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Platypus Pools

Hosted by Chris · Monkerai, New South Wales
5 sites · RV, Tent · 300 acres
100%
·
280 reviews
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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.
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AU$121
/ night
5 sites

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5 sites
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Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)

99%
(98)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 14 m
Very flat and scenic site overlooking a lovely big waterhole ideal for swimming. Casuarina trees provide shady areas for relaxing by the river out of the sun. Set well back from the road for absolute privacy. Whilst not guaranteed, platypus are often seen from the campsite. Very flat and spacious. None of our sites have toilets, so all are only suitable if you bring your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All of our campsites are ideal for having a campfire, be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. Ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, its up to you.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
AU$121
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

The Dell

100%
(81)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 14 m
Private, tranquil shady spot overlooking a lovely run of river including a pool and rapids, set amongst Casuarina trees. Very suitable for a single group or a number of families. Gives you direct access to the longest stretch of flat water on our farm being approx 600m of water ideal for canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing or swimming. None of our sites have toilets, so all are only suitable if you bring your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All of our campsites are ideal for having a campfire, be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. Ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, its up to you.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
AU$121
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Cedar Glade

99%
(70)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 14 m
Our largest and most secluded site overlooking the expansive swimming hole includes a flat grassed area for setting up camp and shady trees for relaxing under. Most suitable for larger groups and family get-togethers. Plenty of afternoon shade and a myriad of beautiful sections of rapids to explore nearby. Platypus are often seen here. Good base for bass fishing as well. None of our sites have toilets, so all are only suitable if you bring your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All of our campsites are ideal for having a campfire, be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. Ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, its up to you.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
AU$121
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

The Rapids

100%
(61)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 14 m
Spacious site overlooking rapids and a pretty waterhole. Lovely uninterrupted views downriver all the way to the Monkerai bridge. Our sunniest spot in cooler months but without afternoon shade in the summer. Ideal for running the rapids so bring your surf-mats. Good for larger groups. None of our sites have toilets, so all are only suitable if you bring your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All of our campsites are ideal for having a campfire, be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. Ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, its up to you.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
AU$121
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Platypus rock

100%
(40)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 14 m
Our smallest site but absolute privacy is assured in this tucked away location overlooking a lovely section of the river. Most suited to lightweight camping, swags, roof-tops or a camper trailer etc. Two vehicle limit for your group. Regular platypus sightings in this location. Nice for kayaking on a 300m stretch of river. None of our sites have toilets, so all are only suitable if you bring your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All of our campsites are ideal for having a campfire, be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. Ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, its up to you.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
AU$121
/ night
for NaN guests
from
AU$121
/ night
5 sites

