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Platypus Pools

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· Monkerai, New South Wales

300 acres hosted by Chris O.

5 Vehicle/Tent sites

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Chris is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Premium and exclusive natural camping at its best. Our farm is located on the beautiful Karuah River in the picturesque Monkerai valley. The river is a fresh mountain river running from the foothills of Barrington Tops. We only offer 5 sites which are all well spaced out across our 300 acre property giving you absolute privacy and a sense of serenity. We were very pleased to have been recognised by Hipcamp as being one of the top 20 Hipcamp locations in NSW for 2022. Most of the year the river is lovely and clear and ideal for swimming canoeing floating on airbeds fishing photography or just enjoying. There is also some really nice bike riding and walking opportunities around the valley although you will be on gravel roads and we are only 25 min drive from the popular Dungog mountain bike park. You are likely to see a variety of birdlife other wildlife including black and white cockatoos ducks some lizards, occasionally wallabies, echidnas and if you are lucky a Platypus or two. We are fortunate to see platypus in the river frequently which is a sign of just how pristine the water running down from the mountains really is. You will have your campsite completely to yourself with no other camper near you . Privacy, tranquillity, relaxation and just enjoying nature is waiting for you. Be sure to bring your telescope as you’ll be amazed at the stargazing at night with no light pollution. With some Winter rains the river is running beautifully and is great for a swim, fish or canoe. Swimming, canoeing and running the rapids on surf mats is always popular at our property and as long as the river is it normal levels and a lot of fun. However, we always highly recommend people wear some form of footwear in the river such as rafting sandals or old joggers or similar as the rocks are very hard on your feet and there’s a particular nasty little fish called a “Bullrout” that whilst rare can infect a nasty sting if you tread on one. No need to be overly concerned but be mindful. Our property is ideal for self-contained vans, camper trailers, medium motor homes, tents or swags, it’s up to you. There are no toilets so only suitable if you have your own toilet facilities and take away all waste when you leave. All toilet waste, leaving our property is very important and an absolutely essential requirement for all visitors. Gloucester Dungog and historic Stroud village are nearby as well as Barrington Tops World Heritage wilderness area and national park. This is an operating farm and therefore farming activities such as cattle droving, fencing, grass cutting or hay making may occasionally be occurring somewhere near your site but we would always let you know. We are sure you will enjoy our farm far more than a crowded traditional caravan park or campground. All campers need to be able to manage and remove their own toilet waste from our property without exception. We do have some limited bags of firewood for sale at $20 a bag. These are heavy bags of very dry local Hardwood. You can also collect firewood along the river banks yourself or bring your own firewood for a campfire (subject to any fire restrictions) if that is easier and more convenient for you. When you make a reservation at the property we will always endeavour to put you in your preferred location as best we can. However if we are impacted by adverse weather or need to run cattle on certain parts of the farm then we may need to make a change to the actual site you are in and trust you understand. We look forward to you visiting our farm.

Activities

Biking

Fishing

Hiking

Horseback riding

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

Mountainous

100%

457 Ratings · 227 reviews

Laurie C.recommends

October 7, 2024

Cedar Glade

Cedar Glades

The ‘Platypus Pools’ property at Monkerai is one of our favourite places to camp. The sites, which each offer different aspects to the beautiful river are all private, peaceful and well maintained. Our first stay at the ‘Cedar Glades’ site, was filled with river views, the morning sun and starring nights by the campfire. Well done Chris and Hamish.

Chris G.recommends

October 2, 2024

Platypus rock

Our party of 5 had a wonderful time at this camp site. Experiencing seeing platypus’s in the river was a treat! Chris was very helpful with communication and directions. 10/10 camp site! Recommend staying at this property! We’ll be back again. Thank you Chris and Hamish.

Laura F.recommends

October 1, 2024

Cedar Glade

This property is absolutely beautiful! Completely private sites, beautiful river, serene view, birds chirping. We saw turtles, platypus, firefly’s and amazing stars at night! Friendly and helpful owners. We will be back!

Aliesha C.recommends

September 30, 2024

The Dell

A beautiful piece of secluded paradise. The area is wonderful with lots to visit in Stroud and Dungog but also the site is so beautiful you don’t need to go anywhere. If rolling hills and little bubbling creeks are your thing you will be in bliss.

Hannah L.recommends

September 22, 2024

The Rapids

We had a great weekend on Chris’ property, stayed at the rapids camp, which was perfect! Private, quiet, access to the river for a swim (bit chilly) our dog loved it as well she was able to explore and swim, water was beautifully clean. Chris’ directions were easy to follow. Rest and recharge weekend was exactly what we needed, will be coming back for sure!

Hayley S.recommends

September 22, 2024

Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)

Doesn’t get much better

Camping at Chris’s Rock Pool site was a dream! We got to see Platypus and swim in the little rapids. Chris was extremely hospitable and kind. We will be back 100%

Location

Monkerai, New South Wales, AustraliaTraditional, ancestral territory of Guringai and Worimi First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Chris O.

Joined in September 2020

Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.