General info

Getting there
Closest point to drive and park is on sealed roads, from there it is on foot to the campsite 32 km NNE of Sydney GPS: Latitude 33° 36′ 11.196"S Longitude 151° 17′ 35.664"E By ferry from Palm Beach Wharf or hire a water taxi. You own a boat can be anchored in the bay opposite the camping area. Walk or mountain bike in along Basin track. No car access to the actual camp site
General Information
There is a long walk into this campsite This is a very well established campsite with large open areas. Toilet blocks and even a vending machine are available.
Bookings and contact information
You can book a campsite by phoning the Campsite contact For more information contact the NPWS The Basin and Beechwood Cottage (Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park) office on: Phone:02 9974 1011 (more contact details)

Fees
Camping fees apply Adult=$14 Per Night Children=$7 Per Night	Car entry fees apply Vehicle=$14 Per Day
If you've booked a campsite and will be arriving at The Basin by water, you won't need to pay a landing fee - it's covered in the cost of your campsite booking. Online booking form available at NPWS website. There is a 2 adult min fee per night. A $3 per adult ($2 per child) landing fee if coming via boat. Children rates apply to people aged 5-15 years (children under 5 are free)

Facilities
Toilets Flush toilets available	Showers Cold showers are provided on site
Water Drinking water is provided on site	Picnic Tables Picnic tables are provided on site
Pit fire BBQs Wood fired Pit BBQ's are provided - bring your own wood	Electric of Gas BBQs Gas or electric BBQ's are provided
Rubbish Bins There are rubbish bins provided on site	Campfires Fires are generally permitted at this campsite, be aware of local fire bans.

Park information

A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments,	$11	$10
Region: Sydney & Surrounds	Park fees	Camping	Facilities

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Maps of campsite

Map Scale 1 km

User Comments

Comments

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unknown - big walk IP:220.239.174.xxx | 2008-10-11 11:29:22 if ur up 4 a big walk do it Quote 2   0

Anonymous - Beautiful, conveniet, a bit lo IP:124.170.103.xxx | 2008-10-19 20:23:38 Very beautiful campgrounds, with all the luxuries for a comfortable stay. If you drive to Palm Beach (multi-day parking available) and take a ferry, then there is no walking at all. Very convenient! Beware, however, that Basin campground is near the city, so on Saturday night you will get the loud party crowds. If you would like to see more of the Basin photos, you can do so on Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/brightsea/sets/72157608171841683/ Quote 7   6

Bron IP:203.206.220.xxx | 2008-11-03 14:56:17 Been here for family and scout camps. A great campsite for a relaxing weekend or with childern. Facilties are great. The ferry crew are use to campers bringing gear across so no hassles there. There is a ranger present night and day who ensures everyone is courteous of other campers. Apparently if you want to use one of the campfire pits you need to book it. There's a geocache at the top of the hill above campsite and is well worth the walk up for the views! Quote 4   0

jen - parent supervision IP:122.106.184.xxx | 2009-05-04 20:41:30 does anyone know if parent supervision is need to people under the age of 18 to go in this camping site???? Quote 10   0

admin - re: parent supervision Super Administrator | 2009-05-06 14:45:56 jen wrote: does anyone know if parent supervision is need to people under the age of 18 to go in this camping site???? Hi Jen Can I suggest you call NPWS on 02 9974 1011. Their msg says that they will not except booking for people under 18, not sure if this means people under 18 need to be supervised. Matt :) Quote 0   0

jen - re: re: parent supervision IP:122.106.228.xxx | 2009-05-07 20:00:43 Cheers mate admin wrote: jen wrote: does anyone know if parent supervision is need to people under the age of 18 to go in this camping site???? Hi Jen Can I suggest you call NPWS on 02 9974 1011. Their msg says that they will not except booking for people under 18, not sure if this means people under 18 need to be supervised. Matt :) Quote 0   0

Anonymous IP:124.168.235.xxx | 2009-08-10 10:12:46 :twisted: :x :( :0 :shock: Quote 0   0

