Camping Close To Home
The Hawkesbury River has some amazing camping and caravanning options on offer – it’s hard to believe it is only an hour and a half from the heart of Sydney.
The Hawkesbury is surrounded by five giant national parks while the Hawkesbury River runs for 120km from Yarramundi to Broken Bay.
The camping and caravan options all have different personalities: from basic free bush camping in the Wollemi or Blue Mountains National Parks to camping on the Hawkesbury River where you can launch your boat or go fishing. There are also plenty of caravan parks with full facilities for seasoned travellers.
One of the favourite spots to camp is the Colo River because this stunning wilderness river offers great opportunities for liloing, bushwalking, kayaking and relaxing.
The great news is that many caravan parks (and camping grounds) accept pets so the whole family can go on holidays together. Remember bookings are essential at most locations including national parks.
Let’s go camping can bring up mixed emotions but once you do it, you will probably be hooked on it. Waking up to the singing of birds, sitting by a campfire (fire regulations permitting) and just spending time away from life in general are huge selling points.
Here are five good reasons to be camping close to home during the holidays.
1. You don’t need to go far away to get away Weekends and holidays are short enough without having to spend hours travelling. The Hawkesbury region has some amazing camping and caravan locations. A camping trip can easily fit into a weekend and still give you enough time to enjoy your surrounds and get home to prepare for the week ahead. The Hawkesbury is surrounded by national parks and the stunning Hawkesbury River runs through it offering some spectacular scenery and an unlimited array of experiences.
2. Heaps of camping choice Options range from basic free wilderness bush camping in the national parks to camping on the Hawkesbury River where you can launch your boat or go fishing. There are even caravan parks with full facilities for seasoned travelers or cabins in some for those that aren’t quite ready to sleep under canvas. Check the caravan and camping guide to find your best fit.
Try out some of these great spots for your initial trips out:
Del Rio Resort at Wisemans Ferry: Ideal if you want river access, lots of facilities, cabin options and things to keep the kids entertained. Powered and non-powered sites.
Mill Creek at Wisemans Ferry: This is in the Dharug National Park so sites must be booked on the website before arrival. It’s great for bushwalking, wildlife, serenity with sites spread out. Basic toilet facilities and don’t forget to bring your own drinking water.
Upper Colo Reserve: This is run by Hawkesbury City Council and must be booked on the website before arrival. It’s great for swimming, wildlife and getting away from it all. Basic facilities and bring your own drinking water. Dogs allowed with conditions.
3. Close enough for a late start or early finish An added bonus is that a quick return home for a child’s forgotten toy or leaving for your camping trip after Saturday morning sport isn’t so unreasonable. And of course if the weather gets nasty or that cheapo waterproof tent leaks like a sieve, then a quick retreat home is easy as. No point having a family mutiny.
4. Test out that new gear before a longer holiday During 2020, there was a marked increase in sales of campers, caravans and camping gear. People are spending big money on gear thinking they will do more trips in the future. Before embarking on your bucket list journey around our wonderful country, use a few weekends in the Hawkesbury to test out those inflatable camp mattresses. Make sure you know how to put the tent up and to get your groove in your outdoor kitchen. Should something need repair or adjustment, home (or BCF!) is not far away.
5. Discover all that is the Hawkesbury Hawkesbury is such a great location and after a few days at your campsite you may want to explore a little further afield. From relaxing country drives, bush walks, getting immersed in the local history, fruit picking and farm experiences, exploring local markets and events, excellent local food and wine to art scenes or doing something adventurous, you are bound to have a grand time.
For a comprehensive list of campsites and caravan options: visit: www.discoverthehawkesbury.com.au. Or why not visit the fully accredited Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre at 328, Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond. It’s open seven days a week and the local staff can help with planning your next camping trip.
