Mudgee Caravan Parks: Here's Everything You Need To Know

Tap in your tentpoles and pop your top at these beautiful campsites and caravan parks in Mudgee and her surrounds.

From adorable Airbnbs to stylish glampsites, Mudgee lays out a spread of incredible accommodation for travellers and revellers alike. But when it comes to more modest escapes that hero nature over luxury, you’ll also find plenty of places to camp out.

Read on for our round-up of caravan parks to plug in your motorhome, cabins to keep kids contained and entertained, and secluded, 4WD-only spots in picturesque national parks. No matter how barebones or facility-friendly you’d like your stay to be, there’s a humble slab, clearing or cabin ready to welcome you.

Mudgee Valley Park

Best for: CBD convenience

Just a relaxed amble from the town centre, yet within easy cooee from Mudgee’s beautiful wineries, Mudgee Valley Park ticks boxes for laidback group get-togethers, family getaways or just a low-key minibreak. You’re welcomed here with warm country hospitality and ample amenities to keep you entertained, such as a swimming pool, playground, and games room. There’s also a camp kitchen and barbecue facilities for cooking up all those locally produced goodies you picked up at the farmer’s market, and a convenient kiosk and laundry facilities on site. Tents can be pitched or bed down in a cosy cabin. It’s basic, yes, but great bang for your buck.

Address: 2–8 Bell Street, Mudgee

BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park

Best for: The big easy

BIG4 Holiday Parks are the saving grace for campers who enjoy a smoother experience. There are affordable cabin options in addition to the site accommodation and the comfortable oasis comes with all the basic features we’ve come to expect from holiday parks.

the caravan park at BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park — At BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park, there’s a caravan site ready to welcome you.

Find amenities blocks, barbecues, a camp kitchen, board games, laundries with washing machines and dryers, a pool table, convenience store and much more.

an outdoor pool at BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park — Families are well catered for with a seasonal kids’ club pool.

The town centre is just minutes away, although with so many free activities, playgrounds, a seasonal kids’ club pool and colourful jumping pillow on offer in the park, it might just lose its appeal for families looking for the easiest – and most relaxing – option.

the accommodation exterior at BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park — The communal dining area is a great place to meet other campers.

Address: 71 Lions Drive, Mudgee

Mudgee Riverside Park

Best for: Tranquill waterside surrounds

Owners Ian and Lynn Mitchell welcome you to Mudgee’s most centrally located tourist park, Mudgee Riverside Park . A beautiful shady haven on the edge of the CBD, this cosy spot is the perfect jumping-off point for all of Mudgee’s best attractions.

an aerial view of the Mudgee Riverside Park — Stay on the edge of the CBD at the serene Mudgee Riverside Park.

Whatever your need – a tent down by the river, caravan site, self-contained cabin or villa – Riverside has you covered.

a self-contained cabin at Mudgee Riverside Park — Settle into a self-contained cabin.

There are powered and unpowered sites, a playground, laundry, camp kitchen and more. Dogs are allowed with permission on tent and powered sites.

the cabins at Mudgee Riverside Park — Choose from an array of accommodation options.

Address: 22 Short Street, Mudgee

Gulgong Tourist Park

Best for: Rural relaxation

Bunk into one of the spacious and sweet one- or two-bedroom cabins surrounded by idyllic rural scenery at this well-maintained park just a 10-minute stroll to the centre of Gulgong. Or roll up in your camper trailer, motorhome or caravan (with your four-legged companion) to settle in for a relaxed stay at one of the large powered sites or pitch your tent at an unpowered site.

There’s a golf course within five minutes’ walk, should you like to swing your clubs, otherwise, get out into nature at the nearby Yarrobil National Park. A camp kitchen and barbecue area are there to share, as well as a basic amenities block.

Address: 8 Goolma Road, Gulgong

Cudgegong Waters Park

Best for: Waterside fun

Unfurling down to the banks of Windamere Dam, Cudgegong Waters Park is perhaps one of the prettiest places to park in the region. Keen anglers will rush to cast out for the dam’s resident golden perch, catfish and Murray cod, while boaties will be chuffed to find the only boat ramp access to the dam right in the park. You can also swim, kayak, canoe and water ski here, leaving little reason to stray too far, especially given there’s a cafe onsite serving up classics from croissants to pies and schnitzels every day of the week.

Accommodation-wise, there are powered and unpowered sites and self-contained cabins with access to kitchenettes, barbecues, amenities block, laundry and dump sites. In the cooler months, there are fire drums to huddle around as you gaze toward the pristine night sky. Dogs are also welcome at the outdoor sites.

