Hobart Beach campground, Bournda NSW
Hobart Beach campground is a truly special destination on the Sapphire Coast, offering a unique “best of both worlds” experience for nature lovers. Perfectly situated within the magnificent Bournda National Park, this popular campground is nestled in a beautiful coastal forest setting, uniquely positioned between the calm, clear waters of Wallagoot Lake and the pristine surf of Hobart Beach. This dual access makes it an incredibly versatile and family-friendly location. You can spend your morning kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing in the serene, sheltered lake, and then in the afternoon, take a short stroll over the dunes to enjoy the sand and waves of the ocean beach.
This is a classic National Parks campground that provides a wonderful back-to-nature feel with the convenience of good facilities. The campground is spread out amongst the towering eucalypts and banksias, with well-defined sites that offer a good sense of privacy. It’s a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos and wallabies being frequent visitors, often grazing peacefully right beside your campsite. The facilities are excellent for a park of this type, including flushing toilets, cold showers, and gas barbecues, making for a comfortable stay.
The location is an adventurer’s paradise. Hobart Beach serves as a key access point for the Kangarutha Walking Track, a spectacular (and challenging) coastal hike that offers breathtaking views. The lake is a popular spot for birdwatching, and its calm waters are ideal for families with young children. While it feels wonderfully secluded, the vibrant coastal towns of Merimbula and Tathra are just a short drive away, providing easy access to supplies, cafes, and restaurants. For a truly memorable Sapphire Coast adventure that combines the best of lake, beach, and bush, Hobart Beach campground is an unbeatable choice. Bookings are absolutely essential, especially during school holidays and long weekends.
Site Information
- Location: In Bournda National Park, between Wallagoot Lake and Hobart Beach.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes. Site sizes vary.
- Road Access: Access is via unsealed park roads (Bournda Rd). Generally 2WD accessible, but can be slippery after rain.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Online booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking website for current limits.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 66 designated bookable sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, cold showers, gas/electric BBQs, wood BBQs/fire pits.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none.
- TV Reception: Poor to none.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, hiking boots, kayaks/SUPs, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing in Wallagoot Lake and from the ocean beach.
- Short Walks: Direct access to the Kangarutha Walking Track and other beautiful coastal and lakeside walks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Tathra Hotel (approx. 15 km)
- Merimbula Lakeview Hotel (approx. 15 km)
- The Royal Willows Hotel, Pambula (approx. 20 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, and pubs in nearby Tathra and Merimbula.
- Local Attractions:
- Wallagoot Lake & Bournda Lagoon
- The Kangarutha Walking Track
- The historic Tathra Wharf
- Magic Mountain Merimbula
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Tathra Beachside
- NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort
- Next Free Camps: Low-cost camping at Panboola Wetlands in Pambula. Nearest free camp is Myrtle Creek Rest Area.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Tathra and Merimbula.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Tathra and Merimbula.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Tathra or Merimbula.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot, perfect for swimming and water sports. This is the peak holiday season. Temperatures average 16°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures average 11°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The whale watching season. Days are cool and can be windy, nights are cold. Temperatures range from 6°C to 17°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and the surrounding bushland is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures average 10°C to 21°C.