108 acres hosted by Debora E.
3 Vehicle/Tent sites
We have just offered up our property to share this perfect setting for birdwatchers and native animal lovers. A rare offering is the diversity as estuary dolphins gently make their way past the riverside sites at least once a day. The Branch River Retreat offers 110 acres with a diversity of sites beside a wide river and fish-filled dams sites. This will suit best off-road independent caravaners and tent dwellers. The river is lined with mangroves and branches off the Karuah River and into the Port Stephens system.
The extraordinarily diverse birdlife includes the quintessentially Australian wedge-tailed eagle and sea eagles, hawks, and Tawny Frogmouths. Be lulled asleep under starry nights and be woken by Magpies and Kookaburras, and be dazzled by the colourful parrots and smaller shyer birds. You may even be visited by curious Kangaroos, Wallabies, or Echidnas. For the lucky few, you may espy a koala along the foreshore. For this reason, while we accept dogs, they must be on a leash (if not just for their own safety).
The rest of the property enjoys aspects of undulating mountains and the night sky puts on its own stellar show between setting suns and rising moons.
The boat ramp offers easy access for kayaks and canoes (no motor vessels please). Or just sit on a camper chair and dangle your feet in the water while watching the mud crabs go about their social business.
Riverside sites are not powered and do not have water or sewerage.
All-weather gravel road access is available, although limited in number. Paddock sites can be accessed only during dry periods. Weather willing, we can provide unique, secluded sites by some lovely dams.
There are sealed roads to the front gate to access the property from north and south.
If touring around the area is your aspiration, the property lies central to Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest, the Great Lakes district, Stroud Valley, Dungog, Gloucester/Barrington Tops, Nelson Bay, and Newcastle. Local groceries can be sourced from Karuah and Stroud.
Activities include:
- Bird/nature watching
- Paddling/canoeing
- Fishing
- Bike riding
- Swimming
(No motor vessels please)
- Surface type: grass or paddock leveled areas and others with slight slopes and accessed with the essential 4WD (of course subject to weather).
- Generally fair to good Mobile phone access.
- Preorder firewood for applicable sites out of fire season, (where facilities are provided).
- No electrical connection
- No sewage connection
- No generators, please
- Women friendlyWe have only just opened our property to prospective campers. Pitch your tent, or site your camper by the river or a dam. The river sites place guests near to each other, however, you'll still have plenty of space, and secluded or remote spaces can be provided upon personal request.
There are a couple of options for hard stands for small vans and camper trailers. Roads provide good surfaces for biking enthusiasts and the river provides a gentle calm for rowing a canoe, kayak or raft. The river is tidal and so best kept to the experienced paddlers. Fishing for those with licenses.
Campfires are permitted should you have your own firepit and firewood - the firepit must be elevated off the ground. Campfires are only permitted when conditions are safe to do so, and there are no active fire bans in place. If unsure, please check with the host.
Generally campers must be 100% self-contained, with their own toilet. We kindly ask that you take all waste when you go. A toilet is accessible, but some distance from Dams and rivers. Please let us know if this is a necessary service.
