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CAMDEN HAVEN VISITOR GUIDE
EXPLORE CAMDEN HAVEN
The natural beauty of Camden Haven is breathtaking, with quiet waterways, great fishing, spectacular national parks, and family-friendly beaches. This spot certainly has holidaymakers return year after year. Lake Cathie's large saltwater lake, when it opens to the sea, the warm shallow waters are ideal for swimming, with picnic tables and barbecues around the shore making it the perfect spot. On the north side of the river, you'll find North Haven with its alfresco cafes, shady barbecues, riverside picnic areas and crashing surf beach. Sleepy Dunbogan is opposite with its sheltered swimming beaches and traditional boatshed, and bustling Laurieton nestled at the foot of North Brother Mountain, is the home base for the local fishing fleet.
ADVENTURE
A great range of walks are on offer in Camden Haven. Rainforest loops, steep mountain tracks, scenic coastal walks and lakeside meanders; there’s a walk for all levels of experience and fitness. Within Camden Haven, you will find four national parks, several nature reserves and numerous state forests. These parks and reserves contain a diverse range of bushwalking and hiking opportunities suited to all levels of fitness. Some of these walks commence right from the edge of the villages while some are a little further afield.
The pristine beaches, clear mountain streams and calm lakes of Camden Haven offer a great variety of swimming and surfing options. When it comes to surfing Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills is hard to top. When the southerly swells are big it offers magic right-handers, top it with an offshore breeze and it’s awesome. Grant’s Beach North Haven also works in a southerly swell with right-handers coming off the break wall. Lake Cathie Beach has numerous breaks whose quality depends on bar and wave conditions.
The National Parks and Nature Reserves of Camden Haven feature something for the whole family – Aboriginal heritage, historic sites, great bushwalks and great camping. The diverse landscapes of the Camden Haven district have been highlighted in the following National Parks and Nature Reserves. The parks also feature Birpai Aboriginal legends and sites as well as more recent human heritage. Some sensational walks can be found as well as great opportunities for bird and whale watching, swimming, camping and fishing.
ACTIVITIES
The Camden Haven Historical Society Museum is situated in the beautiful School of Arts building at Laurieton. The museum, which is run by local volunteers, features displays on timber-getting, fishing, marine activities, farming and more. The focal point of the museum is the Camden Haven Valley and its villages. Dunbogan Boatshed is nestled on the banks of the Camden Haven River. Built in the 1940’s it still carries the charm of an old boatshed, while bringing some new touches – coffee & treats, a large range of bait & tackle, fish feeding, as well as kayak, tinny & BBQ boat hire. Enjoy a quality coffee on the deck, with the backdrop of North Brother Mountain… breathtaking! You may even catch sight of a dolphin feeding amongst the nearby reeds, while you feed the fish from the deck.
Looking for something to get your heart pumping? High Adventure Paragliding is located in Laurieton, learn both coastal and inland paragliding all in one place. High Adventure offers in-depth instruction with highly experienced flight instructors and a helpful team to guide you through your learning experience.
FOOD & WINE
Beach Break Café, situated right on the beach at the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club offers a variety of delicious food and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. If you are heading to Bonny Hills, located on the lush grounds of the Bonny Hills Garden Centre, is the Garden Cafe which offers fresh seasonal menus designed, prepared & cooked by the Garden Cafe team on-site. It certainly is a local favourite! The delightful country-style cafe Miss Nellies, located in Kendall celebrates the best of the Hastings local produce and offers something for everyone. Enjoy a relaxing morning coffee with a book on the verandah, treat yourself to a homemade cake or Devonshire Tea with homemade jam, or bring family and friends to enjoy a light meal, children’s menu or the nine flavours of ice cream!
If you are looking for some quality seafood, then look no further than Rockin’ Oysters. Located at beautiful Dunbogan, enjoy great oysters 5 ways, direct from the water, complemented with amazing local wines. On offer is an indulgent range of fresh, local seafood expertly prepared by our chef, including BBQ lobster, crab, prawns, fish and other seasonal delights customised for your pleasure. Soak up the stunning estuary on the Camden Haven River.