The Best Byron Bay Camping Spots | Australian Traveller

Camping is the quintessential old-school Aussie getaway. Here’s where to park your caravan or pitch a tent in Byron Bay.

The best camping spots in Byron Bay hit the trifecta of sunshine, sea and sand. Add immersion in nature, toasted marshmallows, stargazing and fresh air for bonus points.

Whether you’re the kind of camper who likes to travel with the bare essentials or you like to hit the road stocked with all the mod cons, we’ve got you covered – under canvas or a retro rollout awning. Here is a list of the best campgrounds and holiday parks in and around Byron Bay to suit every kind of traveller.

1. First Sun Holiday Park

Wake to the sound of waves crashing on the sand at Wreck Beach from your campground located just metres away at First Sun Holiday Park. The holiday park is popular with both caravanners and campers and includes barbecue and picnic areas, well-equipped camp kitchens and 24-hour security.

This is not an episode of Survivor or Bear Grylls: if you run out of baked beans, you can just pop up to the shops in the town centre or check out one of the local cafes. First Sun options include unpowered and powered sites, as well as cabins, lodges and huts.

First Sun Holiday Park in Byron Bay — Check in to a spacious cabin at First Sun.

2. Reflections Byron Bay

You can pitch your tent on prime real estate at Reflections, which has campgrounds dotted up and down the coast of NSW. Again, you are not unmoored from society; the campsite is located just a short walk away from the main strip of shops, bars and Byron’s best restaurants.

Reflections has a kitchen, barbecue and laundry facilities as well as school holiday activities and even wi-fi. This is the best campground for surfers visiting Byron Bay as it overlooks Clarkes Beach, too. And despite being so close to the bustle of Byron Bay, you’ll still be able to hear the gentle lapping of waves and birdsong in the air of an early morning.

Enjoy the beachfront location at Reflections Byron Bay.

3. Discovery Parks Byron Bay

Want to convince your better half about the merits of camping? Will an ozone-filtered swimming pool and a deluxe safari tent do the trick? Discovery Park Byron Bay is only two kilometres from town near the banks of Belongil Creek, which snakes through dense bushland.

The holiday park, which also includes a range of cabins, powered and unpowered sites for tents and vans, is predominately aimed at families who like to socialise as it includes shared barbecue facilities, laundry, a camp kitchen and cafe as well as a bouncing pillow, waterpark and wi-fi. Despite having modern facilities, you can still hear the forest birds and the ocean.

the property exterior of Discovery Parks, Byron Bay — Discovery Park is set on the banks of Belongil Creek.

4. Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

The beauty about camping near Byron Bay is that if anything goes pear-shaped you can just duck into town. Kids have an ear infection? Pop into the chemist. Tired of tinned spaghetti? Wash all the sand out of your crevices in the camp shower and treat the family to dinner.

Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay is not exactly a hidden gem: it’s located on 11 hectares of parkland that tumbles down to Tallow Beach. Hardcore campers will love the bush camping vibe and the fact the campground is home to resident koalas, echidnas, wallabies and native birds. If you’d rather sleep in a bed, book one of the cabins, villas, glamping tents or even the luxurious Fig Tree House.

5. Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park

If you’re a chilled-out kind of camper looking for your tribe, chances are you will find a few kindred spirits at the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park . The park has sites to suit all comers, from safari camping tents to self-contained cabins and caravanning and camping spots.

Located just five kilometres south of Byron Bay, this classic campground brings to mind childhood trips, albeit with a few additional upgrades like an undercover dining area, free barbecues and modern camp kitchen. Dreaming of an escape to the country? Stroll along this exclusive stretch of coastline to see how the other half live.

the property exterior of Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park in Byron Bay — You will find a few kindred spirits at the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park.

6. Broken Head Holiday Park

One of the top reasons people leave the comforts of home behind to go camping is to connect with nature and step away from the humdrum of their everyday existence. Either that or they’re on a Splendour bender. Regardless of whether you see yourself as a camper, glamper or someone who appreciates all the mod cons, those driven to book a stay at Broken Head Holiday Park are united by their need to switch off and enjoy a laidback holiday.

This lovely campground has direct access to Broken Head Beach and is surrounded by a national park. Onsite facilities include a kiosk, barbecue area with camp kitchen, laundry facilities and a tour desk.

an aerial view of Broken Head Holiday Park — Connect with nature at Broken Head Holiday Park.

7. Glen Villa Resort

Camping in Byron Bay is one of the more affordable options to enjoy the charms of this seaside village. Glen Villa Resort is a great place to base yourself and explore the area’s natural beauty and attractions. Enjoy the comfort of sleeping in the great outdoors on a powered or unpowered site or book a rustic cabin, cottage or beach hut.

The sites for tents, campervans and caravans are arrayed around a five-hectare property that backs onto the Cumbebin Wetlands. It’s about a 10-minute walk into town, and there’s also a pool and camp kitchen. The resort has an array of snug crayon-coloured beach huts which are ideal for bunking down during Splendour or Bluesfest.

8. Hazy Stays

The Hipcamp runner-up for Best Cabin Rental in Australia goes to… Hazy Stays . Here you will find a rustic shipping container turned tiny home plonked in the middle of a grassy paddock just a short drive from Pottsville. While the container has been converted into a tiny liveable space, you can also pull up to the camping area in your caravan or pitch your tent in the paddock.

The four-hectare campsite, a 30-minute drive from Byron, is very different from the action-packed holiday parks confetti’d along the Byron Bay coastline. While there’s plenty to see and do, and beaches are still accessible, this Hipcamp stay is more about getting close to nature while in the Northern Rivers.

the property exterior of Hazy Stays, Broome — Hazy Stays is a tranquil retreat away from home. (Image: Kate Muray)

9. Selva Byron

Hardcore campers will feel pretty smug about sleeping under canvas at Selva Byron in Brunswick Heads . This Hipcamp site is just eight kilometres from Byron Bay and conveniently bookended by beaches and the picturesque town of Brunswick Heads.

Selva Byron is a former cattle farm that is being reforested, and you will find a few goats roaming around as well as resident wallabies and koalas. The property has 10 different sites: six for caravan/ RVs and four for tents in two separate patches. It is for fully self-contained campers only as there are no toilets or water available onsite. If the weather is inclement, book a stay in the renovated 100-year-old farmhouse.

a foggy morning at Selva Byron — Fog engulfs the grassland at Selva Byron.

For more travel tips and insider recommendations, read our travel guide to Byron Bay.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

9 idyllic Byron Bay camping spots