Best Camping Spots in Australia

Camping in Australia is accessible, enjoyable, and unforgettable. With a variety of breathtaking locations across the nation, you'll discover amazing places to camp no matter where or when you travel. From simple sites for pitching tents to luxurious glamping options, Australia truly is a camper's paradise.

Why You Should Try Camping While Traveling

For many, traveling abroad typically means staying in hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals. However, camping in the great outdoors brings numerous advantages when exploring a new country.

Budget Considerations

One of the main reasons people opt for camping is its affordability, especially for solo travelers who don’t have anyone to share hotel costs with. If you bring your own tent, you typically only need to pay for a campsite, which can be comparable to or even cheaper than hostel dorms (plus you gain more privacy).

Also read: Everything you need to know for planning your next backpacking adventure in Australia

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Camping allows you to escape the hustle of cities and immerse yourself in the countryside, where breathtaking natural scenery awaits. Even die-hard city fans can find joy in gazing at a star-filled night sky.

Even novice campers can enjoy a fantastic experience

In the past, camping required you to have your own equipment and know how to use it. Today, there are numerous campgrounds offering various options, including basic sites where you can rent tents, receive assistance with setup, and access facilities like kitchens, toilets, and showers. At the higher end, an increasing number of glamping sites are emerging, featuring spacious, luxurious tents with plenty of amenities, such as catering and heating.

Camping in Australia

Australia boasts some of the most stunning landscapes globally. From lush rainforests to breathtaking coastlines, the country's premier camping spots immerse you in these natural wonders. While wild camping is prohibited in Australia, there’s no shortage of fantastic campgrounds in remote areas. Caravan trips are particularly popular, so you'll find caravan parks throughout the nation, especially along the coast, with spaces for caravans, tents, and cozy, self-contained cabins.

Best Times to Visit

Australia is a gorgeous destination year-round, but the ideal camping seasons are typically winter and spring for the northern regions (Northern Territory, Queensland, and Northern Western Australia). For the southern regions (Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia), spring, summer, and autumn are preferable. Additionally, it's wise to check school holiday dates for the specific state or territory you plan to visit, as campgrounds tend to be much busier during these periods, especially in summer.

Essentials to Pack

If you're camping along Australia's coast or near clean rivers and lakes, don’t forget your swimwear. The southern beaches can be quite cool even in summer. For enthusiastic swimmers or surfers planning to enjoy the water in cooler conditions, consider packing a wetsuit or spring suit for added warmth. Additionally, bring comfortable clothing and shoes, any essential gear not supplied at your campsite, and remember a good hat and sunglasses, especially during the summer months.

Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park, Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay is a famous coastal getaway in Australia, and the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park, located just south of Byron Bay, offers a peaceful way to enjoy the area. The campsite features spots for tents and caravans along the beach, along with safari tents that accommodate up to six guests and self-contained cabins for rent.

Drift off to the soothing sounds of crashing waves and rise with the sunrise to enjoy local cuisine, markets, and seaside adventures like diving, skydiving, and more. The park provides free barbecue facilities, a modern camp kitchen, both outdoor and covered dining areas, laundry amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, and direct beach access.

Cockatoo Island, New South Wales

Located in Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring historic structures, unique landscapes, and plenty of delightful waterfront cafes and picnic areas. The campground by the water offers facilities including toilets, hot showers, a communal kitchen with fridges, microwaves, boiling water, and laundry services. Accommodations cater to various budgets, allowing guests to either book a simple camping spot or opt for a pre-furnished tent, some of which are right by the water. Enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the chance to explore this picturesque island at your leisure.

Green Patch, Booderee National Park, Sydney, New South Wales

Booderee National Park boasts lush forests, pristine white beaches, and dramatic cliffs that provide stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Green Patch offers unpowered campsites of various sizes suitable for both tents and campervans, conveniently located near Green Patch Beach, a tranquil lagoon surrounded by trees. The site features fresh water, public toilets, hot showers, and barbecue areas with shelters. Reservations can fill up quickly, especially on weekends from October to May, so it’s wise to book in advance to secure your spot.

Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp, Noosa, Queensland

Noosa is one of Australia’s top resort destinations. Just outside the town lies the Noosa Everglades, a stunning area filled with picturesque beaches, serene woodlands, tranquil freshwater lakes, and the Noosa River. Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp offers both powered and unpowered camping sites, as well as all-weather glamping tents on their 26-hectare property adjacent to the Noosa River. The camp features a kitchen equipped with barbecues, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, and a hot water washing area; however, please note that cooking utensils and crockery are not provided.

Cylinder Beach Camping Ground, Minjerribah, Queensland

Minjerribah Island is easily reachable from Brisbane and boasts stunning beaches (ideal for surfing), scenic walking trails, and roaming kangaroos. Cylinder Beach Camping Ground is situated across from one of Minjerribah’s finest beaches, close to cafes, restaurants, and a convenience store, offering the perfect blend of nature and modern amenities. The site features drinking water, toilets, hot showers, coin-operated laundry, free Wi-Fi, and eight powered van sites.

Nightfall Wilderness Camp, Lamington National Park, Queensland

For an unforgettable glamping experience in Queensland, look no further than the Nightfall Wilderness Camp in Lamington National Park. This camp serves as an excellent base for hiking the Stinson Plane Wreck trail or simply unwinding in nature away from the noise of everyday life while still enjoying home comforts. Guests are treated to home-cooked organic meals, a rotating fireplace, and twin bathtubs in each tent, along with options for massages, facials, yoga sessions, and private dining experiences, making it an ideal getaway for couples. With only eight overnight spots available, advance booking is essential to secure your place.

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat, Binalong Bay, Tasmania

Binalong Bay is a charming coastal village near the Bay of Fires, famous for its vibrant blue ocean waters contrasting with rocky boulders covered in bright orange lichen, creating a stunning landscape. The Bay of Fires Bush Retreat offers an exceptional glamping experience, allowing you to unplug from the modern world while enjoying luxurious comfort.

Accommodations include tents, bunkhouses, and private indoor lodgings, all equipped with bedding and towels. Guests have access to an amenities block featuring a fully equipped kitchen, toilets, and showers. Additionally, a catered breakfast is available, along with a platter showcasing local produce and house-made delicacies, plus a selection of Tasmanian wines and beers.

Cooinda Camping Ground, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Kakadu is Australia's largest national park, boasting lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and ancient rock art galleries dating back 20,000 years. The Cooinda Camping Ground is conveniently located next to one of Kakadu's most stunning attractions, the Yellow Water Billabong in the South Alligator river floodplain. Enjoy a Yellow Water cruise to see the area's remarkable wildlife and scenic views. The campsite offers both basic tent sites and powered sites, along with amenities like a pool, restaurant, laundry facilities, petrol station, and a small gift shop.

Refuge Cove, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria

To reach this stunning, hidden beach on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory, you’ll need to hike in. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of waves crashing. There are two hiking trails: one starting at Sealers Cove to the north and the other at Waterloo Bay to the south, with both hikes taking about two hours. Alternatively, you can sail into the Cove and anchor safely. The camping area has toilet facilities, and there’s untreated creek water available, which must be treated before drinking.

Homestead Campgrounds, Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia

Homestead Campgrounds operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak holiday seasons, it’s advisable to contact the campground in advance to check availability. Dirk Hartog Island is a charming, small island off the coast of Western Australia, nestled within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

The campground is conveniently located near the barge that transports visitors to and from the island, featuring picnic tables, toilet facilities, showers, untreated water, and fire rings (campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings from March to October, subject to restrictions). Being close to the beach allows you to enjoy relaxing days in the water or exploring the surroundings.