I have had a goal for quiet a while… to introduced my youngest kids to overnight hiking.
There was some conditions though.
- It couldn’t be too long
- It couldn’t be too hard
- It couldn’t be too far from home
- It had to have some facilities (like fresh water so we didn’t have to carry it in!)
- It had to be walked before it got too hot but not too cold!!!
All these conditions were important to me as I didn’t want the kids (or myself!) to be turned off overnight hiking right from the get go!
Well, to find a hike that ticked all the boxes?
I wasn’t sure that I would find one… but I did!
The Basin track into… the Basin Campground!!!!
Check out our YouTube Video on our hike for more… Click here!
Finding a parking spot we unloaded the car, a mixture of excitement and concern for what was to come. I was a little worried. I had read that while the track is only approximately 3km in length, it contained a very steep part at the conclusion.
In fact on the National Parks Website it actually advised that “It’s better to get the ferry if you have heavy camping gear or KIDS” ( yes … you can catch a ferry into the campground, but why would I do that when I can drag kids and camping gear along a track?!)
Anyhow I figured that we were all up for the challenge and we were going to give it a read hot go! So we psyched each other up, reminded each other to take our time, then picked up our bags, plonked them on our backs and headed off!
The track was wide, like a fire trail, and in the beginning it ambled a little up and down a little, but nothing to worry about. Apart from a small stop to readjust Ivy’s bag, we powered on easily through to the 2km mark, before stopping for a snack break and stretching our backs a little. It was from here that we began to understand the warning on the National Parks website. The next 1 km was steep, but to be honest still not bad, mainly because this part of the trail was congregated cement. The kids turned to each other in support and took it all in their stride … leaving me to try to keep up!
As we made our way down to the end of the trail, I caught a glimpse of the camp ground and the water of the bay shimmering through the trees. It looked like an oasis within a city National Park. I was confident that we were going to enjoy our time here, and as we came off the trail my thoughts were confirmed. We were greeted with a large open green space, surrounded by water and the gorgeous Ku-Ring-Gai national park and as a bonus… some swamp wallaby’s making themselves at home amongst the campers.
Check out our YouTube Video on our hike for more… Click here!
The friendly resident ranger greeted us, congratulating the kids on their achievement (what about me!) and informed us of the facilities / rules. We walked around to find the perfect spot to pitch the tent, before exploring our surrounds. The lagoon was enticing for a swim, the jetty an awesome spot to sit and watch the boats, the bbq had a great view to admire while cooking our dinner, the little beach area perfect for building sandcastles and the hill behind our tent contained the best vines to swing on!
But the best attraction for the kids…. the tennis ball and palm tree frond that they found, perfect for a game of cricket! It is always the little things that they love, right!
After a perfect night sleep, another game of cricket and a quick pack up there was only one thing left for us to do…. climb back up that bloody hill!!
Check out our YouTube Video on our hike for more… Click here!
Where: The Basin campground, Ku-Ring-Gai National Park NSW, Australia
How much: $12 per day National Park entry, $34 per night for two people, fares / landing fees are applicable if coming by boat/ ferry.
Need to know: The trail begins on the West head road and there is parking available at the start, the track down into the Basin Campground is approximately 2.8km- 1km is steep either up or down!, You can catch the ferry from Palm Beach (in fact that’s how most people get there!) The camp facilities include flush-able toilets, cold showers, gas bbqs, fresh water, vending machines for drinks/ snacks/coffee and sups and kayaks for hire. Be prepared for a lot of campers…. it is a very popular for Sydney people who catch the ferry across from Palm Beach and can take up to 400 people!!!! When we were there when there was 180 and that was enough for me!!
Have you ever taken you kids on an overnight hike?
Have you ever camped at the Basin Campground?
Safe Travels
Kerrie
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What an achievement! Well done kids …. and Mum!! It looks beautiful there. What a lovely reward for your efforts! 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
What a fabulous spot to camp! I recall coming in for a picnic lunch one time on the ferry, but this is a whole new level – and such a great experience for your kids.
This sounds like a great outdoor activity. I’ve never done an overnight hike but my kids and I have done many camping trips over the years. We love camping and this area sounds right up our alley. Shame I live in Queensland. #TeamLovinLife
Oh it’s stunning but I really don’t think I could stay in a tent like that. I’m more of a hotel kind of gal. I fantasise about ‘van life’ and travelling with the bare minimum but that requires a private toilet and shower! (And I know I sound like a princess!)
That looks lovely! I did an overnight hike as a kid. In fact, I think we did two nights if memory serves me. Kosciusko National Park. Very mountainous. No camp ground either – Mum, Dad and I slept on the side of a hill/mountain in a tent on our own. We were carrying water and cans of food. It did not light a spark in me for future hikes/camps! Never done it with my kids.