This is a place for an old-fashioned camping holiday with modern amenities, where lasting memories are made. Well behaved dogs are most welcome too.
Secret Lake Retreat is a small family-run business that provides lakeside and bush sites for swags, tents, caravans, motorhomes and anything in-between!
With over 800 acres of bushland to explore, a gorgeous 60 acre private lake, abundant wildlife, sandstone outcrops, waterholes, seasonal creeks and no nearby neighbours, this is the perfect destination for a family holiday or a relaxing retreat.
We are a primitive camp and most sites have not been fully levelled. With unallocated sites, just choose your own spot.
You will see a huge variety of native birds and other wildlife. See our photos.
Whether you are lazing about camp, kayaking, bushwalking, mountain bike riding or bird-watching, Secret Lake Retreat offers as much, or as little, activity as you could want.
We are located in the Clarence Valley between Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour and inland from Yamba. The region has large sections of untouched coast line, pristine bushland, mountains, beaches, lakes, white water rapids and more - it has it all really! There is so much to do and see in the area. Make us your base to explore.
The village of Lawrence has a lot on offer with the well-renowned Lawrence Tavern and Lawrence General Store covering your basic needs just 10 minutes’ drive from us. For those who need a barista-made coffee or a counter meal - you can get that and more!
The larger Scottish-themed town of Maclean is a short (free) ferry trip over the Clarence River and well worth a visit.
Get back to the simpler life and come see us here at Secret Lake Retreat.
Easy to find … hard to leave!
Secret Lake Retreat, 45 Ryries Road, Lawrence (off Pringles Way).
You can approach west from Summerland Way or east through Lawrence. 24-hour ferries cross the Clarence River at Lawrence and Ulmarra.
Once on Ryries Road, you will cross a cattle grid, please watch out for kangaroos in the first paddock. Follow the numerous signs pointing you towards Secret Lake.
Roads to the campground are all-weather and can be accessed in a regular car. Infrequently, we get some minor flooding although it passes very quickly.
Some campsites are best accessed by SUV or 4WD if there has been a lot of rain. Please call ahead if you have any questions.
- From the North: (Casino)Take Summerland Way to Pringles Way (72.8 km) and turn left on Pringles Way. After 8km you are at the start of Ryries Road. Turn right onto Ryries Road and follow our signs.
- From the South:(Grafton) take Summerland Way to Pringles Way (38 km) and turn right on Pringles Way. After 8km you are at the start of Ryries Road. Turn right onto Ryries Road and follow our signs.
- From the East:(Pacific Highway/Yamba/Maclean) follow the signs to Maclean, cross the McFarlane bridge over the Clarence River, travel 10.7km and use the free Lawrence Car Ferry (24 hours) Turn right at the T intersection onto Richmond St (Pringles Way). After 10.8km you are at Ryries Road. Turn Left onto Ryries Road and follow our signs.
