6 Best Batemans Bay Camping Spots - Australian Traveller

Stay grounded in a tent, swag or trailer while camping in Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast.

Batemans Bay camping appeals to everyone – from those who like to sleep on the ground in a swag, to others who like to stay tucked up in a tent. In fact, Batemans Bay is one of the best places on the NSW South Coast to zip to and go camping. There’s nothing quite like waking in the blue darkness, unzipping your tent and gazing at the stars from the comfort of your campsite.

Raise your nylon shade and listen to the wind whine across the water. See the silvery dew on the grass. Or hear the birds that bip-bip-bip like alarm clocks demanding attention. Do a vox pop of NSW South Coast residents and they are unlikely to agree on their favourite Batemans Bay campground. But we’re here to steer you toward six of the best places to camp in and around Batemans Bay.

Holiday parks

1. NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort

Dreaming about a road trip to the NSW South Coast? Pack your trusty tent, a few fishing rods and boogie boards. Fill the esky with ice and pull the wide hips of your camper trailer out onto the highway. The NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort is for campers who like their creature comforts.

A group of friends relaxing on the balcony of a cabin overlocking the beach at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort — Reconnect with nature at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

After setting up your tent, pull out the camp chair and look at the moon silhouetting the trees and dancing across the calm water. This is a great campground for lovers of wildlife who might well spot dolphins and whales frolicking off the coast. NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Park is affixed to the coastline along Wobbegong Bay just to the north of Batemans Bay.

a family sitting together with kangaroos facing the beach at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort — Immerse in the wilderness at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

Accommodation: Take your pick between the cabins, beach houses, beachfront and ocean villas and powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites.

Facilities: There’s a lagoon-style swimming pool, pedal go-karts for the kids, and onsite bistro and bar and bikes for hire. There’s also a laundry, communal camp kitchen, BBQ facilities, a boat ramp and wi-fi.

Address: Mill Beach, Banyandah St, South Durras

a group of friends getting ready to surf with kangaroos surrounding them at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort — Go surfing with your friends on the nearby beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach

You will find a range of BIG4 beachfront holiday parks that necklace the NSW South Coast and offer something to suit the whole family. Despite being a sprawling BIG4 holiday park with all the trimmings, you can keep it low-key at Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach and book an unpowered campsite. This is barefoot luxury at its best, with the campground just metres away from the white sands of Merry Beach.

a campsite facing the beach at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach, Batemans Bay — Set up your tent facing the beach at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach.

A few hours after you’ve pegged out your patch, you will find yourself flipping the switch to relaxation mode. Set up your picnic table, as the sun dips over the horizon and all the colours are muted. In front of you: beach. Behind you: bush. Wait for the sky to get dark and the stars to appear. It’s the main act here and deserves a bit of reverie. Wake to the frantic chirping of parrots and crawl out of your tent to observe the resident eastern grey kangaroos moving gently through the park.

a standard cabin at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach, Batemans Bay — You may also opt to stay in a standard cabin.

Accommodation: Having time to spend with loved ones is the greatest luxury. And camping on the beach is a great Australian tradition. Of course, there are also cabins with ensuites, powered camping and caravan sites and even poolside cabins and two-storey presidential havens.

Facilities: The facilities of this holiday park near Batemans Bay make it a magnet for families. Be the first to leave your footprints on the sand at Merry Beach. Make the trek to Murramarang National Park. And enjoy the family-friendly amenities that include a playground, pump track, bouncing pillow, resort-style pool and BBQ area.

Address: 46 Merry Beach Road, Kioloa

a dining setup at Seaview Beach House, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach, Batemans Bay — Stay in the Seaview Beach House to enjoy family-friendly amenities.

3. Barlings Beach Holiday Park

Conversations in communal areas at campgrounds often tend to be about camping, which is the first thing everyone under canvas at Barlings Beach Holiday Park has in common. There’ll be chatter about trips to the best places. Stories about the things you’ve forgotten to pack and how you’ve MacGyvered your way out of it. Inevitably, someone pulls out a guitar and creates an impromptu party.

