North Era Campground

Address: Garie Beach via Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, Royal National Park, New South Wales, Australia, 2233

About This Campsite

If you’re looking to test your “Pack and Pitch” skills, North Era Campground is the gold standard. Tucked away behind the dunes of North Era Beach in the Royal National Park, this isn’t your average “park the car and unfold the chair” setup. It’s the only legal campsite along the iconic 26km Coast Track, making it the prized overnight stop for anyone trekking from Bundeena to Otford.

The setup is basic, rugged, and beautiful. You’ve got 12 unmarked sites on a grassy knoll with front-row seats to the sunrise. There are no manicured lawns or camp kitchens here—just a composting toilet and whatever you carried in on your back. It’s a high-utility spot for surfers willing to lug a board over the headland from Garie Beach to score a private lineup.

The Practical Bits:

Access: Walk-in only. It’s a 1.5-hour hike from Garie Beach or a solid 6-hour trek from Bundeena.

Water: There is zero drinking water on-site. The local creeks are unreliable; pack at least 3L per person, per day.

Cooking: Strictly no campfires or solid fuel (charcoal). Bring a lightweight fuel stove or you’re eating cold rations.

Power: None. This is a total “unplugged” experience.

Camp Comforts

Toilets: Yes

Trip Essentials

Road Access Requirement: Walk-In Only

In Detail

Contact Information

Phone: 02 9542 0666
Email: npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au

Address and Location

Address: Garie Beach via Sir Bertram Stevens Drive
Royal National Park
New South Wales
2233
Australia
Latitude: -34.1667
Longitude: 151.05
Elevation (in meters): 10
Timezone: Australia/Sydney

Local Area and Accessibility

Park or Reserve: Royal National Park
Local Government Area (LGA): Sutherland Shire Council

What's Available

Site Features:
  • Unpowered
  • Grass
Roofed Accommodation:
  • No
Camping Style:
  • Basic National Park Camping

Site Capacity and Characteristics

Total Sites: 12
Capacity Estimate: 36
Pleasant Views: Yes
Secluded Sites: Yes
Evironment Type:
  • Beachside

Access Requirements

Road Access Requirement: Walk-In Only

Vehicle Specifications

Directions and Access Notes

Access Notes:

Absolutely no vehicle access. You must park at Garie Beach (1.5hr walk), Garrawarra Farm (1.5hr walk), or Otford (5hr walk). The track from Garie is steep and narrow - don't overpack your bag or you'll be feeling it halfway up the first headland.
Note: Garie Beach Road often closes after heavy rain; check NPWS alerts before you drive to the trailhead.

Bathroom and Sanitation

Toilets: Yes
Toliet Type: Composting Toilets

Kitchen and Cooking

Water and Waste

Untreated Water: Yes

Utilities and Connectivity

Onsite Food/Shop:
  • None - BYO All Supplies

On-Site and Nearby Activities

Water Activities:
  • Swimming (Beach/Lake/River)
  • Surfing
Land Activities:
  • Bushwalking/Hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Wildlife Spotting
Trailheads from Campsite: Yes
Walking Tracks (Km): 26
Nearby Attractions:

Figure Eight Pools: Located at the southern end of Burning Palms Beach. Check the tide risk tool before going; it’s dangerous at high tide.
Eagle Rock: A massive sandstone formation that looks like an eagle's beak, about a 2-hour hike north.
Garie Beach: The closest "civilization" for a patrolled swim (when the road is open).

Setting and Environment

Best for:
  • Solo Travelers
Setting: Beachside
Insects: High
Wildlife Notes:

You’ll be sharing your campsite with resident swamp wallabies and the occasional Rusa deer.
Keep your tent zipped, the local magpies and ravens are bold and will have a go at any food left out.
During winter and spring, keep an eye on the horizon for migrating Humpback whales.

Hazards:

Flash Flooding: The campsite is low-lying; heavy rain can turn the grassy area into a bog quickly.
Coastal Exposure: Very little shade or wind protection. High winds can make pitching a lightweight hiking tent a challenge.
Water Scarcity: Do not rely on the creek. If you run out of water, it’s a long, thirsty hike back to the car.

Important Rules and Regulations

Pets Policy: No Pets (National Park)
Fires Allowed: No Open Fires - Gas Stoves Permitted (Except Total Fire Ban)
Alcohol Policy: BYO Allowed
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
Max Stay (nights): 1

Booking and Pricing

Price Range: $12 per night
Fees Overview:

Fees are $12 per adult/child per night plus a small non-refundable booking fee. This is a set fee for remote hike-in sites in the Royal National Park.
Note: Park entry fees ($12 per vehicle per day) are separate and must be paid at the trailhead (Audley, Garie Beach, or via the Park’nPay app) if you are leaving a car at the start of your hike.

Booking Required: Yes
Booking Type: Booking Essential (must book in advance)
Booking URL
Instant Book: Yes
Affiliation:
  • NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS)
Cancellation Policy:

> 31+ days notice: 75% refund.
15–30 days notice: 50% refund.
Under 14 days: No refund.

Note: If the park is closed by NPWS due to track instability or fire risk (as is the case for much of 2026), a full refund is automatically provided.

Status and Season

Open Status: Permanently Closed
Status Notes:

Permanently closed until further notice in 2026 due to track instability.

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