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The best roadhouses in Australia

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A roadhouse is so much more than just a place you can get petrol and an iffy pie. For drivers travelling along Australia’s isolated highways, a roadhouse rises like an oasis of good ol’ fashioned hospitality on the side of the road. Their proprietors might well rescue you and your car if you fall into trouble nearby, too. We’ve picked the best roadhouses in the country – no iffy roadside pies here!

Hells Gate Roadhouse, Savannah Way, Queensland

Hell’s Gate Roadhouse by TravelPod member Macphails

Don’t believe everything they tell you – hell isn’t that bad. At least it’s not at Hells Gate Roadhouse, a friendly and surprisingly green stop on the rough and tumble Savannah Highway in Queensland, around 50km from the border with Northern Territory. You’re a long way from anywhere up here, and Hells Gate Roadhouse is a sight for dusty eyes … especially as it’s got petrol, food, cold drinks, and a place to stay for the night. Oh, and there’s even an airstrip, if you’d prefer to drop in by air.

Birdsville Roadhouse, Birdsville, Queensland

Birdsville Roadhouse

If you get stuck in the Simpson Desert within 300km of Birdsville and you call the RACQ, the man who’ll come running – eventually – is Peter Barnes, the proprietor of the Birdsville Roadhouse. While the Birdsville Pub might be more iconic, it’s the Birdsville Roadhouse, which has been run by Barnes’y and his wife Bernadette for decades, that should be top of every travellers’ list. It’s got fuel, friendliness … and, perhaps most importantly if you’ve just been driving through the desert, a vehicle workshop.

Tjukayirla Roadhouse, Great Central Road, Western Australia

Tjukayirla Roadhouse by TripAdvisor reviewer Alai1498

You’re a long way from anywhere at the Tjukayirla Roadhouse, an outpost on the Great Central Road in the Great Victoria Desert. This classic Australian building, with a corrugated roof extending over a veranda that’s surrounded by shrubby and shady gums, is a welcome spot of hospitality after you’ve been bouncing over the unsealed road for hours. And even though the roadhouse is, well, in the middle of nowhere, it manages to serve up some of the best burgers this side of Texas. The roadhouse isn’t open in the evenings, so unless you’re planning to stay in the clean and thoughtfully considered accommodation, remember to check the opening hours.

Nullarbor Roadhouse, Nullarbor, South Australia

Nullarbor Roadhouse by TripAdvisor reviewer Seafergie

The Nullarbor Roadhouse might be the friendliest roadhouse in the country – which is great news for travellers, as hospitality is just what you need when driving the long and isolated stretch of road between South Australia and Western Australia. The Nullarbor Roadhouse has been open to travellers since 1957, and while the original roadhouse still remains as an interesting historical feature, the facilities have been upgraded somewhat since then, with hot showers ($1 for 5 minutes), clean rooms, great coffee (they even have soy!) and food so good (they even have roast lamb) you’ll want to turn around and do the drive again, just for a repeat taste.

Emerald Springs Roadhouse, Stuart Highway, Northern Territory

Emerald Springs by TripAdvisor reviewer MBB1952

Emerald Springs Roadhouse, at an easy 180km drive down the Stuart Highway from Darwin, is perfectly situated for your first pick-me-up on the road. And you’re in luck! This roadhouse, although situated in an area that’s famous for nothing much, is itself famous for its excellent food and coffee, as well as for its cheeky and charming owners – oh, and the large, cool veranda.

     

Top 5 desert camping areas

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We’ve all heard it before – the best way to really  see Australia is to leave the coastline behind and head for the desert. And what better way to see the desert than by camping there? That’s why we’ve found Australia’s top five desert camping areas, which will show you there’s more to the desert than sand dunes. But be warned: these campsites are hot properties, where temperatures soar and you’re pretty much isolated, so you’ll need to be experienced, self-sufficient and prepared.

Coongie Lake camping area, Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park, South Australia

Coongie Lakes is a rare permanent body of water in a corner of the outback more famous for dry rivers and lakes like Cooper Creek and Lake Eyre. More than that, it’s a recognised wetland, with abundant birdlife and shady, overhanging trees. It’s a cool change from the harsh surrounding landscape, and the campsites line the shore of the lake for full-frontal views. There are no facilities apart from toilets, so you’ll need to be entirely self-sufficient. Oh, and access is from the famously rough and tumble 4WD-only Coongie Track. Well, it wouldn’t be the desert if it was easy!

Coongie Lakes National Park by Flickr dracophylla

Dig Tree camping area, Dig Tree Reserve, Queensland

You’ll probably make happier memories at Dig Tree camping area than explorer Burke (of Burke and Wills), who famously met his end underneath the Dig Tree. Apart from the tree itself, which, at a reported 200 years old, is large, shady and unconcerned by its historical significance, you’ll find a pleasant camping area with extremely basic facilities along the Cooper Creek. As a bonus, this section of the creek normally has water. Set up your camp anywhere within the fenced area. Note: you’ll find it much easier to enjoy the view if you bring mosquito netting – this is fly territory.

