How do I book camping at Booderee National Park?

Camping at Booderee National Park must be booked in advance through the Parks Australia website. Search for 'Booderee National Park' on the Parks Australia booking system. Availability fills very quickly for school holidays and summer weekends — book as early as possible.

What are the entry fees for Booderee National Park?

Entry requires a day pass for vehicles. Camping fees are additional. Check the Parks Australia website or contact the park directly for current pricing as fees are updated periodically.

What wildlife might we see in Booderee?

Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies are commonly seen around the campgrounds, especially at dawn and dusk. Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including sea eagles and ospreys. In the water, dolphins, seals, sea dragons, and diverse reef fish are regularly encountered.

Is there phone reception in Booderee National Park?

Mobile phone reception can be limited within the park, particularly at the campgrounds. Download offline maps (such as Google Maps offline or Avenza) before entering the park. The park office and entry station are staffed and can provide information.

Can we have a campfire at Booderee?

Wood fires may be permitted in designated fire rings during certain periods, but this depends on fire danger ratings. Gas camping stoves are always permitted. Check with the park on arrival and always follow current fire restrictions.

Are there powered sites at Booderee?

No. Parks Australia lists all campsites at Green Patch, Bristol Point and Cave Beach as unpowered. Check the campground page for current facilities and site requirements before booking.

Camping in Booderee National Park: The Complete Guide

Booderee National Park is a Koori-owned place at the southern end of Jervis Bay, jointly managed by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council and Parks Australia. Booderee means 'bay of plenty' in Dhurga and was named by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. Its beaches, bushland, wildlife and three campgrounds make it a strong family destination when visitors check current alerts and prepare carefully. Entry requires a park pass. Last checked: 21 September 2026.

Quick Facts
Location	Southern Jervis Bay, NSW
Entry Fee	Day pass required — check Parks Australia for current pricing
Camping	Green Patch, Bristol Point and Cave Beach; all sites are unpowered
Bookings	Book through Parks Australia and follow the arrival instructions on your confirmation
Best Time to Visit	Year-round; summer is busy; spring/autumn ideal
Family Rating	5/5 — exceptional for families

Current Safety and Access Check

**H5 bird flu detection:** Parks Australia says Booderee remains open. Do not touch sick or dead animals. If you see multiple sick or dead animals, report them to Parks Australia on **1800 675 888** and follow the park's current instructions. This is visitor-safety guidance, not a claim of a wider outbreak. **Access:** Iluka Beach day-use area and its access staircase were still listed as closed at the last check. Do not infer reopening from an old works estimate. Check the official Booderee alerts and visitor information on the day you travel. Checked 21 September 2026. Remove or revise this safety panel when Parks Australia changes its advice.

The Three Campgrounds

Booderee has three campgrounds: Green Patch, Bristol Point and Cave Beach. All campsites are unpowered. Green Patch and Bristol Point are on the bay side; Cave Beach is on the ocean side and has different arrival instructions. Book through Parks Australia and rely on the live campground pages for site dimensions, facilities and availability rather than generalised claims. At the current check, Green Patch and Bristol Point campers could arrive with a printed booking confirmation, while Cave Beach campers needed to collect or display the required tent tag. Read the instructions attached to your own booking because procedures can change.

Wildlife in Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is one of the best places in NSW to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. The park hosts a remarkable diversity of species: eastern grey kangaroos graze in grassy clearings at dusk and dawn, wallabies are a common sight around the campgrounds (do not feed them), and the birdlife is extraordinary — with over 200 recorded species including sea eagles, ospreys, and numerous honeyeaters. In the sea, the Jervis Bay Marine Park adjoining Booderee protects dolphins, whales, seals, sea dragons, and abundant reef fish. The Booderee Botanic Gardens within the park provides a curated introduction to the local plant and animal life. Children consistently report the wildlife encounters as one of the highlights of their Booderee visit.

Beaches in Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park contains some of the finest beaches in the entire Jervis Bay region. Greenpatch Beach is a sheltered, calm beach ideal for swimming and snorkelling, conveniently located adjacent to the Greenpatch campground. Murrays Beach is accessible via a short walking track from the campground and is considered one of the best snorkelling beaches in NSW. Cave Beach offers a more exposed, dramatic setting with rock pools and surf when conditions allow. Each beach has its own character and all benefit from the pristine, protected nature of the marine park, which keeps the water exceptionally clear and the marine life abundant.

Entry Fees and Permits

Entry to Booderee National Park requires the purchase of a day pass for vehicles. Camping fees are additional and are separate from the entry fee. Current fee information can be found on the Parks Australia website or by contacting the park directly. Fees are used to fund the ongoing management and conservation of this extraordinary place. An annual pass may represent good value for families who visit multiple times per year. The entry station is staffed and operates during daylight hours — arriving after hours means paying the following morning.

Tips for Family Camping at Booderee

Book your campsite as far in advance as possible — Christmas and Easter school holiday periods can book out 6 months or more in advance. Bring warm clothes even in summer, as coastal nights can be cool. The park has strict rules about noise after 10pm, no generators after 8pm, and no fireworks or fires outside designated fire rings. Bring fly spray and mozzie coils for evenings in summer. Kangaroos and wallabies will visit your campsite — enjoy them but never feed them, and store food securely. The general store at the park entrance sells basic supplies but is limited — stock up in Huskisson or Nowra. Mobile phone coverage can be limited within the park — download offline maps before arriving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book camping at Booderee National Park?: Camping at Booderee National Park must be booked in advance through the Parks Australia website. Search for 'Booderee National Park' on the Parks Australia booking system. Availability fills very quickly for school holidays and summer weekends — book as early as possible.
What are the entry fees for Booderee National Park?: Entry requires a day pass for vehicles. Camping fees are additional. Check the Parks Australia website or contact the park directly for current pricing as fees are updated periodically.
What wildlife might we see in Booderee?: Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies are commonly seen around the campgrounds, especially at dawn and dusk. Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including sea eagles and ospreys. In the water, dolphins, seals, sea dragons, and diverse reef fish are regularly encountered.
Is there phone reception in Booderee National Park?: Mobile phone reception can be limited within the park, particularly at the campgrounds. Download offline maps (such as Google Maps offline or Avenza) before entering the park. The park office and entry station are staffed and can provide information.
Can we have a campfire at Booderee?: Wood fires may be permitted in designated fire rings during certain periods, but this depends on fire danger ratings. Gas camping stoves are always permitted. Check with the park on arrival and always follow current fire restrictions.
Are there powered sites at Booderee?: No. Parks Australia lists all campsites at Green Patch, Bristol Point and Cave Beach as unpowered. Check the campground page for current facilities and site requirements before booking.