Campgrounds
The Basin campground
Fire/closure alerts currently apply to this location. See details below.
Wheelchair access: medium
Assistance may be required to access this area.
- Wheelchair access is by ferry only
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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 400 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, so park at West Head Road and then walk or cycle. You can also arrive by water taxi, boat or a ferry departing from Palm Beach Wharf.
Beechwood Cottage was originally built in 1882 when sailors, convicts and even pirates survived in these parts! Today this beautifully restored cottage can be hired out for conferences, functions and other special occasions.
Activities: walking, paddling, liloing, swimming, picnicking, playing and socialising, camping
Location:
shown on West Head and The Basin map
Getting there: The Basin campground is on the western foreshores of Pittwater in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there
- Take the ferry which departs on the hour between 9am - 5pm from Palm Beach Wharf
- If you own a boat, anchor in the sheltered bay opposite the picnic and campground.
- Drive or ride your mountain bike through the park along West Head Road, then walk or cycle along the 2.8km Basin Track to The Basin.
Opening hours: The campground is open from sunrise to sunset. Entry to the campground after sunset is for pre-booked campers only.
Facilities: amenities block, cold showers, flush toilets, gas/electric barbecues, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), drinking water, picnic tables, public phone
Online bookings: use a secure payment facility to book online
Alternatively, please contact the Customer Experience Team on 13000 PARKS (13000 72757).
NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable
Events, activities and alerts at this location
| Closure | Basin Trail upgrade works The Basin Trail will be closed from the Mackerel Service Trail to the Basin Campground in order to undertake upgrade works. The Basin Aboriginal engravings and the Mackerel Track will remain accessible.
All access to the Basin Campground during this period is by water only. Services include Palm Beach Ferries, Barrenjoey Boating Service, Peninsular Water Taxis & Pink Water Taxis or access is available to private boats.
It is anticipated that the trail will be open for the long weekend.
Following the long weekend there are a number of minor maintenance works to occur. During this period there will be public access with advance warning signs to be installed above and below work sites. People are asked to adhere to signage and be concious of work vehicles on the trail during this period.
work sites signposted | Ends Thursday 20 June, 11:59PM |
Camping: events and activities
| Commercial activity | Sydney Coast Walks  Sydney Coast Walks are the Sydney walking people. With some of the city's best natural beauty only accessible on foot, Sydney Coast Walks provides expertly guided half day, full day and overnight hiking adventures through Sydney Harbour and Royal National Parks, enabling guests to reconnect with nature in Australia's largest city. Small groups, maximum 12 guests, for a better walking experience.
Sydney Harbour National Park Walking Tours
Royal National Park Walking Tours
- Jibbon Aboriginal Tour Learn the traditions of the Dharawal Aboriginal people, view thousand-year-old rock carvings and listen to Dreaming stories.
- Marley Explore Royal's majestic sandstone coastline on a full day walk.
- Wattamolla (Coast Track) Discover awe-inspiring views and fascinating history as you hike the iconic Coast Track. Enjoy a fully catered and supported camping experience.
When: year-round. Bookings essential. More info: Sydney Coast Walks, Phone: 02 8521 7423 (international +612 8521 7423) | As required |
| Commercial activity | The Collaroy Centre  The Collaroy Centre is owned and operated by The Salvation Army. We self fund our programs by providing quality facilities and programs for our guests. Every cent of profit from these programs is used to run activities and camps for the needy and marginalised of society.
The Collaroy Centre specialises in hiking expeditions for the Adventurous Journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. We offer practice and qualifying hikes across Bronze, Silver and Gold levels in each of the school holidays, and can also customise trips specifically for your school or corporate group.
The Collaroy Centre is always focused on its clients, and all programs are tailored to specific needs and desired outcomes.
More info: The Collaroy Centre, Phone: 02 9982 9800 (international +612 9982 9800) | As required |
| Commercial activity | Understand Down Under  1 Day Royal National Park Eco-tour
Your beach and wilderness escape. If you only have one day in Sydney, then this should be it!
Understand Down Under (UDU) invites you on a journey of discovery. Have fun while using all your senses to actively learn about:
- Plants and their traditional uses
- Australian and Aboriginal culture
- Local history and geology
- Australian birds and wildlife
Australia's oldest national park: The Royal National Park is Sydney's hidden secret. It's renowned for its beautiful and diverse natural landscapes, its abundant wildlife and unique local history. It is more than just bush and rainforest - Royal National Park boasts a beautiful coastline and is only 30km away. Instead of sitting on a bus, relax or have fun at the beach.
1 Day Royal National Park Highlights
The UDU mini-bus will take you on a 1 day adventure with a great mix of active discovery & serene relaxation:
- Where it all started, Audley is full of history and fantastic birdlife;
- Discovery Eco-walk - explore the magical Wattamolla. Learn how to live in Australia's bushland and hear dreaming stories;
- Relax over a delicious, uniquely Australian picnic lunch overlooking the Royal's many beaches
- Garie Beach - plenty of time to swim, play Aussie beach games, relax or sunbake. For the more adventurous, climb to the cliff-top for a breathtaking panoramic view
- Throw boomerangs and spears alongside the Hacking River
- Tranquil bushwalk through temperate rainforest
- Afternoon tea with awe-inspiring views from Bald Hill; home to Lawrence Hargraves, Australia's pioneer of flight
- Grand Pacific Drive - take time to see this incredible area, including the distinctive Sea Cliff Bridge
More info: Understand Down Under, Phone: 0448 388 687 (international +61448 388 687) | . |
| Commercial activity | Xterra Adventures  Xterra 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) | As required |
