Camping with Kangaroos at Murramarang National Park
🌐 Website: Murramarang National Park – NSW National Parks
📍 Location: South Durras, New South Wales – approx. 20 min north of Batemans Bay
⏰ Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (individual campground gates may close overnight)
⏳ Duration: Stay overnight or explore on a day trip; 1–3 days recommended
🧒 Family Friendly – Yes – ideal for kids, with facilities and easy beach access
Camping with Kangaroos at Murramarang National Park
Camping with kangaroos is a truly magical experience—waking up to the soft rustle of leaves, unzipping your tent, and finding these iconic animals grazing quietly just steps away. Murramarang National Park, on the NSW South Coast, offers this unforgettable wildlife encounter in one of the most scenic coastal settings possible. With native bushland, ocean views, and sandy beaches all within reach, this coastal haven is where nature and adventure beautifully come together.
About Murramarang National Park
Covering more than 12,000 hectares, Murramarang National Park stretches along a spectacular stretch of coastline between Kioloa and Batemans Bay. The park is best known for its towering spotted gum forests, dramatic rock platforms, and secluded beaches that offer a sense of wilderness right on the doorstep of the sea.
Notable beaches include:
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Mill Beach – home to NRMA Murramarang Resort
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Depot Beach – surrounded by forest, great for swimming and snorkelling
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Pebbly Beach – famous for kangaroos and classic beach views
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Pretty Beach – popular for camping and coastal walks
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Myrtle Beach – clothing-optional and more remote
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Durras Beach – wide and wild, great for walking and birdwatching
Whether you’re bushwalking, fishing, swimming, or just relaxing under the gums, Murramarang offers a blend of forest and sea that feels uniquely Australian.
Where is Murramarang National Park?
Murramarang National Park is located on the South Coast of New South Wales, just north of Batemans Bay and around 4 hours’ drive south of Sydney. The park stretches along the coastline between Durras and Kioloa, offering an incredible mix of secluded beaches, spotted gum forests, and wildlife-rich campgrounds.
Managed by NSW National Parks, it’s easily accessible by car, with both sealed and unsealed roads leading to various sections of the park.
Why This Spot is Famous for Camping with Kangaroos
Murramarang National Park is one of the best places in Australia for camping with kangaroos, thanks to its thriving kangaroo population and stunning coastal campgrounds. These wild kangaroos are used to the presence of people, making it possible to observe them up close—without fences, enclosures, or tour groups.
Campgrounds like Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach, and Pretty Beach are especially famous for their daily kangaroo visits. It’s not unusual to see them grazing near tents, lounging under shady trees, or hopping along the beach at sunrise and sunset. For many visitors, camping with kangaroos in this natural setting becomes the highlight of their South Coast adventure.
Best Times to Visit for Kangaroo Sightings
Kangaroos are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, so plan your walks or photography sessions around these golden hours.
In terms of seasons, spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making wildlife sightings more enjoyable. Summer is also popular but can be hot and busy—so book ahead if you plan to visit during holidays.
If you’re camping, keep an eye (and ear) out around dawn—you might spot kangaroos grazing peacefully right outside your tent.
Tips for Photographing Kangaroos at the Campground
Photographing kangaroos in the wild is a dream for many visitors. Here are a few tips to help you capture beautiful, respectful images:
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Use the golden hours: Sunrise and sunset provide the best light and most active behaviour.
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Keep your distance: Use a zoom lens or shoot from a respectful distance to avoid startling the animals.
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Stay quiet and still: Sudden movements or noise can cause kangaroos to hop away—or become defensive.
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Frame the environment: Include tents, beach, or bush to give a sense of place.
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Don’t feed them: Human food is harmful to wildlife and feeding them can make them aggressive.
Other Wildlife You Might See
Kangaroos might be the stars of the show, but Murramarang National Park is teeming with other wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
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Swamp wallabies in the forested areas
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Goannas wandering near the campgrounds
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Lyrebirds scratching through leaf litter
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Rainbow lorikeets, rosellas, and king parrots overhead
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Possums and sugar gliders at night
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins playing just offshore.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re dreaming of a camping experience where kangaroos roam freely, few places in Australia compare to Murramarang National Park. Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the photography, or simply the serenity of the bush-meets-beach setting, this coastal gem is one for the bucket list.
Visitor Tips & FAQs for Murramarang National Park
🧭 Planning Your Visit
What is the address of Murramarang National Park and how do I get there?
Murramarang National Park doesn’t have a single address, as it spans over 44 km of coastline, but a good central access point is:
📍 Mill Beach, South Durras NSW 2536
From Sydney, take the Princes Highway (A1) south toward Batemans Bay, then turn off to South Durras. It’s about a 4-hour drive. From Canberra, it’s around 2 hours and 45 minutes via Kings Highway and the coast road.
What are the opening hours of Murramarang National Park?
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. However, some campground gates may close overnight, and access can be affected by weather or fire conditions. For current info, check the NSW National Parks website.
How much time should I spend Camping with Kangaroos?
Plan to spend at least half a day exploring, or 1–3 days if camping. Wildlife lovers, bushwalkers, and families often extend their stays to soak in the beachside atmosphere and catch sunrise/sunset with the kangaroos.
When is the best time of year to visit Murramarang National Park?
The best times to visit are in spring (Sept–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk, year-round.
🚗 Getting There & Accessibility
How do I get to Murramarang National Park from Batemans Bay?
Getting there:
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From Sydney, it’s about a 4-hour drive (280 km) via the Princes Highway.
