River, stream, or creek camping near Shoalhaven Heads with wildlife watching

This South Coast haven has beaches, mountains, and rivers on its doorstep.

98% (1878 reviews)
98% (1878 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Shoalhaven Heads

Under $50

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Shoalhaven Heads with wildlife watching

100%
(398)

Babbling Brook 4WD Camping

14 sites · RVs, Tents800 acres · St. Georges Basin, NSW
Situated on the beautiful Wandandian Creek with 15km creek frontage, 2.5 hours south of Sydney, Babbling Brook offers ten grassed areas with an easy 3km 4WD drive to campsites. 15 mins drive to Huskisson and Sussex Inlet. We do not accommodate large groups as our focus is peace, relaxation and family friendly. The property is home to an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, native birds and reptiles. There are also a lot of wombats so stay on the track and look for burrows. There are many activities to enjoy including kayaking, fishing, swimming, bush walking, bird watching and 15kms of mountain bike trails. We are pet friendly, please remember to have your pets protected against ticks. You will need to be self-contained with own camping toilet, shower and water. Please DO NOT dig toilet hole, even though you leave it covered, it doesn't take long for the foxes to dig it up and leave a real mess!! Campfires permitted in designated areas. There is mobile reception. No shooting, archery or hunting. No trail bikes. Do not damage trees, there is plenty of firewood on the ground. Don't forget your mozzie repellent. Please note we have a moderate cancellation policy thru Hipcamp.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$100
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
91%
(41)

Kookaburra

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jerrawangala, NSW
Step into tranquillity and get ready for a truly authentic 'bush' experience at Kookaburra, a charming 20-acre farm tucked away between Ulladulla and Nowra on the NSW South Coast! Just under a three-hour drive from bustling Sydney and Canberra, Kookaburra offers a peaceful getaway that'll make you feel worlds away. Imagine setting up camp in our open paddock or nestling under the shade of our tree canopies! As an added bonus, there's a serene creekside just a short bushwalk away. Our area is home to a variety of wildlife, including friendly kookaburras, adorable wallabies and even the occasional wombat! It's definitely a haven for nature lovers! At Kookaburra, we ensure all our guests enjoy privacy and space. However, do bear in mind you're in a shared space and you might see other groups around. We operate on a self-sufficient model, so please remember to dispose of your rubbish responsibly and, of course, leave no trace in nature. Our farm family includes curious and friendly cows, free-roaming chickens and a delightful pig – they might even come say hello when you first pull in! Come join us at Kookaburra for a weekend getaway or an overnight stop. You're always welcome to drive in, pass the house and park in the back paddock. We're generally around if you need anything, but a simple wave is enough! Please note that if you plan to arrive after dark, do let us know in advance so we can provide any necessary arrangements. We allow fires (subject to Fire Danger Ratings), and you can even cut your own firewood! We love pets too, so bring them along, remembering to supervise them around the farm animals and wildlife. Remember – at Kookaburra, phone reception is limited (pretty much non-existent), so be sure to come prepared. And although a 2WD vehicle generally suffices, adverse weather may require a 4WD. Don't forget to bring pest repellent, watch out for those wombat holes and keep an eye out for tree stumps and snakes! We can't wait for you to experience the magic Kookaburra has in store! See you soon!
Pets
from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(36)

The Wandy Donkey Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · NSW
Located 2.5 hrs south of Sydney and 2.5hrs east of Canberra The Wandy Donkey Camp offers 150 acre property for you to rest without the hustle and bustle of the south coast. Created for couples wanting to rough it! Meaning you bring everything yourself. With a natural stream that traverses the property there is much for you to observe and enjoy. Watching the Cows and Sheep graze or admiring the Alpacas long necks. There is also a Donkey Tour you can book into whilst on the farm. You will be able to sit with nature by the little stream watching for the wombats, kangaroos and lizards as they do their thing. Only 20 minute drive to nearest beaches, you can enjoy some great cafes and restaurants around the local Shoalhaven area. Head west up the mountain to beautiful Jerrawangla lookout and Tianjara Falls. Located in the heart of the Shoalhaven, The Wandy Donkey Camp is central to all your experiences. Kate your host, has a wealth of local knowledge that will get you started on your South Coast adventure. This is a, you bring, you take, experience leaving no physical trace behind. But leaving with a great story to share with your loved ones. You want to book in for a relaxing massage or an adventurous farm tour Kate will hook you up. All you have to do is ask.
Campfires
from 
AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(371)

Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW
Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance. Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. . There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 400m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ 1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times. 2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites. 3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability. We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close & just a walk to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring. Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come through, I assess the number of people booked for a site, and adjust availability on the others accordingly (such as blocking the rest of the day/s to prevent over-crowding) We usually only have two unconnected groups/families at a time. Our site is the perfect place to camp in comfort and safety, when taking an overnight rest after the long backpacking trek from Bundeena. We have firewood available for our cosy camp firepits (one firepit available for each site) We buy in reclaimed hardwood to reduce the impact of logging of native forest, but also often have seasoned firewood from our own fallen trees. $20 for approx 20kg. Heaps of kindling sticks are around on the forest floor. Please leave large and rotting logs alone for wildlife. Water - Connected to Sydney Catchment drinking water, so supply isn't an issue, but we conserve where we can. Kitchenette We have a tiny house mobile kitchenette with sink, basic table wear, microwave, kettle, toaster, LÓr Nespresso compatible Pod machine (BYO pods) single hot plates, mini bar fridge ,and; USB ports. You can also use the facility to recharge your mobile phone and; torches. We also provide a billy kettle, cast iron fry pan and camp fire hot plate. You'll also find 6 comfy directors chairs stored within the kitchenette, and a deck of cards, jigsaw puzzles, boardgames etc. Cricket bat, Bocce ball game, and Finish Kubbs set are stored within the timber box under the gazebo. "Nature Calls" We have a new long drop compost toilet - only human waste and; toilet paper please. A small bin is provided for sanitary products etc. Please leave the bushland surrounds free of solid waste. Gazebo Weatherproof /insect meshed gazebo and outdoor furniture. Absolutely no fires under the gazebo, otherwise it will melt and catch fire. Quiet Hours Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am Outdoor and Indoor Showers Warm water is heated by LPG gas bottles - please help conserve water and gas QUIET HOURS: To respect other campers who may be staying, and our amazing nocturnal wildlife, our quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, when noise is asked to be kept minimal. Such an exception would be event times like New Years Eve. We have found that camping is a great way to reset your Circadian rhythm - waking and sleeping according to the natural light & darkness , and a drink around a crackling camp fire super relaxing :) CONTACT: If you want me to send you more photographs of the camping sites/facilities , you can look up Otford Park or OtfordParkCamping on Facebook and contact me through there (can't send photos etc via HipCamp messages yet) WHAT TO EXPECT: We have horses, poultry, dogs and abundant wildlife so visiting pets must be either caged or leashed at all times. We have two waterproof dog beds available - just need to bring their blanket etc for softness As its a sanctuary for wildlife - absolutely No Hunting is permitted. Wildlife can be loud at times - morning and night, from the wild deer that wander through, to domestic roosters that like to visit. Its a bit 'farm country and wild bushland' tucked between Sydney and Wollongong Caravans/large motorhomes cannot access the rear of our property, due the narrowness of the track, but no problem for the many 4wd style camper vehicles. Necessities/consumables We have a supply of toilet paper, hand wash, hand sanitiser, insect repellent , fire lighters, mossie coils, matches, dish soap, paper towels and spray disinfectant. Its an honour system for use just while you're here, so please don't take them home with you. If you need to buy toilet paper for your next journey, just ask me. WHAT'S NEARBY: - easy walk to Otford railway station - easy walk to our free local tennis court just down the road -road walk up to Bald Hill lookout (famous for its hang-gliding and view of the Seacliff Bridge) or hike up the fire trail and around the Stony Batter headland - walk to Otford Lookout and the start of the many trails through the Royal National Park or the hike down (about 20 to 30min) to Bulgo beach to swim, fish or snorkel. Be sure to take water and wear comfy shoes - quick walk to the hidden entrance of the historic abandoned Otford railway tunnel entrance -its also an interesting and fun way to walk to Stanwell Park beach! Otherwise its just few minutes drive to Stanwell Park beach and Coalcliff Beach - all clean and beautiful or go further north to the many stunning beaches of the Royal National Park such as Garie, Burning Palms, Wattamolla - Darkes Forest - for trail horse riding, and the Glenbernie Orchard, for fresh apple and stone fruit produce and apple picking tours * * * * * * * * * * Off Leash Beaches - If you have a dog , it will probably love the northern end of Stanwell Park beach its been designated an off-leash area, north of the creek. - park your carpark of Park Parade. Sharkey's Beach, Coledale. A dedicated off-leash beach for dogs and surfers alike, all year round. Approx 10 min drive south. * * * * * * * * * * Others Sights & Activities - Four km to Symbio Wildlike Park - a lovely day out to see both exotic animals such as cheetahs or more local cuddly koalas and opportunities to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. A water theme park will keep the kiddies entertained and cool too - On the way to Symbio is the beautiful Kelly's Falls - part of the Garrawarra State Conservation area & historic Princess Marina Cliff Walk. - Seacliff Bridge - Not to be missed and part of the Grand Pacific Drive along the South East Coast, Seacliff Bridge is now an iconic Australian landmark. It beautifully hugs the huge sandstone cliffs around the ocean, and is popular to tourist and film makers alike. - Cafes - yum! Walk to the Otford Pantry on the corner of Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Drive, open weekends for great coffee and pastries, overlooking the ocean. Then many other cafes in nearby Stanwell Park and Helensburgh - We are situated in a valley, with the Illawarra train line about 500m to 1km away, so occasionally you might here a coal train passing, or more interesting on many weekends the historic Cockatoo Run steam train comes through around 10am and on its return approx 6pm. If children are at the station waiting to see it, the drivers usually oblige with a friendly toot of the steam horn. - Horse Riding - Book ahead for trail rides at either the local Otford Farm in Lloyd Place, or can drive to Darkes Forest Riding Ranch - Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Tops - if you're fit and love a challenging hike, the Wodi Wodi track can take you from the Hanging swamp around and down to Coalcliff. Water, comfortable shoes and insect repellent (for the odd leach) etc is essential, but the spectacular views at the top and destination make it worth it FOOD and PROVISIONS Helensburgh shopping centre is just 4km drive away. But if you're hiking on foot from the Royal National Park and would like basic provisions such as milk and bread available on your arrival, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to have them here. We have a generator run mini-fridge in the kitchenette to keep such items cold, if needed. TINY HOUSE If you'd like to sleep in a bit of luxury, check out our new tiny house listing here SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG &; BEYOND Otford is 9km by car to Waterfall, Sutherland Shire, 43 km to George St, Sydney CBD, 25km to Wollongong CBD. 44km to Bondi Beach, and 53km to Kiama. All can be accessed by train too. So the perfect area to set up base camp, whilst exploring greater Sydney, as well as the many beautiful spots within walking distance. HIP CAMP REVIEWS When reading and leaving reviews , please have a heart towards your camp hosts. The way the rating % works, it takes about 111 positive reviews out 112 reviews, to over-ride that 1 negative. So for the average Hipcamp, it takes a looong time, to get back to 99 or 100% positive feedback. If you have an issue onsite, please raise it immediately. I know the majority of hosts will try and rectify it for you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(73)

