Cattai Campground
About This Campsite
Cattai Campground is the perfect “soft entry” camping spot for Sydney families, located just an hour from the CBD along the Hawkesbury River.
What makes Cattai unique isn’t just the hot showers and grassy powered sites and it’s the history. You are camping on the grounds of the original Cattai Farm, granted to First Fleet Assistant Surgeon Thomas Arndell in 1804, one of the most important surviving colonial farm buildings in Australia.
It’s fantastic for kids because the campground is one giant, flat grassy loop, perfect for riding bikes and playing cricket while parents watch from the camp chair. You can walk from your tent directly to the historic homestead and silos, making it a “living history” lesson (that feels like a holiday).
"The coolest thing was the kangaroos racing each other through the camp! The river is muddy but nice and cold on a hot day, I made a sandcastle there. Make sure you bring pool noodles to chase the bush turkeys, and don't forget your little dinosaurs."
Camp Comforts
Trip Essentials
In Detail
Contact Information
Address and Location
Sydney
New South Wales
2756
Australia
Local Area and Accessibility
What's Available
- Tent
- Caravan
- Motorhome
- Unpowered
Site Capacity and Characteristics
- Riverside
- Bushland
Access Requirements
- Tents or Swags
- Rooftop Tent
- Camper Van
- Camper Trailer
- Caravan
- Motorhome
- Big Rig
Vehicle Specifications
Directions and Access Notes
Bathroom and Sanitation
Kitchen and Cooking
- Electric
Water and Waste
Utilities and Connectivity
On-Site and Nearby Activities
- Swimming (Beach/Lake/River)
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Bushwalking/Hiking
- Cycling
The Historic Cattai Homestead - A short walk from the campground leads you to the Cattai Homestead (built c. 1821), one of the most important surviving colonial farm buildings in Australia. You'll see the convict-built stone kitchens, the original grain silos (built 1930s), and the ruins of a windmill believed to be the oldest industrial building in Australia. For kids, It’s a great spot to talk about "Olden Days" Australia. The 2km walk to the homestead is easy for little legs and full of kangaroos.
Hawkesbury River
Setting and Environment
- First Time Campers
- Families
- Weekend Getaways
Eastern Grey Kangaroos are everywhere in the late afternoon. Look out for Lace Monitors (Goannas) near the trees and plenty of Kookaburras.
Important Rules and Regulations
Booking and Pricing
Base rate includes 2 people. Daily vehicle entry fee of $8 applies unless you have a NSW Parks Pass.
Status and Season
Opens from 8:00am to 8:00pm / 5:00pm (Winter)
Gates are locked at night. You will receive a pin code for after-hours exit/entry.
Photos
Location & Directions
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