Gillards campground sits in the southern section of Mimosa Rocks National Park on the Sapphire Coast, roughly halfway between Tathra and Bermagui. With around 40 sites, stair access to a sheltered beach, and some of the best wildlife spotting on the south coast, it is a campground that punches well above its weight. The Sapphire Coast does not get the same attention as the Shoalhaven or Eurobodalla further north, which means fewer crowds and more space.
Getting there#
Address: Gillards Road, Nelson, NSW, 2550
Turn off the Tathra-Bermagui Road onto Gillards Road, about 5 km south of Tanja and 9 km north of Tathra. Gillards Road is unsealed but 2WD suitable in dry conditions, running about 3 km through the bush to the campground. Can get slippery after rain — take it slowly if towing.
Driving distances:
- From Sydney: About 6 hours via the Princes Highway
- From Canberra: About 3.5 hours via the Kings Highway
- From Melbourne: About 7.5 hours via the Princes Highway
Nearest towns: Tathra (9 km south) for a supermarket, fuel, and cafes. Bega (20 km southwest) for full shops and a hospital.
Location
Open in Google MapsCampsites and layout#
About 40 unpowered sites spread through coastal bushland in several clusters divided by shrubs and trees, giving each cluster a semi-private feel. Sites suit tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Park next to your site (one vehicle per campsite). Ground is a mix of grass and compacted earth with tree cover.
Picking a site: Sites closest to the beach stairs are most popular. Sites further back are quieter and more sheltered from wind. On weekends and holidays, arrive before lunchtime for the best spots.
Facilities#
What's provided: Pit toilets (no flush), picnic tables, BBQ facilities and fire rings, car parking at each site.
What's not provided: No drinking water (bring at least 10 litres per person per day). No firewood (BYO — collecting is prohibited). No power. No showers. No rubbish collection (bring bags, pack out everything).
Check the official page for current status.
Fees and booking#
Book through the NPWS website or call 1300 072 757. Standard NPWS pricing applies. Check-in after 2pm, check-out by 10am. Maximum stay: 2 weeks during school holidays, 4 weeks otherwise. Up to 40 people or 9 sites bookable online; larger groups need a formal NPWS inquiry.
Gillards Beach#
Accessed via stairs directly from the campground. A sheltered sandy cove backed by rock platforms, better for swimming than many south coast beaches in calm conditions. Unpatrolled with potential strong rips — exercise caution.
Good for rock pooling at low tide, fishing off the platforms (bream, luderick, blackfish — NSW fishing licence required), surfing on south/southeast swells, and snorkelling around rock platforms in calm conditions.
Wildlife#
Mimosa Rocks is one of the richer wildlife corridors on the NSW south coast.
- Potoroos regularly seen at dusk around the campground — keep still and let them come to you
- Kangaroos and wallabies in clearings, early morning and late afternoon
- Goannas patrol during warmer months — keep food secured
- Birds — the park is part of the Ulladulla to Merimbula Important Bird Area, home to critically endangered swift parrots, plus sea eagles, honeyeaters, rosellas, and kookaburras
- Whales from May to November from coastal headlands. Dolphins year-round
- European wasps reported in late summer/autumn — keep food and sugary drinks covered
Walks#
- Gillards Beach coastal walk: Easy 5 km return along the trail behind the dunes. Kangaroos, wallabies, and birdlife. About 1.5 hours
- Mimosa Rocks walking track: 20 min drive north. Short boardwalk to a lookout over the Mimosa Rocks and remains of the SS Mimosa (wrecked 1863). Partly wheelchair accessible
- Middle Lagoon walk: Easy 2 km loop through spotted gum forest past a tranquil lagoon
- Wajurda Point lookout: Northern section, viewing platform for whale watching and dolphins
Nearby#
- Tathra Wharf (9 km): Last remaining coastal steamship wharf in NSW, museum, cafe, fishing
- Bournda National Park: South of Tathra, lagoon walk circuit and rocky beach
- Bermagui (15 km): Harbour, cafes, the famous Blue Pool, game fishing charters
- Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba (30 km): Heritage villages, cheese factory, Gulaga Mountain walk
Best time to visit#
Summer (Dec-Feb): Peak season. Book well ahead. European wasps more active.
Autumn (Mar-May): Best time. Crowds thin, comfortable temperatures, ocean retains summer warmth. Whale migration begins in May.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Quiet. Cool days, cold nights (low single digits). Whale watching at its peak. Campfires on cold nights are a highlight.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflowers, warming weather, active birdlife. Good shoulder season.
Tips#
- Bring water. No supply at the campground. At least 10 litres per person per day, more in summer or if walking a lot
- Book early for holidays. School holiday periods (especially summer and Easter) fill the campground
- Bring firewood. If you want a campfire, buy it in Tathra or Bega. Collecting in the park is prohibited and carries fines
- Prepare for weather. The south coast can turn quickly. Pack a tarp and warm layers even in summer
- Drive carefully on Gillards Road. The unsealed road can be slippery after rain — take it easy, especially with a trailer
- Bring insect repellent. Mosquitoes at dusk and European wasps in late summer. Keep food covered and sugary drinks attended
- Bring a torch. No lighting at the campground after dark. A head torch is useful for trips to the toilet at night
- Check fire bans before every trip. Total fire bans can be declared at short notice during summer
- Explore at low tide. Rock platforms at either end of Gillards Beach are best explored with the tide out
- Allow time for the drive. Sydney is 6 hours, Canberra 3.5 hours. Build in rest stops
Can't get a booking?#
Gillards campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area and books out fast - especially during school holidays, long weekends, and summer.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many campsites does Gillards campground have?
About 40 unpowered sites spread through coastal bushland in several clusters. Sites accommodate tents, caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes.
Does Gillards campground have showers?
No. Gillards has toilets and BBQs but no showers. Bring a solar shower bag or wash in the ocean (use biodegradable soap away from waterways).
Is drinking water available at Gillards campground?
No. Bring all your own water — at least 10 litres per person per day, more in summer.
Can I have a campfire at Gillards campground?
Fire rings are provided, but you must bring your own firewood (collecting in the park is prohibited). Always check for total fire bans before lighting.
What wildlife can I see at Gillards campground?
Potoroos at dusk, kangaroos and wallabies, goannas, echidnas, and a huge variety of birds including critically endangered swift parrots. Whales from May to November, dolphins year-round.
Can I bring my dog to Gillards campground?
No, pets are not permitted in Mimosa Rocks National Park.
How do I book Gillards campground?
Book online through the NSW National Parks website or call 1300 072 757. Popular periods sell out well in advance. Set up a free CampWatch alert for cancellation notifications.
Is Gillards campground suitable for caravans?
Yes. The campground accommodates caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes (unpowered). Take the unsealed access road slowly with a trailer, especially after rain.