CLOSED since COVID-19 restrictions were put in place in March 2020, MidCoast Council’s designated free camping areas have now been reopened, with a booking system in place to ensure social distancing.

“In line with recent changes to the NSW Government’s COVID19 restrictions, we’ve been able to reopen free camping areas, with an online booking system required to ensure we meet requirements of the current public health order,” said Council’s Manager Community Spaces, Recreation and Trades, Dan Aldridge.

The free camping areas at Rocks Crossing in Taree, and Gloucester campsites at Gloryvale, Bretti and Copeland will all now be available for campers over the summer season.

In addition the fee-payable Barrington Reserve campsite has reopened and can be booked as usual through Barrington General Store.

Like most services and facilities since the COVID19 pandemic, things are a little bit different now.

You will need to book a space via an online form at midcoast.nsw.gov.au/camping.

Other Council services are also reopening.

Council’s Libraries’ school holiday activities are back to face-to-face events and activities during the summer holidays – visit library.midcoast.nsw.gov.au and check out the program for activities at a library near you.

All events and activities will be fully supervised, run in accordance with COVID safe guidelines, and bookings are essential.

District swimming pools at Tea Gardens, Stroud, Bulahdelah, Nabiac, and Krambach can be booked by groups, providing they have completed a COVID-19 safety plan and have current public liability insurance.

Unfortunately those pools remain closed to casual visitors, as COVID19 requirements can’t be met at those venues for casual visits.

And many market operators are now reopening local markets, which have been sorely missed by locals and visitors alike during 2020.

Visit barringtoncoast.com.au to see all upcoming markets dates.