James - How far is the walk from West IP:165.228.176.xxx | 2009-10-28 00:31:19 I'm going there with my son's Year 1 class in a few weeks - how far is the walk down from West Head Road? Of course, carrying camping gear may make this a non-starter...! :D Quote 0   0

admin - re: How far is the walk from W Super Administrator | 2009-10-28 05:55:13 James wrote: I'm going there with my son's Year 1 class in a few weeks - how far is the walk down from West Head Road? Of course, carrying camping gear may make this a non-starter...! :D Camping with a year 1 class, sounds like fun :) The walk is pretty solid, with a pretty steep section at the end. Look at catching the ferry. The walk in is a bit shy of 3km see http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/ku-ring-gai-chase-national-park/the-basin.html for maps and notes Quote 0   0

chris - cars IP:123.2.141.xxx | 2009-11-17 04:15:53 Hi. If you are coming by car, where is the best place to park? I found parking near the ferry terminal at palm beach was fairly expensive when camping for a few days. Quote 0   0

admin - re: cars Super Administrator | 2009-11-17 05:35:48 chris wrote: I found parking near the ferry terminal at palm beach was fairly expensive when camping for a few days. Hi Chris, Sure those parking fees would sting. I check the council web site and it looks like there are no fee parking near the junction of Iluka & Woorak Roads, about 700m south of the Palm Beach ferry wharf. http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/local_services/parking/car_parking_areas Hope that helps Matt :) Quote 1   0

Amanda - public transport IP:122.107.111.xxx | 2010-02-09 09:59:20 Hi Iv heard the walk is a long one. I have a three yr old and my boss was telling me that if u traain bus and ferry it instead of driving the walk is alot shorter. Is this the case? Quote 0   0

admin - re: public transport Super Administrator | 2010-02-10 01:32:30 Amanda wrote: Iv heard the walk is a long one. Hi Amanda Your boss has a good point, for a 3 yr this is a very long walk. (you can see a link to walking notes in an earlier comment). Ferry is a good idea. Parking near the ferry is expensive, maybe someone could drop you off, or catch the bus. Enjoy your camping trip Matt :) Quote 0   0

Rich H IP:124.169.139.xxx | 2010-09-11 09:00:26 Heya, Are you aloud to create a fire pit near your tent? or do you have to use one of the designated ones? Thanks, Rich Quote 0   0

admin - re: Fire Pits Super Administrator | 2010-09-13 00:57:53 Rich H wrote: Are you aloud to create a fire pit near your tent? Hi Rich Please use an existing fire pit, you could imagine if everyone created there own fire pit, then place would be spoiled pretty quickly. Have a great camping trip Matt :) Quote 0   0

Rich H - Milk and Bread runs? IP:124.168.25.xxx | 2010-09-24 13:29:47 Thanks Matt, much appreciated! Just another question, I was having a chat with a mate of mine in Marine Rescue(coast guard) and he mentioned to me that they possibly do milk and bread runs on the early ferry trips, is this the case? Thanks, rich Quote 0   0

admin - re: Milk and Bread runs? Super Administrator | 2010-09-26 13:05:27 Rich H wrote: milk and bread runs on the early ferry trips, is this the case? Yep I have seen that, but not sure how you book, try calling the ferry and see if they can help. I don't think it is the ferry, I think it is a smaller boat that service the campsite and people staying o/n on their boats. (let us know what you find out) Matt :) Quote 0   0

JUDY P IP:220.101.161.xxx | 2010-10-01 21:08:57 COMMING OVER FOR THE DAY TO CHECK IT OUT FOR CAMPING WITH MY 5YR OLD GRANDAUGHTER.IS FISHING ALLOWED? Quote 0   2

