Reduced smoke fire pit. Private toilet in a separate tent. Escarpment and rainforest views. Lots of hiking trails. You will need to provide your own bedding - fitted sheet and top sheets and doona if it's cool. We supply a blanket for milder nights. We have removed the included extras and dropped the price by $70 per night. Please let me know if you would like firewood, spa, wine, dronie or pizza.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
AU$199
/ night
for NaN guests
from
AU$76
/ night
11 sites

Reviews

95% Recommend174 Ratings · 134 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
A “must visit place”
Tent · With pets ·
Cedar Loggers Camp - very private
This place is not only amazing but the host is fantastic, a wealth of knowledge, friendly and accommodating and there are so many extras available. This is definitely a place to put on your list of “must visit places” we had a phenomenal time here and plan on going back soon! It was also very dog friendly
L
Leonnie M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
So Serene
Tent · With pets ·
Waratah Corner - escarpment views
I really loved the location. Ian was a great host and met up with me despite some difficulties in my journey arriving on time. Ian escorted me to my site as well and I loved the added touch of the printed site map on arrival. The site was great and as described and pictured. It was so lovely with the escarpment views. So quiet despite sound of nature. It was my dogs first camping trip and I can’t have imagined anything better. Was perfect. Lana the pup was so friendly too. Definitely would return.
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Lucy F.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Hidden Terrace
Amazing spot ! Ian and wife very friendly and easy going , highly recommended.
D
Daniela B.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Dugout terace
Great spot. Ian was super helpful and the spa was a real treat. Accessing our site wasn't super easy in a 2wd!
R
Richard G.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent ·
Stump no more - sheltered with view
We stayed at Stump No More overnight, very peaceful & the surrounding bush is lovely. Having the little portaloo toilet tent was handy & clean. The only drawback is that it says in description ‘firewood available’ - however the reality is you get your firewood from fallen branches in the bush - resulting in the trees around the site having had bark stripped off, & hack marks on some trees where people have done damage to trees due to needing firewood . Either cut firewood needs to be provided or make it clear that people need to buy firewood on the way in, or that they need to walk into the forest to search for it, as that was misleading. We plan to come back again as it’s so close to home yet you feel like you’re hours away because it’s so quiet & peaceful.
B
Brad J.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
100% Recommend for a getaway
Tent ·
Stump no more - sheltered with view
It was honestly the most beautiful place I’ve ever camped but he wasn’t kidding about needing 4x4. Slight road noise but definitely not unbearable and isn’t loud all night like some places. 100% recommend for a rainforest getaway
G
Grace P.
2 months on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· November 2025
Great views, room for improvement
Tent · With kids ·
Upper terrace
Nice views. Lana (owners dog) is pretty wild, made a mess of a few things around our site and kept taking food off tables etc. This site is nearby the owners house, expect plenty-enough road noise and anything else going on up there, including light at night from the main property. Loo was nil op. Spa was slimy. Wouldn’t re-book at that price, plenty better out there.
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Graham M.
5 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Hidden Terrace Camp Site
Tent · With kids ·
Hidden Terrace
We loved our weekend at Hidden Terrace campsite at Mellows Ridge. Such a lovely place. Even in the rain it was an easy place to camp with a toilet, power and potable water all on the site. The property is beautiful with views and walks easily accessible from the site - though wear good walking/hiking shoes and be prepared for a steep climb. Even the leeches weren’t that bad 😅. The firewood lasted all weekend and the home made bread was delicious on our first night. Thanks Ian, we will definitely be back!
K
Kate K.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Exceptional retreat
Tent ·
Waratah Corner - escarpment views
Mellows Ridge is my new, favourite, hidden gem. The area is abundant in lush rainforest and the hosts were beyond helpful. Each site has the perfect amount of privacy, especially Waratah Corner where we stayed. We will definitely be booking again in the near future.
H
Henry P.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Luxury in nature
With pets ·
Bell tent on switchback terrace
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.
N
Nikki B.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Cedar loggers rainforest camping
Tent ·
Cedar Loggers Camp - very private
The cedar loggers site at Mellow Ridge was a very special location for camping, it is secluded but also not too far from the main property so you can walk to the spa and other places on the property like the waterfall and creek. It was a magical experience to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest and the illuminated tree fern was a nice touch. We had use of the owners special headlamp which is used by ecologists for searching for wildlife and managed to spot a rare Greater Glider in a tree near our campsite! Relaxing in the spa at sunset with amazing views over the rainforest is a must. The owners were very hospitable and gave lots of good tips and interesting information about the area and their project. My only regret is not being able to stay longer, will definitely have to come back and possibly try one of the other campsites as they all seemed to have their own special attributes.
P
Peter R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Camping in the rainforest!
Tent · With kids ·
The Dwayne - magical walk in
The Dwayne is a great spot where you really get to experience camping in a rainforest environment. The site is a very short walk from where you park but is perfect for people who enjoy minimalist camping in nature. My son and I had an excellent night there and will definitely be back soon.
C
Craig A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
The Dwayne - magical walk in
Absolutely beautiful spot and very peaceful. Ian was also very hospitable.
C
Callum M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Upper terrace
We had a lovely time at Ian’s upper terrace. It’s got an amazing view, great walk around the area, and complimentary cuddles with the sweetest dog. Definitely recommend for a little getaway.
