Rummery Park Campground – Nightcap National Park Camping

Step into the ancient, World Heritage-listed rainforest of Nightcap National Park with a stay at the beautiful and historic Rummery Park campground. This popular campground, once a bustling logging camp, has been transformed into a peaceful, sprawling grassy clearing surrounded by towering blackbutt trees and lush subtropical rainforest. It’s a favourite destination for families, hikers, and anyone looking to escape into the magical atmosphere of the Byron Bay hinterland. The open, level sites are perfect for tents, camper trailers, and small caravans, providing a comfortable and scenic base for exploration.

The main drawcard of Rummery Park is its role as the primary trailhead for accessing the magnificent Minyon Falls. From the campground, you can embark on the stunning Minyon Falls walking track, a rewarding loop that takes you through incredible forest scenery, down into the gorge, and to the base of the spectacular 100-metre waterfall, where you can cool off in the pristine swimming hole. The campground itself is a haven for wildlife; you’re likely to be visited by goannas, brush turkeys, and possums, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a koala. This is a classic, self-sufficient national park experience, with facilities including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and electric barbecues. Campers need to book in advance and come prepared with their own drinking water. For a truly immersive rainforest adventure with one of NSW’s most impressive waterfalls right on your doorstep, Rummery Park is an unforgettable camping destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -28.59911, 153.37791

Site Information

• Location: Nightcap National Park, in the Byron Bay hinterland.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed roads. 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but can be slippery and steep in sections.
• Site surface: 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: 25 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, electric barbecues, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Prohibited. Use of provided electric barbecues only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 25 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Sturdy hiking shoes for the Minyon Falls walk.
• Swimmers for the waterfall pool.
• A torch for spotting nocturnal wildlife.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short walks: The Minyon Falls loop track and Boggy Creek walk start from the campground.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Channon Tavern (~20 km)
  • Eltham Hotel, Eltham (~25 km)
  • Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club, Mullumbimby (~35 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Channon Tavern and cafe (~20 km)
  • Doma Cafe, Federal (~20 km)
  • A wide range of options in Mullumbimby (~35 km) and Lismore (~40 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Minyon Falls lookout and base (within the park)
  • The Channon Craft Market (on scheduled Sundays) (~20 km)
  • The alternative lifestyle hub of Nimbin (~40 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Lismore Lake Holiday Park (~40 km)
  • Mullumbimby Showground Camping (~35 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate hinterland area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Lismore Showground (~40 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • The Channon (~20 km, limited) or Clunes (~25 km). Major stations in Lismore (~40 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Lismore or Mullumbimby. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in the village of The Channon (~20 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Byron Bay Hinterland (Subtropical)

• Summer (December – February): Hot and very humid, with a high chance of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The waterfall is at its most powerful. Average temperatures from 21°C to 29°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, often sunny days and mild, pleasant evenings. Ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 16°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cool nights. The rainforest is particularly beautiful and misty. Temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm with pleasant weather. The rainforest is bursting with new growth. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C.