When people ask our family about our favorite camping spot in New South Wales, Woody Head Campground is always near the top of the list.
Located within Bundjalung National Park on the North Coast of NSW, Woody Head has become an annual camping destination for our family.
We’ve stayed here several times, and what keeps bringing us back is the combination of beautiful coastal scenery, family-friendly facilities, and easy access to the beach.
Whether you’re an experienced camper or a beginner looking for a memorable 2–3 night getaway, Woody Head offers a great balance between enjoying nature and having some of the basic comforts that make family camping easier.
1. Clean Amenities and Hot Showers
One of the biggest factors when camping with a family is the quality of the amenities.
Woody Head has clean and well-maintained toilet facilities, as well as hot showers. After a long day at the beach or exploring the area, having access to a hot shower makes camping much more comfortable.
For us, having decent amenities makes a big difference, especially when we’re camping with the family.
Tip: Shower facilities and fees can change over time, so it’s worth checking the latest information before your trip.
2. Campfires and Evenings Around the Fire
For us, a camping trip isn’t complete without sitting around a campfire in the evening.
Woody Head allows campfires under certain conditions. Campfires can be made in the provided wood barbecues or in a suitable off-ground brazier that meets the park’s requirements. Fire restrictions can also change depending on weather and fire conditions, so always check the latest park information before lighting a fire.
You can buy firewood directly from the Woody Head campground kiosk. It’s important to note that collecting firewood from the national park is not permitted.
For our family, sitting around the fire after dinner while enjoying the evening atmosphere is one of the best parts of camping.
3. Beach Access and Beautiful Sunset Views
One of the biggest reasons we love Woody Head is its location.
The campground is right next to a beautiful sandy beach, making it incredibly easy to walk from the campsite to the water. The campground also has picnic tables and barbecue facilities close to the beach.
In the late afternoon, we like to head down to the beach and find a comfortable spot to relax.
As the sun starts to go down, the scenery becomes even more beautiful. Watching the sunset while the kids play nearby has become one of our favorite moments of the trip.
It’s one of those simple experiences that makes you forget about work, phones, and everyday routines for a while.
A quick safety note: the beaches around Woody Head are not patrolled by lifeguards and can have strong rip currents, so it’s important to take care when swimming.
4. Fishing and Exploring the Coast
If you enjoy fishing, Woody Head is also a great place to spend some time by the water.
The beach, rock platform, and surrounding coastal areas provide opportunities for fishing and exploring. The campground also has a boat ramp for visitors bringing a suitable boat.
If you plan to fish in NSW, remember that a NSW recreational fishing licence is required for most adults fishing in NSW waters. Short-term licences are available, including 3-day and 1-month options.
You can check the latest requirements and purchase a licence through the official Service NSW website. (https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/recreational-fishing-licence)
Fun fact: When the tide is low, we also enjoy exploring the rock pools around the area. You may spot small marine life hiding among the rocks and pools.
Just remember to be careful around rock platforms, especially when conditions are rough.
5. Local Shops, Food and Nearby Activities
Although Woody Head feels like you’re getting away from everything, you’re not completely isolated.
If you forget something or need to restock supplies, Iluka is nearby and has shops and other essential services. The campground itself also has a kiosk where you can purchase some basic items and firewood.
If you want a break from cooking, there are also places to eat in the Iluka area.
One place we’ve enjoyed is Sedgers Reef Hotel, which has a bistro serving lunch and dinner. It’s a convenient option when you want to take a break from camp cooking.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities around Woody Head and Bundjalung National Park, including swimming, fishing, walking and exploring the coastline.
6. One Thing to Keep in Mind: Power
One thing to consider when planning your trip is electricity.
If you’re camping in a tent, you should plan for an unpowered camping setup. The official campground information lists unpowered sites, so make sure you select the appropriate site when making your booking.
For our family, this hasn’t been a major problem.
We simply bring power banks and the camping equipment we need to stay comfortable without mains electricity.
In fact, being disconnected from everyday technology is part of what makes camping enjoyable for us.
Pro Tips for Planning Your Trip
1. Book Early and Choose Your Site Carefully
Woody Head is a popular camping destination, especially during school holidays and long weekends.
We recommend checking availability and booking your campsite through the NSW National Parks website before your trip. The campground currently offers tent, camper trailer and caravan sites, with 91 campsites in total.
If you have a preferred area of the campground, booking early can give you a better chance of getting the type of site you want.
2. Plan Your Supplies
Even though Woody Head has a kiosk, we recommend bringing most of your food and camping supplies with you.
If you need additional supplies during your stay, Iluka is the closest place to restock. NSW National Parks also recommends bringing your supplies or purchasing additional items in Iluka.
And don’t forget to organise your firewood — you can purchase it at the Woody Head campground kiosk rather than collecting it from the park.
3. Driving from Brisbane
For our family, Woody Head is also a manageable destination for a camping trip from Brisbane.
The drive can take several hours depending on traffic and your exact starting point, so we prefer to break up the journey rather than drive straight through.
One stop we’ve enjoyed is The Farm Byron Bay, where you can grab something to eat and give the kids a chance to stretch their legs before continuing the journey.
It’s a nice way to turn the drive itself into part of the trip.
Final Thoughts
Woody Head Campground holds a special place in our family’s camping memories.
The combination of the beach, beautiful sunsets, campfires, fishing, and convenient facilities makes it a place we keep coming back to.
It’s not a luxury camping destination — and that’s exactly what we like about it.
For us, Woody Head offers the right balance between getting away from everyday life and still having enough facilities to make family camping comfortable.
If you’re planning a weekend camping trip on the NSW North Coast, or you’re looking for a family-friendly place to start your camping journey, Woody Head is definitely worth considering.
For our family, it’s one of those places that keeps bringing us back year after year.
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