Gillards campground, Nelson NSW
Gillards Campground is a spectacular coastal destination that perfectly captures the rugged beauty of the Sapphire Coast. Nestled within the magnificent Mimosa Rocks National Park, this popular campground offers a classic Australian beach camping experience, with campsites tucked into the coastal bushland just a stone’s throw from the pristine sand and surf of Gillards Beach. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, surfers, anglers, and families, providing a serene and beautiful setting where you can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. The campground itself is a large, open, grassy area offering a range of sites, some more sheltered amongst the trees and others with more open, sunny aspects.
This is a fantastic back-to-nature campground for the self-sufficient camper. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, consisting of non-flushing toilets that cater to the needs of a bush camp. There are no showers or drinking water available, so visitors must arrive fully prepared and must take all their rubbish home with them. The beach is the main attraction – a beautiful, long stretch of sand that’s great for surfing, swimming (with caution as it’s unpatrolled), and excellent beach fishing. At the northern end of the beach, Nelson Creek forms a shallow, sandy lagoon, which is a perfect, safe spot for young children to splash and play.
The location of Gillards is superb for exploring the wonders of Mimosa Rocks National Park. It’s a fantastic base for bushwalking, with the Mimosa Rocks walking track accessible nearby, offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage. The park is also a haven for wildlife, with goannas, wallabies, kangaroos, and a huge variety of birdlife being common sights. Its proximity to the charming coastal towns of Tathra and Bermagui makes it easy to pop out for supplies or a cafe meal. For a truly memorable and scenic coastal escape, Gillards Campground is an unbeatable choice. Bookings are essential.
Site Information
- Location: In Mimosa Rocks National Park, on the Sapphire Coast between Tathra and Bermagui.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Access is via unsealed park roads (Gillards Rd). Generally 2WD accessible, but can be corrugated and is 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 for current limits.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 55 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. A signal may be found on the headlands.
- 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, surf gear, fishing rods.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing.
- Short Walks: Direct access to Gillards Beach and nearby walking tracks within the national park.
Local Amenities
-
- Local Pubs:
-
- Tathra Hotel (approx. 25 km)
* Bermagui Beach Hotel (approx. 30 km)
-
- Local Pubs:
* The Bega Hotel (approx. 40 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, and pubs in Tathra and Bermagui.
- Local Attractions:
-
- Mimosa Rocks walking track
* The historic Tathra Wharf
-
* The Blue Pool, Bermagui
* Bega Cheese Heritage Centre
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Tathra Beachside
- Regatta Point Holiday Park, Bermagui
- Next Free Camps: Picnic Point campground (also in the park, fees apply). Various rest areas on the Princes Highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Tathra and Bermagui.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Tathra and Bermagui.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Tathra or Bermagui.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and can be humid. The peak season for swimming and beach holidays. Temperatures average 16°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and pleasant water temperatures. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures average 12°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The whale watching season. Days are mild and often sunny, but can be cool and windy. Nights are cold. Temperatures range from 7°C to 17°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and coastal wildflowers in bloom. Excellent for walking. Temperatures average 10°C to 21°C.