Durras Lake North Campground

Set on the shores of the tranquil Durras Lake and just a short stroll from the wild Pacific surf, Durras Lake North Campground is a peaceful bush getaway on the NSW South Coast. Managed by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, this campground offers a true back-to-nature experience: unpowered sites shaded by spotted gums and banksias, the sound of kookaburras at dawn, and the smell of saltbush and eucalyptus in the air. It's the perfect base for kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing along the pristine Durras Beach, and a favourite for families and self-drive travellers looking for an affordable, scenic stop between Sydney and Melbourne.

Highlights & What to See

• Kayaking on Durras Lake – Paddle the calm, tannin-stained waters of the lake, weaving through mangroves and spotting waterbirds like pelicans, black swans, and egrets. You can launch directly from the campground.
• Durras Beach – A stunning, undeveloped stretch of sand just a 5-minute walk through the coastal heath. It’s patrolled in summer and great for swimming, surfing, or a long solitary walk.
• Murramarang National Park walks – The campground sits inside the park. Hit the Durras Mountain Walking Track for panoramic views over the lake and ocean, or the shorter Wasp Head loop for rock platforms and Aboriginal shell middens.
• Wildlife encounters – Eastern grey kangaroos often graze near the campsites at dusk. You might also see lace monitors, echidnas, and a dazzling array of birdlife, including glossy black-cockatoos.
• Fishing from the lake or beach – Durras Lake is a known spot for bream and flathead. Surf fishing from Durras Beach can yield salmon and tailor.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two nights to fully unwind and explore the lake and beach. A single overnight stop works if you’re on a coastal road trip, but you’ll want a full day to kayak the lake, walk the tracks, and enjoy the beach. Many travellers combine it with a self-drive itinerary from Sydney (3 hours north) or Canberra (2 hours inland), using the campground as a quiet nature retreat for a couple of nights.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Batemans Bay – 20 minutes south for supplies, oyster farms, and the Clyde River estuary.
• Mogo – A historic gold-mining village with a wildlife park and artisan shops, 15 minutes south-west.
• Pebbly Beach – Famous for its friendly kangaroos on the sand, a 10-minute drive north within Murramarang National Park.
• Ulladulla – A coastal town with a working harbour and the scenic Booderee National Park, about 45 minutes north.

Please check official sources for current details.