Mungo Brush Campground – Myall Lakes National Park

Mungo Brush Campground is one of the crown jewels of Myall Lakes National Park, offering an idyllic camping experience where two distinct aquatic worlds collide. This hugely popular campground is uniquely positioned on a narrow strip of land, with the calm, tannin-stained waters of the Myall River on one side and the vast, beautiful expanse of the Pacific Ocean just a short walk away on the other. This dual access makes it a paradise for water lovers of all kinds. The riverside setting is perfect for launching a kayak, canoe, or boat to explore the extensive Myall Lakes system, while the nearby beach offers fantastic opportunities for surfing, swimming, and beach fishing.

The campground itself is set within a beautiful forest of paperbarks and gums, with numerous well-defined unpowered sites suitable for tents, caravans, and camper trailers. It’s a fantastic spot for families, with a large, open area perfect for a game of cricket, and the calm river waters providing a safe environment for paddling. The area is teeming with wildlife; goannas are a common sight ambling through the campsites, while kangaroos and dingoes also inhabit the park. The beautiful Mungo Brush Rainforest walking track starts directly from the campground, offering a stunning, easy walk through a rare coastal rainforest ecosystem. The facilities are excellent for a national park campground, including toilets, gas barbecues, and a boat ramp. Bookings are absolutely essential, particularly during holiday periods. For a holiday that combines the best of lake, river, and beach environments in one spectacular location, Mungo Brush is a top-tier NSW camping destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -32.54294, 152.30769

Site Information

• Location: Myall Lakes National Park, north of Hawks Nest.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Unsealed Mungo Brush Road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• 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: 75 marked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, gas/electric barbecues, picnic tables, boat ramp.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited. Some Telstra service may be available.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Prohibited. Only gas and electric barbecues may be used.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 75 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Kayak, canoe, or boat to explore the lakes.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Surfboard for the nearby beach.
• Insect repellent.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Myall Lakes National Park.
• Fishing: Excellent river, lake, and beach fishing opportunities.
• Short walks: The Mungo Brush Rainforest walk is a must-do.

Local Amenities (in Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens)

• Local Pubs:
  • Hawks Nest Golf Club (~25 km)
  • Tea Gardens Hotel (~26 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A good range of cafes, takeaways, and restaurants in both Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens (~25 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Jimmy’s Beach, Hawks Nest (~25 km)
  • Yacaaba Headland walking track (~26 km)
  • Dolphin watching cruises from Tea Gardens (~26 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Hawks Nest Beach (~25 km)
  • Jimmy’s Beach Holiday Park (~25 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Hawks Nest Beach (check for public access/fee) (~25 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Hawks Nest (~25 km) and Tea Gardens (~26 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming and water sports. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Often calm, making it ideal for paddling. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny. The water is cold but hiking is pleasant. Temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather, though can be windy. The bush is full of wildflowers. Temperatures range from 13°C to 24°C.