Sandra IP:60.229.38.xxx | 2010-10-06 23:30:21 How do you walk a heavy canvas tent and poles 3 kms???? Or am I getting the wrong end of the stick on this. Quote 0   0

admin - re: heavy tent Super Administrator | 2010-10-06 23:36:13 Sandra wrote: How do you walk a heavy canvas tent and poles 3 kms???? Or am I getting the wrong end of the stick on this. Hi Sandra, sounds like a difficult walk in with such a big tent. Consider carrying a lighter nylon style tent. Or catch the ferry in with the gear, You will want to chat with the ferry captain first, especially if the poles are long and difficult to get on the boat. Have a great time Matt :) Quote 0   0

bhavin - walk to campsite? IP:140.168.135.xxx | 2010-12-01 00:38:42 Hi, I am still confused if there is quite a lot of walk to campsite from the carpark or not. Is car park far from the campsite? Cheers, Bhavin Quote 0   0

admin - re: walk to campsite? Super Administrator | 2010-12-01 03:49:04 bhavin wrote: ..is quite a lot of walk to campsite from the carpark or not. Hi Bhavin The walk in is a bit shy of 3km see http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/ku-ring-gai-chase-national-park/the-basin.html for maps and notes. OR you can come in by boat or ferry. There is no car access to the campsite for campers. Hope that makes it clearer. Have a great camping trip Matt :) Quote 0   0

lucia - Dogs? IP:202.67.68.xxx | 2010-12-11 02:43:36 Hey, i am visiting the basin soon and I live right around the corner from the basin in another bay. I was just wondering weather you can bring your dog? He does not chase any animals. Quote 0   0

admin - re: Dogs? Super Administrator | 2010-12-12 21:17:06 lucia wrote: I was just wondering weather you can bring your dog? Hi Lucia This is a great place to camp, great that you live nice a close. Dog are not allowed in National Parks (this campsite is in a National Park). Unless the dog is a guide dog. I am sure your dog is very friendly, but the ruling is not just about the possible direct attack but also about indirect issues. Check out this link, it helps explain why. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/lookingafterparks/PetsinParks.htm Hope you have a great camping trip Matt :) Quote 0   0

admin - re: Super Administrator | 2010-12-12 21:27:25 JUDY P wrote: IS FISHING ALLOWED? Sorry for my late reply, but just noticed this question. Yes you can fish in the Pitwater, usual fishing licence is required. Matt :) Quote 0   0

Jason IP:110.175.246.xxx | 2010-12-18 01:05:18 Is there a camp fidge for milk etc? Quote 0   0

admin - re: Super Administrator | 2010-12-18 02:10:54 Jason wrote: Is there a camp fidge for milk etc? Hi Jason No fridge, you might want to take some UHT milk. Keep an eye out for a boat that comes around most days over summer selling fresh milk, papers and some drinks for people living on boats. There is a drinks vending machine for cold soft drinks. Have a great time. Matt :) Quote 0   0

Jen - camping elsewhere IP:192.160.115.xxx | 2010-12-29 01:44:35 Can you camp at other places that are not in the designated camping spot? It looks like these sites are very open and have no privacy... is there anywhere to camp with privacy? Quote 0   0

Brennan IP:121.72.78.xxx | 2010-12-29 04:07:25 How are you supposed to book this? I ring the number given and they are not back until Jan 4 (their mailbox is full with people's messages) and it is only Dec 29 now (was wanting a few days in between). Would be good if they had online bookings like other places. I wonder if I just turn up will the ranger take my money and give me a permit. Quote 0   0

admin - re: camping elsewhere Super Administrator | 2010-12-29 04:36:33 Jen wrote: is there anywhere to camp with privacy? Hi Jen, this is a pretty open campsite, there are a few spots near some big trees, but no places I would call private. Hope that helps. Matt :) Quote 0   0

admin - re: Super Administrator | 2010-12-29 04:59:59 Brennan wrote: I wonder if I just turn up will the ranger take my money and give me a permit. Hi Brennan, sounds frustrating. You could try just turning up and pay when you get there, but it is a very busy time of year and you run a high risk of the place been fully booked up. Try phone NPWS main info line on 1300 361 967 and see if they can help, or try another number at Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP. Hope you manage to work it out and have a good time. Matt :) Quote 0   0

