As a child, growing up in the southern state of Victoria, I spent a lot of time camping with my family on the mighty Murray River, that borders Victoria and New South Wales and runs through to The Coorong and to the river mouth in South Australia at Goolwa. They were the best times of my youth – spent boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming and relaxing on the river and river-fed lakes and billabongs.

Riverside holidays can be equally as enjoyable as a seaside holiday, particularly in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales where all the rivers run. It is not called river country for nothing! There are more than eleven rivers to explore from Tweed Heads on the border of NSW/Queensland to Camben Haven on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Tweed River at Tumbulgum

The greatest asset of Northern NSW rivers is that they have calm waters which are safe for swimming, boating and kayaking; some boast lovely sandy beaches along the shoreline; are an important eco-system for fish, waterbirds and mangroves; feature some great camping areas and are pristine waterways.

Here’s my selection of where to holiday in the Northern Rivers area of NSW:

Tweed River

Tweed River

Located at Tweed Heads on the NSW/Queensland border, Tweed Heads is a popular holiday destination. On its journey, it passes through the major urban centres of Tweed Heads  and Murwillumbah, then disappears into the green cauldron of mountainous terrain in Far North NSW. The lower reaches of the Tweed River is good for recreational fishing, waterskiing, pleasure boating and kayaking.

Where to Camp:

• Boyds Bay Holiday Park on the shores of the Tweed River within walking distance to Tweed Heads.
• Tweed Billabong Holiday Park located on a tidal saltwater billabong which is fed from the nearby Tweed River.
• River Retreat Caravan Park on the Terranora Inlet which is a large beautiful Inlet off the Tweed River.
• Colonial Holiday & Home Park located on the southern bank of the Tweed River, just a few minutes drive from Tweed Heads.
• Chinderah Village Tourist Caravan Park, Tweed River Hacienda Holiday Park or Homestead Holiday Park located on the Tweed River at Chinderah south of Tweed Heads.

Brunswick River

Brunswick River

Brunswick Heads is a small unspoilt coastal village on the NSW North Coast, situated at the mouth of the Brunswick River. The town is 15 minutes north of Byron Bay and 30 minutes from Tweed Heads. The north bank of the river hosts a protected rainforest and the southern bank provides a harbour and small marina for fishing boats and small craft. The river then flows through the nearby village of Mullumbimby.

Where to Camp:

There are 3 great caravan parks located on the river – Massey Greene, Ferry Reserve and Terrace Reserve all located close to town with fabulous amenities.

Evans River

Evans River

Evans Head is a  scenic, peaceful, coastal, fishing village located on the banks of the Evans River. It is the ideal setting for on-water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, boating and fishing.

Where to Camp:

Silver Sands Holiday Park nestled right between the Evans River, the sea and close to shops, cafes and restaurants.

Richmond River

Richmond River, Ballina

On its journey, the Richmond River passes through the towns of Kyogle, Casino, Coraki and Woodburn with its river mouth located at Ballina. Ballina is a popular holiday destination with plenty of waterside attractions, including beautiful beaches, river cruises, 25 Km of cycling paths, great fishing and kayaking tours.

Where to Camp:

There are two caravan parks located on the Richmond River: North Coast Holiday Parks Ballina Central and Shaws Bay Holiday Park where the Richmond River drains into Shaws Bay.

Clarence River

Clarence River, Yamba

The Clarence River passes through the city of Grafton and the towns of Ulmarra and Maclean with the river mouth being located at Yamba/Iluka. It is the biggest river on the east coast of Australia. Yamba is a bustling holiday resort, home to a number of beautiful beaches, parks and rivers. The town is built around the mouth of the Clarence River, a great location for both salt and freshwater fishing, boating and kayaking. Just across the river is its twin – Iluka, which is a quiet little fishing village.

Where to Camp:

• Yamba – Saltwater at Yamba Holiday Park, Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Fishing Haven Holiday Park and Michael’s Clarence Valley Retreat.
• Iluka – Iluka Riverside Tourist Park, Iluka Clarence Head Caravan Park and Anchorage Caravan Park.
• Maclean – Maclean Riverside Caravan Park
• Grafton – Big River Caravan Park

Bellinger River & Kalang River

Urunga Heads

Kalang River, a perennial of the Bellinger River catchment, is located in the Mid North Coast region, just south of Coffs Harbour. Urunga is a wonderful destination where the Bellinger and Kalang rivers meet with the ocean. Blessed with beautiful beaches and tranquil rivers, Urunga is perfect for a relaxing waterside holiday.

Where to Camp: Urunga has two caravan parks at Urunga Heads Holiday Park and North Beach.

Nambucca River

Nambucca Heads

The Nambucca River runs adjacent to the towns of Bowraville, Macksville and Nambucca Heads. Nambucca Heads is a beautiful coastal holiday town on the mid North Coast of NSW. On a headland at the mouth of the gorgeous Nambucca River, the area is naturally beautiful with its meandering river, white sandy beaches and national park wilderness.

Where to Camp:

• Nambucca Heads – Nambucca Headland Holiday Park, Foreshore Caravan Park, Pelican Caravan Park and Active Holidays White Albatross.
• Macksville  – Nambucca River Tourist Park

Macleay River

Macleay River, South West Rocks

The Macleay River flows adjacent to the city of Kempsey and reaches its river mouth near South West Rocks. The small town of South West Rocks lies on the coast at the mouth of the Macleay River, a half-hour drive from Kempsey. It’s an ideal family retreat by the beach which is perfect for all types of water activities.

Where to Camp:

• South West Rocks – Active Holidays South West Rocks and Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park.
• Kempsey – Stuarts Point Holiday Park and Blackbird Flat Camping Ground,

Hastings River

Hasting River Mouth, Port Macquarie

The course of the Hastings River flows adjacent to the settlements Ellenborough, Long Flat, Beechwood, Wauchope and Port Macquarie. The Hastings River boasts a wine region which is worthwhile visiting. The beautiful coastal city of Port Macquarie is located midway between Sydney and Tweed Heads on the North Coast of NSW and is a popular beachside resort with much to offer.

Where to Camp: – Diamond Waters Caravan Park, Jordan’s Boating Centre and Holiday Park and Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park.

Camden Haven River

Camben Haven River at North Haven

The river flows into Watson Taylor Lake, Queens Lake and Gogleys Lagoon before entering the Pacific Ocean at Laurieton, Dunbogan and North Haven on the mid north coast of NSW. North Haven is located on the northern shore of Camden Haven at the river mouth and is connected to the nearby commercial centre of Laurieton by a bridge. North Haven is a delightful holiday destination offering swimming, surfing, fishing and boating.

Where to Camp: Brigadoon Holiday Park, North Coast Holiday Parks Beachfront, The Haven Caravan Park, Jacaranda Caravan Park, Laurieton Gardens Caravan Resort and BIG4 Bonny Hills.

The majority of these fanatastic riverside camping spots are located at or near the river mouths or estuaries. There are plenty of nature-based camping areas for nature lovers in the upper reaches of these magnificent rivers. There is nothing better than having a choice when holidaying: river and beach – the best of both worlds!

Do you ever go riverside camping in Australia? Where would you recommend?