Dig Tree, Tourism and Events Queensland

Dalhousie Springs camping area, Witjira National Park, South Australia

An oasis away from the dunes and plains of the desert, Dalhousie Springs is one of the more popular camping areas in this neck of the outback, and for good reason – it has a large hot spring that averages around 38 degrees Celsius where you can laze away the cares of the road. And if that’s not enough, Dalhousie also has excellent facilities, with toilets and showers. It’s no wonder this camping area brings in plenty of other campers (and plenty of mosquitoes).

Dalhousie Springs by Citizengastronaut

Palm Valley camping area, Finke Gorge National Park, Northern Territory

The main camping area in Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley camping area is found within the desert-meets-tropical beauty of Palm Valley. This valley is particularly remarkable because it protects the last of the red cabbage palms, an ancient species of palm endemic to the desert. The campsites are arrayed along the often-dry Finke River (although you might get some pooled water) and the area has good facilities – including flushing toilets! From the camping area, you can follow walking trails around the valley or head to the Kalaranga Lookout for heart-stopping sunset views.

Finke Gorge National Park by Tripadvisor conatus

Cameron Corner camping area, Queensland

Thousands of travellers make the pilgrimage out to Cameron Corner every year to stand at the place where Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet. Look at this geographical crossroads and then head to the pub attached the corner store for a surprisingly good burger and a cool bevvie – reward for surviving the long and bumpy trek out here. Talk to the owners Finn and Cheryl about bush camping in the 240ha at Cameron Corner, and hand over the small camping fee, which will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. You’ll need to be experienced and entirely self-sufficient to bush camp in this desert, but if you prefer a few more creature comforts, you can also camp at the corner store.

Cameron Corner marker by Tripadvisor Megan_Chambers

     

You won’t believe you can camp with your dogs at these five camping areas.

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Dog friendly campsites

It can be tough to go camping with dogs in Australia. National parks are mainly out, and sometimes you can’t even stay at caravan parks. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave your dog at home. There are some great dog-friendly camping areas around the country – you just have to know where to look! Our favourite place to start? State forests, which generally welcome pets. Here are our top picks for a camping experience the whole family – yes, even lassie – can enjoy (and there’s even a spot in a national park).

Johanna Beach camping area, Great Otway National Park, Victoria

There’s a reason Johanna Beach is one of the most popular camping areas in Victoria – it comes pretty close to being perfect. Just off the Great Ocean Road near Johanna, the camping area is in a seriously beaut spot behind the beach, in a grassy clearing with plenty of space to spread out amidst the coastal shrub. And even though the camping area is officially a part of Great Otway National Park, you can still bring your dog. A camping area this good can (and does) get booked out, so remember to book well in advance.

Johanna Beach

Johanna Beach, Tourism Victoria

Chowilla camping area, Chowilla Game Reserve and Regional Reserve, South Australia

If you’re after a spot of relaxation with your dog at your side, you can’t do better than the camping at Chowilla Game Reserve, which protects the Murray River floodplains near Renmark. While you can’t camp alongside the Murray itself, there are sizeable creeks – all of them feeding into the Murray – throughout the park where you can set up your tent under the trees or among the river shrub. The main activity at Chowilla is relaxation, but you can also indulge in some bushwalks, a spot of wildlife watching, canoeing or angling.

Murray River

Murray River, Tourism South Australia

Alexander Bay camping area, Esperance Shire, Western Australia

Alexander Bay camping area is Lucky Bay camping area’s less famous cousin. Luckily the scenery is just as spectacular, with long, pristine white beaches and turquoise water. The campsites are just behind the beach in the shrub, so you’ll have easy access to the ocean – which is why everyone comes here, of course! The site is managed by the local council, and dogs are welcome.

Recherche Archipelago

Woody Island, Recherche Archipelago

M.V. Sarawak, Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, Queensland

M.V. Sarawak camping area is the sort of place tourism brochures are made of. The northernmost campground in Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, the sites here are just behind the beach. You can set up wherever you find space; most of the sites are under coastal trees and a few have views out to Fraser Island. It’s pretty basic camping, as the only facilities are toilets and fire sites. Apart from being dog-friendly, the camping area is also suitable for large groups and can be accessed by 2WD.

Inskip Peninsula

Inskip Peninsula, Tourism and Events QLD/Nick Boustead

Manning River camping area, Barrington Tops State Forest, New South Wales

You’ll find this basic camping area in the dense rainforest next to the Manning River near Henry’s Bridge. It’s a picturesque spot that looks kind of wild, almost like the sort of place a bushranger might have made his hideout. These days the site mainly attracts fishermen on the hunt for trout and four-wheel drivers – as well as people looking for an excellent spot to camp with their dogs.

Barrington Tops

Barrington Tops

     

Best camping along the Great Ocean Road

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Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road, Roberto Seba

The Great Ocean Road has some of the best camping areas in Victoria stretched along its length: there are campsites next to rivers, behind beaches, hidden in forest gullies, near waterfalls … And we’ve done the hard work of finding the best five camping areas along this classic route. Even though you can drive the Great Ocean Road in four hours, these camping areas will make you want to spend a week.