Kaitlin - Under 18s IP:124.169.12.xxx | 2011-04-05 08:46:00 i was just wondeirng can you stay there with a group of friends if you're all under 18? Quote 0   0

admin - re: Under 18s Super Administrator | 2011-04-05 23:12:45 Kaitlin wrote: i was just wondeirng can you stay there with a group of friends if you're all under 18? Hi Kaitlin Good to hear you are planing a camping trip with your friends. NPWS has a policy for this particular campsite that says NPWS wrote: People under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/parkinfo/KuringgaiBasinConditions.htm So you will need a responsible adult with you to camp at this campsite. Matt :) Quote 0   0

Tim IP:202.92.90.xxx | 2011-05-30 07:17:54 Hi Are any of the campsites electrified? And are they separately designated or do you just pick a spot? Thanks Tim Quote 0   0

admin - re: Super Administrator | 2011-05-30 23:08:49 Tim wrote: Hi Are any of the campsites electrified? And are they separately designated or do you just pick a spot? Thanks Tim Hi Tim There is no power at the individual campsites, but there is electricity on site running some of the facilities and lighting. Do note there is no road access to this campsite, boat or walking access only. Sites can be booked, but outside peak season there is a lot of choice. Matt :) Quote 0   0

Marcus IP:203.9.151.xxx | 2011-07-06 06:29:50 I was thinking of bringing 2 kids in September for 2 nights (in school holidays). Am I able to secure a spot with one of the fire pits or is it first come? Also is there any issue with gathering fallen wood for a fire? Thanks Quote 0   0

Matt :) - re: IP:210.7.19.xxx | 2011-07-06 22:30:04 Marcus wrote: I was thinking of bringing 2 kids in September for 2 nights (in school holidays). Am I able to secure a spot with one of the fire pits or is it first come? Also is there any issue with gathering fallen wood for a fire? Thanks Hi Marcus A great opertunity for the kids, they should love it. Phone NPWS to book the campsite when you know when you are going an see if you can book a site with a fire place, but I am not 100% sure you can. there is only a small amount of fallen timber, best to bring your own, fallen timber is important habitat for many organisms in places like this Matt :) Quote 0   0

Greg - Where to park if going by boat IP:120.18.103.xxx | 2011-09-01 11:27:09 Hi Matt, Just wondering where the best place to park the car and boat trailer is if coming across from Palm Beach? Is any free? Thanks Mate Quote 0   0

admin - re: Where to park if going by Super Administrator | 2011-09-02 08:05:20 Greg wrote: Just wondering where the best place to park the car and boat trailer is if coming across from Palm Beach? Is any free? Thanks Mate Here is the link to the council parking info http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/local_services/parking/car_parking_areas Short story is it is a fair walk back to your boat if looking for a free parking. You may walk to park south near Iluka Rd, and have someone else drive the boat down the pick you up from the beach there?? - just an idea Happy camping Matt :) Quote 0   0

Greg - Wallabies IP:120.20.207.xxx | 2011-09-04 05:52:05 Hi There - just a warning for campers the wallabies and wildlife have been fed by visitors and have become a huge problem, they raid your campsite, you arrive thinking they are cute by the time you leave you think they are vermin. They are a big problem. The birds will sweep in and take food off your bbq while you are cooking it, and out your hands while you are eating. The turkeys jump on your table and throw everything off looking for food. LOCK UP your food. I think the rangers need to do something as the wallabies will not leave unless you really run at them, they are not afraid at all. There should also be signage warning campers. I haven't had a problem like this camping anywhere in Australia. All round it is an awesome camp, clean and well maintained, just the wildlife that's the problem. this is coming from someone who loves and enjoys wildlife. They also only have two fire pits for the whole campsite which is hopelessly inadequate. That said we enjoyed our stay. Quote 0   0

