Johnsons Beach Campground – Myall Lakes National Park

Johnsons Beach campground is a tranquil paradise for those looking to truly get away from it all in the heart of Myall Lakes National Park. As a dedicated boat-based campground, it offers a level of seclusion and serenity that is hard to find at drive-in sites. Located on the western shores of the vast Broadwater, this beautiful spot is a favourite for kayaking families, keen anglers, and anyone with a small boat seeking a genuine wilderness experience. The campground itself is a lovely, sheltered, grassy area set back from a beautiful, clean, sandy beach. The calm, shallow waters of the bay make it an exceptionally safe and enjoyable spot for children to swim and play.

This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp that encourages a true ‘off-the-grid’ adventure. The facilities are basic, with a non-flush toilet and picnic tables provided, so you must arrive fully equipped with all your own supplies. This includes carrying in all of your drinking water and cooking equipment, and packing out every piece of rubbish to maintain the pristine environment. The main activities revolve around the water: exploring the endless coves of the Myall Lakes by kayak, fishing for the renowned local bream and flathead, or simply enjoying a lazy afternoon of swimming and relaxing on the beach. The surrounding bushland is rich with wildlife, and the evenings offer peaceful stargazing opportunities. Due to its limited size and popularity with seasoned paddlers, bookings are essential to secure your spot. For a rewarding and peaceful boat-based family adventure, Johnsons Beach campground is one of the gems of the Myall Lakes.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -32.48518, 152.32812

Site Information

• Location: Myall Lakes National Park, on the western shore of the Broadwater.
• Site suitable for: Tents only. This is a boat-in campground.
• Road access: None. Water access only via kayak, canoe, or boat.
• Site surface: Grass and sand.
• 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: 20 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 20 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Kayak, canoe, or boat for access.
• All drinking water and food supplies.
• Rubbish bags to take everything with you.
• Your own firewood.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) is recommended for remote paddling trips.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Myall Lakes National Park.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Broadwater.
• Short walks: Explore the beautiful foreshore and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities (in Bulahdelah)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Plough Inn Hotel, Bulahdelah (~28 km)
  • Bulahdelah Bowling Club (~28 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A range of cafes, bakeries, and takeaways in Bulahdelah (~28 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Paddling the Myall Lakes system.
  • Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place (The Alum Mountain) (~28 km)
  • The Grandis, the tallest tree in NSW (~35 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Violet Hill Campground (drive-in)
  • Bombah Point Campground (vehicle ferry access)
  • Bulahdelah Showground (~28 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bulahdelah Showground (~28 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Bulahdelah (~28 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bulahdelah. It is essential to arrive fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are at other park campgrounds or in Bulahdelah (~28 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.