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Platypus Pools

100%
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· Monkerai, New South Wales
300 acres
5 sites
5 RV/Tent
Premium and exclusive natural camping. Our property 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. 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, tranquility, relaxation and just enjoying nature is waiting for you. All of our campsites are ideal for having a campfire đŸ”„ However as summer has proved to be fairly dry we would ask that campfires just be in the evenings not during the day and that you are careful to ensure they are not burning during the day. We don’t need any bushfires. Also be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. 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 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 feat 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. Gloucester Dungog and historic Stroud village are nearby as well as Barrington Tops World Heritage wilderness area and national park. We have only recently opened up our property for guests and we are sure you will enjoy it far more than a crowded traditional caravan park or campground. We do also have some limited bags of firewood for sale at $20 a bag. These are heavy bags of very dry local Hardwood. You can also collect firewood along the river banks yourself or bring your own firewood in 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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Location
Monkerai, New South Wales, AustraliaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Chris O.Joined in September 2020
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 6 hours
100%
158 ratings · 135 reviews
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Renae Y.recommends
March 18, 2023
Cedar Glade
We really enjoyed our time here! Chris was so accommodating. The pictures don’t do it justice. Our dogs had a wonderful time as well. We are looking forward to staying again soon!
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John V.recommends
March 14, 2023
The Dell
A top Hipcamp.
An absolutely top camping spot. Quiet, all to ourselves. Grassy, right on the river. Host could not have been more helpful.
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Mark R.recommends
March 5, 2023
Cedar Glade
Must visit
We absolutely loved our trip to Platypus Pools. Chris was a very accommodating host. Pristine location, very private, and amazing wildlife! We caught a few nice Bass and saw a platypus. Kid and pet friendly - highly recommended. We are definitely coming back :)
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Laura M.recommends
March 5, 2023
The Dell
The peace and tranquility on this little river bank was just beautiful. Listening to the small rapids in the water and the birds chirping, with the cows in the background was very relaxing. Chris even left some Kayaks out for us so we took our dog for a ride up the river in search of platypus. No one around just us in nature, loved our stay here and look forward to returning soon!
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Matthew J.recommends
February 26, 2023
The Dell
Platypus Pools is one of the best Hip Camps going around. Awesome flat site right on the Karuah river. The host, Chris, is an absolute legend and gave us some great fishing tips. We came away for a boys weekend, caught some bass and saw plenty of platypus. Will definitely return.
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Derek R.recommends
February 26, 2023
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Platypus and starry skies
Beautiful camping on grassy flats alongside a platypus-filled river. Romantic and quiet. We slept under a canopy with views of the star-filled night sky. Took a telescope and took some great images. Lots of little birds including a kingfisher. Chris is friendly and generous and the perfect unobstrusive host.
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Zachary W.recommends
February 24, 2023
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Second stay and awesome as always. Beautiful escape out of the city. Highly recommend
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Matt L.recommends
February 20, 2023
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Wonderful stay. Chris was an excellent host. Serenity abounding. Birds and platypus were a highlight. Will be back for sure.
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Jacy H.recommends
February 18, 2023
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Platypus pools
Absolutely loved staying at platypus pools, gorgeous property and river. We saw a platypus as well which was awesome. Chris was a great host :)
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Alexandra L.recommends
February 11, 2023
The Rapids
A real find
What a beautiful little spot! We came here with a small group of friends & had such a lovely time. The river is cool, refreshing & clean. It was quiet & we even managed to spot a few platypus in the river! Such a treat. Chris was so helpful but also allowed us our space. We will definitely be back.
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Tim H.recommends
February 11, 2023
The Rapids
Nice and quiet,nobody nearby,saw platypus,fished for bass.smooth grassy site,easy access,beautiful beside the river.
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Graeme B.recommends
February 6, 2023
The Rapids
This was our second visit to the rapids. Such a tranquil spot to spend a few days floating about in the river. The site is pristine. Chris is always helpful and quick to respond to questions and bookings. Can't wait to go back again.
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Gabrielle E.recommends
February 5, 2023
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Happy place with the platypus
Beautiful spot with lots of birds and platypus. It was a very hot weekend and we had plenty of shade from the trees and plenty of swimmimg spot for us and the dog. We were expecting to be a little more isolated, as from the campsite we can see a bridge, a road and a few small houses, but the road was very quiet and we only saw a few cars and tractors passing by in the 5 days we've been there. The place is very quiet, a part from birds songs and platypus spashes :) Chris the host is very helpful and gave us a tons of informations for finding the camping spot and lots of other useful details. Highly recommended!
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Abbie T.recommends
February 4, 2023
The Dell
The best spot we’ve ever camped at. Thanks so much Chris for everything. The river is perfect and the campsite was so beautiful we couldn’t believe how lucky we were. Only problem is we need to find another weekend to come back before winter comes around!
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Aaron H.recommends
January 30, 2023
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
We loved camping at Platypus Pools, such a relaxing weekend in a beautiful location. We’re already planning our next visit!!
