One of my favourite experiences I had in Australia was going camping. If you are considering travelling through Australia, I highly recommend you add camping to your itinerary. Start planning your camping trips with these 8 amazing camping destinations in Australia.
I don’t know about you, but I love to enjoy bonfires, smores and snuggling in tents. To help you plan the most perfect camping trips, I have partnered with some of my travel blogging friends and put together this list of awesome camping destinations in Australia.
Scroll through them and get excited to explore these seven beautiful camping areas.
8 Amazing Camping Destinations In Australia
1. Booloumba Creek
Pack the four-wheel drive and set off on an adventure to the Conondale National Park in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. This is where you will find the quiet and secluded oasis of Booloumba Creek, just two hours north of Brisbane.
There are three different areas for you to choose from and a couple of creek crossings. Therefore, it’s better to visit in a four-wheel-drive or a high clearance vehicle. Two of the camping areas are only suitable for tents and swags (Car parks and sites are separated by pylons). Whereas the third area more open plan and convenient for campers and caravans.
The beautiful crystal clear creek runs alongside two camping areas, but the best spot to swim and the deepest pool is alongside Camping area three. There are 24 sites available here and a decent amount of bushland in between each tent. Keep in mind that you’re camping on National Park grounds, so the price is affordable, drop toilets provided, and a campfire pit.
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and give Booloumba Creek a try on your next time away. You will never want to leave this beautiful place!
By Chris from Aquarius Traveller
2. North Stradbroke Island
Located just 10 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city, is North Stradbroke Island (known by the locals as Straddie). It is one of the most pristine and beautiful islands in Australia, and definitely a contender for one of the top camping destinations.
There are 6 campgrounds to choose from, giving you plenty of options. Adder Rock and Cylinder Beach are two of the most popular campgrounds, thanks to their beach-side location. There’s tent and swag sites, caravan sites and even cabins, so there’s something for everyone.
You can even camp on Main Beach, which is a 38 kilometre stretch of white sand and blue water running along the eastern side of the island. The campsites are nicely spread out, meaning that this is a great option if you want to enjoy the serenity of nature without anyone else around.
In terms of activities, you can go whale and dolphin watching from Point Lookout, sandboarding on the dunes or even hiking to the two freshwater lakes on the island. Fishing, snorkelling and surfing are also popular activities.
The island is accessible by vehicle ferry, so if you bring your 4WD and rooftop tent you can enjoy the off road tracks snaking through the centre of the island.
By Louis from Outdoor Explorer
3. Margaret River
Margaret River is where the ocean meets the forest, an adventure hub of Western Australia with world-class surf spots, hiking trails, and vineyards to explore. Best of all, there are multiple campsites throughout the region that range from super simple to fully-powered holiday parks. Conto’s Campsite is a seaside campsite with incredible views, just a short walk away from a quiet, white sand beach. Many hikers venturing along the 1,000 Bibbulmun Track that weaves along Western Australia’s coastline use the campsite as a short stay.
In the town of Margaret River itself, campers can stay at a caravan park within walking distance from the town’s pubs, restaurants, and boutiques. Around Margaret River, there are over 200 vineyards, making this area one of Australia’s largest wine regions. Some tour companies, like Surf ‘N’ Dirt Adventure Tours combine adventure the best of everything with trips that start with a kayak through Blackwood River, surf lesson, or mountain biking excursion and end with a tour of the top local wineries.
By Chantae from Chantae Was Here
4. Litchfield National Park
Located in the heart of the Northern Territory, Litchfield National Park is a true-blue Aussie gem. Visiting this stunning park on a day trip is one of the best things to do in Darwin, however, for an even better experience you should camp there! That’s right, there are multiple campgrounds in Litchfield National Park that’ll allow you to enjoy the area all that much more.
When you camp in Litchfield National Park you’ll have the benefit of visiting some of the most popular attractions without the company of hundreds of other tourists. After all the tour buses have left as well as the day-trippers, the park becomes considerably quieter. Head to Florence Falls for a sunset swim, or walk to the top of Wangi Falls for an epic viewpoint. Start your morning with a relaxing dip in Buley Rock Pools or get a picture with the gigantic termite mounds. The attractions in this park are exceptional, especially with fewer people around.
The campsites also have great facilities in Litchfield National Park. Expect fire pits and bathrooms with showers. There are also cooking facilities including BBQs and tap water available. They are reasonably priced at $6.60 per adult per night. The best campgrounds you can choose from include Wangi Falls and Florence Falls which are open all year round and 2wd and caravan accessible.
