Tattersalls campground
North Coast
Overview
Tattersalls campground is a delightful riverside camping spot in Karuah National Park. It offers opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, paddling, boating and enjoying a barbecue near Karuah.
| Camping type | Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, boat ramp, carpark |
| What to bring | Drinking water, cooking water, firewood, insect repellent |
| Price | There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies. |
| Bookings | Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online. |
| Group bookings | This campground is not suitable for group bookings. |
| Please note |
|
Set on the banks of Karuah River and surrounded by beautiful bushland, Tattersalls campground is a delightful riverside camping spot that will leave you feeling refreshed and revived.
Find a campsite and set up your tent, then enjoy bushwalking and birdwatching along the riverbank. Keep on the lookout for glossy black cockatoos feeding on the casuarina stands along the river’s edge.
This is also a great area to explore by water, so why not paddle in by kayak and canoe, or anchor your boat and enjoy a night sleeping under the stars? And with barbecues, campfires and picnic tables available, there are plenty of options to enjoy an outdoor dining experience. Try your luck fishing in the river and cook up your catch. Then snuggle up in your sleeping bag and let the gentle sounds of the river rock you into a peaceful sleep.
Map
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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/tattersalls-campground/local-alerts
Bookings
- 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
- Anna Bay office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 4984 8200
- npws.huntercoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 4154 Nelson Bay Road, Anna Bay, NSW 2315
Park info
- in Karuah National Park in the North Coast region
Karuah National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- in Karuah Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Tattersalls campground.
Getting there and parking
Tattersalls campground is in Karuah National Park. To get there:
- Turn onto Bucketts Way from Pacific Highway
- Continue for approximately 9km then turn right onto Hobarts Road, just past Limeburners Creek.
- Continue for approximately 4km then turn right onto Tattersalls Road
- Follow for another 2km until you reach the campground
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Tattersalls campground can become boggy when it rains.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
Parking is available at Tattersalls campground.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Karuah National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Pack your fishing gear and head to the river at this popular fishing spot.
Spring
See how the wildflowers bring the bush to life in spring.
Summer
Launch your kayak, canoe or boat and explore the reserve by water.
Winter
Get cosy around the campfires on those cold winter nights.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
12°C to 28°C
Highest recorded
40.6°C
Winter temperature
Average
3°C to 18°C
Lowest recorded
-4.4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
573.8mm
Facilities
- Water is not available at this campground.
- Rubbish bins are not available – please take rubbish with you when leaving.
Amenities
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
- Fire rings (bring your own firewood)
Boat ramp
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Generators
Generators are permitted to be used in particular areas within this campground.
Prohibited
Noise restrictions apply at this campground.
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
Tattersalls campground is in Karuah National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Ancient connections
Karuah National Park is part of the traditional lands of the Worimi Nation. Before European settlement, the Worimi People lived in an area from Port Stephens to Forster and as far west as Gloucester. There are a number of recorded Aboriginal sites in the reserve, particularly along Karuah River, such as modified trees, artefacts, earth mounds, shell middens and a burial site. The Worimi people continue to have a strong connection with the animals, land and waterways of Karuah.
Bird watching retreat
You'll find an abundance of birdlife to watch at Karuah. Vulnerable species such as the square-tailed kite, swift parrot and masked owl find their home in eucalyptus woodlands. Glossy black cockatoos can be seen feeding on the casuarina stands along the river's edge. You might also see one of the 8 vulnerable bat species found here, including little bent-wing bats and greater broad-nosed bats. Karuah is also home to plenty of native animals. You'll most likely share your camping spot with locals like bandicoots and ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums. There's also a local koala population at Karuah, so keep your eyes peeled when you're walking through the eucalypt forest.
- Double Wharf picnic area Take a day trip from Newcastle and spend the day picnicking, bushwalking, fishing, paddling and boating on the river at Double Wharf picnic area in Karuah National Park.
Rich in heritage sites
As well as being a place of natural beauty and tranquillity, Karuah has many historic sites to remind you of the forestry industry that once thrived in this region. Driving through the forest, you'll be driving along a road network built by the timber industry and see timber loading ramps on the banks of the river at Double Wharf. Other historic sites to discover are a set of yards at Witt Road and the Hunter Jetty on Claybank Road.