Address: 1858 Cudgegong Road, Cudgegong

Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground

Best for: Serenity now

Folded within the World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park, the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground is a bush-hemmed paradise that perches by the water’s edge.

the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground by the water’s edge — Camp within the World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Formed in the 1920s, the waterway is man-made and the result of a nearby weir, however, it’s so blended into the landscape you’d never guess its origin story. Here, amid the scribbly gums and rock pergolas, wallabies sniff the morning air and water hens stalk the swamp’s edge.

a kayak by the edge of the water at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground — Glide out on a kayak by the swamp’s edge. (Image: Destination NSW)

Stay still and you might even glimpse secretive platypus and reclusive long-necked turtles. Glide out on a kayak or SUP, cast a line out or take a bushwalk in pursuit of birdlife. There are sites for tents, caravans and campervans and facilities are rudimentary, so you’ll need to bring your own drinking water, cooking water and firewood. But what it lacks in amenities, it more than pays back in serenity.

the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground signage — There are sites to suit tents, caravans and campervans. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: Wollemi National Park

Rylstone Caravan Park

Best for: Country calm

Updates to the Rylstone Caravan Park have been in the works for a while and were completed in May 2024. Expect to be met with a fresh amenities block and other brand-spanking upgrades.

If you’re road-tripping or looking to travel sans pretension, this pretty spot just a 13-minute walk to the town’s high street welcomes with both powered and unpowered sites, camp kitchen and laundry.

Address: 5 Carwell Street, Rylstone

Old Bara Campground

Best for: No frills but loads of thrills

Old Bara is the real deal for those seeking an authentic bush break. The 1100-acre cattle property provides oodles of space to park your van or pitch a tent.

tents set up by the side of the river at Old Bara Campground — Set up camp next to the river at Old Bara Campground.

There are amenity blocks onsite and water on-tap (drinking and other), but no showers, so be prepared for bush bathing only. It’s a small price to pay for immersion in nature with a range of wildlife going about their business unbothered by the occasional camper.

the campsite at Old Bara Campground, Mudgee — Old Bara Campground is spacious enough to park your van or pitch a tent.

There are several walking and cycling tracks to explore on foot or two wheels or go for a swim in the creek. Kayaks and small boats are also welcome.

While the property is picturesque in its own right, the Picnic Spot is one of the most advantageous places to enjoy it. Situated at the top of the hill, sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while feasting on panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

sunrise at Old Bara Campground — Take in panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Address: 631 Bara Road, Mudgee

Hillsdale Farm

Best for: Off-grid adventurers

If you have a 4WD and a penchant for sunsets, steer yourself to this beautifully rustic camping spot on the 140-acre working Hillsdale Farm . You’ll find a clearing near the dam with views of the valley and Mount Frome diverting your attention as you get to setting up camp.

With only one booking permitted at a time for a maximum of five people, this stay is for adventurers who relish off-grid privacy, but if you have a well-behaved pet, they’re welcome to share the solitude with you. Contemplate the night sky as you stoke your campfire and should you feel the pull to Mudgee’s vine delights, town is only 10 minutes away.

Address: Mudgee

The Diggins Campsite

Best for: 4WD fun

Folded into the bush at Turon National Park, a little over an hour from Mudgee, the Diggins is an anchor point for explorations into the surrounding bush.

Bring your lures, because the adjacent waters harbour trout that make for a fabulous dinner cooked over coals. Or, bring your mountain bike to test out the trails and your canoe for some gentle gliding.

You will need a 4WD and knowledge of how to manoeuvre it to get to one of the 20 campsites, but that’s all part of the fun. Once you arrive, you’ll find barbecue facilities and toilets, but you’ll need to bring all food, water and firewood.

lush greenery at The Diggins Campsite in Mudgee — Camp in the bush at Diggins Campsite. (Image: Dave Noble)

Address: Turon National Park

Capertee Campground

Best for: Year-round retreats

Another place to pitch your tent in one of the region’s many spectacular parks, this one in Capertee National Park is set to the soundtrack of the mellifluous Capertee River.

the Capertee Campground in Mudgee — Reconnect with nature at Capertee Campground. (Image: Christian Lackner/DCCEEW)

There’s birdwatching, hiking and cycling to do here, as well as swimming in summer and cosying up by a campfire in winter.

the resident kangaroos at Capertee Campground — Meet the resident kangaroos. (Image: Michelle Barton/DCCEEW)

You’ll find picnic tables, barbecues and toilets, as well as plenty of moments to connect to yourself and nature. Bring with you all food, drinking and cooking water, firewood and a willingness to detach from daily life.

a tent set up under the trees by the campfire at Capertee Campground — Pitch your tent under the shade of the trees. (Image: Michelle Barton/DCCEEW)

Address: Capertee National Park

For more accommodation in Mudgee, read our travel guide to the region.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

A guide to the best caravan parks and campsites in Mudgee