Banksia Green campground

Banksia Green campground is a compact base between the ocean and Bombah Broadwater in Myall Lakes National Park. Its 15 sites work best for campers who want simple bush facilities and quick beach access, not showers, power or a large buffer from neighbours.

Choose it over Mungo Brush for a smaller, beach-first stay. Skip it if you need reliable shade, separation from neighbours, showers or drinking water. There is no staffed reception listed, so the booking, park pass and chosen site number need to be ready before you arrive.

Sites and setting#

All 15 sites are marked and unpowered, with options for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Parking is available in the campground. The official layout shows a single loop, one toilet block, the beach path beside sites 8–15 and every pitch capped at 6m. It does not show shade, slope or privacy, so those are inspection questions rather than reasons to invent a numbered favourite.

The official campground page places the camp behind the dunes, a short walk from the ocean and in the opposite direction from Bombah Broadwater. The beach is unpatrolled and may have strong rips, so a calm-looking day does not remove the usual surf hazards.

Two routes into Banksia Green#

From Hawks Nest, follow Mungo Brush Road for about 20km. This approach is sealed and avoids the ferry.

From Bulahdelah, the route uses unsealed Bombah Point Road and the vehicle ferry before continuing about 5km along Mungo Brush Road. The official visitor page says the ferry operates from 8am to 6pm, usually every half hour, can close in strong winds and accepts cash only. Charges apply separately to vehicles and trailers, so check the current table before travelling.

The campground is listed for 2WD access in all weather. Limited mobile reception is possible in the park; download directions and check local alerts before choosing the ferry route.

Arrival and setup#

The Hawks Nest approach has no ferry deadline. From Bulahdelah, allow for the unsealed road, a cash-only vehicle-and-trailer fare and an 8am–6pm ferry that can stop in strong winds. If it is closed or you will miss the last run, use the Hawks Nest route; do not improvise a late arrival at the ramp.

At the entrance, follow the one loop slowly and stop at the booked number without blocking circulation. Before unhitching, check that the whole setup remains within the 6m site limit, that soft sand will hold your levelling and pegs, and that the toilet or beach path suits the group. On 1 October 2026 NPWS listed no current alert for Banksia Green itself; nearby alerts are not an all-clear for tomorrow, so recheck on departure day.

Facilities and rules#

Facilities comprise non-flush toilets, wood barbecues and a carpark. There are no powered sites. Bring all drinking and cooking water and bring firewood; collecting wood in a national park is not an alternative.

Wood fires remain subject to total fire bans and any local restrictions. A gas stove is the sensible backup. Pets are prohibited except certified assistance animals, and NSW national parks are smoke-free. A separate park entry pass is required in addition to camping fees.

For a change of scenery, Mungo Brush Rainforest loop and Tamboi walking track are within the broader precinct. The campground itself is better treated as a beach-and-lake base than an amenity-rich destination.

A worthwhile morning is the direct beach walk followed by Mungo Rainforest's 1.5km loop from the nearby Mungo Brush precinct. Treat the beach as unpatrolled: turn around if surf, heat or wind makes the exposed walk unsuitable, and drive rather than walking the road between campgrounds if conditions or the group require it.

Banksia Green makes most sense for campers who prioritise ocean access and a small campground over showers or generous separation. Families should plan beach time around conditions rather than assuming the nearby surf is suitable for children. If shade is essential, study the layout and current site photos before committing.

What campers say#

The accessible public feedback is mostly from 2017–2020, so it describes enduring layout trade-offs better than current servicing. CamperMate reviews, Anycamp comments, an independent Tripadvisor account and a public campground video summary converge on a few points:

• The ocean is only a short walk away and is the strongest reason to choose this small campground.
• Shade is limited across exposed parts of the camp; that helps solar setups but can make hot or windy weather less comfortable.
• Sites are adequate rather than expansive and can feel close together when the 15-site campground is full.
• Reports generally describe the drop toilets as basic and reasonably maintained, though conditions can change between services.
• The sandy site surface is softer than the firm access road, so level carefully and bring suitable pegs.

Booking and alternatives#

Reserve through the NSW National Parks listing. Up to 20 people or five sites can be booked online; larger groups need a group-booking enquiry. Review the live site map, entry pass and route before paying, especially if towing or relying on the ferry.

If all suitable sites are taken, CampWatch can watch for a cancellation while you compare Mungo Brush and other Myall Lakes alternatives.

Mungo Brush is the better choice for a boat ramp, accessible toilet and broader rig mix, but it is much larger and busier. Dees Corner offers another small Myall Lakes base; confirm its own equipment and water rules rather than assuming they match Banksia Green.

Recheck the live site photo, total setup length, ferry operation, fire restrictions and alerts immediately before travel. For current shade, turning or accessibility questions the published layout cannot resolve, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.