Diamond Head Crowdy Bay National Park
Experience iconic Australian wildlife encounters with kangaroos on the beach and explore scenic coastal walks at Diamond Head Campground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to get a site
Diamond Head Crowdy Bay National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to get a site
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience iconic Australian wildlife encounters with kangaroos on the beach and explore scenic coastal walks at Diamond Head Campground.
"One of the best national park campgrounds we have stayed at!! It is beautiful."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Access Roads
Unsealed roads can be rough. Allow extra time and drive slowly, especially in a low-clearance vehicle.
🦘 Be Wildlife Aware
Kangaroos are common. Keep a safe distance and never feed them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kangaroo Encounters on the Beach
Diamond Head Campground & Diamond Head Beach
Witness kangaroos grazing on the beach and around the campground – a truly iconic Australian wildlife experience.
+4
Coastal Walks and Views
Mermaid Lookout Track, Headland, Forest, and Diamond Head Loop walks
Explore scenic coastal trails offering stunning ocean vistas and access to beautiful, often deserted, beaches.
+1
Pristine Beach Access
South Bank Beach
Enjoy direct access to a beautiful beach, perfect for swimming, beach driving, and soaking up the coastal atmosphere.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Diamond Head Campground
Prepare for Unsealed Access Roads
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Access Roads
Unsealed roads can be rough. Allow extra time and drive slowly, especially in a low-clearance vehicle.
🦘 Be Wildlife Aware
Kangaroos are common. Keep a safe distance and never feed them.
🔥 Rent a Fire Pit
Fire pits can be rented from reception if you don't have your own. Enjoy a cozy campfire.
🚿 Cold Showers
Showers are available but are typically cold. Be prepared for a refreshing rinse!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Access Roads
Unsealed roads can be rough. Allow extra time and drive slowly, especially in a low-clearance vehicle.
🦘 Be Wildlife Aware
Kangaroos are common. Keep a safe distance and never feed them.
🔥 Rent a Fire Pit
Fire pits can be rented from reception if you don't have your own. Enjoy a cozy campfire.
🚿 Cold Showers
Showers are available but are typically cold. Be prepared for a refreshing rinse!
💰 Park Access Fee
A daily park access fee applies per calendar day, even if you leave before 10 am.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diamond Head Campground is highly praised for its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife (especially kangaroos), and excellent amenities like clean bathrooms. Many visitors find the experience unforgettable, despite the challenging unsealed access roads and cold showers. The park access fee structure has been noted as a minor point of contention for some.
"One of the best national park campgrounds we have stayed at!! It is beautiful. The sites are laid out really well, and it has the best bathrooms we have seen at a national park (actual flushing toilets in a really big area). There was so many kangaroos lounging around the camp, and the atmosphere was just really nice with everyone sat around their own camp fires (which you can rent from the little reception office if you don’t have your own). Couldn’t recommend this more!!!"
Jennifer Gallagher
"Book for two nights travelling through and the grounds are amazing. The couple in the office were very friendly and helpful. The wildlife's unreal. Encountered a lot of friendly people in the park during my stay and was even lucky enough to have a night cap drink with a handsome man. Thanks for having me 😄"
Charlea Litchfield
"The road to access was a bit damaged but worth the drive. Campgrounds clean and tidy. Plenty of wildlife around. Can’t see the beach but you can hear it and it is easy to walk too. Amenities clean. Cold showers."
Ash Shean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Diamond Head Campground involves driving on unsealed roads for approximately 25-50 minutes, depending on your vehicle and driving speed. Travelers recommend caution due to potholes.
The unsealed access roads can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. It's advisable to drive slowly and carefully to avoid damage.
The park is located about 3 hours north of Sydney. Driving is the most common method, with the final approach to Diamond Head Campground being on unsealed roads.
Currently, there are no widely advertised shuttle services directly to Diamond Head Campground. Self-driving is the primary mode of transport.
While main park roads might be sealed, the final stretch to Diamond Head Campground is unsealed and can be rough with potholes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a daily park access fee per calendar day, which is separate from the camping fees.
Camping fees vary, and it's best to check the official NSW National Parks website for current pricing. Remember to factor in the daily park access fee.
Yes, booking online through the NSW National Parks website is highly recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.
It might be possible during the off-season if the campground isn't full, but booking in advance is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
Standard check-in and check-out times apply, typically with check-out around 10 am. The park access fee is charged per calendar day.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll likely see numerous kangaroos grazing around the campground and on the beach. Birdlife is also abundant.
Yes, the campground has clean and tidy amenities, including flushing toilets and showers. However, the showers are typically cold.
Campfires are permitted, and you can rent fire pits from the reception office if you don't have your own.
There is a small convenience shop at the reception office where you can purchase essentials and rent fire pits.
Activities include walking scenic coastal tracks, swimming and beach driving at South Bank Beach, and enjoying the abundant wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach with kangaroos is a prime photography spot. Coastal lookouts and scenic walking tracks also offer great photo opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for capturing wildlife and landscapes.
Yes, but always maintain a respectful distance. The kangaroos are often quite habituated to people.
The coastal walks, such as the Headland and Diamond Head Loop, provide elevated viewpoints for capturing the coastline.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for landscapes and wildlife. A telephoto lens can be beneficial for closer shots of kangaroos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚗 Road Trippers & Vanlifers
+3 Be prepared for the unsealed access roads, especially if you're in a campervan or a vehicle with lower clearance. Booking ahead is recommended, but off-season might offer walk-in spots. 📸 Wildlife Photographers
+2 Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing these moments. Beyond kangaroos, the coastal landscapes and diverse birdlife also present excellent photographic subjects. Remember to pack appropriate lenses and be patient for the perfect shot. Respecting the animals' space is paramount. 👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The beach offers plenty of space for kids to play, and the coastal walks are generally manageable for most ages, though supervision is always key. The campground's clean facilities are a plus for families. Be mindful of the unsealed roads when driving in, and ensure children are supervised around wildlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Diamond Head
+4 This makes it a dream destination for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Remember to always maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding the animals to ensure their well-being and preserve their natural behavior. The abundance of birdlife also adds to the rich biodiversity of the area. Beyond kangaroos, keep an eye out for various bird species that inhabit the coastal environment. The park's natural setting provides a sanctuary for these animals, offering a truly immersive experience in Australian fauna. The close proximity of the wildlife to the campground is a significant drawcard, creating memorable moments for visitors.
+1Navigating the Access Roads
While the unsealed section is a drawback for some, many visitors agree that the destination is well worth the effort.
Camping Experience and Amenities
While the facilities are generally good, a common point of feedback is that the showers are cold.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit