Bellingen Showground Camping – Your Gateway to the Waterfall Way

Discover the vibrant heart of New South Wales’ Mid North Coast from the convenience and charm of the Bellingen Showgrounds. Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Bellinger River, this camping area offers a quintessential Bellingen experience—relaxed, friendly, and surrounded by lush natural beauty. It’s the perfect, affordable base for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans looking to immerse themselves in one of Australia’s most creative and picturesque regions. The showground provides spacious, level, and grassy sites, allowing you to find your perfect spot under the shade of mature trees while being just a short, scenic stroll from the town’s eclectic and bohemian main street.

The Bellingen Showground is more than just a place to park; it’s a gateway to adventure. From here, the legendary Waterfall Way scenic drive is right at your doorstep, leading you up into the Gondwana Rainforests of the Dorrigo National Park, with its stunning skywalk and breathtaking waterfalls. The vibrant culture of Bellingen itself is a major drawcard. Renowned for its thriving arts scene, organic produce, and the world-famous Bellingen Community Markets (held on the third Saturday of the month, right at the showground), there is always something to explore. After a day of adventure, you can return to the showground equipped with all the necessary amenities, including power, water, and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay. For travellers seeking a camping spot that combines natural wonder with cultural vibrancy, the Bellingen Showground is an unbeatable choice.

Bellingen Showgrounds – NSW Location Map

Campground Details

Name: Bellingen Showgrounds Camping
Address: 37 Hammond St, Bellingen NSW 2454
Website: www.bellingenshowground.com.au
GPS Coordinates: -30.44713, 152.89846

Location: Perfectly situated beside the Bellinger River and a short walk across the bridge to the main town centre.
Site Suitable For: All types of vehicles, including RVs, caravans, campervans, and tents.
Road Access: Excellent sealed road access.
Site Surface: Mostly level grass, can become soft after heavy rain.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the on-site caretaker for current limits.
Number of Powered Sites: Numerous powered sites are available.
Number of Un-powered Sites: Extensive unpowered camping areas.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes, available in various locations.
Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Good.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilet and hot shower facilities are available.
Ullage (Dump Point): Yes, a dump point is available on-site for campers.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, provided.
Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Use of contained cookers is usually acceptable.
Generator Use: Permitted during considerate hours.

Activities & Important Information

Essentials to Bring: Levelling blocks, long power leads and water hoses. Insect repellent is recommended.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and supervised.
Fishing: Fishing and kayaking are popular activities in the adjacent Bellinger River.
Short Walks: Enjoy the beautiful riverside walk directly into town or explore the local heritage trails.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Places to Eat

The Federal Hotel: A beautifully restored historic pub with a great bistro and beer garden, approx. 1 km.
Bellingen Hotel (The Diggers): A classic pub offering hearty meals and a central location, approx. 1 km.
Bellingen Gelato Bar: Famous locally for delicious gelato, a must-visit treat, approx. 1 km.

Local Attractions

Dorrigo National Park Skywalk and Rainforest Centre: A stunning treetop walk over the rainforest, approx. 30 km.
The Old Butter Factory Bellingen: A hub for artisan shops, galleries, and a cafe, approx. 1 km.
Bellingen Community Markets: One of Australia’s largest and most diverse regional markets (third Saturday of the month).

Camping & Services

Nearest Caravan Parks: Several commercial caravan parks are in the Bellingen and Urunga area.
Next Free Camps: Limited free camping in the immediate area; check rest stops along the Pacific Highway.
Nearest Dump Points: An on-site dump point is available for paying guests.
Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple service stations are located in the Bellingen township.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the showground.
Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available at the showground and in Lavenders Bridge Park in town.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Bellingen has a humid subtropical climate with significant rainfall throughout the year.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and humid with high rainfall and the possibility of thunderstorms. Average temperatures are in the high 20s (°C).
Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. A very pleasant time to visit as humidity drops.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and often sunny days with cool to cold nights. Frost is rare.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny, with temperatures and humidity gradually increasing.