Gunlom camping area, Kakadu National Park, Lyndon Sparrow
Want to camp without freezing your tent pegs off this winter? We’ve picked the best winter campsites in Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, Queensland
It’s hot, dusty – and incredibly beautiful. This is an oasis in the outback, with a palm-fringed emerald river hiding in a gorge. Lawn Hill Gorge camping area is the best camping area in the national park and has 20 sites ranged next to the creek.
Darlington Park camping area, Beaudesert, Queensland
This family-friendly gem is in the Gold Coast hinterland. With plenty of space and facilities, Darlington Park camping area is a popular site.
Platypus Bush Camp, Finch Hatton Gorge, Queensland
You might not catch a glimpse of Australia’s most elusive native creature (the platypus!) at this enchanting rainforest campground, but less elusive features here include hot showers with views, treehouses and a camp kitchen.
Babinda Creek camping area, Babinda, Queensland
Find water you can swim in at Babinda Creek camping area, a family-friendly camping area with good facilities nestled next to a creek south of Cairns.
Maureen’s Cove camping area, Whitsundays National Park, Queensland
It’s the holy grail of travel – good budget accommodation within an expensive tourist precinct. The campsites in Whitsundays National Park are one such accommodation option. Boat-access only Maureen’s Cove camping area is on the north coast of Hook Island. It has limited facilities, but swell snorkelling just offshore.
MV Sarawak camping area, Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, Queensland
Dog-friendly and suitable for large groups, these campsites with a view (looking onto Fraser Island) might have limited facilities but that has not limited their popularity. Well worth a visit.
Camerons Corner camping area, Queensland
Camerons Corner camping area is the point where Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales meet – it’s also on the edge of the Stuart Desert, so you know it’s hot. There are good facilities and a store here.
Carnarvon Gorge camping area, Carnarvon National Park, Queensland
Gorge yourself on the views at Carnarvon Gorge – and then head back to Carnarvon Gorge camping area for the night. Only open during certain school holidays, this campground has good facilities and good access to the main attraction in the park.
Punsand Bay Camping Resort, Cape York, Queensland
It’s a long way to the top, but the drive is worth it for views like these – and for the experience of being at the tip of Australia. Punsand Bay Camping Resort is the closest campground to the northernmost point of Australia, and has tip-top facilities and activities.
Gunlom camping area, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
This is one of the best camping areas in Kakadu, and not just because it has great facilities (although it does). No, this camping area is at the base of Gunlom Falls, where the views are remarkable and the waters are normally croc free.
Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary, Gibb River Road, Western Australia
Around 95km off Gibb River Road, down a well-graded road, this campsite is run by the not-for-profit Australian Wildlife Conservancy. It’s basic but beautiful, with shady sites ranged next to the river. And, as the name suggests, it’s a hang-out for local wildlife, as well as being close to gorges and other gorge-ous vistas.
Kooljaman camping area, Cape Leveque, Western Australia
Does it get much better than this? You’ll have to go and see for yourself.
The campground in Cape Leveque Wilderness Camp is suitably remote and beautiful (it’s greener than you’d expect), the facilities and amenities are good, and if you go for two nights, you’ll often end up staying for four.
Dales camping area, Karijini National Park, Western Australia
Karijini National Park is the jewel in the desert crown of the Pilbara region. On first glance, the national park seems to be red desert and shrubs. But the mountainous national park is hiding gorges with jewel-toned swimming holes and waterfalls. Dales camping area is near some of the best sights in the park, and has good facilities.
Surprise Creek Falls camping area, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
It wouldn’t surprise us if you fall in love with this remote and basic campsite in Litchfield National Park, if only for its access to an enchanting swimming hole.
Butterfly Springs camping area, Limmen National Park, Northern Territory
The three best things about this camping area are that it’s free, the spring that the campsite is named for is enchanting (and the only place to safely swim in the park), and it has a large population of butterflies that will flutter around you like you’re Snow White. A short distance off the Savannah Way, you can only stay at this campsite in dry weather.
Ormiston Gorge camping area, West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Northern Territory
This camping area has one of the most scenic toilets you’ll find in Australia – and apart from that, it has great access to Ormiston Gorge, one of the Red Centre’s best known swimming holes.