Wombat Hollow

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Budgong, NSW
100 acres of secluded paradise with a kilometer of free flowing pebbled creek. Bound on two sides by the craggy escarpments of the Budgong and Morton National Parks there is ample grassland to give a feeling of space yet an abundance of trees to wander through as you engage with the tame wildlife and magnificent birdlife. Bring your mountain bike, fishing rod, swimmers, hiking boots, climbing gear, horse riding gear, or tennis racquet, and leave the kids in the play area while you sit by the creek and listen to the water tumbling through the rocks. If you are as intrigued by rare animals as we are, then this is the place for you. 63 Bird species, 24 mammals, 16 reptiles, and 12 amphibians have been sighted in the area (Clarke 2012) and this includes many rare and endangered species including the Brush-tailed rock wallaby, Giant burrowing frog, Gang-gang cockatoo, Glossy black-cockatoo, Koala, Little Lorikeet, Platypus and the Yellow-bellied glider. We only have three campsites at present, so you will be guaranteed peace, space and privacy. with a minimum of 400m between all sites. Please note, that your group must be self-contained, with their own camp toilet, however fresh drinking water is available. Access is into a valley on a well maintained unsealed road but there are some minor causeways making it unsuitable for busses. An ordinary sedan will do for Billabong and Dad's camp sites but you will need some power for towing and a 4x4 to tow out in any rain. Riverbend site is only suitable for 4x4's and off-road camp trailers. You are a 40 minute drive from the sea (try the Shoalhaven 100 beach challenge https://www.shoalhaven.com/100-beach-challenge/ ) and just 15km from the historical town of Kangaroo Valley with its myriad of water activities, golf, wine estates, and quaint shopping. ttps://visitkangaroovalley.com.au/see-and-do/ Our neighbor offers horse riding experiences that are absolutely amazing. (pre-book at www.kangaroovalleyhorses.com)
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$63
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(174)

