Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, Lyndon Sparrow
It’s corny, but it’s true – Australians love a sunburnt country. And from the iconic red stretches of the Red Centre in the Northern Territory to the unexpectedly lush wetlands of Innamincka in South Australia, it doesn’t get more sunburnt than Australia’s vast outback.
Wake up to these spectacular outback views by camping overnight in one of our top five outback camping spots.
Dales camping area, Karijini National Park, Western Australia
Dales camping area, Lyndon Sparrow
It doesn’t get much more outback that Dales camping area in Karijini National Park. Situated in the heart of the Pilbara region in Western Australia, the park is famous for its hidden gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes that offer visitors an oasis after the harsh desert heat.
Dales camping area isn’t located in one of the gorges, but on the red sand near Fortescue River. The campsite is shaded by vegetation that looks surprisingly lush in comparison to the desert surrounds. It has a good amount of facilities, including toilets, barbecues, and caravan and camper trailer access.
Homestead Creek camping area, Mutawintji National Park, New South Wales
You’ll find Homestead Creek camping area on your way to the centre of Australia. Situated in the spectacular Mutawintji National Park, it’s around halfway between Broken Hill and White Cliffs.
Mutawintji National Park is a land of contrasts, where the desert meets woodlands and shady valleys turn into dramatic gorges. Homestead Creek camping area is the only camping area in the national park, and has a wealth of facilities including hot showers, picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, campfires and access for vehicles of all sizes. And one of the best things about this campsite is that you won’t have to fight for space.
Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, Boodjamulla National Park, Queensland
Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, Lyndon Sparrow
When people talk about visiting Queensland, it’s mainly trips to the gorgeous beaches and islands of the tropics. But hidden in the state’s harsh outback is a national park of such unexpected beauty that travellers in the know plan their trips around a visit. We are, of course, talk about Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park.
There’s only one camping area in the national park and that’s Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, which is a basic campground next to Lawn Hill Creek. Although you’ll need to be self-sufficient to stay here, there are toilets, showers and drinking water (as well as crocodiles, so be croc safe). With only 20 campsites at the area, make sure to book your spot before heading to this desert oasis.
Old Police Station Waterhole camping area, Itwelepenty/Davenport Range National Park, Northern Territory
Old Police Station Waterhole camping area, Tourism NT
About a day’s drive north of Alice Springs, Itwelepenty/Davenport Range National Park is one of the Red Centre’s more underappreciated national parks.
But you’ll find it hard not to appreciate the national park when camping on the banks of the Old Police Station Waterhole, a permanent waterhole that has shady sites spread along its banks, and looks across to views of the national park’s rolling hills.
You’ll need to be self-sufficient to camp at this basic spot, as the only things can you expect to find here are campfires, toilets and picnic benches. The tent views are the flashiest thing you’ll find at this camping area.
Coongie Lake camping area, Coongie Lakes National Park, South Australia
Tucked into the north-east corner of South Australia, Coongie Lakes National Park and nearby Innamincka Regional Reserve are on the fringes of the Sturt Stony Desert. But the park is another surprisingly lush nature reserve, with wetlands and waterholes teeming with wildlife.
Coongie Lake camping area has its campsites ranged along the banks of Coongie Lake, which is one of the permanent water sources in the reserve. This is a fantastic birdwatching spot, and also offers plenty of scope for keen photographers.
Facilities are limited and you’ll need a 4WD to access the park.
