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North Era campground

Royal National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about North Era campground.

Getting there and parking

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    North Era campground is in Royal National Park. Located on the Coast track behind pretty North Era Beach, North Era campground contains basic bush camping sites. Access to the campground is walk-in only along the Coast track – 1.5hrs from Garie Beach, 5hrs Otford or 7hrs from Bundeena.

    Park entry points


    Road quality

    • Unsealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • No vehicle access

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    There is no vehicle access to North Era campground. Parking is available at:

    • Garie Beach – 1.5 hour walk on a narrow steep track
    • Otford – 5 hour coast/bush walk
    • Bundeena (Eric Street) – 7 hour coast/bush walk

    Please note that although limited parking is available at Garrawarra Farm carpark, it can get extremely busy during peak periods.

    Follow @RoyalNPAlerts on Twitter for regular, real-time updates on how full the carparks are so that you can make other plans if you need to.

    Best times to visit

    Royal National Park covers a wide range of landscapes, from open grassland to ocean-fronting clifftops. It's a good idea to pack clothing suitable for all weather conditions along with water, sunscreen and a map on your visit. Royal National Park shines in all seasons, though summer and winter each offer a few special attractions.

    Summer

    Visit the majestic Garie Beach to surf or just relax. The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers in summer. Plus, the panorama from Garie North Head is just amazing, so be sure to take your camera. The beach at Bundeena's Bonnie Vale is a great swimming spot, as are Jibbon, Wattamolla and Little Marley beaches. If a freshwater swim is more your thing, try Karloo Pool, Deer Pool or Curracurrang. The summer holiday information has important tips to help you plan your day to Royal National Park during the busy holiday period.

    Winter

    Winter is a great time to tackle the popular Coast track from Bundeena to Otford. Not only will you be greeted by spectacular coastal scenery, you can also see whales from the cliffs (June to August). Complete the walk in small sections or undertake the entire 26km over two days. Plan a visit during spring to admire the stunning heathland wildflowers on display. Head along the Coast track or the Curra Moors Loop track or walk to Wises track to see them in bloom.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    16°C and 27°C

    Highest recorded

    42°C (1977)

    Winter temperature

    Average

    6°C and 17°C

    Lowest recorded

    -0.6°C (1968)

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    254.5mm

    Facilities

    • North Era is a remote backpack camping area. Campers must carry all of their equipment to the campground and be fully self-sufficient.
    • Sites are unmarked and suitable for tents only. Camping is available for 1 night stays only.
    • Water is not available at this campground.
    • Rubbish bins are not available – please take rubbish with you when leaving.

    Toilets

    • Non-flush toilets

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    • Strong rips and currents may be present at North Era Beach. Take care in the water and please supervise children at all times.
    • The Era Surf Life Saving Club patrols South Era Beach on Sundays, public holidays and most Saturday afternoons during the patrol season.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Camping safety

    Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    Mobile safety

    Please note there is no mobile phone reception

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - no wheelchair access

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    Drones

    Flying recreational drones is not permitted because this park is located within 5.5km of an airfield or helicopter landing site. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) states that drones should not be flown within 30m of vehicles, boats, buildings or people, or within 5.5km of an airfield. Drones can also impact on public enjoyment and privacy, interfere with park operations, and may pose a threat to wildlife in some areas.

    Please contact the park office for consent if you wish to fly a drone for commercial filming or photography purposes. For more information, see the Drones in Parks policy.

    Amplified music is not permitted.

    Camp fires and solid fuel burners

    Please remember to bring a fuel stove as campfires are not permitted in Royal National Park due to the risk of bushfire.

    Gathering firewood

    Generators

    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.

    North Era campground

    Park info

    • in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions

    • Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Park entry fees:

      $12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.

      Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

      Buy annual pass

    Visitor centre