Top 5 campsites we want to visit in 2013

Diggers Rest camping area, courtesy of Sue Moffitt

Going camping in 2013? We pick the top 5 campsites we are looking forward to visiting in 2013.

1. Diggers Rest camping area, Western Australia

If you feel up for an adventure in 2013, you might be considering travelling along the Gibb River Road. This legendary 4WD track winds through the Kimberley region and is one of the last proper road-based adventures in the country. You’ll find Diggers Rest camping area sitting majestically off the side of the Gibb River Road on the banks of the King River.

This is a working cattle station, and you can stay in the station or in the adjacent camping area. Whatever your preferred accommodation option, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better backdrop at a five-star hotel than the stunning Cockburn and Erskine ranges that surround the station.

There’s plenty to do at Diggers Rest, from horseriding to fishing. But be careful not to stay too long, or you might get locked in by the wet season.

The view from Dunphys camping area, courtesy of Destination NSW

2. Dunphys camping area, New South Wales

There’s no shortage of fantastic camping grounds in the Blue Mountains, from 2WD-accessible spots to family-friendly camping areas. But the unassuming Dunphys camping area is a place we want to spend more time at in 2013.

You’ll find Dunphys in Blue Mountains National Park, at the end of the Megalong Valley Road. You have to pass through private gates to get to the camping area, and every time you open and shut a gate, it feels like you are getting further away from your regular life.

From the campsite there’s the option to go hiking on the Six Foot Track, but what we are most looking forward to is sitting back and enjoying the incredible views across the mountains.

3. Myrtle Park Recreation Ground, Tasmania

The biggest problem with camping in Tasmania is deciding where to stay. This small island has more than its fair share of spectacular camping, from setting up tent next to the pristine Bay of Fires, to going into the wild in Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

But it is the pretty Myrtle Park Recreation Ground that we are looking forward to visiting in 2013. This delightful camping area is not a flashy site, but it has everything you need, including a playground for the kids and room for large rigs.

The campsite is situated next to the St Patricks River at Targa, on the route between Scottsdale and Launceston. We can’t imagine a better way to end a day’s exploring than relaxing under the riverside willows with a barbecue together with a few mates.

Seven Mile Flat camping area, courtesy of Lyndon Sparrow

4. Seven Mile Flat camping area, Victoria

While most people visit Victoria’s High Country for the ski season, a growing number of campers are wising up to the delights of this region in summer and spring. You’ll need a 4WD to reach many of the camping areas in the High Country, including Seven Mile Flat.

One of the many camping grounds in Alpine National Park, this campsite is situated next to Howqua River, allowing access to fishing and swimming. It is a great place to start your High Country camping trip.

The Gorge camping reserve, courtesy of Melissa Chambers

5. The Gorge camping reserve, Queensland

Fantastic swimming? Tick. Dog friendly? Tick. Fishing? Tick. A feeling of getting away from it all? Tick. The Darling Downs in Queensland is blessde with many great camping spots, including those in the spectacular Main Range National Park.

But this small camping area on the banks of Reynolds Creek makes our list for 2013 due to recommendations from other campers, and its charming and secluded location.

Which campsites make your list for 2013?