Crowdy Gap campground, Crowdy Head NSW
For campers seeking a peaceful bush retreat away from the main coastal crowds, Crowdy Gap campground is a delightful and serene option within the beautiful Crowdy Bay National Park. While its famous neighbour, Diamond Head, attracts the beachfront masses, Crowdy Gap offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. The campground is set in a beautiful, open woodland clearing, surrounded by tall eucalypt forest and coastal heath. It’s a classic back-to-nature National Parks site, perfect for self-sufficient campers who appreciate the simple joys of the Australian bush: the sound of kookaburras at dawn, the rustle of wallabies in the undergrowth, and the incredible clarity of the night sky.
This is a fantastic campground for hikers and explorers. It serves as the starting point for the Metcalfe’s walking track, a scenic trail that winds through the forest and offers spectacular views from the park’s lookouts. The facilities are basic but clean and well-maintained, consisting of non-flushing toilets and wood barbecues. Self-reliance is key to a comfortable stay; you must bring your own drinking water and firewood, and are required to take all rubbish home with you to protect the pristine environment. The campsites are spacious, grassy, and relatively level, suitable for tents, camper trailers, and small caravans.
Despite its wonderfully secluded feel, the campground is just a short drive from the stunning beaches and lookouts of Crowdy Head, including the iconic Crowdy Head Lighthouse, which is a fantastic spot for whale watching during the migration season. The charming fishing village of Crowdy Head and the larger town of Harrington are also nearby for supplies and a pub meal. For a quiet, authentic, and beautifully located bush camp with easy access to coastal wonders, Crowdy Gap is an exceptional choice. Bookings are essential.
Site Information
- Location: In Crowdy Bay National Park, inland from the coast, near Crowdy Head.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, and small Caravans/Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed park roads (Crowdy Gap Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be slippery after rain.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Online booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking website.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 15 un-designated sites available for booking.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and proximity to neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, hiking boots, and binoculars.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing at nearby Crowdy Head and Harrington.
- Short Walks: Direct access to the Metcalfe’s walking track and other trails in the park.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Harrington Hotel (approx. 15 km)
- Club Harrington (Harrington Bowling Club) (approx. 15 km)
- Laurieton Hotel (approx. 30 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of cafes, takeaways, and pubs in Harrington and Laurieton.
- Local Attractions:
- Crowdy Head Lighthouse (excellent for whale watching)
- Diamond Head and its famous kangaroos on the beach
- The coastal towns of Harrington and Crowdy Head
- North Brother Mountain Lookout (near Laurieton)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Crowdy Head Holiday Park
- Harrington Beach State Park (caravan park)
- Next Free Camps: Coopernook Forest Camping Ground, various highway rest areas.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Harrington and Laurieton.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Harrington.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Harrington or Laurieton.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and humid. A good time for visiting the nearby beaches to cool off. Temperatures average 19°C to 27°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures average 14°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The whale watching season. Days are mild and often sunny, but can be cool and windy. Nights are cool. Temperatures range from 8°C to 19°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and spectacular coastal wildflower displays. Excellent for walking. Temperatures average 12°C to 24°C.