The best camping spots in Australia
When the days are sunny and the nights are balmy, it means one thing: camping season! There is very little that trumps a camping holiday that combines fun, affordability and experiencing the great outdoors. We are so blessed in Australia to have it all – the bushlands, red desert, coastal beaches and lush rainforests – so wherever you camp out you are sure to find natural beauty. There are too many great camping options to list but here are some to get you started.
VICTORIA
The Grampians National Park
With more than 30 tracks leading to spectacular lookouts atop summits or over waterfalls, the Grampians National Park is a great site to set up camp. There are remote campsites, like Borough Huts and Boreang grounds, which are ideal for adventurous multi-day hikes or if you are after a spot more accessible, Hall Gaps is a great spot with toilets and fireplaces.
NSW
Kosciuszko National Park
You can pretty much camp anywhere in NSW’s largest national park but our recommendation is up near the Main Range trail. As it includes Mt Kosciuszko – Australia’s highest peak – you will be privy to the most breathtaking views. This is recommended for the more adept hikers and campers, though, as they are no facilities.
Booderee National Park
Camping in the Booderee National Park gives you access to the pristine white sands of Jervis Bay. Camp at secluded site Green Patch (great for families) or the grassy patch at Cave Beach, which is near some great surf.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Lake Eyre National Park
Spanning 9,500 square kilometre, Lake Eyre is an oasis in the middle of the South Australian desert. Camping in Lake Eyre National Park is akin to living in the sand dunes. The sites at Halligan Bay, ABC Bay and near Muloorina Station are accessible only by 4WD. While it’s one of the most remote camping experiences, it’s well worth it if you are up for the adventure.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Mitchell River National Park
Located in a remote part of the Kimberley, Mitchell River National Park contains some of the most majestic waterfalls and Aboriginal rock art. Camp at Mitchell Falls to see the much photographed Mitchell Falls waterfall which stretches and flows through four tiers.
Cape Le Grand National Park
Home to the beautiful pure white sands of Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park is great for all sorts of activities – bushwalking, swimming and camping under the stars. The campsite has solar-heated showers so you can warm up after a swim in the clear azure ocean.
QUEENSLAND
Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Wander through dense rainforests, sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, rugged headlands, palm wetlands at Hinchinbrook Island. There are some great walking tracks ranging from short and easy to the more challenging, as well as many rugged bush camping opportunities available at Nina Bay, Little Ramsay Bay, Banksia Bay, Zoe Bay, Sunken Reef Bay and Mulligan Falls.
TASMANIA
Flinders Island
Locating at the northern tip of Tasmania, Flinders Island is a hidden treasure. There is great fishing, scuba diving opportunities (there is a number of wrecks in the area), bike riding, hiking and horse riding with numerous public campsites around.
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