Mark replied:

Michelle,
Check out Wollondilly River Station, (02) 4888 9207 on the way to Wombeyan caves, this is a good camp spot by the river and lots of space. There is pretty good camping at the caves itself also, its a rough road getting up there but worth it. I wouldn't worry to much about being attacked while camping I think your far more likely to get attacked in the city than out in the bush, I assume your refering to humans as there not much in the way of creatures that will attack at night or during the day for that matter. If your nervous of being alone camp at one of the more popular spots until you get confident. My wife and I go for the more remote camping and sometimes go for 2-3 days without seeing anyone, not had a problem yet in all our years in the bush. Always let others know where your going.

kezza replied:

Ah the feeling of freedom!!!! My family has been doing just this for 3 generations and it is getting harder to do but there are plenty of places inland - harder to camp on the coast without being in a paying campground of some sort Safety to me now is to be either in a group of 2 families or be unseen. We sometimes camp by the road under the stars in western Qld and in the NT if the place and time is right. I sometimes use a 9 volt dick smith infrared sensor alarm or 2 to "patrol" 30 m radius of our campsite IF I feel the need (usually for dingos OR in more populated areas like fraser Is, Connondale ranges etc etc) Having a military background there are quite a few tricks I use to ensure I know who and what is around at night but honestly there are rarely times when we have ever been concerned for our safety - just enjoy the bush use common sense and trust your gut feelings - dont be discouraged by fear.
happy camping
Kezza

Melissa replied:

Hi Michelle, I've been camping since I was knee high to a budgy. As a kid, my folks would aften pull off the road where we slept in a tent or in the car. But, that was over 30 yrs ago and things have changed...but not so much that you can't still get out there and enjoy the freedom of camping away from CVP's. My husband and I regularly camp with our son and the only problems we've ever had were in once in a CVP and once in a NP run campground. Both incidents stemmed from noisy patrons having had too much to drink. Harmless enough but still disturbing. After both incidents, we couldn't wait to get out in the bush on our own! We like to bush camp as much as possible and depending on where we are, only stay in CVP's once every 4 or 5 days to resupply, wash, shower and recharge batteries etc. We do have a couple of rules about bush camping though...Always pull well off the road and out of sight of passing motorists and never camp close to a town on a Fri or Sat night (just in case the local lads decide to have a bit of fun scaring the crap out of sleeping campers). But as advised earlier, stick to the more populated camping spots until you get confident enough to head out bush on you're own. NP's are a good compromise between CVP's and lone bush camping. Also, why not travel with another couple or family, even if it's someone you meet along the way. This way you can still enjoy the freedom of bush camping but have a bit of company for security. And often firm friendships start around a campfire. Get out there and enjoy yourselves! Melissa

Rod replied:

Michelle, another option is if you have a 4x4 then consider joining a 4x4 Club that does camping and remote area travelling. You'll find that members are only to pleased to help.