Easter is only a day away – but don’t panic if you’ve left your camping holiday planning to the last minute.
There are some great campsites around the country that don’t take bookings, so if you’re quick to get there, you can nab a spot. We’ve picked our top campsites to get your last-minute planning started.
Best for beaches … Lucky Bay camping area, Western Australia
Lucky Bay camping area is 61 kilometres south-west of Esperance in Cape Le Grand National Park, and is one of the most spectacular beaches in Western Australia – and arguably Australia.
If you camp at this beachside spot, you might share the area with some kangaroos that like to sunbake on the pristine beach.
There are two camping areas, one for tents and one for trailers. While you don’t have to book, you’ll still have to pay a camping fee.
Best for hikers … Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory
The Larapinta Trail is one of the best adventure walks in Australia, taking hikers over West MacDonnell National Park’s ranges and gorges. The walk is broken up into 11 sections, each with camping areas along the trail.
You don’t need to book at Birthday Waterhole, Hugh Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Serpentine Chalet bush camp, Finke Two Mile or Redbank Gorge, which are all walk-in campsites.
Ellery Creek Big Hole camping area is one of the more popular camping spots along the trail and is also accessible to two- and four-wheel drives. Camping fees are payable.
Each camping area has different facilities, so research what you’ll need to take with you before setting out.
Best for views … Johanna Beach camping area, Victoria
North-west of Cape Otway is Johanna Beach camping area, one of Victoria’s most popular camping spots. The camping area is nestled behind the dunes of a great surfing beach, just off the Great Ocean Road.
While you don’t have to book, competition for sites can be fierce.
If you do manage to grab at spot at Johanna Beach, be prepared to share the area with plenty of others.
Best for enchantment … Bellbird camping area, New South Wales
Washpool National Park in New South Wales’s lush New England district is a National Heritage–listed area of magnificent rainforests.
Due to the dense rainforest, Bellbird is always somewhat in the dark, but this just adds to the feeling of privacy – and enchantment. While swimming is not recommended in autumn, it’s the perfect time of year to experience the colourful forest floor, with its bright orange coral fungi and purple mushrooms.
It’s $5 a night to camp at Bellbird, but that’s a small price to pay to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Washpool National Park.
Are you going camping this Easter?
Image credit: Tourism Western Australia; Tourism Northern Territory; Tourism Victoria
