Whether you’re down for a day-hike or itching for a sleep outdoors, New South Wales has you covered.
1. Carrington Falls, Budderoo National Park, Gundungurra Country
You want waterfalls? Check. You want trails to hike? Check. You want glow in the dark mushrooms?! Check.
Carrington Falls is a 2 hour drive south of Sydney in the heart of the Southern Highlands. The Carrington Falls lookout is jaw-dropping and you can eat your lunch at the top of the cliff. The campground, just 5 minutes away is small (6 sites) and peaceful and 50 metres from Nellie’s glen (photos below 🤯).
2. Little Beach, Bouddi National Park, Kuring-gai Country
This is for the beach bums and surf-obsessed. At Little Beach campground, find yourself a 30 second walk away from the beach. You can open your tent flap and BOOM, ocean! This beach feels particularly rugged with rock pools and raw national park bush framing the beach. You’re right on the Bouddi Coastal Walk trail and can spend plenty of time exploring the dozens of glorious cliff views.
3. Acacia Flat campground, Blue Mountains National Park, Darug Country
We would be remiss if we didn’t include the Blue Mountains on this VIP list. Acacia Flat is the definition of remote, in the heart of the national park and in the middle of a blue gum forest. Get your binoculars out and your ears open as you watch for rare birds and shy wildlife in the Grose Valley.
4. North Head campground, Murramarang National Park, Yuin Country
A little further south you reach Batemans Bay, a quiet and peaceful little town concentrated around the Clyde River and opening out to the Bay. At North Head you’re on the tip of the coast and surrounded by stunning crystal clear water perfect for snorkelling. One of our favourite parts of the beach is how the national park bushland stretches right out onto the sand, no ugly apartment buildings (ahem, Sydney) in sight.
5. Buddong Falls campground, Kosciuszko National Park, Ngarigo Country
Last but certainly not least is the Snowy Mountains. Walking and waterfalls galore and far enough away that you might have it to yourself for awhile. With only one campsite available to book, you’ll get to feel secluded and at peace as you watch the creek float right on by. If you’re quiet enough, you might see possums and gliders come out to play at night!
With all of these locations only a few hours drive from Sydney there’s no excuse not to explore. Go for a hike, join us on a ConserVenture, or explore for yourself and show us what you find!