With work on the Coffs Harbour bypass continuing apace, and the new road due to open to motorists in late 2026, there will likely be big changes ahead for the NSW Mid North Coast town … but a free camp doesn’t appear to be on the agenda.
For a long period of time, a large area of vacant land near the Jetty area was regularly used by significant numbers of free camping vehicles.
Some of the area is Crown land managed by the City of Coffs Harbour Council, while the rest is the responsibility of the State Government.
Back in September, a large fence was erected around the State Government section and signs erected declaring that camping, overnight stays, and parking between 9pm and 5am was prohibited.
Fences have been erected at the Coffs Harbour jetty area. PIC: Cizza
FLASHBACK: Earlier this year, campers regularly stayed overnight at the Jetty area. PIC: Cizza
It seems that campervans and caravans now no longer use the council-managed section of land either, presumably due to enhanced ranger patrols and camping rules enforcement.
A council spokesperson told the Grey Nomads that there was no room for misunderstandings.
“The City’s position is firm,” the spokesperson said. “Illegal camping is neither welcomed nor tolerated at the Jetty.”
The council said rangers conducted regular patrols on City-managed land to enforce rules around illegal camping, and to engage with those experiencing homelessness.
“The Jetty is not a free camping area and should not be used for overnight camping,” said the spokesperson. “Grey nomads, like all travellers, are welcome to book at one of the many amazing local holiday parks, including the facility at Park Beach.”
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Grey Nomad Members are being given the opportunity to win a Joolca GottaGo Toilet, which normally sells for $349. This ingenious loo actually separates solids from liquids so it doesn’t fill up the solids tank with urine, and thus needs emptying less often.
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Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
Won’t stop at Coffs Harbour anymore. So what money I may have spent there I will spend in another town.