Reviews

100% Recommend530 Ratings · 280 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
River camping at its best!
8 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Cedar Glade
What a location! Pulling our van up alongside the river was magical. We had the best time and most certainly will be back. Chris is also a great host and made finding our spot extremely easy. A huge bonus was getting to see all the baby calves with their mums.
Avatar
Celeste W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
The Dell
Beautiful location and heaps of privacy We will definitely come back here for another trip
B
Brad B.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Great spot, great host!
Tent · With pets ·
The Rapids
We loved camping at Platypus Pools! We ended up camping in the Rockpool site. We loved swimming and fishing in the river. The site was very private and Chris and his son made sure we were comfortable and checked on us each day. The farm is 25 mins away from Stroud or Gloucester in case anything is needed from shops. We forgot marshmallows so got that from Gloucester. We will be back!
A
Alfredo C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
The Dell kid & pet friendly camping
8 m travel trailer · With pets ·
The Dell
Platypus pools was incredible. Site : The Dell. So much space right on the river. The dogs loved the freedom to be off leash, the kids had a ball swimming, catching fish & spotting the platypus. The cows came to say hello too so many cute little bubbas this time of year too. Perfect area, easy to find. Cannot fault at all and we will certainly be back.
Avatar
Katrina H.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
9 m travel trailer · With kids ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Peaceful, peaceful peaceful. This place is heaven on earth. Chris makes check so easy and the sites or well kept.
I
Iain G.
5 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With kids ·
The Dell
This was our second time camping at The Dell. Beautiful spot by the river with shady spots throughout the day. We had lots of fun swimming and kayaking. Thanks for having us Chris!
J
Jemma H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
The serentiy!
6 m travel trailer · With kids ·
The Dell
We loved our stay at The Dell. What a great spot. We had a blast paddling up the river, swimming and playing at the little rapids at the site. There was great birdlife, friendly cows, and we even saw a platypus up the river! There was plenty of room at the site, Chris the host is fantastic, and we hardly saw any other campers all weekend. Will hopefully stay again!
S
Sarah L.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Cedar Glade
Our second time camping at Chris’ place and we’ll definitely come back again! Private, beautiful river with rapids and a deep swimming hole. Perfect spot!
L
Lilian W.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Camping as it’s meant to be.
12 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Absolute riverside bliss, just as camping is meant to be. So relaxing, and the occasional platypus. Chris is a great host, super helpful.
M
Matthew M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Happy Camper
4 m pop-up camper · With kids ·
The Rapids
We loved camping by the river at Chris’s farm, it was easy to get to and the kids loved swimming in the river, there was one other couple camping who we could not hear but could see way off in the distance through trees so it was really private , would be keen to return
T
Timothy R.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Beautiful pet friendly river camp
5 m Class B · With pets ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
We absolutely loved Chris’ property and camp at Platypus Pool. Beautiful large flat camp with river views. The Kaurah river was chilly but beautiful for swimming. Feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere but only 30 minutes from Gloucester. Our border collie had the best weekend.. chasing balls, frisbees and swimming in the river! Lots of beautiful water lizards and birds.
A
Alison W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Platypus rock
This was such a lovely secluded spot, yet we didn't even have to drive for hours on end to get there. The river is beautiful and you can easily walk down for a swim or a play, the kids and our dog loved it, we also spotted a platypus swimming. The view over the mountains is perfect in the morning. We were lucky to meet the friendly owner Chris before we left. We hope to come back in spring.
G
Gabriela G.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
5 m Class A ·
Platypus rock
Chris was a great host,just what we needed, beautiful spot, peaceful and relaxed break , thankyou
J
John G.
5 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Loved our stay at Rock Pools
4 m pop-up camper · With kids ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
We had a fantastic time staying at the Rock pools site. Clear directions and great communication from Chris, plenty of space at the site which was nice and level. The location is stunning and we had lots of fun exploring and swimming in the river. We travelled with two kids and our dog who all can’t wait to go back.
J
Jason G.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
10 m pop-up camper · With pets ·
Cedar Glade
Chris was a great host. He was very helpful during the booking enquiries as well as when we arrived. The campsite was excellent with great river frontage. We really enjoyed our stay as did our inexperienced camping dog. We set up and didn’t start the cars for three days.
P
Peter H.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
6 m travel trailer · Group trip ·
The Rapids
Loved camping at the rapids, we had a caravan and found the access easy. The kids had a fantastic time, it was a beautiful spot
T
Tracey G.
4 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
The Dell
The property is absolutely stunning, we loved camping there at Easter and we even swam in the river. The detailed directions provided by Chris were easy to follow. This would have to be our top 1 so far.
T
Tracey G.
4 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Spectacular location, awesome host.
Tent · Group trip ·
The Dell
