Tag Archives: free camping

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.

 

 

 

     

The best free campsites in New South Wales.

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Ingar Waterhole camping area, Kerryn Burgess

Ingar Waterhole camping area, Kerryn Burgess

If you want to camp for free, don’t look past New South Wales. New South Wales now has more free campsites than any other state … and more than that, these campsites are good.

Bendeela Recreation Area, Kangaroo Valley

This campsite in the Kangaroo Valley is a hidden and picturesque gem! The sites are on a large, shady area next to the river.

Big River camping area, Goulburn River National Par

This campsite rocks. Set among rocks above the Goulburn River, you’re only a hop, skip and a leap away from some great swimming holes.

Blackbird Flat Reserve camping area, Macleay River Public Recreation Reserve

Free, dog-friendly, spacious camping next to a river in summer? Count us in.

Bodalla Forest Park, Bodalla State Forest

The perfect stop off the Princes Highway, this picnic spot also doubles as a shady and spacious camping area.

Coachwood camping area, Chichester State Forest

We like Coachwood camping area so much we almost don’t want to tell you about it. This pretty-as-a-picture campsite is next to a river in Chichester State Forest, which neighbours the magical Barrington Tops National Park.

Daisy Plains Huts, Carrai National Park

These remote huts are left unlocked for campers to use. It might not be ‘proper’ camping with a roof over your head, but as you wake up to the black cockatoos squawking in the eucalypts, you won’t care so much about those pesky details.

Frying Pan Creek camping area, Chichester State Forest

On the other side of the Telegherry River to Coachwood camping area, this picturesque campsite is justifiably popular.

Glen Davis camping area, Glen Davis

It’s a campsite with a view – and then some! This free camping area overlooks the beautiful Capertee Valley in the Blue Mountains.

Ingar Campground, Blue Mountains National Park

What makes Ingar camping area so good? It’s near Wentworth Falls AND a swimming hole, has toilets and easily accessible walking tracks. There are only eight sites though, so if you snooze on the morning you’re meant to leave, you may lose out on a spot.

Jacob’s River camping area, Kosciuszko National Park

Only a short drive from Jindabyne, Jacob’s River camping area gives you more than enough reasons to visit the alpine area in summer. It’s an attractive camping area set next to Jacob’s River. While away the time swimming and fishing.

Manning River camping area, Barrington Tops State Forest

Cool down by camping on the banks of the Manning River under the temperate rainforest. The fishing’s not bad, either.

Newtons Crossing camping area, Yambulla State Forest

There are only five sites, but chances are people will overlook this lovely inland spot in favour of a place on the beach. Their loss – situated next to the river in the midst of the forest, Newtons Crossing camping area is a winner.

Paddys River Flats camping area, Tumbarumba

You’ll fall in love with this simple camping area near Paddys Falls, where you can swim, fish or go bushwalking.

Pindari Dam camping area, Pindari Dam

You don’t have to pay to camp here, but you’ll probably enjoy this small, casual camping area with its view over the dam so much you’ll be happy dropping a few coins into the donation box.

The Pines camping area, Olney State Forest

Give us a campsite among the pine trees at Olney State Forest, with good facilities and lots of shade.

Rocky River Fossicking Area camping area, Uralla

You’ll strike gold at this free campsite – maybe even literally! You can hire fossicking equipment at the visitors centre. Otherwise you can just relax at the shaded campsite and cool down in the swimming holes in the river.

 

 

     

The best free, no-bookings campsites in Australia.

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Babinda Boulders camping area, Kerryn Burgess

Babinda Boulders camping area, Tourism Queensland

Treat yourself to summer holidays accommodation that won’t even come close to breaking the bank with our list of free, no-bookings campsites across Australia (although you’ll find most camping areas down south).

And Victorians, you haven’t missed out. Even though Parks Victoria has introduced bookings and fees for many of their previously free campsites, the good news is that we’ve found plenty of other free campsites in Victoria (and around the rest of the country, of course!).

New South Wales

Mungo Brush camping area, Kerryn Burgess

Mungo Brush camping area, Bernard Schmitz

Bendeela Recreation Area, Kangaroo Valley

This campsite in the Kangaroo Valley is a hidden and picturesque gem! The sites are on a large, shady area next to the river.

