Woody Head Campground, Woody Head NSW
Woody Head Campground is one of the most beloved and iconic coastal campsites in all of New South Wales, offering a quintessential Aussie beach holiday experience. Nestled in a protected corner of the magnificent Bundjalung National Park, this stunning campground provides direct, easy access to a sheltered bay, fascinating rock platforms, and a beautiful swimming beach. It’s an absolute paradise for families, anglers, and nature lovers, with spacious, grassy sites spread out amongst shady tuckeroo and banksia trees. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with the sound of the ocean and the chorus of native birdlife providing a constant, soothing backdrop to your stay.
What sets Woody Head apart from many national park campgrounds are its exceptional facilities. For a park of its type, it is remarkably well-equipped, boasting amenity blocks with flushing toilets and the much-prized luxury of hot showers. It also offers a number of powered sites, making it suitable for a wide range of setups from tents to caravans. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water for small vessels, and the on-site kiosk is perfect for grabbing essentials. The campground is a haven for wildlife; kangaroos and goannas are common visitors, and the rock pools at low tide are teeming with marine life, making it a fantastic natural classroom for kids.
The location is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. The sheltered bay is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the rock platforms offer some of the best fishing on the coast. The campground is also the starting point for the beautiful Iluka Rainforest walking track, a must-do for any visitor. While feeling like a secluded wilderness retreat, the charming fishing village of Iluka is just a short drive away for supplies, cafes, and a classic pub meal. Due to its incredible popularity, booking well in advance, especially for school holidays, is absolutely essential to secure a spot in this coastal paradise.
Site Information
- Location: In Bundjalung National Park, on the coast near Iluka.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road (Woody Head Rd).
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites available. Booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking website for current limits.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, a large number of unpowered sites are available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, electric and wood BBQs, boat ramp, kiosk.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra near the kiosk, patchy elsewhere.
- TV Reception: Poor.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available on site.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire bans. Check local rules on bringing firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Food supplies, fishing gear, snorkelling equipment, hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent beach and rock fishing.
- Short Walks: The Iluka Rainforest walking track starts from the campground. Fantastic beach and headland walks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Iluka Hotel-Motel (approx. 10 km)
- Sedgers Reef Hotel, Iluka (approx. 10 km)
- Maclean Hotel (approx. 30 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and a bowls club in Iluka.
- Local Attractions:
- Iluka Rainforest Walking Track
- Iluka Bluff Lookout (great for whale watching in season)
- The Clarence River
- The historic town of Maclean, “The Scottish Town in Australia”
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Iluka Riverside Holiday Park
- Anchorage Holiday Park, Iluka
- Next Free Camps: Very limited. Low-cost camping at some showgrounds (e.g., Maclean). Main options are highway rest areas.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite. A public dump point is also in Iluka.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Iluka.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and humid. The peak season for swimming and beach holidays. Temperatures average 20°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime time to visit, with warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and pleasant water temperatures. Ideal for hiking and fishing. Temperatures average 15°C to 26°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The whale watching season. Days are mild and often sunny, but can be cool and windy. Nights are cool. Temperatures range from 9°C to 20°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and coastal wildflowers in bloom. Excellent for walking. Temperatures average 13°C to 25°C.