Tag Archives: campsites

Best free campsites in Tasmania.

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Cockle Creek camping area, Kerryn Burgess

Cockle Creek camping area, Kerryn Burgess

Tasmania, Australia’s smallest state, punches above its weight when it comes to good camping and especially free camping. You can camp everywhere from national parks to beaches to forests – and all for free free free!

Apsley Waterhole camping area, Douglas–Apsley National Park

As you swim in the Apsley River swimming hole near your free campsite in Douglas–Apsley National Park, you’ll ask yourself: does life get any better than this?

Boltons Green camping area, Southwest National Park

Boltons Green is the end of the road in Southwest National Park – from here it’s all walking tracks and endless ocean vistas. You need to get a permit for this camping area.

Dago Point camping area, Lake Sorrell

Set on the shaded banks of Lake Sorrell, camping doesn’t get much better than this. And since fishing is banned, it doesn’t get as crowded as you’d expect.

Green Point camping area, Marrawah

Water, water everywhere at Green Point camping area. This unprotected camping area (bring a strong tent!) overlooks the wild and beautiful Southern Ocean.

Hastings Forest Picnic Area camping area, Southern Forests

You might expect a free camping area to be ugly, with bad facilities and nothing to do. Well, may we introduce you to Hastings Forest Picnic Area camping area, which is nestled beside Esperance River on soft, mossy ground with toilets and all the activities you could want nearby?

Lake Barrington West camping area, Lake Barrington

Come here for the angling (permits required) and stay for the views and peace and quiet.

 

 

 

     

Best camping around Cairns and the Mid-Tropics

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Mission Beach Hideaway Village, Tom Simpson

Mission Beach Hideaway Village, Tom Simpson

If you want to camp with a view, look no further than the campsites around Cairns. We’ve picked our favourite campsites around the popular holiday town, everywhere from a boulder-bound campsite (yup, there’s more to Cairns than the beach) to a camping area on a beach where you can actually swim.

Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village, Mission Beach

Your holiday mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find an affordable, but still decent, place to stay. And if you book at Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village, you’ll be able to say mission accomplished.

Davies Creek camping area, Davies Creek National Park

If you found yourself up a creek without a paddle, you’d find yourself lucky to land at Davies Creek camping area, a picturesque spot next to Davies Creek. There are eight sites at the camping area, and good facilities.

Downfall Creek camping area, Danbulla State Forest

This open camping area is on the banks of Lake Tinaroo, and has uninterrupted views of the water. There are no defined sites, so rock up, set up tent wherever you like and tell yourself that this is the life. There are flushing toilets and fire rings.

Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows , Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is the rare beach near Cairns where you can swim all year round, as there’s a net in the ocean to protect a small area of the ocean from stingers. And you can camp right behind the beach, on either a powered or unpowered site.

Granite Gorge Nature Park

Your stay at this fantastic campsite will be anything but rocky – Granite Gorge Nature Park has facilities that rank among the best, shady sites, and proximity to the park’s famous boulders.

Home Rule Rainforest Lodge, Ngalba Bulal National Park

Home Rule Rainforest Lodge is almost the gateway to the true north of Australia. So make sure to take advantage of the luxurious facilities at Home Rule for the duration for your stay, as it won’t be as easy to find good facilities in Cape York.

Noah Beach camping area, Daintree National Park

Is camping on a beach in Daintree National Park the ultimate mid-tropics accommodation? We say yes, but you’ll have to nab one of the limited camping spots and see for yourself!

Dunk Island camping area, Dunk Island

Camping is the only accommodation option still available on Dunk Island, which has sustained significant damage after cyclones on this section of the coast. Just off Mission Beach, the island is a back-to-nature paradise, but with better facilities.

     

Top 16 winter camping spots

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Gunlom camping area, Kakadu National Park, Lyndon Sparrow

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.

 

 

     

Chase the blues away at the best campsites in Queensland

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Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, Lyndon Sparrow

Lawn Hill Gorge camping area, Lyndon Sparrow

Planning your trip north into Queensland to follow the sun?

These campsites in Queensland are sure to chase away the cold weather blues with their views, facilities and activities. And, of course, their affordability, so you can budget to spend more time in the warmth.

Lawn Hill camping area, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

It’s hot, dusty – and incredibly beautiful. This is an oasis in the outback, with a gorge hiding a palm-fringed emerald river. Lawn Hill camping area is the best camping area in the national park and has 20 sites ranged next to a creek with good facilities.

Darlington Park camping area, Beaudesert

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

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 great camp kitchen.

