Red Cliff & Grey Cliff Camping: A Coastal Escape in Yuraygir

Stretching along the magnificent coastline of Yuraygir National Park, the Red Cliff and Grey Cliff camping areas offer a quintessential Australian beach camping experience. This is a place defined by the raw beauty of the coast: the vibrant, iron-rich colours of the cliffs, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and the unspoiled wilderness of the surrounding heathland. The campgrounds provide spacious, grassy sites nestled in the coastal scrub just behind the dunes, offering campers a perfect balance of beach proximity and protection from the elements. It’s an idyllic setting where the rhythm of the tides dictates the day’s activities.

Mornings often begin with a visit from the local wildlife, as kangaroos and wallabies graze peacefully amongst the tents and vans. From your campsite, it’s just a short walk over a dune to the seemingly endless stretch of beach. Here, you can surf the clean breaks, cast a line into a beach gutter, or simply walk for kilometres with only shorebirds for company. The area is a key stop on the iconic Yuraygir Coastal Walk, making it a fantastic base for hikers looking to explore the dramatic headlands and secluded coves that characterise this coastline. While the facilities are basic, they are well-suited to the remote environment, encouraging a self-sufficient style of camping focused on appreciating the spectacular natural surroundings. For anyone looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in one of NSW’s most stunning coastal landscapes, Red Cliff and Grey Cliff provide the perfect setting.

Site Information

• Location: Yuraygir National Park, near the village of Brooms Head.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and campervans.
• Road Access: Unsealed road (Red Cliff Road). Suitable for 2WD vehicles and caravans in dry conditions, but caution is advised after rain.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt sites.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings are essential and must be made via the NSW NPWS website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with NSW National Parks policy at the time of booking.
• Number of Powered Sites: 0
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous marked, unpowered sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (pit/composting) toilets, cold beach showers.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, located in some communal areas.
• Potable Water: Not available. You must bring your own drinking and cooking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited. You may find a weak Telstra signal in elevated areas like the lookout.
• TV Reception: Not available.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Ullage / Dump Point: Not available. The nearest is in Maclean.
• Drive Through Sites: Some larger sites may accommodate a drive-through setup.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a remote park; all rubbish must be carried out.
• Open Fires: Not permitted at any time. Gas and electric cooking appliances are allowed.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: All sites are subject to booking availability on the NPWS website.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, food supplies, a gas stove, sun and insect protection.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly forbidden in Yuraygir National Park.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent beach and rock fishing opportunities. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Yes, direct access to the beach and the Yuraygir Coastal Walk.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Brooms Head Bowling Club (~15km), Maclean Hotel (~35km), Sanford Hotel in Maclean (~35km).
• Places to Eat: Basic snacks at Brooms Head (~15km); a full selection of eateries in Maclean (~35km).
• Local Attractions: Yuraygir Coastal Walk, whale watching from headlands (in season), Sandon River, Angourie.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Brooms Head Holiday Park (~15km).
• Next Free Camps: Very few options nearby. Most alternatives are paid National Park sites.
• Nearest Dump Points: Maclean Showground (~35km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Brooms Head (basic, limited hours) or full services in Maclean (~35km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Brooms Head (~15km) or Maclean (~35km).
• Nearest Public Toilets: Brooms Head village (~15km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and humid with strong sea breezes providing relief. Great for swimming. Expect afternoon showers.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. The ocean is still warm, making it an ideal time for all coastal activities.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and sunny days with cool to cold nights. Excellent for hiking and spotting migrating whales.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Pleasant, warming weather. The coastal heathland comes alive with wildflowers.