Leetsvale Caravan Park, Leets ValeCredit: Destination NSW
Camp on the river’s edge at Leetsvale Caravan Park in the Hawkesbury.
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From bush retreats to action-packed caravan parks and glamping with the creature comforts of home, these camping spots in New South Wales make for a memorable family escape.
Camp with a view
The great thing about many NSW campsites is their stunning natural settings. Take in coastal panoramas from your tent at the award-winning NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Park at Merimbula, a six-hour drive from Sydney on the far South Coast. This holiday park offers clifftop camping sites and cabins with views stretching over the Sapphire Coast.
On the North Coast, you can enjoy a secluded stay overlooking the ocean at the clifftop Boorkoom campground in Yuraygir National Park, with access to walking tracks, fishing and swimming spots. Or camp on the riverfront right in the heart of Yamba at Calypso Holiday Park, walking distance to the northern NSW town’s bustling eateries and attractions.
Stay on absolutely beach front at Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park, located between the major towns of Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Watch the sun rise over the ocean then spend the day swimming or snorkelling in pristine beaches, enjoying water sports such as paddle boarding or kayaking or exploring the historical attractions and relaxed coastal village of South West Rocks. Camp with views over Rainbow Beach from the headland at Bonny Hills Holiday Park. Watch migrating whales (June–November), swim and surf in sparkling beaches or explore the lush rainforest of Greater Port Macquarie.
Take advantage of the activities
At Leetsvale Caravan Park in the Hawkesbury, a two- to three-hour drive from Sydney, families can make the most of the riverfront setting enjoying activities such as water-skiing, kayaking and fishing. There is a boat ramp, boat shed and undercover spaces available to rent. Also, in the area, Del Rio Riverside Resort at Wisemans Ferry offers plenty to keep the kids busy, from volleyball, tennis and netball to a BMX track, putt-putt golf, a water park and swimming pool.
BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park in the Riverina region of southwest NSW is located directly on the banks of the stunning Edward River, with 400m of grassed riverfront in a peaceful bush setting. The park has something to offer the whole family — solar heated resort pool, water splash park, pedal go-karts, giant jumping pillow, mini golf and playground. Kids will love getting out on the river with activities such as fishing, water skiing, floating and tubing.
On the North Coast, Woody Head campground, near Yamba, is an excellent spot for a weekend getaway by the beach. It offers a protected sandy beach, great for swimming and fishing, and a hidden world of rockpools to be explored along the shoreline.
Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park, South West Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy coastal views of Horseshoe Bay Beach when you camp at South West Rocks.
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Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park, South West Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy coastal views of Horseshoe Bay Beach when you camp at South West Rocks.
Edward River, Deniliquin Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy a picnic by the Edward River, Deniliquin in the state's Riverina Murray region.
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Edward River, Deniliquin Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy a picnic by the Edward River, Deniliquin in the state's Riverina Murray region.
Enjoy the great outdoors in style
Glamping is an excellent way to enjoy sleeping under the stars without forgoing the comforts of home. There are plenty of campsites around NSW that hire out canvas safari tents already set up with beds, camp chairs and everything else you will need for a five-star camping experience.
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort at Umina on the Central Coast has safari-style tents with all the added luxuries — real beds, kitchenette and fridge and your own BBQ on the veranda. The park also hires out bikes and go-karts and has a resort-style swimming pool, tennis courts, kids club and entertainment.
In the seaside town of Tathra, on the Sapphire Coast, you can stay in a studio-style safari tent directly on the beach. Glamping at Tathra Beachside can comfortably accommodate a family of four and includes a kitchenette, private ensuite with a deep freestanding bath and an outdoor deck.
Another fantastic option is Turon Gates in the Blue Mountains, a 90-minute drive from Sydney. Nestled right on the river, its glamping tents come replete with sun lounges, hammock, umbrella, BBQ, underfloor heating during the winter and a campfire already set up for you. This is an idyllic escape in the heart of the Australian bush.
On the North Coast, the boutique outdoor resort The Hideaway at Cabarita Beach offers large bell tents with room for a family of four. Each tent is fitted with luxury furnishings including proper beds with linens, towels, fans, fridge and air conditioner. Guests can enjoy lovely communal spaces, direct beach access and bike hire.
Stay among the wildlife
Share your campsite with wombats and peacocks at North Nowra Riverfront Caravan Park at North Nowra, which is set on the banks of the Shoalhaven River a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. Or further south at Pebbly Beach, near Batemans Bay, experience remote beach camping perfect for whale watching (May–November) and home to a large population of resident kangaroos.
On the North Coast, Dingo Tops campground is an excellent base for exploring Tapin Tops National Park, home to subtropical rainforest, waterfalls and swimming holes. This remote spot is frequented by local wildlife such as Parma wallabies, greater gliders and koalas. Or head to the quiet Kylies Beach campground in Crowdy Bay National Park, south of Port Macquarie, to spot koalas and yellow-tailed black cockatoos.
In the Blue Mountains, Euroka campground near the town of Glenbrook is a superb bush camp with access to excellent walking tracks, scenic lookouts and mountain biking trails. Surrounded by majestic eucalyptus trees, you’ll camp in the company of kangaroos, parrots and cockatoos.
