Winter Camping in Northern NSW

Winter camping can be a magic experience, especially if you’ve got all the right gear to make it a comfortable one. That’s where ARB come in. They’ve got everything sorted. For our most recent trip from Stanthorpe to Yamba, our fleet was completely decked out with everything required for touring in the cooler months.

The Ford Ranger was built for touring. Onboard was a comfy double swag, retractable awning, and a portable fridge freezer.

The Toyota Hilux was decked out with the ultimate off-road package. The highlight though was the Esperance Rooftop Tent.

The second Ford Ranger was customised for remote travelling. It could handle any location from the city to the beach. Sporting similar features to the other Ranger, an added bonus was the stretcher for keeping the swag off of the ground adding to ventilation and keeping the temperature more comfortable.

First stop was Girraween National Park where the ease and quick set-up of the ARB campsite provided plenty of time to take in this stunning place.

The second day provided an opportunity for some off-road fun along the Mount Norman Road. It’s an easy drive but offers a few challenges with creek crossings and granite rocks to get over. The surroundings are stunning with plenty of opportunities to stop for some lunch and take in the scenery.

Day three of this trip was all about a different vibe. Dare we say, luxurious? Just outside of Tenterfield is a rural vineyard like no other – Reedy Creek Estate winery. There are several reasons that make this place unique and more than worth a visit. The wine is most certainly a draw card. As is the vineyard manager, Norina. Not only does she know that to make the trip worthwhile for visitors that they need great wine (which they do – Kimberly can attest to that) but she also offers amazing hospital and incredible stories from her time in the wine industry.

Picking up a bottle or two from Reedy Creek estate and stopping by a local butcher and grabbing some fresh steaks from the region is a recommend. There’s nothing like enjoying a steak cooked to perfection on the hot plate of a campfire pit while sipping on a delicious wine overlooking Glenlyon dam at the Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park. If there’s time in the schedule the dam fishing is good!

As the trip moves closer to Yamba, no four-wheel drive enthusiast can drive by Emu Creek Retreat. It is a paradise for those who love taking their off-road driving to the extreme! Over 100km of tracks await! Camping is available on-site and owner Frank is takes pride in offering some of the best amenities around.

The trip ends in the beautiful coastal town of Yamba. There’s nothing like watching the sunset over the water and if you’re camping or looking for a cabin to stay in, there’s no better place to get these views than Calypso Yamba Holiday Park. Situated on the edge of the water this tranquil location conjures up those wonderful nostalgic feelings of a family beach holiday while offering a spot to make all new memories.

Winter camping can make for an unforgettable trip, made easier and more comfortable with the right gear.