By Bailey from Destinationless Travel
5. Bendeela Recreation Area
Kangaroo Valley is 2 hours from Sydney on the south coast of New South Wales. Although close to Sydney, the valley is surrounded by national parks that feature dramatic escarpments, forests and waterfalls. Carrington Falls, Fitzroy Falls, Morton National Park and Cambewarra Lookout are all must see sites in the area.
A highlight of Kangaroo Valley is the Kangaroo River which is a great spot for kayaking, fishing swimming and wildlife encounters. Kayaking up the river is also a great way to get deep into Morton National Park. There are campgrounds up the river so you can paddle and stay overnight in the national park.
One of the most popular things about Kangaroo Valley, is the Bendeela Recreation Area; a beautiful, large free camping area. It is right on the river and the perfect base for both getting onto the water and exploring Kangaroo Valley more widely. There is lots of grass, shade and wildlife. In the evenings expect to be sharing your site with wombats and, of course, kangaroos. Bookings are essential and can be made through the WaterNSW website.
By Natalie at Curious Campers
6. Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay in Tasmania is regularly listed as one of the best beaches in the world. Located on the Freycinet Peninsula approximately 2.5 – 3 hours from Hobart, this destination is one not to miss on any Tasmania adventure. While many choose to visit Wineglass Bay on a day trip, for the best Wineglass Bay experience, consider camping under the stars and beside the roar of the Tasman Sea at the Wineglass Bay campsite.
The Wineglass Bay campsite is a hike-in campsite located at the far (southern) side of Wineglass Bay. The hike to reach the campsite is approximately 3km one way over the Hazards Mountain Range encasing the bay. The view from Wineglass Bay Lookout is the most breathtaking view of the hike with expansive views over the bay, the Tasman Sea and Freycinet National Park.
Camping at Wineglass Bay is free; however, a Tasmania National Parks Pass is required to visit the Freycinet National Park. The only facilities at the Wineglass Bay campsite is a composting toilet, so be prepared with plenty of water to drink on the hike. No campfires are allowed at the campsites.
While you can enjoy camping at Wineglass Bay with an in and out hike, it is recommended to extend your hiking in the Freycinet National Park with the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach 11km circuit (4-5 hours) or the 27km Freycinet Peninsula Circuit (2-3 days).
Camping at Wineglass Bay was one of our favorite experiences in Tasmania. It is a chance to experience Wineglass Bay without anyone else around and take in the breathtaking nature of Australia’s southern isle.
By Kelli and Eddie from The Vanabond Tales
7. Agnes Water
Agnes Water is a little town located north of Brisbane on the East Coast of Australia. It sits right by the coast close to Seventeen Seventy which marks the point where James Cook supposedly first arrived in Australia. Agnes Water is the perfect spot for camping. You’ll find several official campsites but also great opportunities for wild camping. Proceed with caution though and make sure to follow any local laws and regulations before you try wild camping in Australia. The campsite in Agnes Water is located right by the beach. If you enjoy watersports and exploring the great outdoors this is definitely the spot for you. Agnes Water is known for offering one of the most affordable surf lessons in the country. For only 17$ you can learn how to surf and they’ll even guarantee that you’ll be able to stand after just one day. There is no better way to camp and spend time in the sun.
By Victoria from Guide Your Travel
8. Esperance
Camping at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is not to be missed when traveling to Esperance, Western Australia.
The campground at Lucky Bay offers powered and non-powered sites just a stone’s throw from the ocean and features a camp kitchen, gas barbecues, picnic tables, showers, and non-drinking water.
Lucky Bay is the most popular beach in the region and it’s often the reason why people visit Esperance, just to come and experience this stunning beach for its electric blue waters, squeaky white sands, and the amazing sight of the Grey Kangaroos that come down onto the beach to play.
It’s very rare you’ll ever get to be this close to a kangaroo, let alone on the beach, so this is definitely not to be missed. The roos like to come out of the bushes and onto the shoreline in the early morning and late afternoon, so be sure to visit around these times.
The landscape is simply breathtaking and it’s the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, surfing, hiking, and beach bumming. You will also find some walking trails that you can follow to the top of the hill and appreciate a stunning view of the bay from a birds-eye perspective!
You can also drive your 4WD vehicle right down onto the beach and hang out for the day with your friends and family. Go for a dip in the cool waters or stroll along the water’s edge to the end of the bay and explore the rocky outcrops. There is something here for everyone!
I would suggest visiting Esperance in the spring/summer months for the best weather. However, these are the busier months of the year and there will be crowds.
If you’re planning to camp at Lucky Bay campground in Cape Le Grand National Park, bookings are essential prior to your visit.
Contributed by: Jonny Melon Adventure Travel Blog
I hope you get a chance to enjoy some or all of these amazing camping destinations in Australia.
Wishing you a lifetime full of outdoor adventures,
