Tidal River campground, Tourism Victoria
Whoever says that camping isn’t for everyone obviously hasn’t been to the campsites on our list.
With their fantastic amenities and often spectacular locations, these camping areas are sure to convince even the most fervent anti-tentist that camping can be fun and enjoyable.
Be sure to let us know where you’d take a novice camper in the comments.
1. Bonnie Vale camping area, Royal National Park, New South Wales
Don’t worry – the facilities at Australia’s oldest national park, Royal National Park, aren’t as ancient as the park itself. In fact, you could say they’re quite flashy, as the facilities include flushing toilets, hot showers, white square basins and drinking water.
From the moment you drive up to this camping ground to the moment you leave, your experience at Bonnie Vale will be easy and comfortable. While you can bring a caravan or camper trailer, we think it’s the perfect camping area to set up tent the old-fashioned way.
The campsite is right on the riverfront, and has fantastic water-based activities. The kids will love the sandbar in the middle of the river, and it’s a great spot to try your hand at a bit of kayaking or waterskiing on the calm waters of Port Hacking.
One of the best things about Bonnie Vale is that it’s just over an hour away from Sydney, so novice campers won’t feel too far out of their comfort zones. And what’s even better? The tiny township of Bundeena is within walking distance of the campsite, where a skim flat white (or skinny flat white for those of you south of the border), is close at hand.
2. Tidal River camping area, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
The bad news about Tidal River is that the word is out about this fantastic campsite (and has been for some time). The good news? If you avoid the site during the peak times of Christmas and Easter, it’s the perfect spot to take a first-time camper.
Camping doesn’t get much easier than at Tidal River. Not only do you have drinking water, hot showers and flushing toilets, there are also dishwashing stations, laundry facilities and a kiosk that serves takeaway food. And with 484 sites on offer at the campground, if you don’t know how to set up your tent, there’s sure to be someone who does.
Situated behind the dunes at the spectacular Norman Bay, Tidal River has easy access to what makes Wilsons Prom so magnificent – the golden dunes and ocean views of the national park. You’ll want to spend a couple of days exploring the nooks and crannies of Wilsons Prom, knowing that you have a comfortable base camp where you can relax after a hard day’s exploring.
3. Dandabah camping area, Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland
Dandabah camping area, Jackie Carpenter
Dandabah camping area is just inside the southern entrance to Bunya Mountains National Park, so you can make a quick exit if the camping experience becomes too much for your novice camper, even if it’s just for a trip to the nearby general store or restaurant.
The campground itself is a large, grassed area, with no designated sites, so you can set up wherever you find a spot. Yet, it still has all the amenities needed to reassure a novice camper in, including hot showers and flushing toilets. There is running water, but it needs to be treated before you can drink it.
The road into the national park is long and windy, so you’ll be glad to leave your car behind and take advantage of the fantastic walking trails in the park once you arrive.
4. Wilpena Pound Campground, Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia
Wilpena Pound Campground, Tom Simpson
If there’s anywhere in Australia that’s going to convince someone to camp under the stars, it’s Flinders Ranges National Park. This spectacular national park will leave you in awe of its overwhelming natural beauty, whether you are climbing the magnificent ampitheatre of Wilpena Pound, scouting for hidden waterholes or wielding your 4WD over the peaks and ridges of these ancient rocks.
Of course, the fantastic amenities at this campground don’t hurt either. You’ll find hot showers, drinking water and toilets here, as well as easy access to the nearby Wilpena Pound Resort.
The campsite also offers novice campers a back-up option, as there are permanent tents, with solid floors and actual beds, set up at the campground.
5. Lake Navarino Forest Resort, Western Australia
Visiting a forest of tall jarrah trees is probably on your list of things to do when you visit Western Australia. But you can also go one-step further and stay in the heart of the forest at Lake Navarino Forest Retreat.
This is a caravan park, making it the most luxurious of all of the camping areas on this list. Luxury being relative, of course – a novice camper who is used to hotels probably won’t think this is the lap of luxury. But Lake Navarino Forest Resort has all the facilities you need in a delightful forest setting.
Just don’t tell too many people about it, because once you’ve visited, you’ll want to return again and again.
What campsites do you visit with novices?