Big River camping area, Goulburn River National Park

This campsite rocks. Set above the Goulburn River, you’re only a hop, skip and a leap away from some great swimming holes.

Blackbird Flat Reserve camping area, Macleay River Public Recreation Reserve

 Free, dog-friendly, spacious camping next to a river in summer? Count us in.

Bodalla Forest Park, Bodalla State Forest

The perfect stop off the Princes Highway, this picnic spot also doubles as a shady and spacious camping area.

Coachwood camping area, Chichester State Forest

We like Coachwood camping area so much we almost don’t want to tell you about it. This pretty-as-a-picture campsite is next to a river in Chichester State Forest, which neighbours the magical Barrington Tops National Park.

Daisy Plains Huts, Carrai National Park

These remote huts are left unlocked for campers to use. It might not be ‘proper’ camping with a roof over your head, but as you wake up to the black cockatoos squawking in the eucalypts, you won’t care so much about those pesky details.

Frying Pan Creek camping area, Chichester State Forest

On the other side of the Telegherry River to Coachwood camping area, this picturesque campsite is justifiably popular.

Glen Davis camping area, Glen Davis

It’s a campsite with a view – and then some! This free camping area overlooks the beautiful Capertee Valley in the Blue Mountains.

Ingar Campground, Blue Mountains National Park

What makes Ingar camping area so good? It’s near Wentworth Falls AND a swimming hole, has toilets and easily accessible walking tracks. There are only eight sites though, so if you snooze on the morning you’re meant to leave, you may lose out on a spot.

Jacob’s River camping area, Kosciuszko National Park

Only a short drive from Jindabyne, Jacob’s River camping area gives you more than enough reasons to visit the alpine area in summer. It’s an attractive camping area set next to Jacob’s River. While away the time swimming and fishing.

Manning River camping area, Barrington Tops State Forest

Cool down by camping on the banks of the Manning River under the temperate rainforest. The fishing’s not bad, either.

Newtons Crossing camping area, Timbillica State Forest

There are only five sites, but chances are people will overlook this lovely inland spot in favour of a place on the beach. Their loss – situated next to the river in the midst of the forest, Newtons Crossing camping area is a winner.

Paddys River Flats camping area, Tumbarumba

You’ll fall in love with this simple camping area near Paddys Falls, where you can swim, fish or go bushwalking.

Pindari Dam camping area, Pindari Dam

You don’t have to pay to camp here, but you’ll probably enjoy this small, casual camping area with its view over the dam so much you’ll be happy dropping a few coins into the donation box.

The Pines camping area, Olney State Forest

Give us a campsite among the pine trees at Olney State Forest, with good facilities and lots of shade.

Rocky River Fossicking Area camping area, Uralla

You’ll strike gold at this free campsite – maybe even literally! You can hire fossicking equipment at the visitors centre. Otherwise you can just relax at the shaded campsite and cool down in the swimming holes in the river.

Victoria

Eight Mile Flat camping area, Lyndon Sparrow

Eight Mile Flat camping area, Lyndon Sparrow

Blue Pool camping area, Briagolong State Forest

Walk down the steep gorge to find a deep blue pool surrounded by trees. You can’t pay for a summer cool-down this good – and at Blue Pool camping area, within easy walking distance of the pool, you don’t have to.

Fort O’Hare camping area, Dartmoor

With clean, tidy, grassy and shady campsites on the bank of the Glenelg River, Fort O’Hare is a pleasant spot to camp.

Horseyard Flat camping area, Alpine National Park

At this simple campsite among the trees, you’ve got access to walking and lookouts (but no actual horseriding facilities, sorry!).

Jones camping area, Toombullup Ranges

A good spot for anglers next to Hollands Creek near Mount Samaria State Park.

Pineapple Flat camping area, Alpine National Park

Bounce in with your 4WD, set up tent on the grassy, shaded sites, enjoy how picturesque it looks, before bouncing off again to tackle some of the 4WD tracks in the park.

Vaughan Springs camping area, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park

Victoria has less free campsites than it did at this time last year, so expect Vaughan Springs to increase in popularity. The sites aren’t the most scenic, but it is a spacious camping area with swimming nearby.

