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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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)

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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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

6 of the best camping spots in and around Batemans Bay

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

Holiday parks