The best camping spots in Sydney

If camping is an alien concept to you, Cockatoo Island is a gentle introduction to this outdoor exploit. The isle sits right in Sydney Harbour and has a fascinating history, from being a meeting place for the indigenous Eora people to serving as a penal colony for European settlers. Nowadays, a huge chunk resides as a spacious campsite with epic views across the water – all you have to do is unzip your tent and that view is all yours.

There are three different pitching options at Cockatoo Island depending on your budget and desired comfort level: waterfront glamping, ready-to-go camping or bring your own.

When you’re not grappling with tent pegs or lounging around in your deluxe glamping pod, you’ll be able to explore the island’s UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Convict Precinct and Fitzroy Dock.

Cockatoo Island is also laughably easy to reach by ferry from Circular Quay or Barangaroo Wharf, making it a no-brainer if you like the idea of Sydney camping, but don’t have access to any wheels.

Price: $45+

Jump in your car and head north of Sydney to this absolute legend-of-a-campsite, sandwiched between the shores of Narrabeen Lake and Narrabeen Beach. Fear not, you’ll be able to make the most of both – we’d never expect you to choose between taking a dip in one of Narrabeen’s fabled ocean pools or improving your kayaking coordination out on the lake. It’s all about a balanced life and all that…

One thing to note – it’s a few extra dollars for a powered camping space, but it’s worth the price for a little heat on chillier nights (and the use of a proper electric kettle). There are also communal kitchens, not to mention the free Wi-Fi – Instagram addicts without roam-abroad sims, we got you.

And if you’re allergic to sleeping in a tent, hire a cabin instead – some even have private barbies and balconies overlooking the lake. Result.

Price: $42+

Nestled at the heart of Lane Cove National Park, this campsite offers a little bit of luxury in the bush. You’ll still wake up to the sound of cicadas chirping in the undergrowth, but you’ll do so in king-size bed comfort, providing you opt for the park’s five-star Tandara glamping site.

If you’re hoping to save some dollars, pitch your own tent amongst the gum trees and benefit from numerous shared facilities like well-equipped kitchens and riverside picnic areas. Lane Cove Holiday Park describes itself as a “retreat” – and they’re not wrong. It’s an incredibly peaceful spot and so close to Sydney that you can even get there without a car. Simply hop on a train to Chatswood and then take a metro to North Ryde where you’ll find the entrance to the park just ten minutes’ walk away.

Fun fact: Lane Cove’s powered camping area is frequently used as a set for popular Aussie TV soap Home and Away.

Price: $48+

If seclusion trumps convenience, Uloola is the one. Situated in the Royal National Park – the second oldest national park on the planet – this is truly a get-away-from-everything destination. You’ll have to walk to Uloola as there’s no vehicle access, but who cares when it’s a beautiful 75-minute trek through colourful heathland.

The Blue Mountains outside of Sydney supposedly get their name from the hazy, blue-tinted fug created by the hundreds of eucalyptus trees which grow there, and the pretty peaks sure make for perfect camping ground if you’re fit enough to handle an uphill hike.

There’s a couple of pitching sites in the National Park, but Euroka near Glenbrook is a great shout for nature fans (listen out for the cockatoos) and an undeniable favourite of Sydneysiders. It’s also accessible by car – an added bonus if you’re not one for packing light.

Also within the Royal National Park, North Era Camping Ground sits right by the sea and is a brilliant spot for an overnight breather if you’re tackling the NSW Coast Track. Stretching for 26km from Bundeena to Otford, it’s a challenging yet rewarding trek that takes you through fields of fragrant wildflowers, past inviting swimming holes and around some stunning secluded coves.

Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves? Check. Have a lesson on how to ride them? Check. A Sydney camping spot? Massive check.

Situated a straight drive south along the M1 from Woolloomooloo (or an 80-minute train ride), this seaside village and golden beach are magnets for surfers and dolphin-lovers.

It’s sunrise, you’re stepping out of your tent, cup of instant coffee in hand, straight onto on a sandy beach – that’s the camping dream, right? Fortunately, that’s what’s in store for happy campers at Little Beach. You’ll find the campsite tucked away in a tiny cove in Bouddi National Park.