The Hideaway, Cabarita Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Luxury glamping accommodation at The Hideaway, Cabarita Beach.
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The Hideaway, Cabarita Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Luxury glamping accommodation at The Hideaway, Cabarita Beach.
Pebbly Beach, South Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos grazing at Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park, South Coast.
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Pebbly Beach, South Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos grazing at Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park, South Coast.
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Sydney Harbour in SummerCredit: Destination NSW
Your dog will enjoy seeing the sights of Sydney as much as you do.
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Planning a sojourn to Sydney and don’t want to leave your beloved pooch behind? With hotels increasingly willing to cater to pets, there’s no reason you have to. From beachside to the inner city, these luxury escapes not only welcome four-legged friends, they also provide special inclusions tailored for dogs. Just be sure to book in early, as not every room in these properties can house pets.
Pier One Sydney Harbour, city centre
Nestled below Sydney Harbour Bridge in historic Walsh Bay, Pier One Sydney Harbour is one of the city’s more memorable stays. The hotel sits on a former working wharf over the water, and has devoted some of its ground-level rooms to furry family members. Stay here and your dog will have direct access to the boardwalk that wraps around the sides of the hotel facing the water, with plenty of seagulls to keep it entertained. Pier One’s Puppy Package comes with all the extras: an eco-friendly dog bed, food and water bowls, and a mini bar stocked with treats. Keen to really amp up the spoils? Check out the dog-friendly in-room dining menu, or book an outdoor spot at the hotel’s ground-level The Gantry Restaurant, which offers a Doggy Degustation menu with such treats as beef bone broth and Doglato (a gelato equivalent for pooches) for dessert.
QT Bondi, Bondi Beach
Right on the esplanade facing Sydney’s most famous city beach, QT Bondi welcomes guests trailing sand and their beloved pets. With its chic, contemporary style and energetic vibe, the hotel mirrors Bondi’s laid-back beach lifestyle and allows easy access to its café, bar and restaurant scene. The hotel offers a pet-friendly room that features a special mini bar filled with doggie treats and a pooch-friendly vegan in-room dining menu. Although dogs aren’t permitted on Bondi Beach itself, you’ll be in good company joining the parade of dog-walkers on the promenade, or head to the nearby Rose Bay Foreshore, where pets are free to frolic off-leash.
Little Albion, Surry Hills
The Little Albion boutique hotel occupies a charming former convent in Surry Hills, a leafy inner-city hub populated by creative types and dog lovers. There are two pet-friendly rooms at the hotel, both at ground level, with a bed, bowl and blanket included, but if it’s an over-the-top spoil session you’re after, the Plush Pup Package can’t be beat. Pets are welcomed with Mimi & Munch baked doggie treats on arrival; gifted with a The Daily Edited personalised name tag to look their fashionable best; booked in for a fitting with Dogue doggie stylist; assigned a butler, in case you need to dash out solo; and even receive a turndown service with Doglato.
Doggy Degustation, Pier One Sydney Harbour Credit: Anna Kucera
Chowing down on the Doggy Degustation menu at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel.
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Doggy Degustation, Pier One Sydney Harbour Credit: Anna Kucera
Chowing down on the Doggy Degustation menu at Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel.
QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
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QT Bondi, Sydney Credit: QT Bondi
Your dog will love a fur-friendly stay at QT Bondi.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Despite occupying prime real estate in one of Sydney’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is not too posh to pooch. Suitably elegant and opulent in its well-to-do setting, the hotel invites dog owners to book its Pet Stay Package. Your room will be set up with a stylish pet bed and bowls, and you can order a meal from the dog-friendly in-room dining menu, which includes options such as Banjo’s Delight, a feast of Angus beef, pumpkin, carrots and sweet potato. Double Bay is conveniently close to the city and the Eastern Suburbs beaches, yet has a peaceful village feel and is the ideal idyll for people- and dog-watching.
Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour
Sydney’s sister Ovolo hotels, Ovolo Woolloomooloo to the east of the city centre and Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour in inner-city Pyrmont, are both dog-friendly and are equally luxurious and immaculately designed. But the Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour earns pooch preference points for being close to Pyrmont’s off-leash Waterfront Park. While all Ovolo hotels indulge human guests with complimentary munchies from the mini bar and drinks at social hour, pets also get the star treatment. The V.I.Pooch Package at each Sydney Ovolo includes a comfy dog bed, food bowl, and the never more aptly named doggy bag ꟷ packed with treats and toys they’ll drool over.
The Langham, Sydney
Pet-friendly may not be a description you’d first associate with the ultra-regal The Langham, Sydney, near Barangaroo in the city centre. Yet along with its plush interiors, a private tennis court, an indoor pool with an amazing painted dome and the serene The Day Spa by Chuan, it happily allows you and your furry charge to co-habit during your stay. Rooms are set up with a dog bed and eating bowls, there’s an in-house dog-friendly menu, and if you fancy letting yourself off the lead to hit the town, dog-sitting services can also be requested.
Pup Package, Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel Credit: Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
Bedding down at the Little Albion hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
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Pup Package, Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel Credit: Little Albion, A Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel
Bedding down at the Little Albion hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Your dog will feel like canine royalty at The Langham, Sydney.
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The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Your dog will feel like canine royalty at The Langham, Sydney.