Pros & cons
PROS
- Waterfront sites with easy beach access and a calm sand spit
- Hot showers, flush toilets, BBQs and picnic tables
- Mix of powered and unpowered sites with drinking water
CONS
- Campfires and solid-fuel burners are prohibited
- Parking can be tight; carpooling is recommended
Overview
Bonnie Vale Campground sits between Bundeena and Maianbar on the Hacking River, giving you that rare combo of bush and beach in one spot. It’s a proper, family‑friendly base with 79 marked sites and the comforts that matter: hot showers, flush toilets, drinking water, free barbecues and picnic tables. Sites suit tents through to camper trailers and caravans, with a mix of powered and unpowered options.
Why it’s worth your time
The big draw is the calm water and broad sand spit right out front—perfect for an easy swim, a lazy afternoon on the sand, or a paddle at high tide. You’re close to village cafes yet still feel tucked into the park. It’s an excellent first‑camp choice or a breezy weekend for folks who like a little comfort with their nature.
Things to do
- Swim and laze on the sand spit along the Hacking River.
- Hire kayaks on weekends and explore the bay’s sheltered water.
- Walk nearby tracks, including access to a section of the Coast track from Bundeena.
- Try your luck fishing at nearby Jibbon Beach.
- During school holidays, look for guided kids’ activities run in the park.
Getting there
Drive in via Bundeena, or go car‑free: take the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena wharf and walk about 15 minutes to camp. Parking is limited, so carpool if you can; each site allows only one vehicle.
Good to know (rules and practicals)
- Check‑in 2 pm; check‑out 10 am.
- Separate from camping fees, a daily vehicle entry fee applies for the park.
- No campfires or solid‑fuel burners. Bring a gas stove if you want to cook beyond the BBQs.
- Pets and recreational drones aren’t permitted.
- Keep noise down after 10 pm.
- Capture grey water and empty it at the dump points beside the amenity blocks.
- Mobile reception can be patchy.
Best time to visit
Weekdays are the sweet spot for quieter vibes. On weekends and school holidays, arrive early to beat the parking crunch. For photos, early morning light is soft over the water; afternoons are great for a swim, though mozzies can kick up at dusk—plan your shoreline time accordingly.
Where it is
-34.0834, 151.1360Tips for Bonnie Vale campground
- 01If you’re car‑free, take the Cronulla–Bundeena ferry and walk 15 minutes.
- 02Carpool and arrive early on weekends; parking is limited near camp.
- 03Pack mozzie repellent for dusk, especially near the mangroves.
- 04Bring a gas stove—campfires and solid fuel are not allowed.
- 05Capture grey water and use the dump points beside the amenity blocks.
Amenities
Near Bonnie Vale campground
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayBonnie Vale BeachCalm, shallow bay with grassy picnics and easy ferry accessRestroom · Parking
0.3 mi awayBonnie Vale to Maianbar BoardwalkBeach, boardwalk, and a tide wade to Maianbar’s mangroves.Easy · 3.6 mi · 1.5 hr
0.5 mi awayWedding Cake Rock TrackCoastal stroll to a famous white cliff—viewed safely from behind a fence.Easy · 3.7 mi · 2 hr
0.7 mi awayCabbage Tree Basin BoardwalkQuiet mangrove walk with birds, water views and old storiesScenic Viewpoint
1.2 mi awayCoast Track: Bundeena to WattamollaClassic cliff top walk to beaches, Wedding Cake Rock, and Wattamolla.Moderate · 6.2 mi · 5.5 hr
1.2 mi awayWedding Cake Rock and Big Marley Circuit WalkFamed white rock, better coastal views on the loop to Big Marley.Moderate · 4.8 mi · 2.5 hr
1.5 mi awayJibbon BeachSheltered harbour beach with a short walk to Aboriginal rock artTrailhead · Scenic Viewpoint
1.6 mi awayDeeban SpitTidal sand spit and bird haven off Bundeena
