Casuarina Camping Area – Watagans State Forest Camping NSW

Casuarina Camping Area offers another fantastic free camping option within the magnificent and accessible Olney State Forest. Situated in a large, open clearing surrounded by beautiful native Casuarina and towering gum trees, this campground provides a slightly different atmosphere to its nearby neighbour, The Pines. It’s a classic, sprawling forest camp that is incredibly popular with families, 4WD groups, and especially those travelling with their dogs, who are welcome to enjoy the freedom of the State Forest. The spacious, grassy area can accommodate all camping setups, from tents and swags to camper trailers and caravans, with plenty of room for everyone to find their own spot.

This is a place to embrace the simplicity of self-sufficient bush camping. The facilities are basic, with non-flush toilets and wood fire pits provided, meaning campers need to arrive with their own drinking water and be prepared to take all their rubbish home. The freedom to gather around a campfire under the stars in such a serene setting is a key part of the appeal. The campground’s location makes it a great hub for exploring the wider Watagans region. It’s close to several walking tracks, including The Pines loop and the Rock Lily track, and provides a gateway to the extensive network of forest trails that are popular with 4WDers and trail bike riders. For an easy-to-reach, pet-friendly, and completely free bush getaway that feels a world away from the city, Casuarina Camping Area is a wonderful and reliable choice.

• Website: Forestry Corporation – Olney State Forest
• GPS Coordinates: -33.05907, 151.33344

Site Information

• Location: Olney State Forest, in the Watagans Mountains.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy area.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check Forestry Corporation guidelines, typically up to 4 weeks.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• 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.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a very large area.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Sturdy shoes for walking tracks.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes. Dogs are permitted in NSW State Forests.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: Close to The Pines and Rock Lily walking tracks.

Local Amenities (in Wyee/Morisset)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Wyee Hotel (~20 km)
  • The Bay Hotel, Bonnells Bay (~25 km)
  • Morisset Country Club (~28 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Wyee’s local shops and pub (~20 km)
  • A wide range of restaurants and clubs in Morisset (~28 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Pines Picnic Area and walking trail (within the State Forest)
  • The Boarding House Dam Picnic Area (within the State Forest)
  • TreeTops Adventure Park, Wyong Creek (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie, Morisset (~28 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Pines Campground (within Olney State Forest)
  • Turpentine Camping Area (within Olney State Forest)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Morisset Showground (~28 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Wyee (~20 km) or Morisset (~28 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Service stations or supermarkets in Wyee or Morisset. Arrive fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in the town of Wyee (~20 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Coast Hinterland

• Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and humid, with high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 19°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and pleasant evenings. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool and often damp, with cold nights. The rainforest areas are particularly lush. Temperatures range from 6°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is alive with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 11°C to 25°C.