Beachside camping (Sydney - Gold Coast)

[protik]

Sat-Dec-28: Sydney to Port Macquarie
Sun-Dec-29: Port Macquarie - Byron Bay
Mon-Dec-30: Byron Bay
Tue-Dec-31: Byron Bay
Wed-Jan-01: Gold Coast
Thu-Jan-02: Gold Coast - Coffs Harbour
Fri-Jan-03: Coffs Harbour - Sydney

Hey guys, my partner and I looking to drive from Sydney to Gold Coast for the first time next month. Wanted to ask if there are any beaches with camping grounds for overnight stay? Other option would be to just sleep in our station wagon but haven't tried that before. Cheers

[kjbeath]

At that time of year getting camping spots can be challenging, and I would suggest trying to book now. Just Google the area followed by camping and Google search results will include a map with the locations.

If you don't mind being a short drive out of town Broken Head http://www.brokenheadholidaypark.com.au is a nice alternative to Byron.

[awildland]

Around Port Macquarie - just before you get to Port Macquarie you can camp at a place called Diamond Head, that's in Crowdy Bay National Park and it is a great campsite, but very popular at that time of year and so you may need to book ahead. Beautiful spot though and good facilities. It's about 35-40 mins south of Port Macquarie. Search NSW National Parks website. Alternatively the other side of Port Macquarie, about another hour north of Port Macquarie is Hat Head National Park and it has a couple of different campsites as well as caravan parks (in Hat Head township or a great location caravan park at South West Rocks under the goal). Really stunning coastline (see a couple of our blog posts for pics here: http://awildland.blogspot.com.au/search ... nal%20Park).

Around Byron Bay there are caravan parks but for national park beachside camping you would have to stop near Broadwater or Evans Head, which is about 45 minutes south of Byron Bay, and that is in Broadwater National Park or neighbouring Bundjalung National Park.

Around Coffs Harbour there are a few options here. North of Coffs Harbour is a small town called Red Rock, about 45 mins north, which has a nice caravan park behind the beach. From Red Rock south to Coffs Harbour there is also Station Creek which is a beachside, limited facilities camping area in Yuragyir National Park and popular with local surfers. Also just 15km south of Coffs Harbour the small town of Sawtell has a great caravan park behind the beach and beside Bongil Bongil National Park. Very nice little town too with great cafes and shops.

hope this helps.

[protik]

hope this helps.

Thank you, exact the kind of information we were looking for!

[Onestepmore]

I second Red Rock - there are some great little rock pools to sit in. The Corindi river/lagoon is nearbyAnd you'll get some good coffee in Sawtell. Both places much nicer than Coffs itself. Korora Beach (just north of Coffs) is also worth a visit but no camping facilities as such (we lived there for a few years).
Grassy Head, just north if South West Rocks is not overdeveloped and is a suggestion to consider, but its not bush camping. The caravan park is on the beach, unpowered and powered sites, amenities block etc.
Have fun!