Babinda Creek camping area, Babinda

Find water that you can swim in at Babinda Creek camping area, which is a family-friendly camping area with good facilities nestled next to a creek south of Cairns.

Maureen’s Cove camping area, Whitsundays National Park

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 with limited facilities, but swell snorkelling just offshore.

MV Sarawak camping area, Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area

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.

Cameron Corner camping area

There’s not much to Cameron Corner camping area apart from knowing that you are camping at the point where Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales meet. There’s good facilities, a store and access to Sturt National Park.

Carnarvon Gorge camping area, Carnarvon National Park

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

It’s a long way to the top, but it’s worth it for views like these – and for the experience of being at the tip of Australia. Punsand Bay Camping Resort has the campsites closest to the top, and has tip-top facilities and activities.

 

 

     

Campsites with the best activities nearby

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El Questro Campsite, Lyndon Sparrow

El Questro Campsite, Lyndon Sparrow

You’ve arrived at the campsite, set up your tent, enjoyed good conversations, good brews and good food around the campfire – now what?

If you’re looking for campsites with access to some of the best activities around the country, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve picked campgrounds with access to some of Australia’s best activities, from walking in Wilsons Promontory to snorkelling in the Whitsundays.

Roaring Meg camping area, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria

You have to be active to even reach most of the campsites in Wilsons Promontory National Park, as most of the campsites are walk-in only. This national park is at the southernmost point of mainland Australia, and Roaring Meg is the campsite closest to the actual southernmost point. And, you guessed it, it can only be accessed by walking in.

It’s a 12km hike to get to Roaring Meg camping area along the Telegraph Track from Tidal River. The campground itself is extremely basic – it’s tent-only camping (you have to carry the tent in) and the only facilities are a composting toilet and water supply. It’s still a bit more of a walk to get to the bottom of mainland Australia from the campsite. You can also walk across to Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse from the campground.

Mungo Brush camping area, Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales

If you don’t like water, don’t camp at Myall Lakes National Park. With 40km of beaches and 100,000ha of waterways, this is a water-lover’s playground. And Mungo Brush camping area might just have the best position in the park, happily situated between the lake and the beach.

The campsites in Myall Lake are all no-bookings sites and are pretty affordable, especially considering that the facilities are great, with toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, boat ramps and more. The sites are also spacious, suitable for camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes.

And once you’ve set up, you’ll have access to swimming, waterskiing, boating, kayaking, fishing, sailing and (for those looking for land-based activities) walking.

El Questro Station – Black Cockatoo camping area, Gibb River Road, Western Australia

The Gibb River Road is one of the most famous 4WD treks in Australia. Starting in Broome, the road passes through the wild and spectacularly beautiful Kimberley region, ending in Kununurra on the border with the Northern Territory.

It’s got everything you want in an epic 4WD trek – river crossings, sometimes dubious road conditions, epic scenery and crocodiles. Well, maybe you don’t want the crocodiles, but they do add to the sense of adventure.

El Questro Station is 16km off the Gibb River Road. There are a variety of camping options at the station, including Black Cockatoo camping area. Black Cockatoo is the campground at the station, and subsequently has access to great facilities, including an on-site restaurant. This outback oasis also has more activities than just four-wheel-driving. You can choose to go boating on the Pentecost River or horseriding around the area.

Campsites along the Munda Biddi Trail, Western Australia

Tackling a 1000km bike ride is no walk in the park, although your journey can be broken up at the numerous campsites that line the Munda Biddi Trail. This epic bike trail starts at Mundaring, slightly to the north of Perth, and passes through Western Australia’s ancient forests. You’ll emerge from the foliage to ocean views at the other end of the trail in Albany.

This trail was built specifically with off-road cyclists in mind, and all of the campsites have shelter, water and toilets – everything an exhausted cyclist needs after a hard day’s riding.

Maureen’s Cove camping area, Whitsunday Islands National Park, Queensland

You don’t need us to tell you how beautiful the Whitsunday Islands are – they are internationally renowned for their stunning white beaches and turquoise water, as well as for their access to the Great Barrier Reef.

As with most of the campsites in the national park, you can only get to Maureen’s Cove by boat, and the facilities are limited to toilets and picnic tables.

Maureen’s Cove is on Hook’s Island and has access to the fringing coral reef, so don’t forget to bring your diving and snorkelling gear. The views under and over the water are equally good, as the camping area has views over the Coral Sea.

DISCOVER MORE CAMPING IN THE CAMPING AROUND AUSTRALIA APP.