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Platypus Pools

100%

269 reviews

· Monkerai, New South Wales

300 acres hosted by Chris O.

5 Vehicle/Tent sites

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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Vehicle/tent sites 5 sites

Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)

99% (95)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 45 ft

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.

The Dell

100% (76)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 45 ft

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.

Cedar Glade

99% (68)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 45 ft

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.

The Rapids

100% (57)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 45 ft

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.

Platypus rock

100% (40)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 45 ft

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.

Reviews

100% Recommend515 Ratings · 269 reviews

Chris's campsite is a serene escape, offering a delightful blend of seclusion and nature's beauty. Campers consistently praise the picturesque river, perfect for swimming and exploring, as well as the stunning views of the mountains. The area is teeming with wildlife, with sightings of platypus and diverse birdlife enhancing the experience. Chris himself is highlighted as a welcoming and helpful host, ensuring guests have all they need for a peaceful stay.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

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.

Gabriela G.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

16 ft Class A ·

Platypus rock

Chris was a great host,just what we needed, beautiful spot, peaceful and relaxed break , thankyou

John G.

5 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Loved our stay at Rock Pools

15 ft 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.

Jason G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

32 ft 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.

Peter H.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

19 ft 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

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.

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.

Mel M.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Private and tranquil.

20 ft 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.

Michele E.

44 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

42 ft 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!

Nicole K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Peaceful and relaxing stay

19 ft 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!

Kate G.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Great stay.

13 ft 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 - ✌️

Michael M.

4 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Rock pool tranquility

19 ft 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.

Steve H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

19 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

The Rapids

Fabulous spot, great swimming, picturesque location. Chris is a great host

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.

Adam S.

6 months 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!

Philip J.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

29 ft 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.

Laura M.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

Rock pool - great weekend

13 ft 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.

Michael M.

4 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

20 ft 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 :-)

Kristy M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

Amazing stay at Platypus Pools

39 ft 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!

Ian R.

4 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

Wow!!

22 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·

Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)

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!!

Jeff H.

5 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

We'll be back!

16 ft pop-up camper · Group trip ·

The Rapids

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!

Sian D.

6 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

Tent · With kids ·

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!

Jemma H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

Riverstone beach site

Tent · Group trip ·

Platypus rock

Fantastic location camping right on karuah river. Would recommend to anyone looking for a quiet location to camp.

Brittany M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

10-

Tent ·

Platypus rock

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.

James S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2025

13 ft pop-up camper · Group trip ·

The Dell

Once again we had a fabulous time over the weekend staying at The Dell (our favourite). Such a peaceful place to spend time with family away from it all. 100% recommend for anyone wanting to get away, sample a piece of tranquility, and deal with a fabulous host in Chris. Living up to it’s name we were surprised to have a platypus swim right past us while we were taking a dip in the creek - Amazing!

Heath B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

19 ft Class A · With pets ·

Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)

Stayed at the Rockpool over Christmas. The site is easy to access and flat. Relaxed in the river on the hot summer days. Heaps of Platypus every morning and evening. Chris is a terrific host. Quick to respond to any questions, helpful and friendly. This was our fourth visit and won’t be our last.

Graeme B.

15 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

Peaceful and picture perfect

16 ft Class B ·

The Dell

Peaceful, shady, diverse bird population, secluded. Right next to a beautiful river setting. Definitely take old runners to have easier access to pebbly bottomed river. Loved our time at The Dell.

Jane T.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2025

Beautiful, peaceful & secluded

19 ft pop-up camper · With pets ·

Platypus rock

Beautiful, peaceful and secluded spot. Right on the river with lots of wildlife and a huge variety of birds. Spotted platypus each night at dusk. Enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of the river flowing.

Zoe W.

3 reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

Excellent campsite on the river

Tent · With pets ·

Platypus rock

Great private spot on the river. Sites are spaced far apart from each other so feels like you’re there alone. River is great and easily swimable. Owners are legends, super friendly and getting into the site is easy. Highly recommend!

Alex C.

4 reviews

Recommends

· December 2024

Perfect Secluded Bush Location

30 ft Class B · With kids ·

The Dell

Great spot down by the river. Kids loved riding the river in their donuts. Recommend everyone take some old shoes to wear in the water, the bottom is very rocky and trying to walk it in flip flops was near impossible. The kids were ok barefoot, but adults need something on their feet. The cows were also cool to watch and made some interesting noises late in the afternoons with the bull amongst them, lol. Directions were perfect. Chris and his wife were very nice and friendly. We’ll definitely be back sometime. Short run into Gloucester if you need anything. Very private. We saw other campers/campsites, but only travelling in and out, not from the campsite. Couldn’t hear anyone else either.

Sean W.

2 reviews

Location

Monkerai, New South Wales, AustraliaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking