Treachery Camp – Seal Rocks, NSW

Treachery Camp is a legendary destination for those seeking an authentic, back-to-nature surf and bush camping experience. Tucked away in a beautiful coastal valley just behind the dunes at Seal Rocks, this private campground has long been a rite of passage for surfers and a beloved escape for families and nature lovers. The camp embodies a rustic, eco-friendly ethos, offering a genuine ‘off-the-grid’ feel while still providing excellent amenities. The spacious, unpowered sites are scattered throughout a stunning natural setting of paperbark and angophora forest, allowing campers to find their own secluded spot to connect with the tranquil environment.

The main drawcard is the stunning and aptly named Treachery Beach, a short walk from the campground. This beautiful, wild beach faces south, picking up plenty of swell and offering fantastic surf breaks for all levels of experience. It’s also a paradise for beach fishing. A short drive or a scenic walk through Myall Lakes National Park takes you to the other spectacular beaches of Seal Rocks, including Boat Beach and the iconic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. Despite its rustic charm, Treachery offers fantastic facilities, with clean amenity blocks providing the welcome comfort of hot showers, as well as a small kiosk for essentials like ice and firewood. The freedom to have a campfire, the sound of the ocean, and the regular visits from local goannas and birdlife create a magical atmosphere. For a memorable and authentic coastal camping adventure in one of the most beautiful corners of the Mid North Coast, Treachery Camp is an unbeatable experience.

• Website: treacherycamp.com.au
• Phone Number: (02) 4997 7093
• GPS Coordinates: -32.44761, 152.51572

Site Information

• Location: Private campground at Seal Rocks.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small to medium caravans and motorhomes.
• Road access: Access via long, unsealed Thomas Road. Generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site surface: Natural grass, sand, and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings are essential and fees apply.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: Numerous unmarked sites in designated areas.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, washing-up sinks, wood barbecues/fire pits, kiosk.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none. A payphone is available.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Firewood sold at kiosk.
• Generator use: Permitted during specific hours, check with management.
• Number of sites available: Large area with dozens of sites.

Essentials to Bring

• Surfboard, bodyboard, and wetsuit.
• Fishing gear for beach and rock fishing.
• Cash for kiosk and firewood.
• Sturdy shoes for walking to the lighthouse.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No, pets are strictly not permitted.
• Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: The walk to the beautiful Treachery Beach and the longer walk/drive to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

Local Amenities (in Smiths Lake / Pacific Palms)

• Local Pubs:
  • Pacific Palms Recreation Club (“The Recky”) (~20 km)
  • Blueys Cellars & Deli, Blueys Beach (~22 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A small number of cafes and takeaways in Seal Rocks village (~3 km).
  • Good cafes and restaurants in Blueys Beach and Elizabeth Beach area (~22 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (~3 km)
  • The beautiful beaches of Myall Lakes National Park.
  • The coastal town of Forster (~40 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Reflections Holiday Parks Seal Rocks (~3 km)
  • Sandbar and Bushlands Holiday Parks, Smiths Lake (~15 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nearest public dump point is in Forster (~40 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Smiths Lake (~15 km) or Bulahdelah (~45 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming and surfing. Average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Often the best time for surfing. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, crisp, and often sunny days with cool nights. The prime time for whale watching. 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.