The 10 Best Camping Spots in Australia
From wombats trundling through your campsite to the most incredible sunsets, Australia is full of phenomenal places to camp. Whether you want to wake up to the sounds of the surf breaking or in the remote wilderness of the bush, this vast country has endless landscapes to reward the camper.
As a nation filled with all types of terrain, from the Blue Mountains to the Gold Coast and everything in between, being outside in nature is one of the best ways to experience real Australia.
The best camping spots in Australia often have barbecue areas, mind-blowing views and all the facilities you need. Rich in outdoor activities and a culture that loves to be outside, setting up your tent or parking your campervan feels like the beginning of a real adventure.
But where do you go? Often considered the smallest continent and the largest island, you’re spoilt for choice when looking for a camping spot. We’ve narrowed it down for you though, so read on to discover the best places to camp in Australia.
1. Diamond Head Campground, Crowdy Bay National Park
Beaches, kangaroos, hiking… what’s not to love? This oceanside campground has space for tents and campervans so no matter what your sleeping arrangements are, you’ll be in paradise here.
With 75 sites including hidden walk-in only sites, you can pick a secluded spot and make yourself at home. During the day you can wander down to the beach right next to the campground. Head in for a swim to cool off and see the coastline from the water.
There are plenty of hiking trails around this camping spot too including the Diamond Head loop which is a perfect length at just 4.3km. It starts right from the campground so it couldn’t be easier.
Wash off the sweat in the evening with onsite showers and hire a fire basket to make your very own campfire. If you want to kick back with a barbecue, you’ll find barbecue facilities and picnic tables here as well.
2. Little Beach Campground, Bouddi National Park
Just an hour and a half north of Sydney, Little Beach Campground is a fantastic spot to pitch your tent and start your adventure. Right on the beach, this remote campground still has facilities like toilets, barbecues and picnic areas so bring your own kitchen equipment to whip up delicious meals.
When you stay at Little Beach you’ve got immediate access to the national park’s trails and the beautiful beach. The surf is great here so if you’ve got your board, jump right in. From the campground, you can head off on one of the many hiking trails or get the best views on the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
3. Cotter Campground, Casuarina Sands
Just outside Canberra, Cotter Campground is well-known for being an excellent family campsite. It’s packed with facilities and it’s a fun and easy place to pitch up and start your holiday.
On the Murrumbidgee River near Casuarina Sands, this campground is laid-back and set in stunning surroundings. Walk down to the river for a swim and or go kayaking with a picnic. You can easily head off on the 27 km Murrumbidgee Discovery Track by foot or do the mountain bike sections.
This campground has everything you need with toilets, drinking water and electric barbecues. It’s easy to take a day trip into Canberra from Cotter Campground so you can explore the capital and head back for dinner under the stars.
4. Balor Hut Campground, Warrumbungle National Park
If you’re looking for a remote and secluded place to put up your tent, Balor Hut Campground is a wonderful site. There are hiker’s huts too where you can book a bed and sleep in the cosy shelters.
You better lace up your hiking boots because Balor Hut is only accessible on foot. This is a true adventure campground and you’ll find plenty of hiking trails to explore. There are barbecue facilities and toilets here so it’s a great base for anyone wanting to adventure in the wilds.
As this is serious backcountry territory, you’ll see lots of wildlife on your walks but it’s at night that you’ll get the real treat. This is in the Dark Sky Park and when the skies are clear, you’ll have incredible views of stars without any light pollution.
5. Gillards Campground, Mimosa Rocks National Park
On the coastline near Bega in the far southeast is a beachside campground suitable for tents and campervans. Each morning you’ll awake to sounds of waves crashing on the beach and you’ll probably see a little potoroo or two exploring the site.
This campground is ideal for beach lovers with surfing, swimming, and fishing all a short walk away. You’ll find barbecue and picnic facilities here as well as toilets so it’s an easy place to relax.
During the day you can explore the Mimosa Rocks walking trail and keep an eye out for possum, wallabies and koalas. Take a picnic and head to Moon Bay too, with its stunning sand and great fishing opportunities.
6. Jurien Bay Tourist Park, Sandy Cape
Two hours north of Perth in Western Australia, Jurien Bay Tourist Park has space for tents and campervans. You’ll find kitchens for campers, laundry facilities and showers here making it a great place for families.
If you need power, you can book onto one of the powered sites and there’s a barbecue area because no campground is truly complete without one. Right on the beach on the edge of town, you can find restaurants within walking distance and everything you need for your stay.
Snorkelling and swimming are brilliant along this coastline so get yourself in the water and explore. It’s easy to drive up the coast to visit nature reserves, go hiking and get the best views of this rugged coastline.
7. The Dales Campground, Karijini National Park
With famous sights like Fern Pool, Fortescue Falls and incredible red rocks, Karijini National Park is a beloved place for a good reason. You could spend whole weeks exploring the stunning landscape here and there are only two campgrounds within the park.
The Dales Campground is run by the Parks and Wildlife Service and it’s crucial you book in advance. There are toilets and barbecue facilities here and a huge amount of camping sites. Don’t let its size fool you, it gets very busy!
From the campground, you won’t be far from some of the most impressive sights. You can set off on plenty of trails right from the campground or drive to Fortescue Falls car park for even more trails. You can swim at the falls or Circular Pool and peer down into huge gorges on your walks.
8. Euroka Campground, Blue Mountains
Right on the edge of the Blue Mountains next to Sydney, the Euroka Campground is one of the best camping spots in Australia. It’s easy to reach but feels a million miles away from the busy city.
This is a tent-only campground but the car park is only a short walk away so you won’t have to carry your things very far. Set in secluded eucalyptus trees, you’ll find basic pit toilets, picnic areas and fire pits for the obligatory campfire.
There’s so much to do from the campground that you won’t know where to start. When it’s hot, head to Jellybean or Blue Pool to swim. Jellybean is a great swimming spot for children too.
The hiking from Euroka is endless with interlinking trails all over the place. Head off on the Red Hands Cave Track, go up to the Tunnel View lookout, or follow the trail down to the Nepean River.
9. Lake Moogerah Camping Park, Brisbane
Inland from Brisbane, Lake Moogerah Camping Park sits right on the lake edge with a backdrop of mountains. You can pitch a tent here or bring a camper or caravan and be perfectly at home.
This camping park has everything you need with toilets, showers, laundry and electric barbecues. You can hire fishing dinghies, kayaks and paddleboards from the park so you can get out on the serene water every day.
There are lots of hiking trails within easy reach and even vineyards and a lavender farm nearby.
10. Tidal River Campground, Melbourne
To the southeast of Melbourne right out at the Wilsons Promontory National Park, Tidal River Campground is a fun-packed place to stay. With hundreds of camping and caravanning sites, you can choose to pitch up near the Tidal River or Norman’s Beach depending on how you feel.
From here you can explore easily and swim, surf and hike to your heart’s content. It’s a great place for kids too and you won’t leave without spying at least a few wallabies and wombats.
Get Back to Nature at the Best Camping Spots in Australia
Australia is so rich in landscape and nature that staying in campgrounds is without a doubt the best way to make the most of it. The best camping spots in Australia can usually be found in national parks like many of those we’ve listed here.
Pick campgrounds where you can hike or get to amazing sights right from your tent because who wants to spend time driving when you can walk! Want to know more about walking in Australia? Check out our guides to exploring Australia and make the most of your trip.
