Cattai Campground – Hawkesbury River Camping near Sydney

Nestled on a scenic bend of the Hawkesbury River, Cattai Campground offers a fantastic and accessible escape from Sydney, combining riverside recreation with significant colonial history. Located within the beautiful Cattai National Park, this spacious campground is a favourite for families and groups, providing a peaceful, grassy setting perfect for a weekend getaway. The large, open campground features numerous unpowered sites suitable for everything from tents and camper trailers to caravans and motorhomes, all just a short stroll from the river’s edge. The park’s history is a major drawcard, with the historic Cattai Homestead, built by a First Fleet surgeon, located right within the park, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past.

The Hawkesbury River is the heart of the experience at Cattai. A boat ramp provides easy access for launching a boat, kayak, or canoe, making it a popular spot for water skiers and anglers trying their luck for bass and other freshwater species. For those without a boat, the riverbank is a beautiful place to relax, have a picnic, or cast a line from the shore. The facilities are excellent for a national park campground, featuring clean amenity blocks with hot showers and flush toilets, as well as a camp kitchen and electric barbecues. Bookings are essential and it’s a popular spot, so planning ahead is key. For a well-facilitated, historic, and recreation-filled riverside holiday that doesn’t require a long drive from the city, Cattai Campground is a top choice in the Hawkesbury region.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -33.55431, 150.8917

Site Information

• Location: Cattai National Park, on the Hawkesbury River.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Sealed road, suitable for all 2WD vehicles.
• 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: Approximately 80 unmarked sites in a large area.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, electric barbecues, camp kitchen, dump point.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to fire bans. Check NPWS alerts.
• Generator use: Permitted in designated areas and times. Check with NPWS.
• Number of sites available: 80 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Kayak, canoe, or boat to enjoy the river.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Firewood if planning a campfire (check for local collection rules).

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Cattai National Park.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Hawkesbury River.
• Short walks: Several easy walking tracks, including the historic homestead tour.

Local Amenities (in Windsor/Pitt Town)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Bird in Hand Inn, Pitt Town (~12 km)
  • The Macquarie Arms Hotel, Windsor (~16 km)
  • The Clarendon Tavern, Clarendon (~18 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in historic Windsor (~16 km)
  • Pitt Town’s local shops and pub (~12 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Cattai Homestead (within the park)
  • Historic Windsor township (~16 km)
  • Scheyville National Park (~10 km)
  • Tizzana Winery (~10 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Percy’s Place Caravan Park, Pitt Town (~14 km)
  • Active Holidays – BIG4 Hawkesbury, Windsor (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Onsite at the campground.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Pitt Town (~12 km) or Windsor (~16 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Western Sydney/Hawkesbury

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, with a high chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Perfect for water sports. Average temperatures from 20°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild, pleasant evenings. Ideal for camping and exploring. Temperatures range from 14°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cold nights. Frost can occur. Great for campfires. Temperatures range from 6°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 12°C to 25°C.