Best Camping in and near Catherine Hill Bay

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Hawkesbury River Rural Campground

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Wisemans Ferry, NSW

We do this because we believe humans in nature bring out the best of human nature. The 350 acres comprises of native bushland, riverside mangroves and cleared pastures. It is completely surrounded by the Marramarra National Park. The property dates back to early English settlement and is entwined into the Hawkesbury’s rich history. There are a number of activities that can be experienced on the farm including kayaking, bushwalking, fishing, crabbing (in warmer months) and boating to name a few. These campsites suit self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower and drive 4WD or AWD vehicles. It's not advisable to use a 2WD vehicle to come along our road due to it's condition, we are currently waiting for Hornsby Council to repair and maintain the approach road to the property. knowing I've highlighted my concerns about the road allows me peace of mind that guests have been informed. We have a toilet and warm shower available if needed up at the farm cottage. The cottage is also for rent which is clean and cosy with two queen sized bedrooms that open out onto the wrap around verandah which over looks the Hawkesbury River. It has a self-contained kitchen with a gas oven and separate island style gas cooktop. The small fridge is also gas but there is a 12v fridge that runs off solar too, the kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils, tea and coffee, oil, salt and pepper and dishwashing liquid etc. There is a nice living and dining area in the cottage with a wood burning fire for heat if needed, firewood is supplied free of charge when renting the cottage. Also there is a large undercover outdoor living area with a barbeque. The cottage is powered by solar so things like hair dryers, microwaves and any high powered electrical equipment can not be used. The battery packs recharge during sun light hours so any mobiles or alike should be charged up during the day. There is a back up generator in case there's a problem so you will always have power one way or another. The cottage comes with it's own private jetty which gives you another means of transport, bring your own boat or arrive by water taxi. There is access to a drinking water supply which comes from a natural spring high up in the sandstone cliffs which can also be shown to you if you don't mind a hike. Arriving by boat or taxi is an option also, as there are a number of water taxi services from Brooklyn who will ferry you to the farm at a cost. Campground 2 is the smaller of the two sites but comes with its own private jetty and water access. It also boasts it's own bathroom, with toilet and shower for exclusive use by campground 2 guests only. Campground 1 is much larger and can be adapted to whatever the campers needs are, it has fantastic views of the surrounding cliffs and is only five minutes walk from the jetty and amenities. Campground 3 and 4 has a communale jetty and a boat/jet-ski slip, it also has a bush toilet and indoor camp kitchen. Campground 5 is a three minute walk to the jetty but stands alone. Campground 6 is a secluded site in amongst Ironbark trees and Campground 7 is a large site in an open paddock. Extras can be added depending on the occupancy of the other sites. The towing of traditional caravans along our approach road is not advised at the moment however we are working on improving that. Rubbish and recycling facilities are also catered for too. We supply fishing gear and crab pots for a small cost, but you have to bring your own bait for both. We also offer a $10 cow feeding experience which the kids love, in fact everyone does. Firewood can be gathered in amongst the trees surrounding the camp sites, but we can supply wood if needed, please see Extras. Enjoy the evenings telling tall tales around the campfire. You may experience a number of animals throughout your stay including native birds, cows, goannas, wallabies and bush turkeys. There are a number of walks in the surrounding area that we can provide information on if you're wanting to explore. On our adjoining property (40 acres) there is an amazingly beautiful waterfall with a little refreshing dip pool at the base. This is obviously only appreciated when there has been some good rain in the area. There are also cafes and pubs in the nearby towns that can be enjoyed plus a fantastic Thai restaurant located just across the river at Spencer. If you are truly looking for a rural camping experience then look no further than the Hawkesbury River Rural Campground, we will do everything possible to make your stay enjoyable. On the southern shore of the Hawkesbury upstream from Mangrove Creek in Haycock Reach. Peter Hibbs (1762-1847) was a seaman who was a member of Governor Phillip’s party which explored the Hawkesbury. In 1823 he was granted 60 acres here. He is buried in the Wisemans Ferry Cemetery at Laughtondale. Reed gives “Cooranggoorah” as meaning “grass tree”. The Aborigines used the gum from these to attach spear heads and for a variety of other purposes. These grasstrees are abundant in much of the Hawkesbury sandstone region. Access by road: Hawkesbury River Rural Campground is approximately a 1 hour and 50-minute drive from Sydney CBD, a 2-hour drive from Gosford or a 3-hour drive from Newcastle CBD. The road is sealed for the most part except for the last 3 km’s which is unsealed and can be rough at times. Arrival before dark is advised. Access by water: Hawkesbury River Rural Campground is approximately a 35-minute boat ride from Brooklyn Marina and Hawkesbury River Train Station. You may take your own boat or catch a Water Taxi which we can help organise. Hawkesbury RIver Rural Campground acknowledges the Dharug and Darkinjung people as the Traditional Custodians of the Hawkesbury and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

from

AU$100

/ night

* Before taxes and fees