M
Manon K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
7 m pop-up camper · With kids ·
Hidden Terrace
We had a wonderful stay at Mellows Ridge Campground! Ian was a fantastic host — friendly, welcoming, and quick to communicate before and during our visit. The sites were beautifully maintained, with great amenities that made camping super comfortable. The location itself is stunning — peaceful, scenic, and a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature. As mentioned by other reviewers, be prepared for a steep ascent along Mellows Rd (about the middle third of the road). Once you get to Ian’s driveway you’re fine! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a well-cared-for campground with genuine hospitality and gorgeous surroundings!
C
Caitlin A.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Fantastic Nature
Tent ·
Cedar Loggers Camp - very private
Fantastic site. Ian is a great host and is super organised to make sure you get the most out of your stay, hot tubs, soughdough , you name it. the sites have a lot of privacy and the forest is mature and really beautiful and right next door to the National Park means there's heaps of birds and great nature. The Warratahs were putting on a great show when we were there. Toilet set up was awesome, as was the fresh water. We got a lot of privacy which was appreciated. Highly recommend
A
Andrew S.
5 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Waratah Corner - escarpment views
Awesome stay! Such a beautiful, special place. It felt like we had the whole escarpment to ourselves.
A
Amy S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Cedar Loggers Camp - very private
Beautiful and private campsites in the bush. Great area for hiking and waterfalls. Ian is a very welcoming host!
C
Charlotte A.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Stump no more - sheltered with view
Great place to stay, host was very friendly and nice and offered lot of information and extras! Absolutely will be coming back!
T
Tiffany S.
3 months on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· September 2025
EXPECT LEECHES AND NO REFUND
Tent ·
Hidden Terrace
We booked the hidden campsite and received a message from Ian prior to our arrival that said EXPECT LEECHES, BRING 20% DEET. WEAR LONG PANTS WITH SOCKS TUCKED IN. We prefer not to camp in areas where LEECHES are present - it’s not our idea of fun. We would have not booked the campsite had we known this. Ian offered an alternative campsite at the top of the hill but it was very windy that day and given he’d withheld the information about EXPECT LEECHES we decided to book a different camp site. Ian has our money and he did not offer a refund so we are out of pocket. Just goes to show that not all Hipcamp vendors consider customer satisfaction important.
C
Charlie L.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Upper terrace
Clean campsite, clean toilet, friendly host and friendly dog!
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Melanie K.
7 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
2 nights at The Dwayne.
Tent ·
The Dwayne - magical walk in
I camped at The Dwayne for 2 nights in September. Quiet site amongst leafy trees and and ferns, and full of the sounds of birds. Access track suitable for high clearance vehicles. Toilet tent and water tank next to track. Walk in to site down slope for 65m. Site only has a small area that is flat, but it works fine. Waratahs were in bloom. Stars shone through the foliage at night. Did the Escarpment walk one morning. Good workout for the quads and rewarded with spectacular views to the coast. Chatted to Ian (owner) who is friendly and helpful.
G
Geoff U.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Hidden Terrace
Third visit, can't wait for the fourth visit. Thank you for a memorable weekend
E
E Z.
6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Perfect little spot
Tent ·
Hidden Terrace
Great hosts and a great site. We had a lovely time - short drive from Sydney, easy to find and with a firepit, toilet, water and access to power it was the perfect camping trip for a night away. Would recommend and stay again
M
Melissa B.
7 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Great experience!
Tent ·
Tree Fern Terrace
I loved my one night at Mellows Ridge. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a private site with 4WD access on the south coast. It was a test run with some new equipment and the first camping for my dog Romi. I will return for another few nights to explore the beautiful property some more.
A
Ashley H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Dugout terace
I loved camping at Ians property! Super friendly host, and even friendlier dog (kept my pups entertained the whole trip). Highly recommend this site due to the ammenities and amazing location!
K
Kendrick K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Camping at the Upper terrace.
5 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Upper terrace
We absolutely loved our recent trip, Ian and Lana (the dog) were exceptional hosts. We brought our baby and our mini foxy/jack russel (who is not often very friendly towards other dogs), Lana won him over immediately and was very good with our baby too. We had perfect weather and explored the property, Lana led us to the waterfall and around to explore other sites. We will definitely be back to stay at the other spots around the property. Also the chicken sandwich 10/10!!
Avatar
Mikki G.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent ·
Hidden Terrace
Excellent spot, beautiful landscape. The site was so well secluded, I was able to let the dogs roam free without worrying about other people or dogs. Ian was great, and the site is so easy with the toilet, water and fireplace provided. Will definitely stay again.
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Megan C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Highly recommended!
Tent ·
Cedar Loggers Camp - very private
Ian is a great host, very friendly and had many interesting answers to all our questions. The campsite is large, with a clean toilet, a fire pit, a bench and the most well-behaved, intelligent and fun dog we've ever met. The camp is 25 minutes drive from Macquarie Pass National Park. The bushwalking trail to the escarpment is really nice! Overall a great campsite. Expensive, yes, but we felt it was definitely worth it.
S
Shay L.
6 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Bell tent on switchback terrace
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!
Y
Yvette F.
2 years on Hipcamp

Location

Calderwood, 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 Ian L.

Joined in May 2023

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