Waterfalls camping area, Pyrenees State Forest

Pleasant sites under the trees near some excellent bushwalks.

Western Beach camping area, Lake Albacutya Park

On the shores of Lake Albacutya, this camping area is peacefully situated under the river red gums.

South Australia

Port Parham camping area, Port Parham

You’ll find this family-friendly camping area north of Adelaide. Splash about in the shallow waters or try your hand at crabbing – just don’t get crabby if you come up empty handed.

Campsites along the Heysen Trail

These campsites are all well maintained and normally free! There are sometimes huts at these campsites so you can ‘camp’ with a roof over your head.

Tiparra Rocks camping area, Yorke Peninsula Reserves

One of a few free camping areas along the coast in the Yorke Peninsula Reserves, come here for the water-based activities. Permits required.

Western Australia

Campsites along the Bibbulmun track, south-west of Perth

Designated campsites along the Bibbulmun Track are free and no-bookings sites (although the sites are normally small), so go to town and camp all along the track (some of the camps are walk-in only)!

Bidjar Ngoulin camping area, Munda Biddi Trail

This basic campsite is on the Munda Biddi Trail. The peace, quiet and beauty of Bidjar Ngoulin, nestled as it is in a towering forest, more than makes up for the limited facilities.

Wungong camping area, Munda Biddi Trail

A bush campsite surrounded by Western Australia’s remarkable jarrah trees. This campsite is on the Munda Biddi Trail, which is always a good option for free campsites.

Queensland

Babinda Creek camping area, Babinda

This free campsite is 6km from Babinda, near the swimming hole at Babinda Boulders (which rates as one of our favourite swimming holes on the east coast) and has toilets, showers and barbecues. Note: you can only stay for 48 hours.

Caliguel Lagoon camping area, Condamine

Camping in Queensland in summer? You’ll be glad there’s a lagoon nearby where you can cool down. A seriously charming campsite with good, clean amenities and plenty of water-based activities.

Wuruma Dam camping area, near Eidsvold

This increasingly popular camping area has good facilities and great fishing. The view’s not bad either.

Tasmania

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.

For more of Australia’s best camping, check out Australia’s Best Camping by Kerryn Burgess.

 

     

25 Free Campsites That Will Save Your Wallet This Easter

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Free camping in Kosciuszko National Park, Tom Simpson

Free camping in Kosciuszko National Park, Tom Simpson

Free yourself from budget worries by staying at these free campsites.

You can camp for free at more places than you’d expect around the country. And aside from being free, many of these campsites are also dog-friendly – talk about hitting the jackpot. Here are 25 free campsites around the country.

New South Wales

Acacia Flat camping area (walk-in camping), Blue Mountains National Park

Experience one of the best bush camping sites in New South Wales – for free. Hidden in the famous Grose Valley (it’s a steep walk down), you’ll sleep underneath the blue gums. There are toilets, and you can drink the creek water, after you’ve treated it.

Bendeela Recreation Area, Kangaroo Valley

Bendeela Recreation Area is a large, grassy area surrounded by trees and next to Kangaroo River. There are toilets, but that’s about all there is to the site and probably all you really need.

Ben Halls camping area, Weddin Mountains National Park

As the main campground in the national park, you’ll find a good range of facilities here. Situated on the western side of the park next to the historic Seatons Farm, the sites are grassy and shaded.

Lobs Hole Ravine camping area (northern section), Kosciuszko National Park

Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep you from getting to a campsite this good. This free campsite is only accessible for those in 4WDs, and you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient, but the trade-offs are great trout fishing, swimming and that fresh mountain air.

Victoria

Snakes camping area, Upper Goulburn Historic Area

Don’t let the name put you off. There aren’t that many snales at this campsite. The sites are spacious and spread out next to the river, and there are great walking tracks nearby. It’s also dog friendly.

Loch Valley (The Poplars) camping area, Noojee

You’ll find Loch Valley (The Poplars) camping area approximately 7km from Noojee, a small town on the way to Baw Baw National Park. This campground is free and dog friendly, and has toilets and picnic areas. You can fish and swim in the lake, although you might find that you have to warm yourself up by the campfire after taking a dip. But get in quick – Loch Valley closes down over winter.

