Red Cliff Campground South – Yuraygir National Park

Red Cliff campground is an idyllic coastal escape that perfectly captures the wild and dramatic beauty of the Yuraygir National Park. As its name suggests, the campground is set in the shadow of magnificent red cliffs that glow brilliantly in the morning and afternoon sun, creating a breathtaking backdrop for a classic Australian beach holiday. The campground itself is a large, spacious, and grassy area nestled behind the dunes, offering a range of open and shady sites perfect for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. It’s a very popular spot, particularly with families, who are drawn to the beautiful, sheltered beach and the incredible natural environment.

The beach at Red Cliff is a paradise for all kinds of activities. The southern corner is often protected, providing a safe spot for swimming and for kids to play, while the open stretches of beach are fantastic for surfing and beach fishing. The campground is also a key access point for the famous Yuraygir Coastal Walk, making it an excellent base for hikers wanting to explore sections of this world-class trail. This is a classic, self-sufficient national park experience; while there are clean non-flush toilets and cold showers, you must bring your own drinking water and be prepared to take your rubbish home. The area is teeming with wildlife, including large mobs of kangaroos, coastal emus, and even dingoes. For a spectacular, back-to-nature coastal camping trip that combines stunning scenery with great recreation, Red Cliff is one of the North Coast’s premier destinations.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -29.57849, 153.33469

Site Information

• Location: Yuraygir National Park, south of Brooms Head.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Long, unsealed road access. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• 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: 65 marked sites in the southern campground.
• Facilities: Cold showers, non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited. Some Telstra service may be found on the headland.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• 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: 65 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Beach gear: swimmers, towels, surfboard, fishing gear.
• Sturdy shoes for coastal walks.

Activities

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

Local Amenities (in Brooms Head / Maclean)

• Local Pubs:
  • Brooms Head Bowling Club (~15 km)
  • Maclean Hotel, Maclean (~40 km)
  • The Argyle Hotel, Maclean (~40 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Brooms Head General Store & Cafe (~15 km)
  • A wide selection of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Maclean (~40 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Yuraygir Coastal Walk (on site)
  • The coastal village of Brooms Head and its famous lookout (~15 km)
  • The Scottish town of Maclean (~40 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Brooms Head Holiday Park (~15 km)
  • Maclean Riverside Caravan Park (~40 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Maclean Showground (~40 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Brooms Head (~15 km, limited hours) or multiple stations in Maclean (~40 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Maclean or Grafton. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets also available in Brooms Head (~15 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.