Burdett Park, Fernmount – Free Bellingen Camping

Burdett Park offers a slice of riverside paradise and is one of the most popular free campgrounds for those exploring the beautiful Coffs Coast hinterland. Located in the quiet hamlet of Fernmount on the banks of the Bellinger River, this spacious reserve provides the perfect combination of a peaceful, natural setting and incredibly convenient access to the famously vibrant town of Bellingen, just a five-minute drive away. The campground is a large, flat, grassy expanse, offering plenty of room for all types of self-contained setups, from tents and swags to the largest of motorhomes. Its ease of access and beautiful location make it a favourite stopover for travellers on the Waterfall Way scenic drive.

The main attraction is the beautiful Bellinger River, which provides a serene backdrop for the campground. It’s a great spot for launching a kayak or canoe to explore the calm waterway, or for casting a line in search of bass. The campground is proudly pet-friendly, with lots of open space for dogs to run and play. As a free, council-supported site, the facilities are basic but functional, including a toilet block and rubbish bins. Campers are encouraged to be self-sufficient, especially with drinking water, and to leave a donation in the honesty box to help the community maintain this wonderful asset. Its proximity to Bellingen, with its famous markets, organic cafes, and lively pubs, makes it an ideal, budget-friendly basecamp for a cultural and natural escape. For a relaxing, pet-friendly stay in the heart of one of NSW’s most creative regions, Burdett Park is an outstanding choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -30.47234, 152.93444

Site Information

• Location: On the Bellinger River at Fernmount, near Bellingen.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road. Easy 2WD access.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy area.
• Camping permitted: Yes, a donation is requested.
• Maximum overnight stays: 72 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: A non-potable tap is available. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Excellent.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Not permitted.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Donation cash for the honesty box.
• All drinking water.
• Kayak, canoe, or swimming gear.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, bass fishing in the Bellinger River is popular.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Bellingen)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Federal Hotel, Bellingen (~5 km)
  • The Diggers Tavern, Bellingen (~5 km)
  • Bellingen Brewery & Co. (~5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive and famous selection of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants in Bellingen (~5 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The vibrant, creative, and historic town of Bellingen (~5 km)
  • Bellingen Community Markets (3rd Saturday of the month)
  • Dorrigo National Park and Rainforest Centre (~30 km)
  • The beaches of Urunga and Sawtell (~20-25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bellingen Showground (~6 km)
  • Bellingen River Tourist Park (~7 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Gumma Campsite, Macksville (~40 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bellingen Showground (~6 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Bellingen (~5 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bellingen. It is best to arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Coffs Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Hot and very humid, with a high chance of rainfall and thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 20°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, often sunny days and mild, pleasant evenings. Ideal for exploring. Temperatures range from 15°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cool nights. The river is cold but the hinterland is beautiful. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The landscape is lush and green. Temperatures range from 13°C to 25°C.