Given its immense popularity, especially during school holidays and long weekends, booking a site well in advance is absolutely essential. The campground is equipped with excellent amenities, including flushing toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and drinking water, making it a comfortable base for exploring the wider Murramarang National Park. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, explore the unique coastal environment, or simply share your campsite with friendly kangaroos, Depot Beach provides a memorable and quintessentially Australian coastal adventure.
Depot Beach Campground
2B Depot Beach Rd, Depot Beach NSW 2536
Website: NSW National Parks – Depot Beach
Phone number: 1300 072 757 (National Parks Contact Centre)
GPS Coordinates: -35.62851, 150.32111
Site Details
- Location: Murramarang National Park, on the NSW South Coast.
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, campervans, and small to medium-sized caravans.
- Road access: Sealed road, suitable for 2WD vehicles.
- Site surface: Grass and natural earth.
- Camping permitted: Yes. Bookings are essential and must be made online via the NSW NPWS website.
- Maximum overnight stays: Subject to NSW NPWS booking rules.
- Number of powered sites: 0
- Number of un-powered sites: Approximately 60 designated unpowered sites.
Facilities & Rules
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, coin-operated hot showers, drinking water, picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues.
- Picnic tables: Yes.
- Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
- Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra may have some reception, but it can be unreliable.
- TV reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, flushing toilets.
- Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump point is in Batemans Bay.
- Drive through sites: No.
- Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided.
- Open fires: Wood and solid fuel fires are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues are permitted.
- Generator use: Not permitted.
- Number of sites available: 60 sites available for booking.
Activities & Notes
- Essentials to bring: Coins for hot showers ($1 or $2 coins), insect repellent, snorkelling gear, torch for spotting wildlife at night.
- Pet friendly: No, pets are strictly not allowed in Murramarang National Park.
- Fishing: Yes, beach and rock fishing are popular. A NSW fishing license is required.
- Short walks: Depot Beach Rainforest walk (easy), Rock Platform walk (moderate).
Local Amenities
The nearest major town with full services is Batemans Bay (approx. 20 km south).
- Nearest Pubs:
- JJ’s at The Marina, Batemans Bay (approx. 20 km)
- Catalina Country Club, Batemans Bay (approx. 22 km)
- The Bayview Hotel, Batemans Bay (approx. 21 km)
- Places to Eat: Numerous cafes, restaurants, and takeaway shops in Batemans Bay.
- Local Attractions:
- Murramarang National Park walks and beaches
- Pebbly Beach (famous for its surfing kangaroos)
- Kayaking on the Clyde River
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Batemans Bay Beach Resort (approx. 25 km)
- Multiple other parks in and around Batemans Bay.
- Next Free Camps: Limited options. Some free camps exist in State Forests further inland, such as Shallow Crossing.
- Nearest Dump Points: Batemans Bay Mackay Park, Beach Road.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Several major service stations in Batemans Bay.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the campground and throughout Batemans Bay.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Available in parks and shopping centres in Batemans Bay.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Depot Beach enjoys a temperate coastal climate, making it a great year-round destination.
- Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and often humid. Perfect for swimming and beach activities, but it’s the peak season and can be crowded.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and cooler nights. The ocean is still warm, and it’s a fantastic time for walking.
- Winter (June – August): Cool days and cold nights. Ideal for bushwalking and spotting migrating whales from coastal headlands.
- Spring (September – November): Days become warmer and the park comes alive with wildflowers. A beautiful and often quiet time to visit before the summer rush.