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Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Camping

General information on camping in national parks

Aerial view of The Basin. (Image: DECC)It's a good idea to pack a gas or liquid fuel stove for camping trips in national parks. Wood and solid fuel fires are not permitted in some parks, and although you'll find open fireplaces in many campgrounds, firewood may not be supplied. In many parks it's forbidden to collect firewood from the bush

In parks where campfires are allowed, make sure you completely extinguish all fires before leaving an area or going to bed. A small amount of glowing embers can start a huge bushfire. Heavy fines may apply if campfires or other unshielded flames are left unattended

Please don't feed native animals - it can damage their health and make them dependent on campers for food. To avoid attracting scavengers, store food and garbage in a secure container. Find out more about the dangers of feeding native animals: how it can affect them, their behaviour and you. See other ways to tread softly when you camp.

Campgrounds

The Basin campground

Wheelchair access: hard
You can get to this beautiful spot by ferry from Palm Beach. The ferry is accessible with assistance, and the ferry crew is always helpful.

The Basin is well known for its sheltered sandy beach and inland lagoon. It's the only place you can camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and is also a popular picnic spot for day visitors. It can accommodate 400 people, and has a public telephone and drink vending machine.

Activities: swimming, cycling (mountain biking), walking, birdwatching

Getting there: Choose from one of the following options:

1. Take the ferry which departs regularly from Palm Beach Wharf.

2. If you own a boat, anchor in the sheltered bay opposite the picnic and camping area.

3. Drive or ride your mountain bike through the park to West Head, then walk or cycle along the 2.8km Basin Track to The Basin. Note that vehicle entry fees apply for cars.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (bring your own firewood), gas/electric barbecues, flush toilets, cold showers, amenities block, drinking water, public phone

Bookings: Bookings are essential. Fill in an online application form or contact staff on 02 9974 1011 to discuss your requirements and arrange a booking.

Contact: The Basin and Beechwood Cottage (Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park), Phone: 02 9974 1011


Camping: events and activities

Commercial activity

Xterra Adventures

Kayaking the Central CoastXterra Adventures is an exciting, multifunctional activity and adventure company located on the Central Coast of NSW, less than an hour north of Sydney.

We specialise in providing personalised mountain bike and kayak adventures for individuals, groups, schools or corporate clients. Come and explore our magnificent national parks and state forests by mountain bike or our beautiful waterways by sea kayak. We offer a large, varied range of tours that run for half day, full day, overnight or multi night. Our tours are designed to suit everyone from the novice right through to the more experienced adventurer.

Xterra Adventures offers what the others can't - quality equipment, attentive professional guides, a large range of options, stunning locations, great food, flexibility and above all, a commitment to your enjoyment.

We understand that your time is precious to you. We pride ourselves on being flexible and run our tours to suit your time schedule, not a calendar on our wall.

We are an innovative, enthusiastic company which wants nothing more than for you to go home after a tour with memories that will last a lifetime.

More info: Xterra Adventures, Phone: 0404 808 055 (international +61404 808 055)

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