The small NSW Mid-North Coast town of Taree is set on the banks of the Manning River and not far from the coast, offering history and the chance to cruise up the river to appreciate the countryside. Campers can stay at a couple of caravan parks on the outskirts of town, at the Taree Showgrounds right in town, or at serene Hipcamp properties with river access, farm animals, and few neighbours.
Just an hour’s drive northwest of Taree, Tapin Tops National Park covers a forested area of the Great Eastern Escarpment. The small Dingo Tops Campground is suitable for unpowered tent camping, as it offers toilet access but you’ll need to bring your own water. From here there’s easy access to the national park’s waterfalls and bird watching opportunities.
On the coast northeast of Taree, Crowdy Bay National Park offers picturesque beachside camping at the Diamond Head Campground. It’s quite spacious and can accommodate tents, caravans, and camper trailers. Toilets and showers are available, but you’ll need to bring your own water. Bookings are required, and national park entry fees apply. There are several other smaller campgrounds throughout the park, all of which are suitable for tents, caravans, and camper trailers.
This coastal city is about an hour’s drive northeast of Taree and offers many larger city amenities. Port Macquarie is famous for its beaches, so it’s an ideal stop for campers wanting to find their own slice of white sand. Many well-equipped holiday parks can be found around the city, especially along the coast. Others are located along the banks of the Hastings River to the north of town.
The Taree area experiences a humid subtropical climate, with a hot summer and mild winter. As many of the attractions around Taree are related to the beaches and the mountainous national parks, the best time of year to camp here is the warmer months between late spring and early autumn, November-March. Coastal campgrounds in the Crowdy Bay National Park are especially popular, so avoid the summer school holidays in December and January) if you want to stay away from the crowds.