Little River Junction camping area, Snowy River National Park

It’s a long way to the bottom of Victoria’s deepest cleft, the Little River Gorge. Visit the lookout at the gorge on your way to Little River Junction camping area. The junction is between the Snowy and Little rivers, and the camping area is perfectly placed for some swimming or canoeing.

Meredith Park camping area, Colac

This is a well-known free camping area on the northern shore of Lake Colac. The fishing here is great, and the area can become crowded with anglers.

Bear Gully camping area, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Quieter than neighbouring Wilsons Promontory National Park, Cape Liptrap is on a charming section of the Gippsland coast, only a short distance from Walkerville. Bear Gully is the only camping area in the park, and you’ll find its shady sites just behind Maitland Beach.

South Australia

Artimore Ruins camping area

Rattle down the Public Access Track in your 4WD until you come to Artimore Ruins. Nestled in a valley, this is a secluded and often quiet site with absolutely no facilities, so be prepared to rough it. The surroundings make this spot ideal for telling ghost tales around the campfire at night.

Western Australia

Marrinup camping area, Dwellingup

There’s really only one word to describe Marrinup camping area – pleasant. It’s a pleasant camping area, with a pleasant location in the forest next to Marrinup Brook. There are pleasant walks around the camping area, with pleasant wildlife-watching. It’s also pleasantly free and dog friendly.

Eagle Bluff camping area, Francois Peron National Park

We’re as shocked as you – you can get free camping just a short swim away from the marine wonderland of Shark Bay Marine Park. The water is the main drawcard here, but there’s also good birdwatching. The sites are spread out amongst the coastal vegetation on the foreshore.

House Beach camping area, Fitzgerald River National Park

You need to have a 4WD and be completely self-sufficient to camp at House Beach. But other than those obstacles, this is a great beach campsite with good fishing and swimming.

Northern Territory

Alligator Billabong camping area (bush camping), Kakadu National Park

Camp for free in Australia’s biggest national park at Alligator Billabong camping area. This site is only accessible by a 4WD-only track, and has no facilities.

Birthday Waterhole camping area, West MacDonnell National Park

Birthday Waterhole camping area is a free campsite on the Larapinta Trail, which treks across the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. There are no facilities here, so you’ll have to be entirely self-sufficient.

Curtin Springs Roadhouse, Curtin Springs

You can camp for free at this roadhouse, which is on a working cattle station. Also on the station? Mount Conner, a monolith that is often mistaken for Uluru. The real Uluru is still 87 kilometres up the road. The campsite has good facilities.

Limmen Bight Fishing Camp, Limmen

Among certain circles, this is a famously good free campsite – so don’t tell anyone we let you in on the secret!

Queensland

Chinchilla Weir camping area, Chinchilla

On the banks of the Condamine River, this basic site has a maximum stay of two nights and is popular with water lovers, as you can swim, boat, waterski and canoe on the river. There are picnic tables, fireplaces and toilets here, but not much else. On the plus side, it’s free, doesn’t require booking and is dog friendly.

The Boulders camping area, Babinda

You’ll find this camping area near one of the best swimming holes in Queensland. Sites are strictly limited – there are only five, with space for five people on each.

Broadwater Recreational Reserve camping area, Nanango

Twitchers, take note! This camping area is known for being a good birdwatching site. But it’s not known for much else. To camp here, you need to be completely self-sufficient.

Tasmania

Cockle Creek camping area, Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area

You’ll have to go deep into the south to find this campsite – as far south as you can go by car in Australia. These campsites range along the final kilometres of Tasmania’s southernmost road. While you can’t camp on the ocean side of the road, the grassy sites have a great view and easy proximity to the beach. The only things provided by the campground are toilets and the views. You’ll have to be entirely self-sufficient and bring everything else (including your dog on a leash, if you want to travel with the whole family).

Green Point camping area, Marrawah

If you don’t feel like going south, how about taking on the Wild West? At Green Point you’ll have an unimpeded view of the mighty waves rolling in from South Africa. The facilities are good here, but this is a very exposed campsite, so bring shelter.

Hazards Beach camping area (walk-in camping), Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is on most people’s must-visit list for Tasmania. But what a lot of those people don’t realise is that you can camp for free inside the national park – you just have to be prepared to walk in. The camping area is at the southern end of Hazards Beach, a 2 hour walk from Wineglass Bay.

