Kylies Beach Campground – Crowdy Bay National Park
For a wild, back-to-basics coastal adventure, Kylies Beach campground in Crowdy Bay National Park is an exceptional choice. This remote and beautiful campground offers a genuine sense of escape, perfect for self-sufficient campers who love surfing, fishing, and 4WDing. The journey in along the unsealed Point Plomer Road and down the sandy access track sets the tone for the experience, with a 4WD vehicle being the best choice for access, especially after rain. The campground itself consists of several distinct clearings nestled amongst the coastal heath just behind the magnificent Kylies Beach. The sites are rustic and natural, offering a true bush-and-beach experience for tents and off-road camper trailers.
The campground is named after the celebrated Australian author Kylie Tennant, who owned a small hut here as a writing retreat, and you can explore this piece of history via the nearby Kylies Hut walking track. The main attraction, however, is the spectacular and often deserted beach. It’s a paradise for surfers looking for uncrowded beach breaks and for anglers hoping to catch a meal from the shore. The area is teeming with wildlife, and you’re almost guaranteed to see kangaroos, wallabies, and goannas, along with a rich variety of birdlife. This is a classic national park experience with basic facilities, including non-flush toilets and cold showers. You must book your site in advance and arrive fully prepared with your own drinking water and firewood. For a rugged, beautiful, and authentic coastal escape, Kylies Beach is a top-tier destination for the adventurous camper.
Kylies Beach campgroundMetcalfes Walk, Crowdy Bay NSW 2443
- Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
- Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
- GPS Coordinates: -31.7353, 152.79164
Site Information
- Location: Crowdy Bay National Park.
- Site suitable for: Tents, off-road camper trailers.
- Road access: Unsealed roads and sandy tracks. 4WD is recommended.
- Site surface: Sand and grass.
- Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
- Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
- Number of un-powered sites: 45 unmarked sites.
- Facilities: Cold showers, non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues/fire pits.
- Picnic tables: Yes.
- Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
- TV reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator use: Not permitted.
- Number of sites available: 45 sites.
Essentials to Bring
- A well-prepared 4WD with a tyre pressure gauge/compressor.
- All drinking and washing water.
- Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
- Your own firewood.
- Beach gear: surfboard, fishing equipment.
Activities
- Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
- Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
- Short walks: The Kylie’s Hut walking track and other sections of the park’s coastal walks are accessible.
Local Amenities (in Harrington / Laurieton)
- Local Pubs:
- Harrington Hotel (~22 km)
- Laurieton Hotel (~28 km)
- The Royal Hotel, Kew (~28 km)
- Places to Eat:
- A good selection of cafes, clubs, and pubs in Harrington (~22 km)
- Extensive dining options in Laurieton (~28 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Crowdy Head Lighthouse (~18 km)
- The coastal village of Harrington and its breakwall (~22 km)
- North Brother Mountain Lookout, Laurieton (~33 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Indian Head Campground (in the same National Park)
- Crowdy Head Holiday Park (~18 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- A public dump point is located in Laurieton (~28 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Harrington (~22 km) or Laurieton (~28 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Harrington or Laurieton. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
- Public Toilets:
- Onsite at the campground.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast
- Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 21°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Ideal for hiking and fishing. Temperatures range from 16°C to 26°C.
- Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cool nights. The prime time for whale watching. Temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C.
- Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The bush is vibrant with wildflowers. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C.