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Shannon D.recommends
January 29, 2023
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
We had a great time camping at Platypus Pools in late January. The site was flat and private, with beautiful views over looking the river, where we saw platypus each evening (what a treat!). We spent hot days cooling off in the deep swimming hole, with shallow areas ideal for kids to paddle on the shore next to our camp. Plenty of space for our dogs to run and swim. Chris was a great host, made sure we had everything we needed. Definitely recommend!
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Dean M.recommends
January 29, 2023
Platypus rock
Excellent secluded riverside camp!
Awesome secluded camp ground right beside the river. Host Chris and his son were awesome, dropping off firewood to the site and giving us some 4WD track recommendations to explore throughout surrounding state and national parks. Had a wonderful time and will most certainly be back.
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Brad B.recommends
January 25, 2023
The Rapids
Camping at Platypus Pools lived up to the name and was blissfully quiet, a peaceful break from the rat race. I highly recommend a stay at Chris's beautiful property.
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Alison B.recommends
January 24, 2023
Platypus rock
If you are looking to escape this is the perfect place, no phone, internet, power or water. Nice shaded spot along the river, campfire at night. Classic country towns near by.
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Mel M.recommends
January 18, 2023
The Dell
What a beautiful spot to relax for a few days. Nestled among the trees, and next to the river, The Dell is a lovely spot with ample parts of shade and sun. The access to the river was great!! The river was a beautiful place to cool down. We cannot wait to come back for another stay!! A big thank you to Chris, who responds quickly to any questions and is extremely helpful.
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Andy M.recommends
January 12, 2023
The Rapids
What a hidden gem 
. The kayaking and tubing was so much fun 
. The river was spectacular and clean 
.Chris so accommodating
. For real off grid fun and isolation đŸ‘ŒđŸ»
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Jacqui F.recommends
January 10, 2023
The Rapids
This is our second trip to Platypus pool. This time just with my husband. We had a lovely quiet spot right by the river with plenty of shade. We even saw a platypus scurrying up the bank. Well maintained area and Chris is always friendly. We will be back!
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Liz O.recommends
January 8, 2023
Cedar Glade
Hubby and I had a great 4 days at Platypus Pools recently . We set up camp at Cedar Glade , a gorgeous spot overlooking the river . Access to the river was easy and we spent much of our time keeping cool in the water . After spending over a week in a crowded coastal caravan park , this type of solitude and privacy was exactly what we’d hoped for. The weather was a little sketchy so we didn’t get to see the night sky in all its glory , but it didn’t stop us from enjoying evening fires. After getting Chris’ platypus spotting tips, we were blessed to see a platypus several times in the early mornings! Chris was very helpful, responsive and communicated clearly - it was all easy. We’ll definitely be back to disconnect and recharge in this gorgeous part of the country.
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Katie M.recommends
January 7, 2023
The Dell
The Dell
We are first timers at platypus pools and only had other peoples reviews and photos to go by when booking. We weren’t really sure what to expect but when we arrived
 wow, were we met with an absolutely stunning & gorgeous site! We stayed at the site ‘The Dell’, which is so peaceful, tranquil with the amazing sound of the rapids. The site is flat, level and huge! It easily accommodated our 3 vans with plenty of space left over. It was lovely to meet Chris the owner, Chris was also very helpful and quick to respond when booking the site. We just had the best time at this site and we are already planning our next trip back. There are almost no other words to describe this place other than beautiful and stunning. We highly recommend this place if you are looking for a private, peaceful & tranquil holiday away from the rat race. We are definitely coming back. Thanks to Chris for allowing us to stay at your beautiful property. We all really loved it.
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Amanda W.recommends
January 1, 2023
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Camping with the animals!
Platypus Pools did not disappoint and it was everything we could have hoped for. Secluded, quiet, beautiful river frontage, platypus’ flipping on the banks looking for food, and the most beautiful bird life including an owl at night perched right near our camp. A great place to explore the surrounds, including the Upper Allyn and spectacular Ladies Well swimming hole, and Gloucester Tops and the beautiful falls. Many many walks possible and Chris and Angus were lovely hosts. Can’t wait to be back!
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Rachel B.recommends
December 31, 2022
The Rapids
Peaceful
We stayed in wrights camp at the rapids and it was incredibly peaceful and remote. We barely saw / heard any other campers. Chris’ son Angus took the time to show us the cows and show us the rest of the property. We had a really peaceful and enjoyable time.
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Nick Ambrose R.recommends
December 30, 2022
Platypus rock
Brilliant little spot, saw a platypus, swam in the beautiful river. Quiet spot. Loved it. Thanks Chris and family!
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Margie K.recommends
December 27, 2022
Platypus rock
This was a very quiet, very relaxing getaway full of birdlife and at night, a sky full of stars. Spotting platypus and cooling off in the river were extra bonuses. Chris was very organised and helpful. Definitely recommend.
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Ruth J.recommends
December 19, 2022
The Dell
Sit back relax and take it all in
I am a repeat visitor to this beautiful property. Dog friendly, campfires allowed, maginificent river., great vistas no matter where you look.....and platypus. 20 mins from a small town but you feel away from it all. What's not to loveđŸ‘đŸ»
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Ryan S.recommends
December 8, 2022
Cedar Glade
Great spot to camp! Spent the whole time in the river and couldn’t get enough of the stars at night! Chris was super helpful with everything and we can’t wait for our next visit
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