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Hawkesbury River Rural Campground

98%

· Wisemans Ferry, New South Wales

350 acres hosted by Gordon M.

2 lodging sites · 7 Vehicle/Tent sites

Gordon is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Private sites

99% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

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. Campground 1 is a large site 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 2 is a small site but sits right next to the jetty and has water access. It's also only a minutes walk to the bathroom, with toilet and shower. 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 if you're not experienced in doing so. 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. 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. 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.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

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Forest

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98%

176 Ratings · 152 reviews

Natasha M.recommends

April 29, 2024

Campground 5

A dog’s life

Although the directions clearly stated not to trust your GPS to get you to the campground, we obviously didn’t read them and took the very scenic route, arriving after dark. In daylight we realised Site 5 was very private and ultra spacious. It’s about 500m to a basic jetty where you can fish from and the same distance to running water and a bush toilet (flushes, no door). About 2.5 kms in the other direction are 2 x showers and 2 x toilets and some beautiful views from the cottage which offers a communal space, a deck and BBQ. Gordon and Renae were very hospitable and accommodating and our kids were in awe of Gordon’s drives around the campground. There’s a few mosquitoes around so don’t forget the aero guard. Nearly every campsite had a dog or two, and due to the proximity of site 5 to the others there were no issues with our dog running around and living its best life. We brought a couple of mountain bikes to get around on (recommended for toilet trips) and had a wonderful time, right up until the kids decided to build a bike jump and one of them broke their arm as a result (not recommended!).

Zhankun Q.recommends

April 28, 2024

Campground 3

City Kid's First Camp

WE HAD AN AMAZING TIME! As international students who used to live in the city, we decided to go wild and explore nature at Gordon's Hawkesbury River Rural Campground. Gordon's warm welcome and introduction got us excited for the day. We enjoyed floating on the river, fishing and bonfire at Gordon's amazing property. Would also be a perfect place for star photography if not full moon. We would recommend others to try out this place as their next getaway!

Carlos T.recommends

April 28, 2024

Campground 1

Privacy and beautiful scenery!

Wow this campsite was awesome! Even the rain couldn't stop us from enjoying every second of it. It was an adventure going into the site, your 4x4 will be very happy! Gordon our amazing host made sure he gave plenty of instructions and communication pre-arrival. Upon getting there, he welcomed us and gave us a personalised tour of the site and was very hospitable, generous, and kind. Gordon definitely went over and beyond to make sure our stay was enjoyable as possible. Photos to do more talking! Thanks Gordon hope to see you again soon.

Alex H.recommends

April 23, 2024

Campground 3

Great weekend

We had a fantastic weekend camping at Site #3. Kids spent the entire weekend fishing and the boat ramp was great for perfect for dropping in the tinny. Site was flat and grassy with heaps of space for a large group. Gordon was a fantastic host, happy to go above and beyond to ensure we had a great stay.

Kathryn K.recommends

April 21, 2024

Campground 7

Campground 7 with young families

We really enjoyed our time at Campground 7. Gordon provided great feedback on the best camp-site for our group and was readily available. We had 3 families with 6 children between 4 months and 4 years old. Having the big open space to ourselves really allowed the kids to safely roam and explore. They had a blast watching and feeding the cows, too. We are already looking forward to returning in the spring.

Miranda C.recommends

April 21, 2024

Campground 2

Thrilled with our stay!

Gordon’s place was fantastic and he is the most amenable and considerate host. The place was immaculate (thank you Gordon!!) and we couldn’t be happier with our stay. We loved the privacy of the site but also the convenience of having a bathroom to ourselves. Fishing, kayaking, campfires and just hanging out on our own private jetty in the sunshine - perfection!

Location

Wisemans Ferry, New South Wales, AustraliaTraditional, ancestral territory of Dharug First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Gordon M.Joined in October 2021

Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 2 hours

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.