Illaroo Campground – Yuraygir National Park

Illaroo is one of the most magnificent and sought-after coastal campgrounds in New South Wales, offering a sublime beachfront experience in the heart of the stunning Yuraygir National Park. Set in a beautiful grove of coastal banksia trees, the campground sits directly behind the dunes of a pristine, kilometre-long beach, with many of the campsites boasting spectacular ocean views. This is the ultimate destination for a classic Australian beach holiday, where you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up for a sunrise swim just steps from your tent or caravan. The campground is incredibly popular with families, couples, and hikers alike, drawn by its breathtaking beauty and excellent facilities.

The main attraction is the beach itself, perfect for swimming, surfing, and fantastic beach fishing. During the annual migration season, the headlands become a world-class vantage point for whale watching. The campground is also a key stop on the iconic Yuraygir Coastal Walk, making it a perfect base for keen hikers looking to explore sections of this famous trail. The facilities at Illaroo are outstanding for a national park setting, with the southern loop offering the luxury of hot showers and flush toilets, while the northern loop provides a more rustic experience with cold showers. Due to its extreme popularity, bookings are absolutely essential and must be made many months in advance. For a comfortable, scenic, and activity-filled coastal escape on one of Australia’s most beautiful coastlines, Illaroo campground is a truly world-class destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -29.75919, 153.29226

Site Information

• Location: Yuraygir National Park, near Minnie Water.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Note that there are different loops with varying facilities.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• 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: 60 marked sites across multiple loops.
• Facilities: Hot showers and flush toilets (Illaroo South), cold showers and non-flush toilets (Illaroo North), gas/electric barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited, Telstra service is patchy.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Not permitted. Use of provided barbecues only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 60 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Beach gear: swimmers, towels, surfboard, fishing gear.
• Binoculars for whale and bird watching.
• Sturdy shoes for coastal walks.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Excellent beach fishing. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: A primary stop on the multi-day Yuraygir Coastal Walk, with many shorter sections accessible from the camp.

Local Amenities (in Minnie Water / Wooli)

• Local Pubs:
  • Minnie Water General Store (licensed) (~5 km)
  • Wooli Hotel Motel, Wooli (~15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Minnie Water General Store (~5 km)
  • Wooli Oyster Supply and local cafes (~15 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Yuraygir Coastal Walk (on site)
  • Minnie Water Lagoon (~5 km)
  • The coastal village of Wooli and the Wooli Wooli River (~15 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Minnie Water Holiday Park (~5 km)
  • Solitary Islands Marine Park Resort, Wooli (~15 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wooli (~15 km) or Grafton Showground (~60 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Minnie Water (~5 km, limited hours) or Wooli (~15 km, limited hours). Major stations in Grafton (~60 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Grafton. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets also available in Minnie Water (~5 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. The prime time 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.