Farquhar Park Camping Ground – a haven for our history and environment
The North Coast of New South Wales (NSW) boasts extraordinary bushland, rainforest and pristine, stunning coastlines. Nestled in the state's mid-north coast is Manning Entrance State Park, the home of the Farquhar Park Camping Ground, a unique and remarkable location that is rich in Aboriginal history.
A stunning destination with a rich ecosystem
The camping ground is surrounded by federally protected rainforest, wildlife habitats, a clear blue estuary and the sandy foreshores of the ocean. The North Coast of NSW is awe-inspiring at the best of times. Combine the picturesque coastline with rare, native plants and animals and you have the idyllic locale of the Manning Entrance State Park.
Visitors will never be short of an adventure all year round. This quiet little oasis is perfect for swimming, kayaking and bushwalking, treating its visitors to a delightful experience no matter the season.
A space filled with Aboriginal significance
What sets the park apart from others is the Indigenous community's distinct relationship with the area, historically and now. Like several significant locations throughout NSW, Farquhar Park Camping Ground has been granted the honour and title of being an ‘Aboriginal Place’.
For Farquhar Park, Indigenous Australians' relationship with the location is wide and varied. For hundreds of years, the local and visiting Aboriginal communities have used the area for fishing, camping and congregation.
‘The declaration of Aboriginal Places offers Aboriginal people opportunities to reconnect with their ancestors, community and culture, and … protect places for future generations…’
TIDE program ensures an ongoing relationship
To maintain and build engagement with the local Indigenous community, the Manning Entrance State Park Trust manages the Taree Indigenous Development and Employment (TIDE) program. TIDE Rangers manage the camping ground and surrounding parkland, as well as increasing knowledge and understanding of the Indigenous cultural significance of the area.
The program provides meaningful employment opportunities for the local Aboriginal community while fostering a thriving tourism industry in the local area.
Building tourism through engagement
Rangers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks on site. In addition to keeping the camping facilities clean and functional, rangers manage a number of conservation tasks such as ensuring the protection and maintenance of the migratory and endangered shorebirds.
The TIDE Rangers bring with them a deep connection and passion for the local environment. The pride they take in maintaining the area encourages others to show that same pride and love when they visit. The rangers ensure that the camping ground is a beautiful, clean and attractive place to visit and holiday.
An ideal holiday destination
Visitors can escape the chaos of city life by embracing all that Farquhar Park Camping Ground and its surrounds have to offer.
Get back to nature with Farquhar Park’s simple but beautiful facilities. There are 21 campsites, two clean compost toilets, two day shelters, hand-washing water and picnic tables. Visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water. Bookings are not necessary. The camping ground and surrounding area can vary significantly throughout the seasons so it’s important to check the environmental conditions before you arrive.
