Farquhar Park Camping Ground, Mitchells Island NSW
For adventurous campers who love the thrill of 4WDing on sand, the Farquhar Park Camping Ground offers a spectacular and free coastal wilderness experience. Located at the remote southern mouth of the Manning River on Mitchells Island, this is a classic, back-to-basics beach camp that rewards the well-prepared traveller with stunning scenery, excellent fishing, and a true sense of seclusion. Access is a key part of the adventure, requiring a 4WD vehicle to navigate the soft sand tracks that lead to the camping areas. This ensures the spot remains a peaceful haven for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a rugged, natural environment.
This is a primitive campground for the fully self-sufficient camper. There are no facilities here—no toilets, no bins, and no fresh water. It is a place that demands a ‘leave no trace’ ethic, where you must bring everything you need and take all rubbish home. The campground itself consists of a series of informal clearings tucked into the coastal scrub behind the dunes, offering some protection from the wind. A major drawcard for many is that it is pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join in the beach fun.
The location is a paradise for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. It provides incredible access for beach and river mouth fishing, with the chance to catch Bream, Whiting, and Flathead. The long, beautiful stretch of beach is perfect for surfing, swimming with caution, and long walks. Despite its remote feel, the charming coastal town of Old Bar is just a short drive away for supplies and a pub meal. For a free, pet-friendly, and action-packed 4WD beach adventure, Farquhar Park is an unbeatable destination on the Mid North Coast.
Site Information
- Location: At the southern mouth of the Manning River, on Mitchells Island, near Old Bar.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, and Off-road Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: 4WD access only via soft sand tracks. Experience with sand driving and tyre deflation is essential.
- Site Surface: Sand and natural dirt/grass clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard practice.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A large, undefined area with many informal sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive bush camp.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra provides the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet and take all waste with you.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Absolutely everything, including water, toilet, shower, power, food, rubbish bags, firewood, and 4WD recovery gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Excellent beach and river mouth fishing.
- Short Walks: Fantastic long walks along the beach.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Club Old Bar (approx. 15 km)
- The Australian Hotel, Wingham (approx. 30 km)
- Taree Aquatic Club (on the river) (approx. 25 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of supermarkets, cafes, pubs, and clubs in Old Bar and Taree.
- Local Attractions:
- The Manning River
- Old Bar Beach
- Saltwater National Park
- The historic town of Wingham
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Lanis on the Beach, Old Bar
- Meridian Beachside Holiday Park, Old Bar
- Next Free Camps: Coopernook Forest Camping Ground, various highway rest areas.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Taree.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Old Bar and Taree.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Taree.
- Public Toilets: The nearest are in the town of Old Bar.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and humid. The peak season for swimming and beach holidays. Temperatures average 19°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and pleasant water temperatures. Ideal for fishing. Temperatures average 14°C to 26°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The whale watching season offshore. Days are mild and often sunny, but can be cool and windy. Nights are cool. Temperatures range from 7°C to 19°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and coastal wildflowers in bloom. Excellent for walking. Temperatures average 12°C to 25°C.