Wallingat River Campground – Wallingat National Park

For those looking to escape the coastal crowds and find a peaceful sanctuary, Wallingat River campground offers a serene bush retreat in the heart of Wallingat National Park. This beautiful, secluded campground is set on the tranquil banks of the Wallingat River, a calm waterway that feeds into the magnificent Wallis Lake. The campground itself is a large, grassy clearing surrounded by a majestic forest of flooded gums and cabbage tree palms, providing a shady and sheltered environment perfect for a relaxing getaway. It’s an ideal destination for self-sufficient campers with tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans who are seeking a true back-to-nature experience.

The river is the main attraction here, offering a pristine environment for water-based activities. Its calm waters are perfect for launching a kayak or canoe and setting off to explore the river and the nearby shores of Wallis Lake. It’s also a fantastic spot for fishing, with the river known for its healthy population of bream and flathead. The campground serves as a great base for exploring the rest of the park, with access to the Sugar Creek walking track and a network of 4WD trails leading to highlights like the Whoota Whoota lookout, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. This is a classic, self-reliant camping experience with basic facilities including non-flush toilets and fire pits. You must bring your own drinking water and firewood, and pack out all your rubbish. For a quiet and beautiful riverside escape, Wallingat River campground is a true gem of the Great Lakes region.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -32.3277, 152.40284

Site Information

• Location: Wallingat National Park, on the Wallingat River.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, off-road caravans.
• Road access: Unsealed roads. 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but 4WD is recommended as roads can be steep and rough.
• 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: 15 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues/fire pits.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None.
• TV reception: None.
• 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: 15 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood.
• Kayak, canoe, or small boat.
• Insect repellent.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Wallingat River and Wallis Lake.
• Short walks: Access to the Sugar Creek walking track and other park trails.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Pacific Palms Recreation Club (“The Recky”) (~25 km)
  • The Bellevue Hotel, Forster (~30 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Coomba Park local club/shop (~15 km)
  • Cafes and restaurants in Smiths Lake (~20 km) or Pacific Palms (~25 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Whoota Whoota lookout (within the park)
  • Wallis Lake
  • Seal Rocks and Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (~40 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • The Ruins Campground, Booti Booti NP (~15 km)
  • Sandbar and Bushlands Holiday Parks, Smiths Lake (~20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no designated free camps in the immediate area.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Forster (various caravan parks, may charge a fee for non-guests).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Coomba Park (~15 km, limited) or Pacific Palms (~25 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Forster. It is essential to arrive at the park fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Coomba Park (~15 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mid North Coast

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, perfect for swimming and water sports. Average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Often calm, making it ideal for paddling and hiking. 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.