Paddys Island camping area, St Helens

Get million-dollar views at Paddys Island camping area – for free. The campsites are nestled in the shrub just behind white-sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Catch your own dinner fresh from the ocean and cook it on the supplied fireplace.

Apsley Waterhole camping area, Douglas-Apsley National Park

Sometimes you have to work a little harder for the free sites – but Apsley Waterhole camping area is worth it. The campground is a 10 minute walk from the parking area, but once you arrive at the campsite and see it (hopefully) bathed in dappled sunlight, you’ll agree that it was worth it. The sites are only a short walk from a great swimming hole.

     

Top 5 free camping spots

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Swimcart Beach, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Tom Simpson

Swimcart Beach, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Tom Simpson

You don’t have to camp in your backyard to experience free camping. There are free campsites all over the country, including in some of Australia’s most spectacular national parks.

While many of these campsites are basic with limited facilities, they have views and serenity that money can’t buy.

Tell us your favourite free camping spot in the comments.

Johanna Beach camping area, Victoria

Johanna Beach camping area, Paul Smedley

Johanna Beach camping area, Paul Smedley

The best things in life are free, and the same motto could apply to the camping areas in Great Otway National Park.

Although you have to pay for a site at the very popular Blanket Bay camping area, many of the other camping areas in Great Otway are free, including the spectacular Johanna Beach camping area.

Not only is Johanna Beach free, it also doesn’t take bookings, has room for all sorts of rigs, and allows pets. The campground is situated behind the sand dunes at this superb surf beach and is a basic site, with toilets the only real facility.

The secret is out about Johanna Beach, so you might find yourself fighting for space at the busiest times of year.

Dora Point camping area, Tasmania

There seems to be a theme with free campsites. The views and activities are fantastic, but the facilities are basic. Dora Point is slightly more equipped than most, but don’t worry – the views don’t suffer.

You’ll find Dora Point in Humbug Point Nature Recreation Reserve, right next door to the world-renowned Bay of Fires Conservation Area.

You certainly don’t have to pay through the nose to stay close to these pristine white beaches and turquoise water, as Dora Point, and all of the camping areas in the conservation area, are free sites.

The campground is behind a safe swimming beach that is great for wading in with small kids, and there is also great birdwatching to be had in the area.

Tiparra Rocks camping area, South Australia

Tiparra Rocks camping area, Paul Smedley

Tiparra Rocks camping area, Paul Smedley

If you want to camp for free right on the beach and you don’t mind a basic campsite, don’t waste any more time before visiting the Yorke Peninsula Reserves.

This region is all about the coast, and the local council looks after a collection of basic campsites, most of which are located on or behind beaches.

Tiparra Rocks camping area is located on red sand right next to the water, and is a fantastic base for swimming, fishing and boating. It’s a solitary campsite, so don’t come here if you are looking to socialise with other campers.

Balgal Beach camping area, Queensland

Balgal Beach camping area, Paul Smedley

Balgal Beach camping area, Paul Smedley

You have to pay at most of the camping areas in Queensland’s national parks, so if you are after a free camping area you might have to widen your horizons beyond the parks.

Luckily, there are quite a few camping areas run by local councils that are free, including some fantastic options run by the Townsville City Council.

Balgal Beach camping area is a small camping area right behind Balgal Beach. It has good facilities including toilets, drinking water and space for big rigs, and is located near the road between Brisbane and Cairns.

There is a strict 48-hour time limit on your stay, so enjoy this idyllic setting (complete with stinger nets protecting the beach) while you can.

Perrys Lookdown camping area, New South Wales

Like the name suggests, looking down is what this camping area is all about! Perrys Lookdown is situated at a spectacular lookout in Blue Mountains National Park, with a view over the isolated Grose Valley.

And if you want more action than a majestic view, there are a number of walking tracks in the Grose Valley. We recommend the walking track that leads to Acacia Flat camping area, another free site with an enviable position in Blue Gum Forest.

Perrys Lookdown is a basic tent-only campsite, with shade provided by the Blue Mountains’ signature eucalypts. There are toilets here, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water.