Patonga camping: How much do powered and unpowered sites cost?
Sites at the Patonga Camping Ground on the New South Wales Central Coast cost from $26. But it’s fabulous location, so rates ramp up in peak season.
The Patonga Camping Ground is one of the most affordable places to stay on the New South Wales Central Coast. It just so happens to be in a gorgeous spot, too.
Patonga Beach is tucked away at the southern end of the Brisbane Water National Park. It’s roughly where the Hawkesbury River becomes Broken Bay, and looks out over the water towards Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
Patonga is also where the ferry from Palm Beach in Sydney arrives, with the Patonga Pub being something of an iconic drinking den.
Daytrippers love Patonga, but it is possible to stay there, too. And the cheapest Patonga accommodation comes courtesy of the Patonga Camping Ground.
Patonga Camping Ground location
Officially known as the Patonga Caravan and Camping Area, this caravan park is on the small spit of land between Patonga Beach and Patonga Creek. It’s about 500 metres away from the jetty where the ferries arrive
The Patonga Caravan and Camping Area has has 36 powered and 45 unpowered grassed sites. Facilities include electric barbecues, washing machines, dryers and a children’s playground. There are also tennis courts available for hire.
The Patonga camping experience isn’t nearly as luxurious as those offered by some Australian caravan parks. It’s a fairly basic, council-run place. But this is all about location.
Patonga camping rates
The rates for camping at Patonga are frankly confusing, and vary heftily by season. For an unpowered site for two people in low season, from Sunday to Thursday, it’s $26. But during peak season on a Friday or Saturday, that unpowered site will cost you $51.
Depending on day and season, powered sites at the Patonga Camping Ground cost between $31 and $67. Oh, and there are also weekly rates, plus additional charges for an extra person. The full rates are available on the campground website.
Once at the campground, you can use it as a base to explore the Central Coast. Activity options include kayaking on Tuggerah Lake from Canton Beach in Toukley, visiting the Bulgandry Rock Art Site and tackling the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
More New South Wales travel
Stay by the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst at Rydges Bathurst.
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Tackle the massive seafood platter at the Huskisson pub in Huskisson, Jervis Bay.
Go swimming at Jimmys Beach in Hawks Nest.
Take the Cockatoo Island ferry to the biggest island in Sydney Harbour.