Gentlemans Halt campground
Marramarra National Park
Overview
Pitch your tent at Gentlemans Halt campground, deep within Marramarra National Park, where you're likely to have the remote bushland and Hawkesbury River views to yourself.
| Camping type | Tent, Remote/backpack camping |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets |
| What to bring | Drinking water, cooking water, firewood |
| Price | There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies. |
| Group bookings | Bookings for up to 3 sites and 15 people can be made online. School groups and commercial tour operators can submit a group booking enquiry form. |
| Please note |
|
The 10km walk in to this remote campground is worth it for the serenity when you arrive. The hike in, along Canoelands Ridge walking track, offers stunning views of sandstone ridges and the Hawkesbury River. Once you arrive, it's time to relax by the river, spot sea eagles and wedge-tail eagles soaring above the trees, and catch a glimpse of lyrebirds and bandicoots who often visit at dusk and dawn.
Gentlemans Halt is also a great place to explore by water. Paddle in by kayak or canoe, or anchor your boat and enjoy a night sleeping under the stars in this back-to-basics campground, north of Sydney.
It's believed that Governor Phillip camped at Gentlemans Halt in 1789 during his explorations of Hawkesbury River. Today, you'll find it much the same - picturesque and remote bushland with great views across the river, and not a soul in sight.
Map
Map legend
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/gentlemans-halt-campground/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Lane Cove National Park Office
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
- 02 8448 0400
- npws.northwesternsydney@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Lane Cove National Park, 2 Max Allen Road Lindfield NSW 2070
Park info
- in Marramarra National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Marramarra National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Gentlemans Halt campground.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Gentlemans Halt campground is in the northern precinct of Marramarra National Park. To get there:
- Follow the directions to the park via Canoelands Road
- Continue driving on Canoelands Road until you see the carpark on your left
- Leave your car here and walk along the management trail for 8km
- Turn left onto the walking track and follow for 2km before you arrive at the campground
- You can also access the campground by boat from Hawkesbury River – there’s a timber wharf at the campground, located roughly opposite the community of Spencer.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at the start of Canoelands Ridge walking track.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Marramarra National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Unwind and take in the serenity of camping at Gentlemans Halt or Marramarra Creek campgrounds.
Spring
Wander through the bush and enjoy the colourful display of wildflowers.
Summer
Paddle the waterways by kayak or canoe and have a swim in the rivers.
Winter
Enjoy longer hikes and day walks such as Canoelands Ridge walking track or Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge walking track.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
19°C and 28°C
Highest recorded
44.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
6°C and 16°C
Facilities
- Water is not available at this campground
- Firewood is not provided and may not be collected from the park
- Rubbish bins are not available, so please take rubbish with you when leaving.
Toilets
- Composting toilet
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Fire rings (bring your own firewood)
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
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.
Learn more
Gentlemans Halt campground is in Marramarra National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Darug country
Marramarra is part of the traditional lands of the Darug Aboriginal people. Their use and respect of the land can be found in isolated corners of the park. The surviving Aboriginal sites, which provide the only indications of traditional life in the area, are of special importance to local Aboriginal communities. Cave art, rock engravings, grinding grooves, middens, scarred trees, and other occupational deposits and stone arrangements are all part of Marramarra.
Exploring the land
In the early days of the new colony, Hawkesbury River was a major communication route and supported an active river-based community. European exploration began as early as 1789 when Governor Arthur Phillip took his second trip up Hawkesbury River and camped at Gentlemans Halt. By 1884, there was a small community at Gentlemans Halt and a provisional school had been established; you can still see the foundations of a road and a wharf from this era. Other reminders of European historic heritage include remains of orange orchards along Marramarra Creek and the foundations of a hut, stone walls and a well at Big Bay.
Is it a bird?
Marramarra is home to a great diversity of animals and birds, making it a great place for wildlife spotting and bird watching. You're likely to spot a white-breasted sea eagle, swamp wallaby, possum or kingfisher in your travels. If you're lucky, you might come across some of the more uncommon animals found here such as rails, gang-gang and glossy black cockatoos, and red-crowned toadlets.
- Canoelands Ridge walking track Canoelands Ridge walking track is a beautiful day walk near Hornsby and Sydney. See scenic Hawkesbury River views and native wildflowers along the way on this long hike.
- Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge walking track Discover the beauty of Marramarra, near Hornsby, on this day walk. Enjoy scenic views, historic heritage, colourful wildflowers and picnicking along the way.
Plentiful lands
The sandstone ridges and deep gullies of Marramarra support a wide range of environments. Experience salt marsh and mangrove forests on the shores of Hawkesbury River, to tall open forest and ridge-top woodlands. In spring, the bush turns into a brilliant display of colour as the wildflowers burst in action. Discover the unique plant life and help preserve it – why not participate in the bush regeneration volunteer programs in the park?
- Canoelands Ridge walking track Canoelands Ridge walking track is a beautiful day walk near Hornsby and Sydney. See scenic Hawkesbury River views and native wildflowers along the way on this long hike.
- Marramarra adventurous journeys with YouthAdvance Fuel your sense of adventure on an exciting trip with YouthAdvance. You’ll learn navigation, teamwork and campcraft in beautiful Marramarra National Park, near Sydney.
- Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge walking track Discover the beauty of Marramarra, near Hornsby, on this day walk. Enjoy scenic views, historic heritage, colourful wildflowers and picnicking along the way.