Kate - WestHead Parking & Walk IP:210.56.70.xxx | 2011-09-26 13:37:17 Friends and I are planning a trip to The Basin for a few days. Is there parking at Westhead where I can leave the car? Is it safe to leave the car there? Also, the NPWS website says it's a 2.8km walk along The Basin track. Is it a difficult walk? How long does it take to get from WestHead to The Basin via the track? Quote 0   0

admin - re: WestHead Parking & Walk Super Administrator | 2011-09-26 21:12:09 Kate wrote: Friends and I are planning a trip to The Basin for a few days. Is there parking at Westhead where I can leave the car? Is it safe to leave the car there? Hi Kate You can park your car at the start of the walk. Westhead is locked between sunset and sunrise each day. Daily car fees apply. I have not heard of anyone having trouble with their car. The walk in is flat for the most part, but the last part is steep. http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/ku-ring-gai-chase-national-park/the-basin.html Otherwise you can catch the ferry from Palm Beach. Since it is school holidays, and a long weekend, I would phone ahead to make sure a space is available. Happy camping Matt :) Quote 0   0

Kate - Great Camping Trip IP:210.56.70.xxx | 2011-10-04 01:12:10 I'm back from The Basin and just feel like sharing a bit of my experience. The Basin is a beautiful place to go camping, so many places to explore! My friends and I had a great time. ^^, Campsites aren't allocated, so we were able to move out tents when we noticed the water puddle creeping closer to our original spot. The most difficult part is getting there. If deciding to walk from the start of the Basin Trail, the trail is relatively flat for about 20-30 minutes, then begins to go into a steep winding decline for another 20-25 mins so it can be pretty unsafe carrying a lot of heavy gear. The ferry is the safest option if you have a lot of gear but parking at Palm beach isn't cheap for an extended trips. The birds do swoop and get pretty close to you so watch out! We didn't have any issues with the wallabies, though they can get close to your site as it is their normal eating ground. All in all, a great trip. Thanks for the info admins and others! Quote 0   0

Kate - Great Camping Trip IP:210.56.70.xxx | 2011-10-04 01:19:18 Oh! And The Basin is divided up into two areas, the Camping area and the Picnic area. The camping area has one gazebo with picnic tables at the far end. The Pinic area has a larger covered area with 5/6 gas BBQs and plenty of picnic tables. There's two fire pits in the on either side of the picnic area and 5/6 wood fire BBQs around the edge of the Picnic area with a few tables close by. Hope this helps future campers. ^^, Quote 1   0

Hong Co - Camping gear IP:49.2.14.xxx | 2011-10-10 11:41:52 Hi Admin and previous campers, Hope this post finds you well. We're planning to go camping at The Basin this coming November, and just a bit worried about where to put our camping gear (just the tent and a few sleeping bags, and maybe some few cooking utensils) when we go bush walking on the next day. We're gonna get there by public transport (bus from Central station and ferry at Palm Beach), so won't have a car with us to store all the camping gear. This causes problem when we decide to go bush walking on the next day, and don't want to carry all the heavy camping gear with us. Any suggestions? Quote 0   0

admin - re: Camping gear Super Administrator | 2011-10-10 23:59:13 Hong Co wrote: ...just a bit worried about where to put our camping gear (just the tent and a few sleeping bags, and maybe some few cooking utensils) when we go bush walking on the next day....Any suggestions? Hi Hong Thanks for the e-mail. Most people will leave this kind of gear in their tent and go for a walk, taking and particularly valuable gear with them. There is an obvious risk that someone might steal the gear, but it is rare at campsites like this. Generally more of a risk at caravan parks or where there is easy car access. Some people will put small padlocks on the tents zippers, obviously tents are easy to cut through, but it is more obvious then to other people around that something dodgy is going on. Hope that helps and that you find a solutions that works for you. Happy camping Matt :) Quote 0   0

