Gentlemans Halt campground

Marramarra National Park

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Overview

Pitch your tent at Gentlemans Halt campground, deep within Marramarra National Park, where you're likely to have the remote bushland and Hawkesbury River views to yourself.

Accommodation Details
Camping type Tent, Remote/backpack camping
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Group bookings Book up to 15 people or 3 sites online. For larger groups, make a group booking enquiry.
Please note
  • Sites are unmarked and unpowered.
  • This is a remote campground, please arrive well prepared.

The 10km walk in to this remote campground is worth it for the serenity when you arrive. The hike in, along Canoelands Ridge walking track, offers stunning views of sandstone ridges and the Hawkesbury River. Once you arrive, it's time to relax by the river, spot sea eagles and wedge-tail eagles soaring above the trees, and catch a glimpse of lyrebirds and bandicoots who often visit at dusk and dawn.

Gentlemans Halt is also a great place to explore by water. Paddle in by kayak or canoe, or anchor your boat and enjoy a night sleeping under the stars in this back-to-basics campground, north of Sydney. 

It's believed that Governor Phillip camped at Gentlemans Halt in 1789 during his explorations of Hawkesbury River. Today, you'll find it much the same - picturesque and remote bushland with great views across the river, and not a soul in sight.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/gentlemans-halt-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Gentlemans Halt campground.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Gentlemans Halt campground is in the northern precinct of Marramarra National Park. To get there:

    • Follow the directions to the park via Canoelands Road
    • Continue driving on Canoelands Road until you see the carpark on your left
    • Leave your car here and walk along the management trail for 8km
    • Turn left onto the walking track and follow for 2km before you arrive at the campground
    • You can also access the campground by boat from Hawkesbury River – there’s a timber wharf at the campground, located roughly opposite the community of Spencer.

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available at the start of Canoelands Ridge walking track.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Marramarra National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    Unwind and take in the serenity of camping at Gentlemans Halt or Marramarra Creek campgrounds.

    Spring

    Wander through the bush and enjoy the colourful display of wildflowers.

    Summer

    Paddle the waterways by kayak or canoe and have a swim in the rivers.

    Winter

    Enjoy longer hikes and day walks such as Canoelands Ridge walking track or Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge walking track.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    19°C and 28°C

    Highest recorded

    44.8°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    6°C and 16°C

    Facilities

    • Water is not available at this campground
    • Firewood is not provided and may not be collected from the park
    • Rubbish bins are not available, so please take rubbish with you when leaving.

    Toilets

    • Composting toilet

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Camping safety

    Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

    Fire safety

    During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Prohibited

    Gathering firewood

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Learn more

    Gentlemans Halt campground is in Marramarra National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Darug country

    Sandstone cave, Marramarra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Marramarra is part of the traditional lands of the Darug Aboriginal people. Their use and respect of the land can be found in isolated corners of the park. The surviving Aboriginal sites, which provide the only indications of traditional life in the area, are of special importance to local Aboriginal communities. Cave art, rock engravings, grinding grooves, middens, scarred trees, and other occupational deposits and stone arrangements are all part of Marramarra. 

    Exploring the land

    View of the Hawkesbury River, Marramarra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    In the early days of the new colony, Hawkesbury River was a major communication route and supported an active river-based community. European exploration began as early as 1789 when Governor Arthur Phillip took his second trip up Hawkesbury River and camped at Gentlemans Halt. By 1884, there was a small community at Gentlemans Halt and a provisional school had been established; you can still see the foundations of a road and a wharf from this era. Other reminders of European historic heritage include remains of orange orchards along Marramarra Creek and the foundations of a hut, stone walls and a well at Big Bay.

    Is it a bird?

    Flannel flowers (Actinotus helianthi), Marramarra National Park. Photo: Michael Jarman

    Marramarra is home to a great diversity of animals and birds, making it a great place for wildlife spotting and bird watching. You're likely to spot a white-breasted sea eagle, swamp wallaby, possum or kingfisher in your travels. If you're lucky, you might come across some of the more uncommon animals found here such as rails, gang-gang and glossy black cockatoos, and red-crowned toadlets.

    Plentiful lands

    View of the Hawkesbury River, Marramarra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    The sandstone ridges and deep gullies of Marramarra support a wide range of environments. Experience salt marsh and mangrove forests on the shores of Hawkesbury River, to tall open forest and ridge-top woodlands. In spring, the bush turns into a brilliant display of colour as the wildflowers burst in action. Discover the unique plant life and help preserve it – why not participate in the bush regeneration volunteer programs in the park?

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