Aragunnu campground, Wapengo NSW
Aragunnu Campground offers a powerful and beautiful camping experience where stunning coastal scenery meets profound Aboriginal history. Located in the magnificent Mimosa Rocks National Park on the Sapphire Coast, this campground is a place of great significance and serenity. It’s a classic, back-to-nature bush camp set in a peaceful clearing amongst tall stringybark and woollybutt trees, just a short walk from the pristine Aragunnu Beach. The atmosphere is tranquil and respectful, providing a perfect escape for self-sufficient campers who appreciate both natural beauty and deep cultural heritage.
The main attraction that sets Aragunnu apart is its direct access to the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. This easy but incredibly significant track leads visitors along the coast to a series of ancient shell middens, telling the story of the Yuin people’s long and enduring connection to this land. It is a powerful reminder of the thousands of years of history embedded in this landscape. The campground provides basic but well-maintained facilities, including pit toilets and wood barbecues, fitting for its rustic, off-grid character. Campers must be self-reliant, bringing their own drinking water and firewood, and packing out all their rubbish.
The location is a paradise for coastal adventurers. The nearby beach is perfect for surfing and fishing, while the sheltered waters of the Bega River estuary, which meets the sea here, are ideal for kayaking and birdwatching. The campground itself is a haven for wildlife, with goannas, kangaroos, and wallabies often seen wandering through the sites. While feeling wonderfully remote, it’s conveniently located between the vibrant towns of Bermagui and Tathra, making it a superb base for exploring the wider Sapphire Coast. For a meaningful and beautiful coastal escape, Aragunnu is an exceptional choice. Bookings are essential.
Site Information
- Location: In Mimosa Rocks National Park, on the Sapphire Coast between Bermagui and Tathra.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed park roads (Aragunnu Rd). Generally 2WD accessible, but can be corrugated and 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: 25 un-designated sites available for booking.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and proximity to neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, surf gear, fishing rods, hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent beach and estuary fishing.
- Short Walks: The Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a must-do and starts from the campground.
Local Amenities
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- Local Pubs:
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- Bermagui Beach Hotel (approx. 20 km)
* Tathra Hotel (approx. 35 km)
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- Local Pubs:
* The Bega Hotel (approx. 30 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, and pubs in Bermagui and Tathra.
- Local Attractions:
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- The Aboriginal Heritage Walk
- Mimosa Rocks walking track
* The Blue Pool, Bermagui
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* The historic Tathra Wharf
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Regatta Point Holiday Park, Bermagui
- Tathra Beachside
- Gillards Campground (also in the park)
- Next Free Camps: Very limited. 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 Bermagui and Tathra.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Bermagui and Tathra.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Bermagui or Tathra.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and can be humid. The peak season for swimming and beach holidays. Temperatures average 16°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and pleasant water temperatures. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures average 12°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The whale watching season. Days are mild and often sunny, but can be cool and windy. Nights are cold. Temperatures range from 7°C to 17°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and coastal wildflowers in bloom. Excellent for walking. Temperatures average 10°C to 21°C.