Ellen - Ice @ The Basin IP:58.166.124.xxx | 2011-11-19 00:10:51 Hi Admin/others, My friends and I are looking at camping at The Basin for a few days over New Years. We're just wondering if there is anywhere to get ice at The Basin - so we can keep meat cold for those few days. Thanks! Ellen Quote 0   0

admin - re: Ice @ The Basin IP:211.30.222.xxx | 2011-11-20 23:03:44 Ellen wrote: is anywhere to get ice at The Basin Hi Ellen There is a boat that does the rounds selling ice creams, coffee, newspapers, bread, milk and Ice. It is only in the area at busy times, which I think new years counts. I obviously can't be 100% sure you will link up with the boat. You could always catch the ferry, and bring some ice back with you. If it just a few days you will probably be fine with a well packed esky. If you are worried there are a few places around Sydney that sell dry ice, that will keep things cold for longer. Hope that helps Matt :) Quote 0   0

Sissy - Fee IP:120.20.143.xxx | 2011-12-14 08:44:22 Should we pay for the Electric of Gas BBQs or it is free? Quote 0   0

admin - re: Fee Super Administrator | 2011-12-14 10:09:45 Sissy wrote: Should we pay for the Electric of Gas BBQs or it is free? Hi Sissy Sorry, I normally note that, but I forgot here. I think it was free - just a button to push. Probably best to ring NPWS and ask them to be sure. Thanks Matt :) Quote 0   0

Chris - Best Walk from Campsite IP:203.56.22.xxx | 2012-01-19 01:10:39 Hi Matt We are booked in for the coming weekend and wondered if you could advise the most interesting walk from the campground. We are all young and fit and be looking for something between 2-4 hours or so. I have printed out The Basin Track and Mackeral Track but there is so many walks on your list I wondered if there are any others accessible from the campsite. Great website we use a lot....many thanks Chris Quote 0   0

Joe - Mr IP:220.101.141.xxx | 2012-01-19 06:36:18 Hey Matt. several friends and I were looking at camping at the basin over this w/e 20/01/2012-22/01/2012. Just wondering what the deal is with booking, I am struggling to get into contact with customer service. Do you think If we were to show up sometime around 6pm would we be able to get a spot at the camp ground. would appreciate a rply asap. Regards Joe. Quote 0   0

Dee - music IP:119.161.71.xxx | 2012-02-02 04:59:16 I was just wondering what the music policy was in the campground? I want to have a gathering for my birthday... thanks Quote 0   0

Ali - Charcoal portable BBQ IP:203.11.225.xxx | 2012-04-10 06:38:35 Does anyone know if you can take portal charcoal BBQ to the Basin campsite. I seem to find conflicting information! Quote 0   0

admin - re: Charcoal portable BBQ Super Administrator | 2012-04-11 14:33:18 Ali wrote: Does anyone know if you can take portal charcoal BBQ to the Basin campsite. I seem to find conflicting information! Hi Ali I would suggest calling the campground office on 02 9974 1011, they should be able to tell you. I tried to call today, but did not get through. Since campfires are allowed, I think it would be fair to assume that charcoal BBQ would be fine. You would just need to set it up in a way that they that leaves no scare. Maybe use it at an existing fire place. But best call the office to be sure. Let us know what you find out. Happy camping Matt :) Quote 0   0

andy evans - mr IP:123.243.77.xxx | 2012-10-20 03:07:38 just found this page after searching for ages for a reliable camping site. great work on a really informative and easy to navigate site. Quote 0   0

Ade - Mr IP:203.3.232.xxx | 2013-04-19 11:59:13 Does anyone have a contact for a barge / ferry charter company who can take 3 families and their camping gear from Palm Beach to The Basin. Quote 0   0

admin - Ferry details Super Administrator | 2013-04-20 02:09:54 Ade wrote: Does anyone have a contact for a barge / ferry charter company who can take 3 families and their camping gear from Palm Beach to The Basin. http://www.palmbeachferries.com.au/ Happy camping Matt :) Quote 0   0

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