Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Durras Lake North Holiday Park – A Wilderness Sanctuary in Murramarang National Park

Discover the ultimate nature escape at Durras Lake North Holiday Park, a multi-award-winning destination renowned for its authentic wilderness experience. Tucked away on the northern side of the pristine Durras Lake and completely surrounded by the magnificent spotted gum forests of Murramarang National Park, this park offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with the Australian bush while remaining just a short stroll from some of the South Coast’s most secluded beaches. This is not your typical high-density caravan park; it is a carefully managed sanctuary where the environment takes centre stage and wildlife is your constant companion.

The park’s location is unparalleled for those seeking peace and natural beauty. Durras Lake is a “Class A” protected estuary, ensuring that its waters remain crystal clear and teeming with life. From the park’s edge, you can launch a kayak to explore the quiet reaches of the lake or walk through the forest to discover North Durras Beach. The area is famous for its “Surfing Kangaroos” and an incredible diversity of birdlife, including king parrots, kookaburras, and the majestic sea eagle. Because the park is nestled within the national park, the absence of streetlights ensures that the night skies are some of the clearest you will ever witness, perfect for evening campfires and stargazing.

Accommodation at Durras Lake North Holiday Park is designed to be low-impact and high-comfort. Guests can choose from a range of self-contained cottages and cabins that blend seamlessly into the forest environment, or enjoy the classic camping experience on spacious, level sites. The park is a pioneer in eco-friendly tourism, encouraging guests to enjoy a “digital detox” and embrace a slower pace of life. While it offers all the essential amenities, including clean blocks and a well-equipped camp kitchen, the focus remains on the outdoor experience, featuring private fire pits at every site—a rarity that makes this park a favourite for winter getaways.

Beyond the park, the Eurobodalla region offers endless discovery. While you may feel worlds away from civilisation, the convenience of local supplies at the on-site store and the proximity to the bustling hub of Batemans Bay ensures you have everything you need. Whether you are exploring the rock pools at Emily Miller Beach, hiking the ancient trails of the spotted gum forest, or simply enjoying the company of the resident friendly wallabies, Durras Lake North Holiday Park provides a quintessential Australian coastal experience that stays with you long after you leave.

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort – NSW Location Map

Durras Lake North Holiday Park

  • Address: 1 Durras Lake Rd, Durras North NSW 2536
  • Website: durrasnorthpark.com.au
  • GPS Coordinates: -35.63665, 150.29824

Site Specifications & Information

  • Location: Forested lakeside setting in Durras North, entirely within Murramarang National Park.
  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, camper trailers, tents, and small-to-medium motorhomes.
  • Road Access: Sealed road access via Durras Road; winding forest road, take care with large rigs.
  • Site Surface: Level grassy sites with natural forest shade and wood-chip pads.
  • Available Facilities:
    • Eco-Cottages and Forest Cabins
    • Powered and Unpowered Camping Sites
    • Individual Fire Pits at every site
    • Camp Kitchen with fridge, hobs, and microwave
    • Undercover BBQ Areas
    • Amenities Block with hot showers
    • Guest Laundry
    • On-site Store (Essentials, ice, firewood, bait)
    • Kayak and Canoe Hire
    • Outdoor Cinema (Seasonal)
  • Essentials to Bring: Walking boots, torch, binoculars, swimming gear, insect repellent, and linens (if camping).
  • Pet Friendly: Strictly NO pets allowed (due to National Park location and high wildlife concentration).
  • Fishing: Prime estuary fishing in Durras Lake; surf fishing at North Durras Beach.
  • Short Walks:
    • North Durras Beach Walk (0.3km)
    • Lake Foreshore Discovery Trail (0.5km)
    • Pebbly Beach Coastal Track (Starts nearby)

Local Amenities

Local Pubs

  • The Bayview Hotel (24km) – Central Batemans Bay historic pub.
  • Batemans Bay Soldiers Club (24.5km) – Major dining and sports club hub.
  • Nelligen Victory Hotel (32km) – Famous riverside pub.

Places to Eat

  • Durras Lake North On-site Store (0km) – Snacks, coffee, and basic supplies.
  • Durras General Store (South Durras – 4km via water / 20km via road) – Classic burgers and meals.
  • Innes’ Boatshed (23.5km) – Renowned fresh fish and chips in Batemans Bay.

Local Attractions

  • Pebbly Beach (10km via 4WD track / 30km via road) – Iconic beach with surfing kangaroos.
  • Durras Lake (0.1km) – Pristine estuary for kayaking and birdwatching.
  • Birdland Animal Park (26km) – Native wildlife sanctuary in Batehaven.
  • Mogo Wildlife Park (32km) – World-class private zoo with exotic animals.
  • Batemans Bay Marina (24km) – Whale watching and river cruise hub.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park (20km via road / 4km via beach walk) – Located on the southern side of the lake.
  • Batemans Bay North Tourist Park (22km) – Forested park on the Princes Hwy.

Nearest Free/Low-Cost Camps

  • North Head Campground (18km) – Primitive National Park bush camping.
  • Waldrons Swamp Rest Area (21km) – Basic overnight rest stop on the Princes Highway.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Batemans Bay Public Dump Point (23km) – Located near the Batemans Bay Marina.
  • On-site Sullage (Limited) – Check with management for chemical toilet disposal.

Nearest Petrol Stations

  • Shell North Batemans Bay (22km) – Nearest fuel on the highway approach.
  • Ampol Batemans Bay (24km) – Central town location.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • On-site Taps (0km) – Potable water available throughout the park.
  • Batemans Bay Foreshore (24km) – Public water access near town.

Public Toilets

  • North Durras Day Use Area (0.4km) – Facilities near the beach and lake entrance.
  • Durras North Boat Ramp (0.2km) – Local facilities near the lake.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Durras North

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and idyllic. Daytime highs 24°C–27°C. Peak time for lake swimming and kayaking.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and stable. Daytime average 18°C–22°C. Excellent for hiking and estuary fishing.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Crisp, bright days. Daytime average 13°C–16°C. Perfect for whale watching and on-site campfires.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Breezy and fresh. Daytime average 17°C–21°C. Native birdlife and wildflowers are at their peak.

 

Leave a Reply