Woodenhead Experiences

10 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Jerrawangala, NSW
This bush campsite is located very close to Sussex Inlet. We are just 10 minutes from the exquisite Bendalong and Berrara beaches. Here you will find great fishing, surfing and access to all watersport activities at Swan Haven. There is fantastic mountain biking through the Jerrawangala National Park. Sit around the campfire and relax (firewood provided). This campsite suits self contained campers with own toilet/shower and water supply. You can use our BBQ and rubbish facilities. Well behaved pets on leashes welcome. Horses can be accommodated. Do not enter the paddocks with our horses but if you would like to meet the horses please ask. Lovely cafes, pubs and shops 20 mins away at Huskisson to the north or Milton to the south. Go for an adventure to see the white sands of Jervis Bay. Enjoy waking up with wildlife and being central to many of the beautiful spots.
Pets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from 
AU$100
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(417)

'Elouera Vale' Farm

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents140 acres · Mittagong, NSW
Elouera Vale is a working farm located just outside Mittagong NSW. We breed and train camels for sale, especially into the Southern Highlands. Camels are excellent for weed control and co-grazing with cattle. 'Elouera Vale' also breeds Belted Galloway cattle, Dorper and Wiltipol sheep and donkeys. Our property covers over 140 acres, 80 acres cleared and pasture improved and the rest consisting of forest. The Chain O Ponds creek runs through the property and makes for a lovely walk. You will probably get to see kangaroo, wallaby, wombats, echidnas, koalas and lots of bird life. The lush green hills abound with walking and cycling trails. You can head to the spectacular Nattai Gorge via the Box Vale Mine walking track, an easy 4.4km circular walk that follows an old railway line through a tunnel to breath-taking views. Enjoy a picnic in the magnificent Lake Alexandra Reserve or hike up extinct volcanic peak Mount Gibraltar. The closest shops are approximately a 15 minute drive to the Mittagong Town Centre where you will find all the shops, cafes and restaurants for your needs. It is well worth a visit to ‘The Shaggy Cow’ cafe, one of our favourite foodie spots (don’t forget to mention Elouera Vale). While you're here please try the Cool Climate wines. The region’s rich soil and high altitude are ideal for cool-climate wine growing. Visit cellar doors in the hills and valleys around Mittagong, including Centennial Vineyards. Enjoy a pleasant wine tasting experience at Centennial (don’t forget to mention us). The Camel Cottage offers a luxe off-the-grid escape for couples just one hour from Sydney but feels like "miles from anywhere". The Gums Cottage is a fully contained, off-grid modern getaway, surrounded by the magnificent white gum trees that are its namesake. The serene setting and stylish interior of The Gums provides all the essentials for a picturesque and peaceful country escape. The White Gum Forest Retreat offers campsites nestled in a white gum forest, not far from a beautiful trickling creek. There is access to toilets and a small dam near campsites for water supply for showers where required. For a truly memorable experience we recommend hiring our function space, White Gum Forest Functions, which is available for day visitors as well as guests staying overnight in our cabins and campsites. Why not book your next special family group gathering, milestone birthday or wedding here! The function space can cater for up to 50 guests, please contact us with your time and date requirements before booking. Feel spoilt in the midst of beautiful waratahs, grevilleas and ferns, watching camels grazing in the adjacent paddock. It's like being on a safari! There is 5G mobile telephone reception at the farm so you can reconnect with the world if need be. No pets please.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
AU$65
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping near Shoalhaven Heads with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Shoalhaven Heads, New South Wales in Australia? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1300 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Whether you prefer a cosy cabin, a spacious caravan site, or a tent spot nestled in nature, Hipcamp has got you covered. And with top campsites like Megalong Valley Farm (435 reviews), Jila Camp Grounds (279 reviews), and Tomakin River Camping (314 reviews), you can trust that you'll have a great camping experience. Plus, with popular facilities like toilets, showers, and cooking equipment, and activities like boating and swimming, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping trip. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the great outdoors with Hipcamp!

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