Hi mate,
camping wise things probably havrnt changed much since you were there.there is still the council park where you can camp right on the water and leave you boat in or the hillcrest park with tennis courts/pool etc. the water is starting to clear after the fresh with tailor grunter and whiting being caught. yes you can access the ocean with the 8 mile readily acessible.the winter whiting will also be on the move soon with a few snapper and mackeral.there will also be small queenfish and trevally making their way up the river.If you are planning a trip make sure you grab a great sandy straits marine park map as there is a couple green zones and go slow zones now being enforced.hope this helps.
chewy.....