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Platypus Pools

100%
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· Monkerai, New South Wales
300 acres hosted by Chris O.
5 Vehicle/Tent sites
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Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Chris is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Premium and exclusive natural camping at its best. Our farm is located on the beautiful Karuah River in the picturesque Monkerai valley. The river is a fresh mountain river running from the foothills of Barrington Tops. We only offer 5 sites across our 300 acre property giving you absolute privacy and a sense of serenity We were very pleased to have been recognised by Hipcamp as being one of the top 20 Hipcamp locations in NSW for 2022. Most of the year the river is lovely and clear and ideal for swimming canoeing floating on airbeds fishing photography or just enjoying. There is also some really nice bike riding and walking opportunities around the valley although you will be on gravel roads and we are only 25 min drive from the popular Dungog mountain bike park. You are likely to see a variety of birdlife other wildlife including black and white cockatoos ducks some lizards, occasionally wallabies, echidnas and if you are lucky a Platypus or two. We are fortunate to see platypus in the river frequently which is a sign of just how pristine the water running down from the mountains really is. You will have your campsite completely to yourself with no other camper near you. Privacy, tranquillity, relaxation and just enjoying nature is waiting for you. Be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. With some lovely Spring rain the river is running beautifully and is great for a swim, fish or canoe. Swimming, canoeing and running the rapids on surf mats is always popular at our property and as long as the river is it normal levels and a lot of fun. However, we always highly recommend people wear some form of footwear in the river such as rafting sandals or old joggers or similar as the rocks are very hard on your feet and there’s a particular nasty little fish called a “Bullrout” that whilst rare can infect a nasty sting if you tread on one. No need to be overly concerned but be mindful. Our property is ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, it’s up to you. There are no toilets so only suitable if you have your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All toilet waste, leaving our property is very important and an absolutely essential requirement for all visitors. Public waste dump points are at Stroud, Dungog and Gloucester. Gloucester Dungog and historic Stroud village are nearby as well as Barrington Tops World Heritage wilderness area and national park. This is an operating farm and therefore farming activities such as cattle droving, fencing, grass cutting or hay making may occasionally be occurring somewhere near your site but we would always let you know. We are sure you will enjoy our farm far more than a crowded traditional caravan park or campgrounds. We do have some limited bags of firewood for sale at $20 a bag most of the year. These are heavy bags of very dry local Hardwood. You can also collect firewood along the riverbanks yourself or bring your own firewood for a campfire (subject to any fire restrictions) if that is easier and more convenient for you. When you make a reservation at the property we will always endeavour to put you in your preferred location as best we can. However if we are impacted by adverse weather or need to run cattle on certain parts of the farm then we may need to make a change to the actual site you are in and trust you understand. We look forward to you visiting our farm.
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
Mountainous
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491 Ratings · 251 reviews
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Kristy M.recommends
February 8, 2025
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Always love staying here. Tranquil, platypus... love it. Interesting to see where the river had risen during the recent storms etc - weren't sure if we would see the platypus but they never let us down! Thanks for having us again :-)
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Jeff H.recommends
January 27, 2025
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Wow!!
Absolutely stunning property, well looked after and lived up to its name. We managed to spot a baby platypus, as well as the parents which was an amazing sight to see. The river had received a lot of rain so was running quiet quickly, but the kids loved taking the tubes down over the gentle rapids. The kids kept each other entertained from morning until night, which allowed us parents to relax while still being able to keep an eye on them. Dungog was also a scenic 30 minute drive away, and a great little town to stock up supplies. Highly recommend the Cleanser smoothie from the co-op while there. Our family took 3 months off to camp throughout QLD and northern NSW, and this was quite possibly the best we've seen. Will definitely come back. Thank you for having us!!
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Sian D.recommends
January 26, 2025
The Rapids
We'll be back!
A wonderful spot on a stunning creek! Super private, lovely, mostly flat and well maintained area overlooking the rapids. The creek was clear and perfect to cool off in. Chris & his support hosts were great with communication. We can see why people come back here because we definitely will!
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Jemma H.recommends
January 26, 2025
The Dell
Beautiful spot by a beautiful river. Shady spots throughout the day. Nice spots for kayaking and liloing :) Thanks for having us Chris, we'll definitely be back!
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Brittany M.recommends
January 25, 2025
Platypus rock
Riverstone beach site
Fantastic location camping right on karuah river. Would recommend to anyone looking for a quiet location to camp.
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James S.recommends
January 12, 2025
Platypus rock
10-
Simply magnificent experience all round. Chris was brilliant at communicating and providing advice and information. The camping spot was just perfect - private, beautiful with a wonderful spot on the river. Would love to return.
Location
Monkerai, New South Wales, AustraliaTraditional, ancestral territory of Guringai and Worimi First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Chris O.

Joined in September 2020
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