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From Canberra, it’s around 2 hours and 45 minutes (170 km).
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Roads are mostly sealed, but check for weather-related closures on unsealed park tracks.
Is there parking available at Murramarang National Park?
Yes. Most major beaches and campgrounds, including Depot Beach, Pretty Beach, and Pebbly Beach, offer free on-site parking. Larger spaces suitable for campervans are available at NRMA Murramarang Resort and some NSW Parks campgrounds.
Is Murramarang National Park accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Accessibility varies by area. NRMA Murramarang Resort has paved paths and accessible cabins. Depot Beach also has accessible facilities and pathways. Many bush tracks are uneven or unsealed, so check the NSW Parks site before visiting.
Are there any transport or mobility services available on-site?
No shuttle or mobility services operate inside the park. Visitors with limited mobility are encouraged to stay at NRMA Murramarang Resort, which offers more accessible infrastructure.
Are bathroom facilities available at Murramarang National Park?
Yes, most campgrounds and picnic areas have toilets and showers. NRMA Murramarang offers full amenities. Accessible toilets are available at Pretty Beach and Depot Beach. There are no parent rooms, and gender-neutral toilets are not clearly indicated.
🧳 What to Bring & Know
What should I bring when visiting Murramarang National Park?
Bring sun protection, insect repellent, drinking water, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking. For wildlife photography, pack a zoom lens and tripod. If camping, bring essentials like food, torches, and warm layers, especially outside of summer.
Are food and drinks available at Murramarang National Park?
There are no cafés inside the national park, except at NRMA Murramarang Resort, which has an on-site Beach Bistro. Elsewhere, bring your own food and enjoy a picnic. Some campgrounds have barbecues.
👀 What to Expect
What can I see or do at Murramarang National Park?
Expect memorable camping with kangaroos, especially at popular spots like Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach, and Pretty Beach, where these iconic animals are often seen grazing near tents or relaxing in the sun. Enjoy bushwalks, beach swims, snorkelling, and wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for goannas, wallabies, lyrebirds, and sea eagles.
Are guided tours available at Murramarang National Park?
No official guided tours are run by the park. However, some private eco-tour operators occasionally offer walking or photography tours. Most experiences here are self-guided, with interpretive signage on key tracks like the Depot Beach Rainforest Walk.
Where to find Murramarang National Park
Where to stay when camping with Kangaroos
Murramarang National Park offers a range of stays for those interested in camping with kangaroos—from rustic bush campgrounds to family-friendly beachfront resorts:
1. NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort
Located on Mill Beach in South Durras, this resort offers cabins, villas, safari tents, and powered/unpowered sites. Facilities include a lagoon-style pool, kids’ splash pad, beachside bistro, and easy access to walking trails. Kangaroos frequently graze near the accommodation, making it ideal for wildlife lovers.
2. Pretty Beach Campground
Nestled near Durras Mountain, this campground offers both campsites and cabins. It’s a popular spot for kangaroo sightings, with access to beaches, walking tracks, and good amenities including toilets, barbecues, and showers.
3. Depot Beach Campground
Shaded by spotted gums and close to the ocean, Depot Beach is perfect for families. Facilities include powered sites, BBQs, showers, and laundry. Wildlife is abundant in the surrounding forest and along the beach.
4. Pebbly Beach Campground
Well-known for kangaroos on the beach, Pebbly Beach offers basic facilities and a relaxed, social camping vibe. Suitable for tents and camper trailers, it’s a quieter option that feels remote yet welcoming.
Things to see and do near Murramarang National Park
🏞️ Attractions & Scenic Stops
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Mogo Wildlife Park – Get up close with exotic animals including white lions and red pandas. Great family stop on the way to or from the park.
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Wasp Head Lookout – A short walk near South Durras with panoramic coastal views, striking rock formations, and whale-spotting opportunities in season.
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Murramarang Aboriginal Area – Discover cultural heritage, middens, and historic significance on a short interpretive walk near the entrance to South Durras.
⛰️ Adventure & Culture
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Durras Lake Paddle or Kayak Tour – Explore the tranquil lake system, home to birdlife, stingrays, and perfect reflections. Hire available nearby.
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Depot Beach Rainforest Walk – An easy loop through lush temperate rainforest, just minutes from the beach. Perfect for birdwatching.
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Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden – Located near Batemans Bay, these gardens showcase native plants and walking trails with a small café and gallery.
Places to eat near Murramarang National Park
☕ Cafés & Bistros
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South Durras Café – A friendly, local spot for coffee, toasties, burgers and snacks. Casual outdoor vibe and pet-friendly.
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Beach Bistro at NRMA Murramarang Resort – Relaxed seaside dining with outdoor seating and ocean views. Popular for its woodfired pizzas and seafood.
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Mossy Café (Mossy Point) – A cosy, eco-conscious café serving specialty coffee, fresh sourdough, and local produce. Worth the 30-minute scenic drive.
🍔 Takeaway & Pub Fare
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Crumb Café, Surf Beach – Beach-style takeaway with quality burgers, loaded fries, and coffee to-go. Great for a lunch stop heading into the park.
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Batemans Bay Soldiers Club – Large club bistro overlooking the Clyde River. Family meals, local seafood, and bar options with indoor and outdoor seating.
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Sam’s Pizzeria on the Waterfront – A casual spot in Batemans Bay known for its pizza and pasta, right on the riverwalk with relaxed outdoor seating.
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