Broughton Island campground

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island campground is the only place in NSW where you can camp among an active seabird colony. The island is part of Myall Lakes National Park.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 5
Camping type Tent, Remote/backpack camping
Facilities Toilets, unpowered sites, marked sites
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, food supplies, mobile phone, first aid kit, tent, rope, sleeping bag, towels, torch, fuel stove, cooking utensils, toilet paper, clothes for all weather conditions, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat
Entry fees

No park entry fees apply at this campground. See vehicle fees for other areas in Myall Lakes National Park.
Bookings Bookings for up to 2 sites and 12 people can be made online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • Check in after 11am. Check out before 11am.
  • Broughton Island is only accessible by boat
  • Weather and sea conditions can change rapidly and may delay your departure from the island. Please be prepared with adequate food supplies.
  • Mobile phone coverage is intermittent and unreliable
  • If travelling to the island by private vessel, campers are encouraged to register their movements with Marine Rescue Port Stephens, (02) 4981 3585.

Camping on Broughton Island is truly special and with only 5 campsites available, it offers a genuine getaway experience.

Located in Myall Lakes National Park, you'll be camping amongst an active seabird colony- it’s a key breeding site for wedge-tailed shearwaters, sometimes known as muttonbirds.

At just over 1 square kilometre in size, the island is small but there are plenty of opportunities for water activities like swimming, fishing, boating, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Access to the campground is by boat, and you'll need to arrive on the south-eastern side of the island, at the sandy beaches of Esmeralda Cove.

The campground is fairly basic, so you’ll need to bring all your equipment and supplies with you, including water. You must book and pre-pay for a campsite prior to arriving at the island.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Aerial view of 4 people on a walking track on Broughton Island, Myall Lakes National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

    Broughton Island walking tracks

    Broughton Island walking tracks are a great way for nature lovers to explore this remote island, accessible by boat from Port Stephens. Follow this family-friendly network of walking tracks to wild beaches and stunning lookouts.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/broughton-island-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Broughton Island campground.

Getting there and parking

Broughton Island campground is part of Myall Lakes National Park and access is by vessel (boat) only.

  • If you're camping here an need a boat transfer, contact Salty Pilgrims Freediving by phone or text 0431 036 845. Be aware that mobile phone coverage on the island is intermittent and unreliable.
  • If travelling by private vessel, please register your movements with Marine Rescue Port Stephens, (02) 4981 3585 on marine radio prior to travel.
  • Access to the campground is via Esmeralda Cove, on the south-eastern side of the island. The moorings in Esmeralda Cove are all privately owned and cannot be used by the general public.
  • Weather and sea conditions can change rapidly and may delay your departure from the island. Please be prepared with adequate food supplies.

Guided tours to the island are also offered by the following tour operators:

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

19°C and 27°C

Highest recorded

41.5°C

Winter temperature

Average

10°C and 19°C

Lowest recorded

1.1°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

May

Driest month

November

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

257.8mm

Facilities

  • There are three timber camping platforms and two grassy sites. You can select which site you’d like when booking.
  • If you decide to camp on a timber platform, bring some extra rope to assist in securing tents to anchor points.
  • Water is not available at this campground.
  • Weather and sea conditions can change rapidly and may delay your departure from the island, so be prepared with adequate food supplies.
  • There is no power on the island
  • There is very little shade on the island
  • Campers are required to take all rubbish with them on departure

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Types of sites

  • Unpowered sites
  • Marked sites

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

This is a remote campground, campers need to be self-sufficient and be prepared for rapidly changing weather and sea conditions. Be prepared by bringing additional supplies in the event severe weather conditions delay your departure.

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled by lifeguards and can have strong rip currents. The safest place to swim is at a patrolled beach, between the red and yellow flags. Check the Beachsafe website to find the nearest patrolled beach. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Boating safety

If you're out on your boat fishing, waterskiing or just cruising the waterways, read these paddling and boating safety tips.

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, the rocks 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 and rock fishing safety tips.

Mobile safety

Mobile phone coverage at this campground is intermittent and unreliable.

Paddling safety

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

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

  • Fireworks are prohibited
  • Amplified music is not permitted

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

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.