Photo: Tim Keegan / CC BY-SA 2.0
Telegherry Campground is a serene bush campsite tucked within the Myall Lakes National Park, about 30 minutes north of Port Stephens. This is a true off-grid escape where the soundtrack is bird calls and the rustle of paperbark trees. The campground sits on the shores of the Myall River, offering direct kayak and canoe access to the lake system. It’s a favourite for those who want to paddle, fish, or simply disconnect in a stunning natural setting. Facilities are basic, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient.
Highlights & What to See
- Myall Lakes National Park – Paddle through the tranquil, tea-tree-stained waters of Australia’s largest coastal lake system, home to abundant birdlife and serene waterways.
- Kanu Island – A short paddle from the campground; explore this small island with walking trails and a historic cemetery from the early timber-getting days.
- Bombah Broadwater – A vast, shallow lake perfect for kayaking, windsurfing, or spotting black swans and pelicans.
- Dark Point Walking Track – A 1.5-km walk from the campground leads to a dramatic sand dune and coastal lookout over the Pacific, with whale-watching opportunities June to November.
- Fishing and Crabbing – The river and lakes offer flathead, bream, and blue swimmer crabs; bring your gear for a classic Australian bush-camping experience.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors stay 2 to 3 nights to fully unwind and explore the waterways. Arrive early to set up camp and launch a kayak for an afternoon paddle to Kanu Island. Spend a full day exploring the lake system by boat or hiking the coastal dunes, then another morning fishing or birdwatching before packing up. If you’re short on time, a single overnight stop still gives you a taste of the wilderness, but you’ll want longer to truly slow down.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Stephens – A 30-minute drive east to the hub of dolphin-watching cruises, sand dunes at Stockton Bight, and excellent seafood at Nelson Bay.
- Booral – A historic village on the Karuah River with a charming pub and access to the Myall River headwaters.
- Bulahdelah – A small town 20 minutes north offering supplies, plus the Bulahdelah State Forest with walking trails and lookouts.
- Seal Rocks – A coastal hamlet with a lighthouse, pristine beaches, and the iconic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse walk, about 40 minutes south.
- Great Lakes Region – The network of lakes and rivers (Myall, Wallis, Smiths) are ideal for multi-day kayak camping trips, linking Telegherry to other remote campsites.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Shoal Bay — Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom / CC BY 2.0
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0
- Seal Rocks — Jocey K / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Bulahdelah — Sardaka ( talk ) 09:15, 29 March 2009 (UTC) / CC BY 3.0
- Karuah — Casliber / CC BY-SA 3.0