Illaroo group camping area
Yuraygir National Park
Overview
Illaroo group camping area offers an exclusive area for group camping. Near Grafton and Wooli, it’s great for fishing, swimming, canoeing and snorkelling.
| Number of campsites | 1 |
|---|---|
| Camping type | Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water, toilets |
| What to bring | Firewood |
| Entry fees |
Park entry fees are not included in your camping fees. |
| Group bookings | This campground is suitable for group bookings. School groups and Park Eco Pass holders can make a group booking enquiry. |
| Please note | Check in 2pm, check out 10am. |
Illaroo group camping area, which offers simple and convenient online booking, is the ideal campground for groups of 16 to 35 looking for an exclusive camping experience. A gated area with easy pin code access means that all you’ll need to remember when heading to the beach is your surfboard, sunscreen and snacks for breaks between waves.
Perfect for families and friends, Illaroo group camping area is a great place to meet for an affordable coastal holiday near Grafton. You’ll want to pack boogie boards, surfboards and your swimmers as they’ll all be put to good use here. Make sure you take your fishing rod to catch your dinner from the beach, which you can cook up on your own gas barbecue.
Wooli and Grafton are nearby, so if you’ve not managed to make the catch of the day, you can venture into town to stock up on supplies.
If you’d like to stay in the general area of Illaroo campground, check out the Illaroo campground page.
Map
Map
Map legend
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/illaroo-group-camping-area/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Grafton office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6641 1500
- npws.clarence@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Level 4, 49 Victoria Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Park info
- in Yuraygir National Park in the North Coast region
Yuraygir National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Illaroo group camping area.
Getting there and parking
Illaroo group camping area is in the Minnie Water precinct of Yuraygir National Park. To get there from Grafton:
- Drive about 12km southeast on the Pacific Highway
- Turn left at Eight Mile Lane
- Follow Eight Mile Lane as it becomes Wooli Road (keep right) for another 28km
- Turn left at Minnie Water Road and continue for about 7km
- Turn left at Sandon Road, just before Minnie Water Village.
You need a gate code to access the exclusive Illaroo group camping area. You’ll get the code after you book.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
- Camper trailers, campervans and caravans can park in the group area but driving of vehicles is not permitted within the group area except for when you're loading/unloading camping gear, or parking your caravan/camper trailer/campervan for the duration of your stay.
- Designated parking is available for 7 vehicles and 1 minibus at the entrance to the group area, if you'd like to drive your vehicles throughout your stay.
- A gate code is required for vehicles to access the exclusive group camping area. You'll get the code after you book.
- 4WD vehicles can access the beach via the general campground however there is no beach access south of the Sandon Beach access.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Yuraygir National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Autumn is the perfect time of year to go beach fishing along the park's coastline.
Spring
The park's heathlands provide a spectacular display of wildflowers. Check them out on your choice of walking track, including the Wilsons Headland walk and, of course, the Yuraygir coastal walk.
Summer
Visit in summer to make the most of the park's countless beaches and waterways. Swim, surf or snorkel – cooling sea breezes provide welcome relief in hot weather.
Winter
Plan a winter trip to go whale watching. The sight of migrating whales swimming north to warmer waters is second-to-none, and there are magnificent viewing points at Red Cliffs lookout and Brooms Head.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
20°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
42.5°C
Winter temperature
Average
9°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
2.7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
300mm
Facilities
- Illaroo group camping area has unmarked sites and is suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans and caravans.
- The group area has its own pedestrian access to the beach.
- There are no showers or power available.
- Basic supplies and firewood can be purchased from nearby shops in Minnie Water.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
There is a shelter with picnic tables and gas barbecue.
Barbecue facilities
Firewood is not supplied at this campground.
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
- Fire rings (bring your own firewood)
Drinking water
Drinking water is available within the north and south campgrounds.
Step-free access
- The group section of Illaroo campground is flat and mostly step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass and hard-packed ground to reach the facilities.
- There's a low step to get into the camp kitchen.
- The access track to the beach is not step-free - it's hard-packed ground with 36 steps.
Seats and resting points
There are 2 bench seats with backrests along the access track to the beach, with 2 steps to reach them.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Illaroo group camground is flat and mostly step-free. There are some parts of the campground where people with reduced mobility may need assistance:
- There are no pathways. You'll need to cross over flat grass and hard-packed ground to reach the facilities.
- The toilets are not accessible or ambulant. The nearest accessible toilets are at Illaroo North campground.
- There's a low step to get into the camp kitchen
- There are 36 steps along the access track to the beach
Permitted
Campfires are only permitted in designated fire rings.
