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Racecourse campground

Goolawah National Park

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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

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.

Take care in the water and please supervise children at all times.

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.

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

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

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.

Racecourse campground Search availability

Park info