As always, The Dell did not disappoint. This is a spectacular place. My family and I find it the perfect spot to energise our soul. It is just perfect.
M
Mel M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Private and tranquil.
6 m pop-up camper ·
Cedar Glade
This was our third time visiting Chris’s farm and second time at Cedar Glade. It is a perfect spot for privacy and tranquility. Beautiful spot, with tons of birdlife…. We had a fascinating group of 13 White-winged Choughs visit for a few days, and an Azure Kingfisher was a stunning sight to witness. Swimming hole is great on warmer days. Close to Stroud where the pub serves up the best southern fried chicken burger. Chris is a perfect host, so friendly and helpful.
Avatar
Michele E.
50 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
13 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Rock Pool was awesome, we were stoked with our stay! Chris was super informative & always keeping us up to date re conditions. Could not fault! There was a heavy downfall of rain prior to our visit, which just meant a higher river. That plus the rain didn’t stop us - we had a fantastic time. It’s such a lovely spot, lots of peace & quiet - it felt like we had the river to ourselves. Saw the resident platypus too! Highly recommend to anyone wanting to stay in the Monkerai region!
Avatar
Nicole K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Peaceful and relaxing stay
6 m Class A · With kids ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
We had an amazing time staying here! The kids absolutely loved being by the river and had so much fun. The place is truly unique - so quiet, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. Here, you truly feel a sense of seclusion. It’s peaceful, just you and nature. A huge thank you to Chris for his great communication and for providing detailed directions - it made everything so easy!
K
Kate G.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2025
Great stay.
4 m Class B · With kids ·
The Rapids
Our second time here and once again a great stay at a wonderful location. Such a beautiful part of the world and we can’t wait to get back there. Great to see you again Chris - we will see you very soon for our next adventure. Kombi life 76 - ✌️
M
Michael M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Rock pool tranquility
6 m travel trailer · Group trip ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Chris was an amazing host and his property was exactly what we hoped it would be. From the level site, to the rolling hills and the lovely Karuah river to swim in this camp hit all the targets. We even saw platypus swimming and feeding on dusk. We will 100% be back to experience the peace and tranquility again.
S
Steve H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2025
6 m travel trailer · With kids ·
The Rapids
Fabulous spot, great swimming, picturesque location. Chris is a great host
Avatar
Belinda P.
6 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Platypus Pools. Chris was an excellent host with great communication and gave easy directions to the property. The property is in beautiful location on the Upper Karuah River , with rolling hills, birds, wildlife, livestock and the elusive Platypus that poked their heads up quite a few times. The area received 30ml of rain the night before we arrived which made the river rise about a metre, but that did not stop us from swimming and fishing and enjoying the river. It was the perfect weekend away and we even stayed an extra night like more than we planned. Chris was very accommodating. He dropped past one evening and had a chat and drink with us. He was very knowledgeable of the local history of the area and was a pleasure to talk to. I highly recommend booking a few nights on any of the sites on this property. We hope to return to enjoy the property again soon.
A
Adam S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
One of the best spots in NSW!
Tent · With pets ·
The Dell
One of, if not THE, best Hipcamp sites we have ever found. Picturesque location right on the riverbank with plenty of shade and freshly mowed grass to set up our tent. Chris has done a great jump of spreading out the camp sites as we didnt even see the other campers all weekend. The river was stunning and perfect for going for a swim. Our dog had an absolute ball at this place, as did we, so we will definitely be back!
P
Philip J.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
9 m travel trailer ·
The Dell
Wow, we love our stay here, it’s such a beautiful spot and to have the whole area to yourself is amazing. Chris is a great host, responsive and accommodating. We will definitely be back.
L
Laura M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
Rock pool - great weekend
4 m travel trailer · With kids ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
From the time we booked our stay - Chris the host was wonderful in communication with great directions and a warm welcome on arrival. From the moment we got onto our site we totally enjoyed the beautiful location and the peaceful atmosphere. Swimming all day and sitting around the fire at night. Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome and sharing your beautiful location. We will be back for sure.
M
Michael M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
6 m Class A · With pets ·
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 :-)
K
Kristy M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
Amazing stay at Platypus Pools
12 m travel trailer · With kids ·
Cedar Glade
We had an amazing stay at Platypus Pools! The campsite was absolutely stunning, set right by the river with private and beautifully maintained sites that made for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Chris was a fantastic host—friendly, welcoming, and full of local knowledge. The natural surroundings were breathtaking, and we even spotted some wildlife. It was the perfect spot for a family trip, and we can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend!
I
Ian R.
5 reviews

Location

Monkerai, 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 Chris O.

Joined in September 2020
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour

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