climberman wrote:Does anyone have any suggestions for easy overnighters?
Ideally I'd like a 1-2km walk to somewhere for non-car based camping. Facilities aren't super important, but a clear area for camping and a long-drop would be nice. I'd like to start getting the grommets into / used to walking-camping (as opposed to car-camping, which we also do). Even a walk to another car-based camping might be good. I'd prefer within 2 hours drive of Wollongong. Kids are 5 and 8.
Morton ? Fitzroy Falls ? Anywhere in Kangaroo Valley ? Royal ?
I think the main problem is the short walk in distance of 1-2km that you specify, but understandable given the kids' ages. You could walk in to Uloola Falls campsite from Waterfall Rly Stn in Royal but I think it's about 5km. It's an easy walk though, mostly flattish along FT with no really big hills. Bookings essential. There is also a loo there. Could be quite hot in summer though.
Another Royal option might be North Era campsite on the Coast Track, possibly walking in from Garrawarra Farm, or Garie. Easy-ish but can be steep in places. Campsites also have to be booked. That one is kind of on the beach at least.
I wouldn't recommend Long Point to Shoalhaven R for young kids without prior experience. It's few years ago since we walked it. Although the track was well defined, it's probably 400m descent or more and quite steep in places, hence Tyrone Thomas' medium grade. Nice walk however.
Someone posted a photo recently camped at Staffords Farm near Mt Keira. That's an easy short walk in from the road, maybe 2km. No facilities and a bit overgrown/weedy but nice outlook and views to Mt Kembla. I've also encountered wallabies there. I don't know if there are any issues with camping in that area. Might be worth a phone call to NPWS Wollongong office.
Plenty of day walks as others have said, but overnighters of the required standard are a bit thin. I'll keep scratching my head and see if anything else comes to mind.
p.s. Just thought of another one. Meryla Pass to Gales Flat in Morton NP near Moss Vale/Fitzroy Falls. It's quite steep but only about 1km on FT down to an open grassy the campsite (an old farm site). Wombats inhabit the area and the views are excellent.