Crowdy Bay National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Crowdy Bay National Park runs along the state’s mid-north coast, a ribbon of lowlands with rocky outcrops and sandy beaches just south of Port Macquarie. The sculpted rock formations of Diamond Head tower more than 100 metres above Crowdy Bay, and are the perfect place for sweeping views of the ocean and – in season – the chance to see humpback whales on their annual migratory journey north to the warmer waters of Queensland to breed. The park is ideal for low-key, nature-based activities: camping, bushwalking, birdwatching, fi shing, swimming and combing the rock pools. Watch for wattlebirds and honeyeaters in the fl owering heath, and waterbirds near the park’s lagoons. Although most of the mammals are nocturnal, visitors may see red-necked wallabies or eastern grey kangaroos out grazing early in the morning or at dusk, or even nosing around the camping areas. Walk along the headlands, go beachcombing along the shoreline, or swim in the surf (but take care, as the beaches are not patrolled). A gravel road leads to the more secluded Mermaid Beach and Fig Tree Beach for those seeking solitude. When the tide goes out, explore the rock pools for small sea creatures (but leave them undisturbed). Australian author Kylie Tennant lived and wrote near here and her modest timber writing hut has been restored; you can see it on Kylies Loop Trail. Anglers will fi nd good rock-fi shing, with groper, bream, tailor and drummer the most likely hauls. There are campsites at Kylies Beach (take drinking water), Indian Head and Diamond Head, but these are very popular so bookings are essential during summer holidays.

Fact file

Camping

Kylies Beach, Indian Head, Diamond Head; fees payable; booking advised

Location and access

325 km north of Sydney; 25 km north-east of Taree via Pacific Hwy then turn off at Moorland to Crowdy Head; 33 km south of Port Macquarie via coast road to Kew then Laurieton

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• NPWS Port Macquarie
• (02) 6586 8300

Size

10 001 ha

Where to Stay

Harrington/Taree 1800 801 522
Port Macquarie 1300 303 155


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• Campsites

Campsites

Crowdy Gap camping area

Turn off Crowdy Bay Rd north of Crowdy Head, and you’ll find Crowdy Gap camping area nestled behind sand dunes on the site of an old dairy farm. There are 7 tent campsites, 2 trailer/caravan campsites and 1 group... Find out more

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Diamond Head camping area

Located just off Diamond Head Rd (Coral Ville–Laurieton Rd) on the north side of Diamond Head, this spot has pride of place by the windswept beach. Take care when swimming, as beaches aren’t patrolled.... Find out more

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Indian Head camping area

Sheltered at the base of the headland, 1 km south of Diamond Head camping area is Indian Head camping area, which has no wheelchair access. Kangaroos frequent the grassy clearing here, and there are a number of good... Find out more

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Kylies Beach camping area

Australian writer Kylie Tennant lived and wrote in this lovely part of the world; her restored cabin can be found a short walk from this campsite. There are secluded sites tucked away under trees up to 3 km from the road... Find out more

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Kylies Beach camping area (walk-in camping)

This is a special, secluded camping site about 200 m walk from Indian Head camping area. It’s small and basic.... Find out more

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