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The Basin campground

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

This waterfront campground overlooking Pittwater is one of Sydney's most popular beach camping spots. Arrive by hike, ferry, boat or water taxi.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 114
Camping type Tent, Remote/backpack camping
Facilities Amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water, public phone, showers, toilets
Entry fees

Park entry fees for this park are not included in your camping fees.
Group bookings Book up to 20 people or 5 sites online. For larger groups, make a group booking enquiry.
Please note
  • Sites are not marked.
  • If you choose to arrive by car instead of ferry or water taxi, you'll be walking a 2.8km track from West Head Road carpark to get to and from the campground.
  • It's better to get the ferry if you have heavy camping gear or kids. 
  • If you're camping at The Basin and arriving by ferry from Palm Beach, please drop your camping gear at the ferry wharf. Leave your car in the seasonal carpark at the Careel Bay Sporting Fields, then catch the 199 bus back to the wharf. The 199 bus comes every 15mins and it's just a short 5min ride.
  • Check in after 10am. Check out before 10am.
  • Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The Basin is a family friendly campground. For the safety of all visitors, NPWS reserves the right to ask those displaying anti-social behaviour to leave the grounds.

The Basin campground is the only place you can camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This large, grassy area overlooks Pittwater, offering lovely surroundings and views.

It’s easy to see why this waterfront campground is so popular. At The Basin, you’ll find great facilities along with a picnic area, sheltered beach and an inland lagoon. The campground accommodates up to 350 campers.

Pitch your tent in a shady spot, enjoy a bike ride or a swim and see if you can spot the local swamp wallabies or kookaburras.

There’s no car access to The Basin campground. You can park at West Head Road but it's a steep 2.8km walk to the campground from there. If you're not up for the hike, arrive by water taxi, boat or a ferry which leaves from Palm Beach Wharf.

Take a virtual tour

Take a virtual tour of The Basin campground captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Things to do nearby

The Basin Lagoon

Bring your watercraft for a day out on the calm waters of Pittwater. Sheltered from waves and boats, the lagoon is perfect for paddle boarding.

2 people paddleboarding in The Basin lagoon surrounded by the bush in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW
 2 people paddleboarding in The Basin lagoon surrounded by the bush in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Hike The Basin track

Strap on your walking shoes for the 2 to 3 hour return walk along The Basin track. On your way you’ll discover The Basin Aboriginal Art site – one of the best examples of rock engravings in this area.

2 people bushwalking on The Basin track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW
 2 people bushwalking on The Basin track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Stay longer, explore further

Patonga Beach

Take a ferry trip and spend the day at the tranquil seaside village of Patonga Beach. Go for a swim, hike to nearby Pearl Beach or simply relax and enjoy a long lunch at the Boathouse Hotel Patonga.

An aerial image of Patonga beach and wharf in Patonga, Central Coast. Credit: Jeremy Shaw © Destination NSW
An aerial image of Patonga beach and wharf in Patonga, Central Coast. Credit: Jeremy Shaw © Destination NSW

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Grab a water taxi to nearby Palm Beach and discover the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Explore the historic 1881 lighthouse and surrounding headland, then relax at Barrenjoey Boatshed, 'The Joey' for lunch and enjoy waterfront views and delicious food and drinks.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Barrenjoey Head near Palm Beach on Sydney's northern beaches. Credit: Kevin McGrath/DCCEEW © DCCEEW
 Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Barrenjoey Head near Palm Beach on Sydney's northern beaches. Credit: Kevin McGrath/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Bookings

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to Sphinx Memorial carpark are closed overnight from 7pm.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 40 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (95)

Tours (24)

Immersive stories (2)

Itinerary (1)

Camping and accommodation (4)

Volunteering (6)

School excursions (1)

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