Mudgee Caravan Parks: Here's Everything You Need To Know

Tap in your tentpoles and pop your top at these beautiful campsites and caravan parks in Mudgee and her surrounds.

From adorable Airbnbs to stylish glampsites, Mudgee lays out a spread of incredible accommodation for travellers and revellers alike. But when it comes to more modest escapes that hero nature over luxury, you’ll also find plenty of places to camp out.

Read on for our round-up of caravan parks to plug in your motorhome, cabins to keep kids contained and entertained, and secluded, 4WD-only spots in picturesque national parks. No matter how barebones or facility-friendly you’d like your stay to be, there’s a humble slab, clearing or cabin ready to welcome you.

BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park

BIG4 Holiday Parks are the saving grace for campers who enjoy a smoother experience. There are affordable cabin options in addition to the site accommodation, and the comfortable oasis comes with all the basic features we’ve come to expect from holiday parks. Find amenities blocks, barbecues, a camp kitchen, board games, laundries with washing machines and dryers, a pool table, a convenience store and much more.

The town centre is just minutes away, although with so many free activities, playgrounds, a seasonal kids’ club pool and colourful jumping pillow on offer in the park, it might just lose its appeal for families looking for the easiest – and most relaxing – option.

Mudgee Riverside Park

Owners Ian and Lynn Mitchell welcome you to Mudgee’s most centrally located tourist park, Mudgee Riverside Park . A beautiful shady haven on the edge of the CBD, this cosy spot is the perfect jumping-off point for all of Mudgee’s best attractions.

Whatever your need – a tent down by the river, caravan site, self-contained cabin or villa – Riverside has you covered. There are powered and unpowered sites, a playground, laundry, camp kitchen and more. Dogs are allowed with permission on tent and powered sites.

Gulgong Tourist Park

Gulgong town centre — Stay just 10 minutes from the centre of Gulgong. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bunk into one of the spacious and sweet one- or two-bedroom cabins surrounded by idyllic rural scenery at this well-maintained park just a 10-minute stroll to the centre of Gulgong. Or roll up in your camper trailer, motorhome or caravan (with your four-legged companion) to settle in for a relaxed stay at one of the large powered sites or pitch your tent at an unpowered site.

There’s a golf course within five minutes’ walk, should you like to swing your clubs; otherwise, get out into nature at the nearby Yarrobil National Park. A camp kitchen and barbecue area are there to share, as well as a basic amenities block.

Cudgegong Waters Park

Camp by Windamere Dam. (Image: Destination NSW)

Unfurling down to the banks of Windamere Dam, Cudgegong Waters Park is perhaps one of the prettiest places to park in the region. Keen anglers will rush to cast out for the dam’s resident golden perch, catfish and Murray cod, while boaties will be chuffed to find the only boat ramp access to the dam right in the park. You can also swim, kayak, canoe and water ski here, leaving little reason to stray too far, especially given there’s a cafe onsite serving up classics from croissants to pies and schnitzels every day of the week.

Accommodation-wise, there are powered and unpowered sites and self-contained cabins with access to kitchenettes, barbecues, amenities block, laundry and dump sites. In the cooler months, there are fire drums to huddle around as you gaze toward the pristine night sky. Dogs are also welcome at the outdoor sites.

Mudgee Valley Park

Just a relaxed amble from the town centre, yet within easy cooee from Mudgee’s beautiful wineries, Mudgee Valley Park ticks boxes for laidback group get-togethers, family getaways or just a low-key minibreak. You’re welcomed here with warm country hospitality and ample amenities to keep you entertained, such as a swimming pool, playground and a games room. There’s also a camp kitchen and barbecue facilities for cooking up all those locally produced goodies you picked up at the farmer’s market, and a convenient kiosk and laundry facilities on site. Tents can be pitched or bed down in a cosy cabin. It’s basic, yes, but great bang for your buck.

Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground

camping at Dunns Swamp mudgee — Camp on the banks of Dunns Swamp. (Image: Destination NSW)

Folded within the World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park, the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground is a bush-hemmed paradise that perches by the water’s edge. Formed in the 1920s, the waterway is man-made and the result of a nearby weir; however, it’s so blended into the landscape you’d never guess its origin story. Here, amid the scribbly gums and rock pergolas, wallabies sniff the morning air and water hens stalk the swamp’s edge.

Stay still, and you might even glimpse secretive platypus and reclusive long-necked turtles. Glide out on a kayak or SUP, cast a line out or take a bushwalk in pursuit of birdlife. There are sites for tents, caravans and campervans, and facilities are rudimentary, so you’ll need to bring your own drinking water, cooking water and firewood. But what it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in serenity.

Rylstone Caravan Park

Updates to the Rylstone Caravan Park have been in the works for a while and were completed in May 2024. Expect to be met with a fresh amenities block and other brand-spanking upgrades. If you’re road-tripping or looking to travel sans pretension, this pretty spot, just a 13-minute walk to the town’s high street, welcomes with both powered and unpowered sites, a camp kitchen and laundry.

Old Bara Campground

Old Bara is the real deal for those seeking an authentic bush break. The 1100-acre cattle property provides oodles of space to park your van or pitch a tent. There are amenity blocks onsite and water on tap (drinking and other). But no showers, so be prepared for bush bathing only. It’s a small price to pay for immersion in nature with a range of wildlife going about their business unbothered by the occasional camper.

There are several walking and cycling tracks to explore on foot or two wheels or go for a swim in the creek. Kayaks and small boats are also welcome. While the property is picturesque in its own right, the Picnic Spot is one of the most advantageous places to enjoy it. Situated at the top of the hill, sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while feasting on panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Hillsdale Farm

If you have a 4WD and a penchant for sunsets, steer yourself to this beautifully rustic camping spot on the 140-acre working Hillsdale Farm . You’ll find a clearing near the dam with views of the valley and Mount Frome diverting your attention as you get to setting up camp.

With only one booking permitted at a time for a maximum of five people, this stay is for adventurers who relish off-grid privacy, but if you have a well-behaved pet, they’re welcome to share the solitude with you. Contemplate the night sky as you stoke your campfire and should you feel the pull to Mudgee’s vine delights, town is only 10 minutes away.

Mudgee Showground

aerial shot of mudgee streets — Camp right in the Mudgee action. (Image: Destination NSW)

There isn’t much that can’t be done at Mudgee Showground ; stable your horse, hold an event, and, of course, pitch a tent. Choose from 58 camping sites available – 25 powered sites and 33 unpowered – and enjoy the luxury of all basic facilities. The best part? You could not be more centrally located to the restaurants, pubs, arts, and parks Mudgee has to offer.

For more accommodation in Mudgee, read our travel guide to the region.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

A guide to the best caravan parks and campsites in Mudgee