Dawsons Spring Campground

Nestled within the lush bushland of the Tomaree National Park, Dawsons Spring Campground offers a genuine back-to-nature escape on the shores of Port Stephens. This small, walk-in campground is a favourite among self-sufficient travellers who want to trade caravan parks for the sound of kookaburras and the scent of eucalyptus. With no vehicle access to the campsites themselves, you’ll haul your gear a short distance from the car park, adding a touch of adventure to your stay. The campground is a short drive from Nelson Bay, making it an ideal base for exploring the natural wonders of the Port Stephens area.

Highlights & What to See

• Tomaree National Park walks: The park is crisscrossed with trails, including the popular Tomaree Head Summit Walk, which rewards you with sweeping views of the bay, offshore islands, and the possibility of spotting migrating whales between May and November.
• Dawsons Spring itself: A natural freshwater spring that once supplied water to the area; it’s a pretty spot for a picnic and a reminder of the region’s pre-colonial history.
• Wildlife encounters: Keep an eye out for lace monitors, wallabies, and a dazzling array of birdlife right from your tent flap.
• Shoal Bay beaches: Just a few minutes’ drive away, Shoal Bay offers calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Port Stephens dolphin watching: The bay is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins; several operators run cruises from Nelson Bay, but you can often spot them from the headland walks.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dawsons Spring Campground is best enjoyed as a two- to three-night stay, giving you time to settle into the rhythm of bush camping and fully explore Tomaree National Park. Spend your first day setting up and doing a short walk; dedicate the second day to the Tomaree Head Summit Walk and a lazy afternoon at Shoal Bay; and use your final morning for a paddle or a visit to the nearby Gan Gan Lookout before packing up. If you’re on a tight schedule, even a single overnight stop will feel like a mini-retreat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay: The lively hub of Port Stephens, with a marina, cafés, and dolphin cruise operators, just a 10-minute drive away.
• Shoal Bay: A beautiful beachside suburb with calm waters, a general store, and the Shoal Bay Country Club for a cold drink after a hike.
• Anna Bay: Famous for its towering sand dunes, where you can try sandboarding, quad biking, or take a camel ride along the beach.
• Stockton Beach: A 32-kilometre stretch of sand accessible by 4WD; explore shipwrecks and the vast dune system, or join a guided tour.
• Myall Lakes National Park: A stunning network of lakes and waterways about 40 minutes north, ideal for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.

Please check official sources for current details.