Best Off Road Campsites in NSW and the ACT

Pebbly Beach Campground sits by a small bay north of Station Creek Beach, between Coffs Harbour and Yamba. Access to this spot is tide dependant which is enough to deter the hoards of backpackers and daytrippers that frequent the area. The camp ground is a grassy, tree lined space just metres from shore, and is sheltered by large sand dunes to the west. The fishing is brilliant, swimming is safe for littlies and there are nearby headlands that are just perfect for viewing the annual whale migration. BYO water.

On entering Yuraygir National Park, follow the signs to the Pebbly Beach Camping Area. Access includes a combinations of unsealed roads, dune track, beach and saltwater creek crossings, and is suitable only for high clearance 4WD’s.

Bendethera Camping Area

This spectacular camp ground is well worth the challenge to get there. The water crossings can be as high as the bullbar in normal weather and less modified 4WD’s may need multiple attempts at the steep hill climbs. Bendethera is set in a picturesque, grassy valley with bush campsites scattered along the Deua river. There are lots of friendly kangaroos and wombats to hang out with and the Bendethera caves are a short walk away. Do not try and access the site during wet weather-it’s very dangerous (Check out this close call). BYO firewood and drinking water.

How to get there:

Bendethera Valley Campground is located in the southern precinct of Deua National Park. To get there from the east (nearest town, Moruya), take the Western Boundary Rd turnoff from the Princes Highway, turn left onto little Sugarloaf Rd, and follow the Bendethera fire trail.

Nymboida River Camp Ground

If camping in remote, unspoilt, rugged beauty appeals, the Nymboida River campground is the place to be. The Nymboida River is a haven for anyone who loves water sports. Fishing, swimming, canoeing and whitewater rafting are all popular activities, as is bush walking. There are no marked trails in the area, so walkers need to be experienced and well prepared.  The camp ground is small and very quiet and you may be lucky enough to have the whole place to yourself. BYO water and firewood.

From Grafton: Travel west along Gwydir Hwy through Ramornie village to Ramornie Forest Rd, 23.5 km from the South Grafton Roundabout. Follow this road for 28 km to reach the campground.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Flea Creek Campground is an idyllic creek side camping spot in the valley near the Goodradigbee River. This peaceful, Casuarina lined campground is nestled amongst 4WD tracks ranging from the mild to the absolutely insane. After a day of touring, spend the afternoon creek side, try your hand at fly fishing, or just listen to the bird calls and the gentle rush of water making it’s way downstream. BYO drinking water.

When entering the Brindabella National Park, take either the Webbs Ridge Trail or the Gentle Annie Trail (but be warned-the Gentle Annie Trail is anything BUT gentle).