 

Cumberland River Holiday Park

Cumberland River Holiday Park, cumberlandriver.com.au

Cumberland River Holiday Park, Cumberland River

Just south of Lorne you’ll find Cumberland River Holiday Park, where campsites, powered and unpowered caravan sites and cabins are casually strewn alongside the Cumberland River at the base of bushy hills. The park is literally just off the Great Ocean Road, tucked in a nook behind a hairpin corner bend, on the other side of the road from the beach. The park feels a bit old-school – everything moves at a slower pace here, and it’s all about swimming, fishing and relaxing. We can’t think of anything better.

 

Koala Bear

See Koalas at Kennett River

Kennett River Holiday Park, Kennett River

Stand outside your cabin, camping or caravan site and take a deep breath. Look around and spot the koalas, or feed the native birds with birdseed you’ve purchased from the park. Think to yourself: this is the life. Kennett River Holiday Park is located just off the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay, with a patrolled beach across the road. Sheltering between the mountains of the Otways, the park is orderly, well-maintained and green, with camping and caravan sites spread underneath the trees, and a few lucky cabins facing the ocean view.

 

Cape Otway Lighthouse

Cape Otway Lighthouse

Blanket Bay camping area, Great Otway National Park

Let Blanket Bay camping area wrap you in the warmth of a seriously excellent camping area. This gem is hidden on the coast in Great Otway National Park, a short drive south of Apollo Bay near the famous Cape Otway Lighthouse. The sites at Blanket Bay are shaded and generous, and you’re also allowed open fires in the allocated fireplaces. It gets so popular here you have to enter a ballot to nab a spot over Easter and Christmas; make sure you plan in advance!

 

Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park

Aire River camping areas

The biggest decision you have to make at Aire River, located between Cape Otway and Glenaire, is whether you’re going to camp on the east or west side of the river. At Aire River West camping area, you have a large campground with little shade, a boat ramp, and heaps of space for large groups. And it’s closer to the beach. At Aire River East camping area, you’ll find a smaller, shaded camping area with a river beach. It’s charming and quieter. Both offer excellent kayaking. You choose!

 

Johanna Beach

Johanna Beach

Johanna Beach camping area

You’re not far from the Twelve Apostles at Johanna Beach camping area, a large and grassy campground spread comfortably behind the popular surfing beach. This rustic camping area doesn’t have any facilities apart from toilets, but it’s still very popular – particularly as you can bring your dog, even though you’re in a national park.

     

Top 5 free camping areas in Australia

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Broken River camping area

The best things in life are free – and that includes camping. That’s right, we’ve scoured the country to bring you the best free campsites, from a beach just off the Nullarbor to a riverbank in Victoria. With prices (and views) like these, you’ll never want to leave.

 

Blue Waterholes Campground, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW

This campsite is wild and beautiful, situated in a part of Kosciusko National Park not many people make the trek (or drive) to see. There’s plenty of space, and you can sit back and admire the mountain views from your chair, or make the short pilgrimage to the charming waterhole that gives the campground its name.

Landscape scenics of Blue Lake, Kosciuszko National Park, Snowy Mountains

Landscape scenics of Blue Lake, Kosciuszko National Park

 

Woods Point camping area, Snowy River, VIC

Take a road back in time to the Woods Point camping area, located on the banks of the Snowy River. As you look out over the river and the surrounding forests from your campsite, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d travelled back 200 years or so – that is, if you ignore the picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. It’s an idyllic spot.

Snowy River, Gippsland

Snowy River, Gippsland

 

Davenport Creek camping area, Ceduna, South Australia

If the conditions are right, you can camp right on the beach at Davenport Creek, where you’ll have the best view money can’t buy out on to the Great Australian Bight. Of course, this spot for self-sufficient campers isn’t really about the view – it’s about the best fishing and surfing in the state. Camping is free, except for the toll you might have to pay to the midges that come out in droves.

Ceduna

Ceduna by Momama3564

 

Cosy Corner camping area, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Tasmania

The view from Cosy Corner camping area over the turquoise water, lichen-covered rocks and white sand of the Bay of Fires is priceless. Luckily, you won’t have to pay a cent for the best seats – or campsite – in the house. Bring your own everything, as pit toilets are the only facilities.

Bay of Fires by Klouf87

Bay of Fires by Klouf87

 

Mambi Island camping area, Ord River, Western Australia

Mambi Island camping area is 45 kilometres north of Kununurra in the Kimberley, which is deep outback territory. The campsites are spread out under the paperbark trees on the banks of the Ord River, but don’t camp too close to the water – this is croc territory. Another one for self-sufficient campers, Mambi Island draws campers for the excellent fishing.

Ord River, near Kununurra Web, Lanai Scarr

Ord River, near Kununurra Web, Lanai Scarr