Shelley Head Campground – Yuraygir National Park

For the truly adventurous hiker seeking one of the most spectacular and remote campsites on the entire NSW coast, Shelley Head campground is the ultimate prize. This is not a destination for the casual camper; it is a wild and secluded haven accessible only to those willing to undertake a challenging hike along the Yuraygir Coastal Walk or arrive by sea. Perched dramatically on a grassy headland, the campground offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. This is a place of profound isolation and raw natural beauty, where you can watch whales breach during migration season right from your tent and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the rocks below.

The campground is a key overnight stop for multi-day hikers tackling the iconic 65km Yuraygir Coastal Walk, providing a much-needed resting point. The small, designated sites are for tent camping only, and the experience is entirely self-sufficient. There are no facilities other than a single non-flush toilet, meaning you must carry in everything you need—food, fuel, and especially all your drinking water—and strictly carry out every single piece of rubbish. The reward for this effort is an unparalleled sense of solitude and a connection to the wild coastline that is simply impossible to find at drive-in sites. The surrounding heathland comes alive with wildflowers in spring, and the secluded Shelley Beach below the headland is a beautiful spot to explore. For experienced, well-prepared bushwalkers, a night at Shelley Head is a bucket-list experience and the pinnacle of coastal wilderness camping.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -29.52505, 153.35912

Site Information

• Location: Yuraygir National Park, on the Yuraygir Coastal Walk.
• Site suitable for: Tents only. This is a hike-in or boat-in campground.
• Road access: None. Accessible only via the Yuraygir Coastal Walk (e.g., from Angourie or Brooms Head) or by boat.
• Site surface: Grass.
• 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: 10 marked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilet.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. You must carry in all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 10 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• A lightweight tent and all hiking gear.
• All drinking water for your entire hike.
• A fuel stove for cooking.
• Rubbish bags to carry out all waste.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) and first-aid kit.
• Tide chart for planning beach walking sections.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Excellent rock and beach fishing. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: This is a primary stop on the multi-day Yuraygir Coastal Walk.

Local Amenities (Nearest are in Brooms Head / Yamba)

• Local Pubs:
  • Brooms Head Bowling Club (~10 km hike)
  • Pacific Hotel, Yamba (~15 km hike + ferry)
• Places to Eat:
  • Brooms Head General Store & Cafe (~10 km hike)
  • An extensive range of options in Yamba (~15 km hike + ferry)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Yuraygir Coastal Walk (on site)
  • Whale watching from the headland (in season)
  • The coastal village of Brooms Head (~10 km hike)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Brooms Head Holiday Park (~10 km hike)
  • Calypso Holiday Park, Yamba (~15 km hike + ferry)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Maclean Showground (nearest by road).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Brooms Head (~10 km hike, limited hours).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Brooms Head or Yamba. You must carry all water needed for your hike.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Brooms Head (~10 km hike).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: North Coast NSW

• Summer (December – February): Hot and very humid, with a high chance of thunderstorms. Hiking can be very strenuous. Average temperatures from 21°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, often sunny days and mild, pleasant evenings. Ideal for hiking. 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 coastal heath is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C.