The summer holidays are a great time of year to getaway with your family and catch up with friends. What better way than to head off on a camping trip!
Not only are they affordable, camping trips with family and friends have the ability to create some of the fondest memories. There is something about getting back to the simple life that encourages a change of perspective. It makes us truly appreciate, not only the luxuries that we leave at home, but most importantly the people around us and the beauty of our natural environments.
Whether it is...
relaxing on the beach,
experiencing a wildlife encounter,
discovering a hidden waterfall,
the de-stress that comes with escaping the buzz of built areas,
or the somewhat metaphorical removal of the walls that separate ourselves, nature and the people who surround us...
...camping trips are certainly an experience not to miss!
Our top 5 summer camping destinations in NSW each have their own drawcards - but all are incredibly beautiful, natural environments within a reasonably close proximity to Sydney.
Read on for our countdown to number 1!
Distance from Sydney: 3 hours South
Vehicle Access: By 2WD vehicle on sealed roads or by kayak.
Highlight: Snorkeling around the rock edges.
More info: http://old.anumc.org.au/files/Camping%20at%20Honeymoon%20Bay%202_0.pdf
Distance from Sydney: 4 hours North-West
Vehicle Access: By 2WD vehicle on unsealed roads.
Highlight: Hire a kayak and checkout the beautiful pagoda rock formations.
More info: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/Dunns-swamp-Ganguddy-campground
Distance from Sydney: <10 minutes by ferry from King St Wharf 3, Darling Harbour.
Vehicle Access: Only accessible by ferry service.
Highlight: Can be more of a glamping experience and a great location for viewing the NYE fireworks around Sydney Harbour!
More info: http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/
Distance from Sydney: 3 hours South
Vehicle Access: By 2WD vehicle on sealed roads.
Highlight: If you're lucky, swimming off the white sand beach with a pod of dolphins in the bay
More info: http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee/plan/camping.html
Distance from Sydney: 5 hours North
Vehicle Access: By 2WD vehicle on sealed roads
Highlights: Hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and cruise along the beach. Watch the sunset over the town on the otherside of the bay, alongside pods of whales breaching if you are there between April and November.
More info: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/trial-bay-gaol-campground
We hope this list comes in handy for you all this summer break and we wish you all the happiest of holidays!
- From the Somerset Team
Written by Kelly Aitchison - DoE Administrator
