SURFING
Waves Campground is located about 10kms South of the world-famous Crescent Head point break. But trust us when we say there's an amazing selection of breaks on offer down our back road!
The nearest waves are right 'out front' of the campground at the Delicate Nobby headland. Just minutes from your camp! The headland's orientation offers gentle beginner waves most days on the North side of the rocks and superb intermediate to advanced surf on the South side. There are four point breaks (right handers) to choose from and countless beach breaks (right & lefts). The waves here offer a great variety for long or short boarding.
Best of all, we are surrounded by beaches and bays that work all year round. You will find both summer- and winter season surf in Crescent Head, NSW. Each spot works with different swell & wind conditions, so make sure to check with our crew what the best spot for today might be!
FISHING
Our headlands and beaches are renowned for their shore and rock fishing. We have seen many great catches being brought back on the property, including whiting, flathead, mullets, crayfish or bream. We look forward to telling you the latest success story we heard. Unfortunately we no longer sell bait at the camp shop, so make sure you grab some in town.
SWIM, SNORKEL & DIVE
At low tide the rocks around Delicate Nobby and Racecourse create beautiful, natural rock pools that are great for a cool down. It's so much fun to spend the day in the pools and search for star fish & anemone.
The North side of Delicate Nobby is generally a really friendly spot to go for a swim as there is little current. Always ask us about known rips and current swimming conditions.
On a calm day Delicate Nobby or Big Hill headlands can be great for snorkelling or even scuba diving. Our oceans are teaming with all sorts of aquatic life, especially around the rocks. Make sure to tell us what you've seen!
SURF FUEL CAFE
Surf Fuel café is a funky food truck in a gorgeous rainforest garden setting. It is a bit of a hidden gem, bringing delight to locals, the surf community and guests since 2015. They are proud to serve up barista made coffee with beans supplied by Doppio or Nothing espresso. Refreshing juices & smoothies are made to order from the best seasonal local produce.
They are here all year round for coffees, breakfast, lunches and dinners. Please see their socials for the most up-to-date opening hours. If you get the chance, definitely join us for one of their special events like pub quizzes or supper clubs held throughout the year!
The menu is designed to satisfy sea-air appetites, so you'll find a mixture of classic café and surprising street-food dishes made with nourishing, wholesome ingredients and lots of love.
BIRD WATCHING
We like to co-exist with our surroundings and feel so lucky that the campground is situated in an amazing, littoral rainforest. We work hard to keep things as natural and healthy as possible. There are many beautiful, native species that call Waves their home at different times of the year and we love spotting new ones.
We have noticed that we have a spectacular variety of birds on the campground. Especially in dry periods our 'boat pond' and bird baths around the cafe area are gratefully busy every day. So far we have created a list with over 50 different bird species that are regulars here. We have built this list with the help of many avid bird watchers. Amongst others you will find many kookaburras that are full of laughter and a fun family of cheeky magpies here. Plus many honeyeaters, cat birds, chipper whip bird couples, a young family of tawny frogmouth owls, a noisy pitta, wood doves, fruit doves, black currawongs, a black hooded friar bird, regent bower birds and flocks of beautiful yellow tailed black cockatoos. It brings us great excitement every time a bird-watching guest tells us about a new species that has decided to stop by, so let us know if you spot anything!
WILDLIFE
Besides birds there is an abundance of other wildlife you can encounter in our area. From May to October the migrating whales are passing right in front of our campground and they put on quite a show. Their breaches, tail flapping and waving of fins is a sight that will never cease to amaze. Dolphins, turtles, wobbegongs and rays are also frequent visitors. On land there's kangaroos, echidnas, a spotted quoll, colourful butterflies and insects, green tree frogs, possums, some snakes, land mullet and blue tongue lizards, skinks, blue face lace monitor lizards and goanna's and many, many more wonderful wildlife species!
DAY TRIPS
If you're staying at the campground for a while then make sure to come and chat to us about doing some day-trips in our area! There's many great coastal towns to visit and tour for the day. Plus, if you like country then don't miss out on the Slim Dusty centre! And then there's heaps of beach fun and 4WD adventures if you're just looking to avoid the crowds and have a super relaxing time.
Port Macquarie (South)
Port Macquarie is a lively town offering many great shops, buzzing cafés, a surf museum, an amazing coastal walk and beautiful Sea Acres rainforest walk. It's also the home of the only not-for-profit koala hospital. The koala hospital is run by volunteers who do an amazing job and give a great guided tour every day at 3pm! Make sure you book ahead if you want to join the tour.
Dorrigo NP & Bellingen (North)
The views at Dorrigo National Park are 100% worth the drive to Waterfall Way. And the quaint little town of Bellingen is a great stop on your way into the mountains. Bellingen has happy folk, eco shops and excellent markets. Once you've driven to the top the rainforest skywalk offers a fantastic panorama over the Dorrigo mountains. A great spot for sunset!
Before you start your hike the rainforest centre will teach you all about local flora & fauna. It's always cool under the canopy which makes hiking to amazing waterfalls even better. There also is a big pool at the bottom of Dangar Falls where you can swim right under the waterfall!
Tourist drive 12 (North)
The local tourist drive (12) is a beautiful drive along the Belmore river to Gladstone, Hat Head, Smoky Cape lighthouse, South West Rocks, Trial Bay Goal, Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Scotts Head. While touring you get to visit cosy towns with shops, pubs and cafés, walk beautiful walking tracks for all abilities, try out different surf breaks and enjoy many gorgeous beaches.
4WD adventures (North & South)
Those who enjoy an off-road adventure and are bringing the right gear can take the 4WD track from Point Plomer to Port Macquarie. Ask us for directions and an update on the latest conditions.
About 10kms South of Waves is a beach access & a 4WD track. The track is advanced and conditions vary throughout the year. North of us there is beach access at Richardsons Crossing to go to Hat Head.
Please purchase your beach permit in town and leave no trace.
YOGA & MASSAGE
Yoga and massage fit in amazingly well here with the serenity of the bush around us. We try to organise for a yoga teacher and masseuse to be a part of our crew throughout any school holidays. But it's best to check with us to see what we have on offer when you are here. Interested in organising a retreat or other event with us? Get in contact!
EVENTS
We have been the venue hosts to some fantastic events. So far we have been a part of the most wonderful weddings, birthday parties, surf competitions, brilliant Van Life gatherings, full moon drum circle camps and the first ever GLOW fest! We love seeing the campground transform by the ideas of each organisers and to enjoy the total different experiences of the event attendees.
We are always interested to hear new ideas and pitches to make us your venue, so please get in touch if you have something you think we should hear about! Don't forget: if you need any catering, whether on or off the campground, the guys from Surf Fuel Café are the right people for the job!
Follow our socials to find out about upcoming events or get in touch if you're looking for a venue!