Melaleuca campground

Melaleuca campground is a low-key coastal base in the northern precinct of Limeburners Creek National Park, about 14km beyond Crescent Head. Its 50 grassy, unpowered sites sit beside a privately owned waterway and behind the exposed beachfront, so the appeal is space, shelter and easy access to nearby forest and ocean rather than resort-style facilities.

Sites and campground layout#

NSW National Parks lists 50 unmarked sites for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Campers park beside their setup on hard grass, and the generally flat, step-free ground makes moving around easier than at many bush campgrounds. There are no formal pathways, however, so grass conditions still matter after wet weather.

Facilities are deliberately basic: non-flush toilets, a carpark and rubbish bins. One toilet is accessible. There are no showers, powered sites or water taps, so bring every litre needed for drinking, cooking and washing. The official page also asks campers to use a fuel stove. Keep food secured because goannas and dingoes may investigate unattended supplies.

The adjacent waterway may look inviting, but NPWS says it is privately owned and not available for swimming, kayaking or other public use. For ocean swimming, surfing or snorkelling, use nearby beaches and remember that beaches in this national park are unpatrolled and can have strong rips.

Getting there and road conditions#

From Kempsey, drive towards Crescent Head and turn onto Point Plomer Road, also called Bakers Road, as you enter the village. Continue roughly 14km to the Big Hill park entrance, then take the inland road for about 500m to camp. NPWS describes the route as suitable for 2WD vehicles in all weather, while also warning that the campground road can become boggy in rain. That is a useful reason to check the forecast and local park alerts immediately before departure.

Download directions before leaving Crescent Head. Mobile reception is limited across the park, and the campground's quiet setting means there is little nearby backup if weather changes or a vehicle gets stuck. Check-in is after 2pm and check-out is before 10am.

Fires, noise and what to pack#

Campfires are allowed only in off-ground braziers and only when fire restrictions permit. Braziers can be hired and firewood purchased from the campground manager; collecting wood in the park is prohibited. Generators are not allowed, and noise restrictions begin after 10pm. Bring a charged light, insect repellent, rubbish bags and a fuel stove as well as water.

Park entry fees are separate from camping charges. Melaleuca is bookable online, with standard online bookings limited to 20 people or five sites; larger parties need to contact NPWS about a group booking. The park can close in poor weather or high fire danger, so a booking is not a substitute for checking conditions.

Walks and nearby beaches#

Big Hill Rainforest walking track is the obvious short outing nearby, passing through coastal rainforest and heath. The beaches around Big Hill and Point Plomer offer surfing, swimming and seasonal whale watching, but they are not patrolled. Point Plomer is the better-known social hub; Melaleuca suits campers who prefer returning to a quieter, more sheltered base after time on the coast.

What campers say#

Campground-specific public commentary is limited, so these are modest themes rather than a broad consensus. A public Google Maps review search and Campsight's public campground material suggest:

• Campers value the broad, mostly grassed setting and the extra protection from coastal wind.
• The peaceful creek-side outlook is a highlight, but the water beside camp is not public recreation space.
• The combination of basic toilets, no water and limited reception rewards arriving fully supplied rather than planning to improvise.
• Shade and ground firmness can vary across the unmarked area, especially after rain, so inspect the grass before committing a heavier setup.

These are traveller-reported observations. The official page controls access, facilities, water, fire and private-waterway rules.

Booking Melaleuca campground#

Book and review current conditions through the official Melaleuca campground page. Because sites are unmarked, the reservation secures a stay rather than a numbered pitch. If the campground is full for your dates, a CampWatch alert can monitor availability while you compare Point Plomer, Delicate and Racecourse campgrounds for a different coastal setup.