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  4. Calderwood

Mellows Ridge

Hosted by Ian · Calderwood, New South Wales
11 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 40 acres
95%
·
164 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
95% 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$63
/ night
11 sites

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Tent sites

6 sites
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The Dwayne - magical walk in

93%
(20)
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.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
from
AU$63
/ night
for 2 guests
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Instant book

Tree Fern Terrace - total privacy

91%
(17)
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.
4WD required
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
from
AU$78
/ night
for 2 guests
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Instant book

Dugout terace

100%
(15)
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 2 guests
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Instant book

Waratah Corner - escarpment views

100%
(12)
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.
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
from
AU$88
/ night
for 2 guests
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Instant book

Stump no more - sheltered with view

91%
(11)
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.
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
from
AU$64
/ night
for 2 guests
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Instant book

Old spa terrace

100%
(1)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
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
Showers
No picnic table
from
AU$93
/ night
for 2 guests

Vehicle/tent sites

4 sites
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Hidden Terrace

97%
(38)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 10 · 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 2 guests
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Instant book

Lower terrace

94%
(31)
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 2 guests
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Cedar Loggers Camp - very private

100%
(26)
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
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
from
AU$112
/ night
for 2 guests
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Instant book

Upper terrace

89%
(23)
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 2 guests

Lodging

1 site
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Bell tent on switchback terrace

95%
(11)
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.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
from
AU$199
/ night
for 2 guests
from
AU$63
/ night
11 sites

