Freemans campground, Wybung NSW
Please Note: This is a basic, walk-in or boat-in campground. It is not accessible by vehicle directly to the campsites.
For those seeking a genuine coastal wilderness experience, Freemans Campground is a spectacular destination, offering a rare sense of seclusion and natural beauty. Located within the magnificent Munmorah State Conservation Area on the Central Coast, this campground is a haven for self-sufficient hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers. The campground is nestled in a beautiful, sheltered clearing just behind the pristine sands of Birdie Beach, which is also known as a popular clothing-optional beach. Access is part of the adventure; you must park at the nearby Frazer Beach car park and walk the 500-metre track in with all your gear, or alternatively, arrive by sea, paddling a kayak into the protected southern corner of the beach.
This is a true back-to-basics bush camp. The facilities are primitive but well-maintained, consisting of non-flushing toilets and picnic tables. There are no showers, rubbish bins, or drinking water available, so campers must be completely self-reliant, bringing in everything they need and packing out every last bit of rubbish. The campsites are unpowered, grassy clearings suitable for tents, set amongst the coastal heath and banksias.
The reward for this effort is an incredibly peaceful and immersive stay. You’ll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to a chorus of native birds. The beach is a paradise for swimming (be cautious, it’s unpatrolled), surfing, and fantastic beach and rock fishing. The surrounding national park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, with rugged headlands, fascinating rock formations, and scenic walking tracks like the Moonee Beach Trail. Its isolation ensures a quiet escape, with spectacular starry nights far from city lights. Bookings via the National Parks website are essential for this popular and truly special coastal retreat.
Site Information
- Location: In the Munmorah State Conservation Area, behind Birdie Beach.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags only.
- Road Access: Sealed road to Frazer Beach car park, followed by a 500m walk to the campground. No direct vehicle access.
- Site Surface: Grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Online booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking website for current limits.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 10 designated unpowered sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra provides the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited at all times. Fuel stoves only.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, rubbish bags, hiking gear, fuel stove, fishing rod, surf gear.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing.
- Short Walks: The Moonee Beach Trail and other coastal walks in the conservation area are spectacular.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Lake Munmorah Hotel (approx. 10 km)
- Catho Pub (Catherine Hill Bay) (approx. 15 km)
- Budgewoi Hotel (approx. 15 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants in the nearby towns of Lake Munmorah, Budgewoi, and Swansea.
- Local Attractions:
- Frazer Beach and Snapper Point Lookout
- The historic mining village of Catherine Hill Bay
- The stunning coastline of the Munmorah State Conservation Area
- Lake Macquarie
- Nearest Caravan Parks (Vehicle Accessible):
- Frazer Campground (also in the park, vehicle access)
- Norah Head Holiday Park
- Budgewoi Holiday Park
- Next Free Camps: No free camping in this area. Low-cost camping at Olney State Forest further inland.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available at some commercial caravan parks (fee may apply) or council facilities in the region.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Several options in Lake Munmorah and Budgewoi.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Lake Munmorah or Budgewoi.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and humid. Perfect for swimming and beach activities, but also the busiest time. Temperatures average 19°C to 27°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and pleasant water temperatures. 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 18°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and coastal wildflowers, including spectacular displays of flannel flowers. Temperatures average 12°C to 23°C.