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The Basin campground

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about The Basin campground.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    The Basin campground is on the western foreshores of Pittwater in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:

    • It's best to Take the ferry which leaves from Palm Beach Wharf
    • 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 15 minutes, and it's just a short 5 minute ride.
    • If you choose to arrive by car, please note that getting to and from the campground involves a steep 2.8km walk from the West Head Road carpark (West Head Road gates are locked between 8.30pm – 6am during daylight savings and 6pm – 6am at other times)
    • If you own a boat, anchor in the sheltered bay opposite the picnic and campground.
    • Drive or ride through the park along West Head Road, then walk or cycle along the steep 2.8km Basin walking track to The Basin campground.

    Road quality

    There is no vehicle access.

    Parking

    If driving to the track entry of the campground, limited parking is available in West Head Road carpark, 2.8km from the campground.

    Best times to visit

    Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers an exceptional visit all year round. You're sure to find a walk, tour, activity or attraction to appeal, regardless of the season.

    Spring

    If you're interested in wildflower displays, set aside a day in August or September to stroll through the park's blooming heathlands.

    Summer

    Bring your fishing gear and go camping at The Basin.

    Winter

    Barrenjoey Head (on the other side of Pittwater, but still in the park) is an excellent spot for whale watching. Take the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk between May and August or celebrate International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend in August.

    Facilities

    • The campground has unmarked sites for tents. Sites are unpowered.
    • Please dispose of all rubbish into the rubbish bins provided.
    • Nearby Beechwood Cottage is a historic property at the campground available for functions, please book in advance.
    • Ice, bait, solar water bags and some firewood are sold from 9.45am – 10am and 2.45pm – 3pm from the campground manager.

    Amenities

    Hand-wash laundry basins

    Toilets

    • Flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    Fires are only permitted in designated wood barbecues or fire pits. Fire pits can be booked onsite only and cannot be booked in advance. Firewood can be purchased at the campground.

    • Gas/electric barbecues (free)
    • Wood barbecues

    Drinking water

    Public phone

    Showers

    • Cold showers

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    Daily entry fees and landing fees apply at The Basin campground.

    Daily entry fees: A fee of $12 per vehicle per day applies if travelling to the campground by motor vehicle. Please pay at the entry station to the park. Daily entry fees are not included in your camping fees. Annual passes can be purchased online prior to arrival.

    Landing fees:  A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to the campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees. Please note, annual passes do not cover landing fees.

    Safety messages

    If you're arriving at the campground via West Head Road carpark and walking track, it is not safe to walk down after sunset as the track is very steep and West Head Road gate will be locked.

    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.

    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.

    Fire safety

    During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

    Mobile safety

    There is limited mobile phone coverage at the campground, however there is a public pay phone available.

    Paddling safety

    To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

    Wildlife safety

    Please do not feed or chase wildlife. Feeding native animals can cause serious health issues and result in animals becoming aggressive towards people.

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    Assistance may be required to access this area.

    • Wheelchair access is by ferry only
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

    Permitted

    Fishing

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

    Please note that spear guns and hand spears are not permitted in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They may not be carried through the park and must not be used within 100m of a beach in the national park.

    Prohibited

    The Basin is a family friendly campground. Please be considerate of others during your stay:

    • For the comfort of all campground visitors, we ask that you keep noise to a minimum. Noise restrictions apply after 10pm. 
    • Underage drinking is not permitted 
    • Visitors displaying anti-social, offensive or dangerous behaviour will be asked to leave the campground.

    Heat beads

    Heat beads are prohibited at this campground.

    Drones

    The use of recreational drones are currently prohibited in this park due to safety reasons. 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.

    Gathering firewood

    Gathering firewood is not permitted. Firewood can be purchased at the campground.

    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.

    The Basin campground

    Park info

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

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

      • The entrance to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay is closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 5.30pm to 6am the rest of the year.
      • 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.

    • 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). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

      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

    Visitor centre