Reviews

95% Recommend212 Ratings · 164 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Hidden Terrace
Incredible start to finish. Ian is lovely and the dog Lana too. The site is packed with facilities, the views are amazing, there's heaps of activities to do on the property. I'd definitely go back here. Watch out for leeches!
P
Pash T.
3 reviews
Mixed feelings
· February 2026
Overpriced but nice enough
Tent ·
Dugout terace
Pros and cons for us, but ultimately just not the type of camping experience we were expecting when we ventured away from the hustle bustle of national park sites. Pros: beautiful rainforest, nice host Cons: sloped site, not an escape from large noisy groups partying into the night, expensive extras. We thought we were paying for a slice of tranquility but that’s not the experience we had. I’m sure others have had that, but it’s just not a guarantee, which was our case unfortunately, so we wouldn’t go back for that reason alone. Could may well tick other people’s boxes for a good camping trip, just not ours.
S
Shell W.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent ·
Waratah Corner - escarpment views
Lush & secluded campsite, was epic. Enjoyed our short stay & will be back
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Steven G.
6 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent ·
Dugout terace
We absolutely loved our stay and will definitely be back! The property is beautiful and Ian really has thought of everything. The spa was for sure a highlight!
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Taylor D.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent ·
Lower terrace
Awesome spot with epic views. Shower was magic too.
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James B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Secluded camping, spectacular view
Tent ·
Lower terrace
Amazing views from the secluded camping spots in the hills. The first couple of spots accessible by my little 2WD city car, but would need a 4WD or be willing to walk for others. Ian was very helpful and his dog Lana is very friendly. Fire pit and chemical toilet at each spot. Optional extras such as a beautiful open shower (or hot spa) with a view or a coffee or gourmet chicken sandwich brought to you in the morning. Quite pricey but very special - I’d stay again!
C
Caroline F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Hidden Terrace
Ian is a great host. He does everything possible to make sure you have the best experience. The property is beautiful.. I'll definitely be back
C
Christian I.
15 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Stunning
Tent ·
Upper terrace
Ian, the host was incredibly helpful, and his dog Lana was adorable, she slept outside our tent the whole night and didn’t bother us while we slept, the view was incredible with much lush greenery, it was super clean and we encountered no leeches, only a few little jumping spiders! The driveway was difficult, but other sites are more accessible, however our tiny car was able to make it despite the rough terrain. Definitely recommend taking a look if you like waking up to stunning views and a remote, private location.
I
Imogen W.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
5 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Lower terrace
Wonderful camping spot and Ian could not do enough for us. Drinking a fresh cup of tea first thing in the morning listening to all the bird song at Mellows Ridge is awesome. Expect to be back soon.
R
Ron H.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Tucked away in the rainforest
Tree Fern Terrace - total privacy
A wonderful spot, tucked away in the rainforest. The views were beautiful. It’s a perfect place to stay with a dog, with loads of privacy and a real sense of calm. Ian was incredibly helpful and communicated clearly and generously before and during our stay. We’re already looking forward to coming back.
M
Marty L.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Peaceful Forest Retreat
5 m car · With pets ·
Old spa terrace
Wow what a stunning property, So much love and care has been put into this place. A peaceful forest retreat, not far from the beautiful Sapphire coast. Very private campsites, with stunning views. Amazing Hosts! We were very Lucky to share Pizza on our first night! (I highly recommend doing this.) On our second night we had a spa and watched the sunset. Another bonus is the outdoor shower with breathtaking views! Ours dogs had the most amazing time and quickly made friends with Luna. We hope to visit again. Julia, Hil, Milo and Maple. :)
J
Julia W.
4 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Upper terrace
It was our first time camping and we honestly had the best experience. The host was incredibly nice, friendly, and very informative, while still giving us complete privacy throughout our stay. The highlight of our trip was Lana (the host’s dog) — she was the sweetest, so friendly, ans stayed with us most of the time which made the experience even more special. We were short on time so couldn’t do the trail on this visit, but we’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend this place to anyone planning a camping trip!
K
Khushleen K.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Great place to camp
Tent · With pets ·
Dugout terace
Ian was a fantastic host and made the campsite super comfortable. Lots of little trails to wonder through and a variety of birds to watch. Super nice escarpment and very peaceful. Ian was super knowledgeable and helpful and has put in a lot of work to make it a great place to camp! Thank you for having Nero and I - we hope to come back next time we are heading down south.
J
Juliana P.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Dog camping paradise
4 m Class B ·
Lower terrace
Dog friendly camping close to Wollongong and Sydney. Very friendly owners and resident dog/tour guide Lana. The property has walking tracks, lookouts and waterfalls. Bush camping with supplied porta-potty and the option to pay for a shower or spa. Highly recommend the pizza - very good quality.
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Amanda C.
11 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Cedar Loggers Camp - very private
We loved the privacy and quiet of our camp spot. The site was clean & tidy, with toilets, water and fire pit. We were greeted at the gate by our lovely host, and escorted to our site.
J
Jamie K.
6 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Lower terrace
Couldn’t have asked for a better host. Tidy site, warm shower and a hot spa.. what more could you ask for! Oh and can’t forgot the company of Lana! 🐶 We will definitely be back and would recommend Ian to anyone looking for an excellent camping experience
A
Anthony N.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Bush Camping at its best
Tent ·
Cedar Loggers Camp - very private
Mellow Ridge is amazing, it’s the best kept secret in the Illawarra, and Ian is an amazing host, he has done an unbelievable job, it the best Hipcamp we have ever stayed in.
J
Jeff R.
3 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent ·
Stump no more - sheltered with view
‘Stump no more’ was a good space for 3 tents with a nice view. Definitely 4 wheel or AWD recommended. An assortment of bird calls at dawn. I would like to return again next year to explore more.
M
Mike S.
4 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Tree Fern Terrace - total privacy
Amazing place h the and for having us. We will be back again soon
S
Sheree M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
Jungle camping
Tent · Group trip ·
The Dwayne - magical walk in
We stayed at the Dwayne Walk-in site, nestled right into the forest. It was a beautiful site, secluded and private. We really appreciated Ian’s hospitality and the amenities offered. Hope to return again someday! Thanks!
M
Marta M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Camping at Dugout Terrace
Tent ·
Dugout terace
This was our second time! We had a lovely time! We were at Dugout Terrace and had access to the outdoor toilet, and potable water. Ian was very hospitable and promptly brought us more water when we ran out. We went walking around the property and noticed some leeches and a black snake. There weren't any around the campsite, but just something to be mindful of if you're going on the bushwalk paths. It's a gorgeous property and we loved our time there!
U
Ulrika L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Great stay, sleeping beneath trees
Tent ·
Waratah Corner - escarpment views
It was beautiful being in the trees and nature. It was tucked away and felt so peaceful and surprisingly quiet. My partner and I really enjoyed are stay! Sitting by the fire was the highlight, especially for the chillier weather
L
Letitia M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
7 m travel trailer · With kids ·
Hidden Terrace
Beautiful spot and very unique. Ian was a fantastic host and the property is amazing. Just know that access to the property is very (very) steep and tight in sections. All sealed but very tough on the vehicle if you have a heavy van. I knew this was the case ahead of time but greatly underestimated the climb. Would be great for a lightweight 4x4 ute canopy setup.
J
Jackson R.
3 reviews
Mixed feelings
· December 2025
For the adventurers and explorers
Tent ·
Bell tent on switchback terrace
We initially booked Dwayne’s due to the beautiful pictures of an idyllic rainforest and amazing reviews. Being inexperienced campers we weren't quite up for this which is not for the faint hearted. You can expect an downhill decent of approx 50m from car and toilet to the campsite. Due to the rain there were a lot of leeches around and we weren’t quite cut out for this. Ian was extremely kind, helpful and accommodating going well out of his way giving other camping options. We greatly appreciated his effort.
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Dechen G.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
4 m Class B · Group trip ·
Upper terrace
Ian really made something special of this place. Surroundings are stunning & he is very knowledgeable and helpful. Great tips on some hikes on the property. The spa is also awesome! Shame we only had a single night stay.
T
Tom B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Bell tent on switchback terrace
Absolutely stunning vistas,very private and very welcoming host
N
Nicholas D.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
3 m pop-up camper · With pets ·
Upper terrace
Mellows Ridge was a beautiful property with stunning views. Ian was a helpful and friendly host and he and his dog Luna made us feel very welcome. We hope to come back soon.
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Kate B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
4 m Class B ·
Lower terrace
Beautiful location. Enjoyed the hiking. Friendly host. Definitely recommend.
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M. Renee O.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
5 m Class B ·
Hidden Terrace
Stunning location, Ian was great to deal with and Lana made our stay special
J
Julia T.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· November 2025
7 m Class B ·
Upper terrace
This is a remote camp site. The road towards the camp is narrow and with stiff slope. The host is friendly. The accommodations are minimal. The camp site are wide. The forest and the view are beautiful.
M
Marlene S.
5 reviews

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
Response rate: 100%

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