1 / 100
  1. Australia
  2. New South Wales

Platypus Pools

100%
·
256 reviews
 · Monkerai, New South Wales
300 acres hosted by Chris O.
5 Vehicle/Tent sites
Avatar
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 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 lovely Spring rain 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. Public waste dump points are at Stroud, Dungog and Gloucester. 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 campgrounds. We do have some limited bags of firewood for sale at $20 a bag most of the year. These are heavy bags of very dry local Hardwood. You can also collect firewood along the riverbanks 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
Select a site
Filter by
Loading sites...
100%
498 Ratings · 256 reviews
Avatar
Adam S.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Platypus Pools. Chris was an excellent host with great communication and gave easy directions to the property. The property is in beautiful location on the Upper Karuah River , with rolling hills, birds, wildlife, livestock and the elusive Platypus that poked their heads up quite a few times. The area received 30ml of rain the night before we arrived which made the river rise about a metre, but that did not stop us from swimming and fishing and enjoying the river. It was the perfect weekend away and we even stayed an extra night like more than we planned. Chris was very accommodating. He dropped past one evening and had a chat and drink with us. He was very knowledgeable of the local history of the area and was a pleasure to talk to. I highly recommend booking a few nights on any of the sites on this property. We hope to return to enjoy the property again soon.
Avatar
Philip J.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
One of the best spots in NSW!
Tent · With pets ·
The Dell
One of, if not THE, best Hipcamp sites we have ever found. Picturesque location right on the riverbank with plenty of shade and freshly mowed grass to set up our tent. Chris has done a great jump of spreading out the camp sites as we didnt even see the other campers all weekend. The river was stunning and perfect for going for a swim. Our dog had an absolute ball at this place, as did we, so we will definitely be back!
Avatar
Laura M.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2025
29 ft travel trailer ·
The Dell
Wow, we love our stay here, it’s such a beautiful spot and to have the whole area to yourself is amazing. Chris is a great host, responsive and accommodating. We will definitely be back.
Avatar
Michael M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
Rock pool - great weekend
13 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
From the time we booked our stay - Chris the host was wonderful in communication with great directions and a warm welcome on arrival. From the moment we got onto our site we totally enjoyed the beautiful location and the peaceful atmosphere. Swimming all day and sitting around the fire at night. Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome and sharing your beautiful location. We will be back for sure.
Avatar
Kristy M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
20 ft Class A · With pets ·
Rock Pool (aka Platypus Pool)
Always love staying here. Tranquil, platypus... love it. Interesting to see where the river had risen during the recent storms etc - weren't sure if we would see the platypus but they never let us down! Thanks for having us again :-)
Avatar
Ian R.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
Amazing stay at Platypus Pools
39 ft travel trailer · With kids ·
Cedar Glade
We had an amazing stay at Platypus Pools! The campsite was absolutely stunning, set right by the river with private and beautifully maintained sites that made for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Chris was a fantastic host—friendly, welcoming, and full of local knowledge. The natural surroundings were breathtaking, and we even spotted some wildlife. It was the perfect spot for a family trip, and we can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend!
Location
Monkerai, New South Wales, AustraliaTraditional, ancestral territory of Guringai and Worimi First Nations according to
Native Land Digital.
To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Chris O.

Joined in September 2020
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 4 hours
Things to do nearby
    More camping spots nearby
      Campers also viewed...

        Popular searches in New South Wales

        Caravan parks & camping
        Dog-friendly camping
        Caravan parks & camping with full hookups
        River, stream, or creek camping
        Camping with fishing
        Farm camping
        Forest camping
        Camping with campfires

        Safety at Hipcamp

        Inclusion Policy
        Inclusion Policy
        Inclusion Policy
        Learn More
        Hipcamp Hand
        Hosting Standards
        Hosting Standards
        Hosting Standards
        Learn More
        Hipcamper Standards
        Hipcamper Standards
        Hipcamper Standards
        Learn More

        Safety partners

        Recreate Responsibly
        Leave No Trace

        About us

        CareersJournalGift CardsContactGeneral StoreHipcamper FAQBecome an Affiliate

        Hosting

        Becoming a HostIs my land a fit?InsuranceStandardsHosting FAQ

        Camp Your Way™

        Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, caravan parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

        Download the Hipcamp App

        Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicySitemap
        © 2025 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
        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.