7 of the best campgrounds in and around Kangaroo Valley

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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Here is the ultimate guide to eight great places to camp set in natural bushland in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley including Bendeela Kangaroo Valley campground.

Kangaroo Valley camping is all about enjoying the great Australian outdoors. It’s about travelling for the luxury of being close to Mother Nature. Whether you’re roughing it or treading lightly on the earth with a stay at an unpowered site, here are some of the best places to camp in Kangaroo Valley that range from secluded spots in the middle of the wilderness to others amid major attractions and landmarks.

1. Bendeela Recreation Area

This you-beaut Kangaroo Valley camping spot has somewhat of a cult following. Set on a crook of the Kangaroo River, it’s popular with everyone from fishos to families who enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming and canoeing. The Bendeela Recreation Area is also home to a large population of bare-nosed wombats, which are often spotted in the nearby bushland. Bendeela Kangaroo Valley is also a top spot for stargazing. It’s not free camping, but it is affordable camping.

Best for: Hardcore campers who don’t mind a rustic campsite.
Address: Bendeela Road, Kangaroo Valley

2. Lake Yarrunga campgrounds

Intrepid campers will love the thrill of arriving at this remote Kangaroo River campsite via canoe or kayak through towering sandstone cliffs and dense forest. To reach Lake Yarrunga campgrounds you must set off from the Tallowa Dam to the Kangaroo River stretch of Lake Yarrunga.

the Lake Yarrunga campgrounds in Kangaroo Valley
Lake Yarrunga campgrounds is completely noise-free and secluded. (Image: Audrey Kutzner)

You will need to bring your own drinking water, cooking water, fuel stove, ice, toilet paper, food and torch, insect repellent and sunscreen to the remote campsite. Start cultivating those dreadlocks now so you look the part. It’s free camping, but with a small booking fee.

the Lake Yarrunga Kangaroo River campsite
Go off-grid camping next to Lake Yarrunga. (Image: Audrey Kutzner)

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who like to camp and kayak.
Address: 1301 Nowra Rd, Fitzroy Falls.

3. Acacia Flat

You will find Acacia Flat camping ground deep in the midst of Morton National Park. Check the National Parks website to make sure the park is open as it’s sometimes closed due to inclement weather or fire danger. There is no vehicle access to Acacia Flat: it’s one of the nine campgrounds dotted around the Kangaroo River section of Tallowa Dam. The Lake Yurrunga campground is about 23 kilometres from Kangaroo Valley and you can only reach the campsite via canoe or kayak. Do your best Bear Grylls and revel in the remoteness.

Best for: Families who want to get off the grid and totally unwind.
Address: Morton National Park.

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4. Carrington Falls campground

Take the time to appreciate your surrounds on your hiking and camping adventure at Carrington Falls campground . This rugged place, where the trees soar skyward, offers fairytale surrounds for forest bathing.

hikers traversing the foggy forest in Carrington Falls campground
Traverse the foggy path within the Carrington Falls campground. (Image: Destination NSW)

Find your happy place somewhere between adventure and wellbeing after completing the challenge of hiking to Missingham or Warris Chair lookouts Spring is the best season to sleep under canvas here as it’s when you’ll find pops of yellow and red native flowers sewn into the carpet of green that blankets the forest floor under the bloodwoods.

the Carrington Falls in Kangaroo Valley
Carrington Falls is perched on a plateau above the rainforest. (Image: Kramer Photography)

Best for: Campers who appreciate access to picnic tables and toilets. BYO guitar.
Address: Budderoo National Park

5. Young McDonald’s Farm

Young Macdonald’s Farm has been a dairy-based farm for decades. But the next-gen of Macdonalds have carved a new path for themselves in regenerative agriculture and are inviting happy campers to see what makes their 40-hectare property so special. Living off the land is the real luxury at Young Macdonald’s Farm, just 20 minutes away from Kangaroo Valley in the Shoalhaven region. It’s here that sixth-generation farmer, Young Mac, is working to regenerate the land after years of harsh droughts and flood. The property registered on Hipcamp is at the base of Brown Mountain, on Wodi Wodi Land, and has secluded spaces for camping with spectacular mountain views.

a young boy feeding farm animals at Young McDonald’s Farm
Kids can feed farm animals up close.

Best for: Families to share the simple joy of feeding the farm animals.
Address: 121 Flannery Lane, Tapitallee.

6. Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley

Holiday parks and caravan parks are hugely popular around Australia with families for good reason. Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley  is aimed at campers who like their creature comforts. Sure you can fish. But you can also forage at the local supermarket during your stay at this popular holiday park.

the cabin exterior at Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven
Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven is the perfect escape for a cosy camping trip.

One of the best ways to beat the #cossylivs crisis is to look at ways to live well for less. This holiday park in the Kangaroo Valley is made for creating more wallet-friendly happy memories from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Bring on the simple pleasures of kayaking up the river, barbecues and bushwalks. It’s one of the best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley.

an old couple by the river at Kangaroo Valley Holiday Haven
With its proximity to the river, you can go on bushwalks or hop on a kayak.

Best for: A game of family charades around the fire pit.
Address: 5 Moss Vale Rd, Kangaroo Valley

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7. Glenmack

Don’t want to rough it? We hear you. This great family getaway is just a short walk from the village of Kangaroo Valley where you can stock up on everything from fresh bread to sunscreen. There are villas and cabins, powered sites for caravans and powered and unpowered spots for camping.

kids jumping into the swimming pool at Glenmack Park, Kangaroo Valley
Spend a memorable family getaway at Glenmack Park.

One of the most reasons Glenmack is considered one of best places to stay in Kangaroo Valley for families is that the property has friendly animals, such as ponies and alpacas, to pet. There are also canoes if you’d like to paddle up the picturesque Kangaroo River and restaurants and cafes nearby if you’ve had enough of baked beans. Check out Kangaroo Valley’s calendar of events so you can time your visit accordingly.

guests feeding farm animals at Glenmack Park
Get a chance to feed farm animals on-site.

Best for: Those who want the convenience of being just a short walk from the village.
Address: 215 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

Not sure what to do in the area? Follow our guide on the best things to do in Kangaroo Valley.
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    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 .