Coledale Camping Reserve

What you need to know:

1.5 hours out of Sydney
Beach side
Accomodates tents, campers, motorhomes and trailers
Powered and unpowered sites
Aprox. $25-35 per night

Address: 686 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale, NSW 2515

Website: http://www.coledalebeach.com.au/coledale-camping-reserve

If you want a quick & easy escape out of Sydney for a few nights, this is a great option. It’s just South of the Royal National Park, only 1.5 hours out of the city centre and is accessible by car or a train with a short walk.

The campsite itself is run by the Surf Life Saving Club who patrol the beach during Summer and school holidays. You need to book ahead, or if you arrive during office hours, pop into the office as you arrive. Prices are reasonable at between $25-$45 depending on the season. They cater for tents, campers, motorhomes and trailers and have powered and unpowered options.

The biggest attraction is the location. The campsite is right on the beach. 250m or so of golden sand, with small rocky outcrops at either end. Campers get access to hot water showers and a communal kitchen and an ocean view right out of your van or tent.

In terms of things to do there are some great hikes up the nearby Illawara Escarpment, surrounded by thick gum forest and after a challenging climb, some amazing views down the coast. If you’re feeling really adventurous you could take on one of the hikes in the nearby Royal National Park.

If that’s too energetic, a stroll along the beach at low tide can take you into the next few bays and past a human made, tidal swimming pool. There are birds everywhere too. From cocky cockatoos trying to grab a snack in the campsite, to endangered Sooty Oystercatchers on the rocky headlands.

If you fancy a night off camping food, there are shops a short walk or drive away and a rickety old RSL for a well earned schooner after a day in the sun exploring.

This certainly isn’t a wilderness experience, but for a quick trip out of the city to reset and chill it ticks a lot of boxes.

Email: camping@coledalebeach.com.au or call (02) 4267 4302 for bookings.