The Wells Campground – Myall Lakes National Park
For those seeking a truly secluded and tranquil escape in the magnificent Myall Lakes National Park, The Wells campground is a hidden gem. Tucked away on the eastern shore of the vast Broadwater, this remote campground offers a genuine wilderness experience, a world away from the park’s more bustling sites. Access is part of the adventure; it is primarily a boat-based campground, making it a paradise for kayakers and boaties exploring the extensive lake system. Alternatively, it can be reached via a 2.5km walk from The Wells trail car park, ensuring that visitors are rewarded with unparalleled peace and quiet. The campground itself is a beautiful, grassy clearing set amongst towering paperbark and she-oak trees, with direct access to the calm, sandy shores of the lake.
This is a primitive, self-sufficient camping experience at its finest. The facilities are very basic, with only a non-flush toilet provided, so campers must arrive with everything they need, including drinking water, cooking equipment, and rubbish bags to carry everything out. The reward for this preparedness is a serene environment perfect for swimming in the calm lake waters, fishing for bream and flathead, or simply relaxing and watching the incredible birdlife, which includes majestic sea eagles. The campground is small and intimate, with just a handful of unmarked sites, so bookings are essential to secure your spot in this peaceful haven. For experienced paddlers, hikers, and self-reliant campers looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Myall Lakes, The Wells campground is a truly special destination.
The Wells campgroundMungo Brush Side Rd, Mungo Brush NSW 2423
- Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
- Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
- GPS Coordinates: -32.52552, 152.32281
Site Information
- Location: Myall Lakes National Park, on the Broadwater.
- Site suitable for: Tents only. This is a walk-in or boat-in campground.
- Road access: Unsealed road to the car park, then a 2.5km walking track.
- Site surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
- Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
- Number of un-powered sites: 5 unmarked sites.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilet.
- Picnic tables: No.
- Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: None.
- TV reception: None.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
- Open fires: Prohibited. Campers must use their own fuel stoves.
- Generator use: Not permitted.
- Number of sites available: 5 sites.
Essentials to Bring
- All drinking water.
- A fuel stove for cooking.
- Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
- Kayak, canoe, or small boat for access and exploring.
- Insect repellent.
Activities
- Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Myall Lakes National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing in the lake for bream, whiting, and flathead.
- Short walks: The 2.5km trail from the car park, and exploring the lake foreshore.
Local Amenities (in Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens)
- Local Pubs:
- Hawks Nest Golf Club (~22 km)
- Tea Gardens Hotel (~23 km)
- Places to Eat:
- A good range of cafes, takeaways, and restaurants in both Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens (~22 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Mungo Brush Rainforest walk (~3 km)
- Jimmy’s Beach, Hawks Nest (~22 km)
- Yacaaba Headland walking track (~23 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mungo Brush Campground (~3 km)
- Reflections Holiday Parks Hawks Nest Beach (~22 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Reflections Holiday Parks Hawks Nest Beach (check for public access/fee) (~22 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Hawks Nest (~22 km) and Tea Gardens (~23 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
- Public Toilets:
- Onsite. The next closest are at Mungo Brush campground (~3 km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast
- Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming and water sports. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Often calm, making it ideal for paddling. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
- Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny. The water is cold but hiking is pleasant. Temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C.
- Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather, though can be windy. The bush is full of wildflowers. Temperatures range from 13°C to 24°C.