Racecourse campground
Goolawah National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Racecourse campground.
Getting there and parking
Racecourse campground is in the southern precinct of Goolawah National Park. To get there from Kempsey:
- Take Crescent Head Road from South Kempsey
- Just after entering Crescent Head village, take the prominent right turn to Point Plomer Road and into Goolawah National Park.
- You’ll find the turn-off to Racecourse campground a further 6km south along Point Plomer Road
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to this campground can become boggy when it rains.
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Racecourse campground.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Goolawah National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
This is a great time to go beachcombing, feel the sand between your toes on a beach walk, and breathe in the salty sea air. The water is still quite warm in autumn, too, so a swim is certainly not out of the question.
Spring
Roam through the park in spring to go birdwatching and see the coastal heathlands bursting with wildflowers. The colourful banksias and bottlebrush will catch your eye instantly.
Summer
Bring your towel and bathers and hit the Crescent Head beaches. You'll find Goolawah Beach a great spot for swimming, surfing and snorkeling.
Winter
Winter is the time for whale watching. Climb to the headland to spot whales on their annual migration. Plan a winter trip if you prefer a quieter camping experience. Campgrounds are less crowded at this time of year.
Facilities
- Drinking water is not available at this campground. Non-potable bore water is available.
- Firewood for your brazier can be purchased from the campground manager
- Rubbish bins are provided during peak periods – at other times, please take rubbish with you when you leave.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Showers
Cold water beach showers are available but there is no private shower block.
- Cold showers
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
- Assistance may be required to access some parts of this area
- There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet with hard access path, however other campground surfaces and beach access tracks are natural and uneven, requiring assistance.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
Firewood may not be collected from the park. If you have a brazier you can purchase firewood from the campground manager.
Generators
Sites are not powered and generators are not permitted in this campground.
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.

Park info
- in Goolawah National Park in the North Coast region
Goolawah National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.