Watch whales and learn to surf while camping along the white sand beaches of Minnie Water.
For camping getaways filled with fishing, surfing, bushwalking, and whale watching, camp near Minnie Water on the scenic coastline of northern New South Wales. The beach village is one of the oldest fishing towns on the coast. Campers can find holiday parks with powered caravan sites, tent pitches, or cabins near Minnie Water Beach, or go off-the-grid at campsites in the surrounding outback of Yuraygir National Park. Then explore the sunset views from popular lookouts and walking trails. Or head to Solitary Islands Marine Park for snorkelling and diving. Anglers will also love the park, including its many fishing zones along the coast.
Sometimes called Main Beach by the locals, Minnie Water Beach is a 1-kilometre strip of white sand, popular for quiet getaways, fishing, and surfing—especially for beginners. The beach is patrolled during holidays, making it a safe spot for shallow swimming and splashing in the Pacific Ocean. Sign up for surfing lessons near Rocky Point on the north end, or launch a boat from the southern tip for deep-sea fishing. Then pitch a tent or stake a swag at nearby primitive campsites that are right on the water. For a comfortable stay, try a cabin rental or caravan park with electric hookups, toilets, showers, and BBQ facilities just down the road.
Surrounding the village of Minnie Water on three sides, Yuraygir National Park delivers quiet treks through natural coastal regions teeming with wildlife and ocean views. Angophora Grove walk and Rocky Point walk are popular walking trails. But the best place for watching whales and capturing sunset views on the ocean is from the Tree of Knowledge lookout on the south end of Minnie Water Beach. Campers who want to stay nearby can venture inland for a choice of holiday parks with caravan and tent camping options and several amenities.
A day trip to Solitary Islands Marine Park, about an hour south of Minnie Water, includes everything from snorkelling and diving to learning about the region’s diverse marine life and the Solitary Islands, after which the park was named. Book a dolphin or whale-watching tour, or throw in a fishing line from one of the recreational fishing zones along the coast. With more than 710 square kilometres to explore, campers can rest easy from a resort-style cabin at one of the holiday parks nearby.
The milder temperatures of spring and autumn draw the biggest crowds to Minnie Water’s pristine beaches and camping areas. Surfing, diving, and snorkelling are preferable during summer months, while nature lovers like springtime’s bouquet of wildflowers that blanket the terrain. Fall is ideal for stargazing and campfires when the skies are generally clear and evening temperatures are chillier. Be sure to pack binoculars if visiting Minnie Water between June and November—the village has a prime spot for watching humpback whales.