Barlings Beach Holiday Park has pegged out campsites and communal spaces with congeniality in mind. The campground is about a 20-minute drive from Batemans Bay and a great base from which to dive headfirst into Mogo Zoo, or Batemans Marine Park. It’s also near Tomakin Sports Club – one of the best places to eat near Batemans Bay.

Accommodation: Fancy an upgrade? In addition to the powered and unpowered sites for camping and caravanning, you’ll find a range of cabins and cottages.

Facilities: There is also a playground, recreation room, games room and camp kitchen. There’s a beach nearby and the park is pet-friendly.

Address: 1939 George Bass Drive, Rosedale

National Parks and reserves

4. Currowan Creek Campground

This basic campground in Currowan State Forest is for hardcore free campers who have all the gear. Those with soft office hands should not consider a stay at this rustic campground located about a 30-minute drive from Batemans Bay. But those who like to go off-grid in a 4WD will think it’s you-beaut.

Switch your phone off. It’s unlikely you will have coverage deep in the forest, which features deep swimming holes, a freshwater creek and is fantastic for self-contained camper trailers who like their own space.

Accommodation: Sleep in a swag or in your camper trailer. Be prepared to take all your rubbish out with you.

Facilities: There is a lean-to that was made by previous campers and it’s a handy place to shelter in the event of rain.

Address: Near Clyde River National Park and Budawang National Park

5. Red Gum Campground

Red Gum is a campground that will appeal to adventurous types. Best of all, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Batemans Bay to get to this pretty corner of Clyde River National Park.

a peaceful riverside campsite at Red Gum Campground, Batemans Bay — Camp on the side of the river at Red Gum Campground.

There are only four sites available: two walk-in sites, which offer more privacy and space, and two drive-in sites which are a bit close for comfort unless you’re in a group. There are viewing platforms that look out over the Clyde and stairs to access the river.

Avid birders will have to rely on their eyes not their apps to spot the abundance of birds that perch in the trees and on the water. Bring binoculars as there is some excellent ornithological entertainment here at dawn and dusk. Knowing you are unlikely to get service makes this a hardly visited campsite. It’s the place to zig when everyone else zags.

the Clyde River National Park near Batemans Bay — Clyde River National Park is a tranquil water sports area near Batemans Bay.

Accommodation: Four basic levelled plots for camping.

Facilities: A fire pit, benches and drop toilets.

Address: Little Island Trail, Batemans Bay

a kid's bicycle parked near the river on Red Gum Campground — The Red Gum Campground offers access to the river. (Image: Lucas Boyd/DPE)

HipCamp

6. The Hundred Acre Woods

Pack your swag and a small duffel bag loaded with a few pieces of clothing, peanut butter, tuna and nut bars and head to The Hundred Acre Woods , popular with fishos for its proximity to local waterways. Fishing is one of the best things to do in and around Batemans Bay, especially if you know what you’re doing because you can find a prime shaded spot away from the crowds. This is hardly backcountry. It’s the back blocks of Batemans Bay. But it feels a helluva lot more off-grid.

Accommodation: Those hip to the concept of HipCamp can enjoy the 40-hectare property, which caters to self-contained campers who have their own camping toilets only. Bookings must be made through HipCamp and guests need to check in upon arrival.

Facilities: Fires and pets are allowed. But other than that, it’s BYO everything. Luckily, you’re just 10 minutes from Batemans Bay, where you will find a range of great options for eating out, including the East Lynne Fuel, a low-key service station where you can buy a bag of un-shucked Clyde River oysters.

Address: East Lynne, near Batemans Bay

If you’d prefer not to camp, read our ultimate guide to Batemans Bay accommodation for all kinds of stays.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

6 of the best camping spots in and around Batemans Bay