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Beach fires are not permitted.
Generators
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
Illaroo group camping area is in Yuraygir National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A watery wonderland
The park not only boasts a superb coastline but also features rivers, lakes and estuaries, so swimmers and snorkelers are spoilt for choice. Remember your fishing rod - the waters off the park are excellent for jewfish and groper, and Sandon River is among the state's most popular fishing spots. If surfing is your thing, you can't beat the legendary Angourie Surfing Reserve - it hosts what's arguably Australia's best right-hand point break. Yuraygir is also a paddler's paradise, its sheltered waterways provide the ideal setting for canoeing, kayaking and boating.
- Angourie Bay picnic area After surfing or swimming at the Clarence Coast’s famous Angourie Headland, stop off at the scenic Angourie Bay picnic area for a tasty picnic lunch with the family.
- Wooli to Red Rock walking track Wooli to Red Rock walking track, part of Yuraygir coastal walk, is a moderate hiking route with river crossings, scenic coastal views and great opportunities for birdwatching.
Important landscapes
When you visit Yuraygir, you're entering one of the most diverse bioregions in Australia. Wander past age-old coastal landforms, littoral rainforest, eucalypt forest, woodland and wetlands - much of which simply wouldn't be there without the park's protection. Pay a visit to Shelley Headland to see the state's most significant remaining example of grassy clay heath.
- Angourie to Brooms Head walking track Angourie to Brooms Head walking track, part of Yuraygir coastal walk, is a hiking route offering scenic lookouts and opportunities for beach walking, birdwatching, and seasonal whale watching.
- Yuraygir coastal walk Hike the multi-day Yuraygir coastal walk on the Clarence Coast near Yamba. You’ll find loads of places for whale watching, snorkelling and swimming, with overnight stops at beach campgrounds.
- Yuraygir guided treks with Home Comforts Hiking Home Comforts Hiking offers guided treks of Yuragir coastal walk with overnight accommodation in 4 charming coastal villages. It’s a great way to explore this beautiful coastline near Yamba and Coffs Harbour.
Precious and protected
At Yuraygir, you can see some of the country’s most vulnerable native wildlife up close, such as squirrel gliders and eastern grass owls. See if you can spot a rufous bettong, a rarely-seen rabbit-sized marsupial also know as the rufous rat-kangaroo. Or even the shy Queensland blossom-bat, Australia’s smallest fruit bat. The threatened green and golden bell frog is one of the 25 amphibians within Yuraygir – likely to be found around swamps, lagoons and flood plains. Keep an eye out for coastal emus, once so prevalent and now, sadly an endangered species with fewer than 100 left in the park.
- Wilsons Headland walking track The easy Wilsons Headland walking track is ideal for whale watching along the Clarence Coast. Starting at Boorkoom campground, the hiking track offers scenic coastal views.
- Yuraygir coastal walk Hike the multi-day Yuraygir coastal walk on the Clarence Coast near Yamba. You’ll find loads of places for whale watching, snorkelling and swimming, with overnight stops at beach campgrounds.
Treasured culture
The landscape of Yuraygir National Park has been, and remains, the Country of Aboriginal groups. Generations of Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr People camped, fished and held ceremonies here and numerous areas remain of strong spiritual significance to the Aboriginal community. Take the Freshwater Walk and view the most impressive pandanus palms - this important Gumbaynggirr ceremonial plant was used to weave neckbands, dillybags and baskets.
- Brooms Head to Illaroo walking track Brooms Head to Illaroo walking track, part of Yuraygir coastal walk, is a hiking route with river crossings, beach walking, scenic coastal views and birdwatching opportunities.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus wallicus)
The eastern ground parrot is a beautiful, ground-dwelling native bird that lives in low heathland habitat along the NSW North and South coasts and escarpments. It’s listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.
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White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.
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Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)
The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is one of the largest species of parrot. With dusty-black plumage, they have a yellow tail and cheek patch. They’re easily spotted while bird watching, as they feed on seeds in native forests and pine plantations.
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Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.
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Brown-striped frog (Lymnastes peronii)
One of the most common frogs found in Australia, the ground-dwelling brown-striped frog lives in ponds, dams and swamps along the east coast. Also known as the striped marsh frog, this amphibian grows to 6.5cm across and has a distinctive ‘tok’ call that can be heard all year round.
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Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.
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Green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea)
The green and golden bell frog is an endangered Australian frog. Once common on the NSW coast and tablelands, populations have plummeted around 90 percent.
Plants
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Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.