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The Basin campground

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is one of Sydney's most popular beach camping spots. 

Accommodation Details
Camping type Tent, Remote/backpack camping
Facilities Amenities block, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water, public phone, showers, toilets
Entry fees

Park entry fees for this park are not included in your camping fees.
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
  • If you choose to arrive by car instead of ferry or water taxi, you'll be walking a 2.8km track from West Head Road carpark to get to and from the campground.
  • It's better to get the ferry if you have heavy camping gear or kids. 
  • If you're camping at The Basin and arriving by ferry from Palm Beach, please drop your camping gear at the ferry wharf. Leave your car in the seasonal carpark at the Careel Bay Sporting Fields, then catch the 199 bus back to the wharf. The 199 bus comes every 15 minutes, and it's just a short 5 minute ride.
  • Check in after 10am. Check out before 10am.
  • Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • The Basin is a family friendly campground. For the safety of all visitors, NPWS reserves the right to ask those displaying anti-social behaviour to leave the grounds.

The Basin campground is the only place you can camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This large, grassy area overlooks Pittwater, offering lovely surroundings and views.

It’s easy to see why this waterfront campground is so popular. At The Basin, you’ll find great facilities along with a picnic area, sheltered beach and an inland lagoon. The campground accommodates up to 350 campers.

Pitch your tent in a shady spot, enjoy a bike ride or a swim and see if you can spot the local swamp wallabies or kookaburras.

There’s no car access to The Basin campground. You can park at West Head Road but it's a steep 2.8km walk to the campground from there. If you're not up for the hike, arrive by water taxi, boat or a ferry which leaves from Palm Beach Wharf.

Take a virtual tour of The Basin campground captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Things to do:

Basin Aboriginal art site

Basin Aboriginal art site in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers picnicking and walking. The fascinating rock engravings at the site are part of the significant Aboriginal cultural heritage in this area.

Basin Aboriginal Art site, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo © Andrew Richards

 

Download our app

The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.

Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

Bookings

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • The entrance to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay is closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 5.30pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 20 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

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