Other than wine sampling at the various vineyards across the region, Hunter Valley also offers one of the most beautiful natural landscapes you could find in Australia. With breath-taking formations like the Hunter River, Mount Royal and intricate cave systems, what better way is there to immerse yourself in the natural world than to live in it? From campgrounds to caravan parks, here are 10 Camping Spots In Hunter Valley To Experience Nature At Its Best!
1) Roma Orchards Campground
Situated right beside the magnificent Hunter River and Omadale Brook of Hunter Valley, Roma Orchards Campground provides a bare-bones camping experience for those that want to reconnect with nature and sleep among the beautiful Paulownia trees. With basic amenities like toilets, showers, and a firepit, break away from the city life and social media while enjoying a bowl of stew with newly founded friends, or your closest family and friends. Just like how the Hunter River flows along the campground, allow nature to flow through you as you experience nature at its best.
Photo Credit: The Orchard Lodge2) Black Swamp Campground
For those that have a deep love for the outdoors, Black Swamp Campground is the site for you. Located in Barrington Tops National Park in Hunter Valley, the only way you could reach this campground is through the Aeroplane Hill and Carey Peak walking tracks. With a unique sub-alpine wetland, the natural swamps around the sites are home to many endangered species like the broad-toothed rat and the glandular frog. With unique wildlife and intense walking trails, unleash the inner explorer in you as you uncover the secrets the Black Swamp has to offer to you!
Photo Credit: Australia2473) Poley’s Place
Located at the banks of the graceful Barrington River, Poley’s Place is a working cattle property and primitive camping ground for those that prefer a slower pace of nature and life, with hot showers, flushing toilets, and an animal farm for children to enjoy. All pets are allowed on the campsite, but since it is a working farm, they must be leashed! Comprising over 500 acres of grazing land and acres of forests to explore, fishing enthusiasts can also indulge in their favourite activity, where there are perch, mullet, catfish, and herring waiting to be caught in the Barrington River! Who knows, you may even run into a cow or two!
Photo Credit: VisitNSW
4) Gloucester Holiday Park
The Gloucester Holiday Park is lauded as the “Gateway to the Barrington Tops National Park”, being one of the more established campsites between Sydney and Hunter Valley. With over 20 acres of natural bush, this campsite is perfect for those who love bushwalking and are active in the birdwatching community. Of course, with a wide range of accommodation offerings like street shopping, swimming and therapy pools, and recreational facilities, Gloucester Holiday Park offers you the best of both worlds.
Photo Credit: GloucesterHolidayPark5) Wombat Creek Campground
Situated deep in the Barrington Tops National Park, Hunter Valley and one of the more isolated campsites, Wombat Creek Campground is a popular camping spot and home to many species of marsupials like Wombats, Possums, Greater Gliders, and Bandicoots. To experience nature at it’s best, there are two trails: you could go on the more leisurely path via Careys Peak lookout or the more challenging Corker Trail. Both these paths will guarantee to leave you with an insatiable hunger for more adventure and the natural world!
Photo Credit: NationalParksNSW6) Polblue Campground and Picnic Area
Are you a beginner or with young children? Then the Polblue Campground is perfect for you! With scenic woodlands and spacious campsites, this camping spot in Hunter Valley is an easy weekend getaway for those that are only just budding into the wild. With several walking trails and caravan and trailer sites, this campground is the perfect canvas for any natural adventure you want. And if you are yearning for the classic natural outback experience, take the Polblue Swamp track, where you can find kangaroos and wombats hanging out along the track!
Photo Credit: VisitNSW7) Devil’s Hole Campground
Don’t let the name frighten you! Sat atop the amazing sub-alpine country of Barrington Tops State Conservation Area, the Devil’s Hole Campground is one of the highest camping spots in all of Hunter Valley and Australia. It is also a conservation area for many of Australia’s cold-climate woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife. No matter if you prefer tenting or parking your trailer, this campground can allow you to be fully immersed in the Barrington wilderness. And many campers have lauded the nearby Thunderbolts lookout for its views that are to die for.
Photo Credit: NationalParksNSW8) Gap Creek Campground
The Gap Creek Campground is a popular destination for diehard natural enthusiasts and families alike. With colourful plant life like blue gums and red cedars, you would like you’re in a painting. And of course, with beautiful trees, that are also beautiful birds. Bird watchers – feast your eyes on the amazing birdlife, including the majestic Lyrebird. Culminate your trip to this campground with its highlight, the Gap Creek Waterfall, which cascades more than 40m after heavy rain – so don’t forget your camera!
Photo Credit: Pinterest9) Sheepskin Hut Campground
For those looking for an ultimate test of skill against their natural instincts and camping skills, the Sheepskin Hut Campground is for you. Deep in the Wollemi wilderness, you can only get there via trails that offer spectacular views you will never forget for the rest of your life. You know what they say, its about the journey, not the destination! The Sheepskin Hut Campground is also perfect for 4WDs and motorcycle clubs with rough dirt trails and a remoteness that is hard to beat.
Photo Credit: VisitNSW10) Wine Country Tourist Park
A little different from the other natural spots in our list is the Wine Country Tourist Park. This campground is perfect for those who want to experience the best products Hunter Valley has to offer. From century-old wineries to modern restaurants, campers will be spoilt for choice. If you’re up for it, you can even go for horse-riding tours set up by the park!
Photo Credit: VisitNSWWith so many choices to choose from, it can be intimidating, especially if you are a beginner. But don’t fret! Deep in the forests and the countryside, an adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you – and we promise, after these trips, you will never be the same boring person again! So start planning your trips, pack your tents, and explore these 10 Camping Spots in Hunter Valley to Experience Nature At Its Best!
