Pineapple Flat camping area, courtesy of Lyndon Sparrow
Do you want to go camping this holidays, but (think you) ran out of time to book the best spots before they were all gone?
Luckily, some of Australia’s best camping spots are no-bookings sites, which means you still have time to put together a fantastic last-minute camping trip.
We’ve called parks departments around the country to get the lowdown on which campsites still have sites available.
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of spectacular ocean views, fantastic beaches and shady mountain ranges. And during the summer holidays, everyone seems to congregate along the coast.
Mungo Brush Campground, courtesy of Renee Wheway
Mungo Brush camping area, Myall Lakes National Park
Myall Lakes National Park is just north of Newcastle and has 40 kilometres worth of beaches, so it’s a popular spot for campers in the summer holidays.
The campsite is close to the lake and the beach. It’s also a fantastic base for a variety of activities, including swimming, boating and canoeing, and is suitable for caravans and camper trailers.
There are no bookings at Mungo Brush, and that does mean space can be hotly contested. It’s busiest around Christmas and New Year’s; it quietens down after 2 January.
The best thing about Mungo Brush is that if you miss out on a spot, there are about 350 other campsites in the park to choose from.
Yuraygir National Park, courtesy of Janelle Passfield
Lake Arragan camping area, Yuraygir National Park
As with Mungo Brush, it’s first in, first served at Lake Arragan camping area. The campsite is situated in Yuraygir National Park, between Coffs Harbour and Lismore, and is the largest stretch of undeveloped coastline in New South Wales.
Lake Arragan is next to a small coastal lagoon, and has fantastic birdwatching opportunities. There are 50 sites at the camping area and the caretakers may let tents spill over a little if it’s busy.
If you decide to go to Lake Arragan, call the contractor who looks after the site the day before on 0427 220 368, and he’ll let you know how busy the site is and whether you’ll get a spot.
Geehi Flats, Kosciuszko National Park
Geehi Flats has never been completely full (although it is always busy), so you have a good chance of nabbing a spot. As with the other sites, the camping area doesn’t take bookings. But give the NPWS Snowy Mountains (Khancoban) a call on (02) 6076 9373 the day before you want to go, to get an update on the amount of people at the site.
Geehi Flats is an old Snowy Mountains Hydro campsite, and is just off the Alpine Way. The site isn’t recommended for large caravans or camper trailers, but there are some excellent 4WD tracks nearby.
It’s a particularly good site if you’re keen on trout fising or swimming.
Gloucester River camping area, Barrington Tops National Park
Barrington Tops National Park, courtesy of Destination NSW
The World Heritage–listed Barrington Tops National Parks is just west of the New South Wales coast in the Hunter Valley, and this, along with its spectacular gorges, views and rainforests, is a big drawcard for travellers.
None of the campsites in Barrington Tops take bookings. The biggest (and most popular) camping spot is Gloucester River camping area, with 25 sites, some of which are right on the river.
It’s a pretty campsite – although not as dramatic as some of the other camping areas in the park, like Devils Hole – and popular with families. It is also a great base from which to explore many of the activities on offer in the park, including bushwalking.
If you can’t get a spot in Barrington Tops National Park, you can also try the nearby Woko National Park.
Victoria
Johanna Beach camping area, Great Otway National Park
Johanna Beach camping area, courtesy of Paul Smedley
Johanna Beach camping area is one of the most popular campsites in Victoria, and is situated just off the Great Ocean Road in Great Otway National Park.
You can’t book at any of the camping areas in Great Otway National Park, and while this means you will be hedging your bets to get a spot, you can always try your luck. The sites, including Johanna Beach and Blanket Bay, fill up pretty quickly from Boxing Day.
The area’s popularity is very weather-dependant, so if the sun isn’t shining, you are more likely to get a site.
Fairhaven camping area, French Island
At the time of writing, Fairhaven camping area on French Island still had spots available. This is probably because, although French Island is an easy distance from Melbourne, actually reaching the camping area is a bit tricky.
You have to catch a ferry from Stony Point to the island and then walk the 5 kilometres to the camping area. It’s very isolated and very basic. But it’s also spectacular with a beautiful natural setting. French Island can feel like a hidden gem in comparison to its bigger, more popular neighbour, Phillip Island.
Blue Pool camping area, Briagolong State Forest
Like the name suggests, Blue Pool camping area is well known for its fantastic deepwater swimming hole. And the fact that it’s a free, no-bookings site also appeals to campers.
It’s situated in Briagolong State Forest, which is a delightful park near Stratford in East Gippsland.
The park rangers who look after Blue Pool say it can get pretty busy – or not. It’s very much the luck of the draw!
If Blue Pool is full, there are plenty of other camping areas nearby, including the Quarries camping area, which is the only campsite that charges fees in the state forest.
Teddington camping area, St Arnaud National Park
Teddington camping area hasn’t had many enquiries this holiday season, so if you turn up looking for a campsite, you’ll probably be in luck.
You’ll find the camping area in the stunning St Arnaud National Park, which is well known for its forests and steep terrain.
Teddington is a well-shaded site next to a reservoir (you have to camp 40 metres away from the water). You can’t swim here, but you can get out on the water in a canoe or go fishing.
Sheepyard Flat camping area, Howqua Hills Historic Area
One of the many camping areas scattered along the Howqua River in Victoria’s High Country, Sheepyard Flat is a delightful dog-friendly camping area with good facilities, including toilets and an information centre.
It’s a large, grassed site and although it is popular, you can spread out along the river, so there should be enough room for everyone. If you can’t get room at Sheepyard Flat, there are other great options within close proximity, including Frys Flat and Davons camping areas.
Victoria’s High Country is also well worth a visit in summer, particularly for its 4WD tracks.
