Pebbly Beach Campground – Yuraygir National Park

For 4WD adventurers seeking one of the most iconic and rewarding coastal camps in NSW, Pebbly Beach in Yuraygir National Park is an unmissable destination. This is not a campground for the faint-hearted; the journey is a significant part of the experience. Access is via long, unsealed forest tracks followed by a stretch of beach driving, culminating in the famous tidal crossing of Station Creek. This exhilarating water crossing is passable only at low tide, a natural gatekeeper that preserves the campground’s remote, pristine, and uncrowded atmosphere. The reward for timing your run perfectly is access to a spectacular camping area nestled in a grassy clearing right behind the dunes of the magnificent Pebbly Beach.

The campground itself is a beautiful, open space perfect for self-sufficient campers with tents and off-road camper trailers. It is frequented by a large mob of resident kangaroos and wallabies, who are often seen grazing peacefully amongst the campsites. The beach is a paradise for anglers and surfers, offering excellent beach fishing and a reliable break. At low tide, the rock platforms at the southern end of the beach reveal a fascinating world of rock pools to explore. This is a classic, back-to-basics national park experience with facilities limited to non-flush toilets. Campers must be entirely self-reliant, bringing in all their own drinking water and taking every scrap of rubbish home with them. For a truly memorable off-grid adventure that combines challenging driving with spectacular coastal scenery, Pebbly Beach is a top-tier destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -29.94132, 153.25797

Site Information

• Location: Yuraygir National Park, north of Coffs Harbour.
• Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers. Not suitable for caravans.
• Road access: 4WD with high clearance is essential. Access involves beach driving and a tidal saltwater creek crossing. Check tide times before travel.
• 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: 25 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB is highly recommended.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Not permitted. Fuel stoves only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 25 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A well-prepared 4WD with recovery gear and a tyre pressure gauge/compressor.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• A fuel stove for cooking.
• Tide chart for planning your entry and exit.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Excellent beach fishing. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the beach, rock pools, and the start of the Yuraygir Coastal Walk.

Local Amenities (in Wooli / Grafton)

• Local Pubs:
  • Wooli Hotel Motel, Wooli (~25 km, involves backtracking)
  • Jacaranda Hotel, Grafton (~65 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Wooli Oyster Supply and local cafes (~25 km)
  • An extensive range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Grafton (~65 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Station Creek and the tidal crossing
  • The Yuraygir Coastal Walk
  • The coastal village of Wooli (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Solitary Islands Marine Park Resort, Wooli (~25 km)
  • BIG4 Big River Holiday Park, Grafton (~65 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Grafton Showground (~65 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Wooli (~25 km, may have limited hours) or multiple stations in Grafton (~65 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Grafton. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Wooli (~25 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: North Coast NSW

• Summer (December – February): Hot and very humid, with a high chance of thunderstorms. Perfect for swimming. Average temperatures from 21°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, often sunny days and mild, pleasant evenings. Ideal for hiking and fishing. Temperatures range from 16°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cool nights. Great for whale watching. Temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C.