Tattersalls campground

North Coast

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Tattersalls campground is a delightful riverside camping spot in Karuah National Park. It offers opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, paddling, boating and enjoying a barbecue near Karuah.

Accommodation Details
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, boat ramp, carpark
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood, insect repellent
Price There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • Sites are unmarked and unpowered
  • This is a remote campground, so please make sure you arrive well-prepared.
  • Be aware that mosquitoes are common, particularly during the summer months.

Set on the banks of Karuah River and surrounded by beautiful bushland, Tattersalls campground is a delightful riverside camping spot that will leave you feeling refreshed and revived.

Find a campsite and set up your tent, then enjoy bushwalking and birdwatching along the riverbank. Keep on the lookout for glossy black cockatoos feeding on the casuarina stands along the river’s edge.

This is also a great area to explore by water, so why not paddle in by kayak and canoe, or anchor your boat and enjoy a night sleeping under the stars? And with barbecues, campfires and picnic tables available, there are plenty of options to enjoy an outdoor dining experience. Try your luck fishing in the river and cook up your catch. Then snuggle up in your sleeping bag and let the gentle sounds of the river rock you into a peaceful sleep.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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/tattersalls-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Tattersalls campground.

Getting there and parking

Tattersalls campground is in Karuah National Park. To get there:

  • Turn onto Bucketts Way from Pacific Highway
  • Continue for approximately 9km then turn right onto Hobarts Road, just past Limeburners Creek.
  • Continue for approximately 4km then turn right onto Tattersalls Road
  • Follow for another 2km until you reach the campground

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Tattersalls campground can become boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available at Tattersalls campground.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Karuah National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Pack your fishing gear and head to the river at this popular fishing spot.

Spring

See how the wildflowers bring the bush to life in spring.

Summer

Launch your kayak, canoe or boat and explore the reserve by water.

Winter

Get cosy around the campfires on those cold winter nights.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

12°C to 28°C

Highest recorded

40.6°C

Winter temperature

Average

3°C to 18°C

Lowest recorded

-4.4°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

573.8mm

Facilities

  • Water is not available at this campground.
  • Rubbish bins are not available – please take rubbish with you when leaving.

Amenities

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
  • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

Boat ramp

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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.

This park or attraction is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

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).

Paddling safety

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

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty

Permitted

Fishing

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

Generators

Generators are permitted to be used in particular areas within this campground.

Prohibited

Noise restrictions apply at 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.

Learn more

Tattersalls campground is in Karuah National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Ancient connections

Karuah River, Karuah Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

Karuah National Park is part of the traditional lands of the Worimi Nation. Before European settlement, the Worimi People lived in an area from Port Stephens to Forster and as far west as Gloucester. There are a number of recorded Aboriginal sites in the reserve, particularly along Karuah River, such as modified trees, artefacts, earth mounds, shell middens and a burial site. The Worimi people continue to have a strong connection with the animals, land and waterways of Karuah.

Bird watching retreat

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), Karuah Nature Reserve. Photo: Lucy Morrell

You'll find an abundance of birdlife to watch at Karuah. Vulnerable species such as the square-tailed kite, swift parrot and masked owl find their home in eucalyptus woodlands. Glossy black cockatoos can be seen feeding on the casuarina stands along the river's edge. You might also see one of the 8 vulnerable bat species found here, including little bent-wing bats and greater broad-nosed bats. Karuah is also home to plenty of native animals. You'll most likely share your camping spot with locals like bandicoots and ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums. There's also a local koala population at Karuah, so keep your eyes peeled when you're walking through the eucalypt forest.

  • Double Wharf picnic area Take a day trip from Newcastle and spend the day picnicking, bushwalking, fishing, paddling and boating on the river at Double Wharf picnic area in Karuah National Park.

Rich in heritage sites

Karuah Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

As well as being a place of natural beauty and tranquillity, Karuah has many historic sites to remind you of the forestry industry that once thrived in this region. Driving through the forest, you'll be driving along a road network built by the timber industry and see timber loading ramps on the banks of the river at Double Wharf. Other historic sites to discover are a set of yards at Witt Road and the Hunter Jetty on Claybank Road.

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