New South Wales (NSW) – Coastlines to Alpine Climbs

NSW is often dismissed as just "Sydney and surrounds," but for campers, it’s the most diverse state in the country. You can be skiing in the Snowy Mountains in the morning and surfing on the South Coast by the afternoon. It has a massive network of National Parks, and unlike some states, many are surprisingly accessible with a standard family car.

Why Go Camping Here?

• The South Coast: Forget Bondi. Head south to Jervis Bay or Batemans Bay for white sands and calm waters. It’s arguably the most family-friendly coastal camping in Australia.

• Blue Mountains: Just 90 minutes west of Sydney. It’s not just for tourists looking at the Three Sisters; go deeper to Newnes or the Megalong Valley for genuine bush camping.

• Kosciuszko National Park: The roof of Australia. In summer, the alpine wildflowers and cool temps make it perfect for hiking without the heatstroke.

• The North Coast: From Port Stephens to Byron Bay, this stretch is packed with holiday parks that offer "soft entry" camping for families who still want a decent coffee nearby.

Must-Do Camping Activities

• Camp with Kangaroos: At Pebbly Beach (Murramarang National Park), the eastern grey kangaroos are famous for hanging out on the sand right next to your tent.

• Hike the Main Range: Tackle the summit walk to Mount Kosciuszko. It’s a 13km return trip, but on the metal boardwalk, it’s achievable for active kids.

• 4WD on Stockton Beach: The largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. You need a permit, but driving on 32km of beach highway is a bucket-list item.

• Find the Glow Worms: The Glow Worm Tunnel near Lithgow offers a dark, cool, and fascinating walk for kids (bring a red-light headtorch to not scare the worms).

• Surf Camp at Crescent Head: One of the best longboard waves in the world. The holiday park is practically on the sand—roll out of your swag and into the ocean.