Wherever you happen to live in this great brown land, you’ll find a fantastic summer camping spot just waiting to be discovered.
We’ve put together a selection of the best camping spots in Australia, designed for those who truly like to get away from it all.
With one for every state and territory, you don’t need to leave your home state to experience a real Aussie wilderness adventure.
Wilson’s Prom, Victoria
Wilson’s Promontory National Park, fondly known as The Prom by Victorians, is made up of more than 50,000 hectares of pristine beaches, tranquil rainforests, rugged mountain peaks and mysterious offshore islands.
The main camping ground is at Tidal River, offering 484 camping and caravan sites close to the river and beach. Cabins, huts, group lodges and the award-winning Wilderness Retreats offer plenty of choice for the traveller.
It books up quickly at peak times though, so don’t just leave it to chance.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
You’ll find a number of eco-camping grounds on the island along with an isolated camp ground at the southern tip, within South Bruny National Park.
Camping areas are located at Cloudy Bay and Jetty Beach, but it’s a no-frills experience. The scenery definitely makes up for the lack of facilities.
You really do feel as if you’re on the edge of the world at this gorgeous coastal retreat with its towering cliffs, long, golden beaches and lush rainforest.
Lake Mungo, NSW
This extraordinary place is unique, a moonscape of ghostly rocks and ancient heritage. Mungo National Park in southern NSW is one of the oldest places outside Africa to have been occupied by modern humans since ancient times.
Explore the Aboriginal influence permeating the desert landscape, and stay a while to soak up the atmosphere. You can’t pre-book, but plenty of level, gravel tent sites are scattered among the belahs and cypress pines on the Arumpo road, only two kilometres from the visitor centre.
Cape Tribulation, Queensland
Camp out in one of the world’s most beautiful places – Cape Tribulation in far north Queensland’s Daintree National Park. But beauty has its bite. Beware of crocodiles in Noah Creek and watch out for goannas foraging for scraps.
Camping permits, fees and pre-bookings are required, so check it all out beforehand. Noah Beach camping area is closed throughout the wet season every year from the first Sunday after New Year’s Day, reopening on Good Friday.
Kakadu, Northern Territory
There are plenty of camping grounds to choose from in the stunning Kakadu National Park, World Heritage listed for both its wild environment and its living Aboriginal culture. The largest Australian national park, covering almost 20,000 square kilometres, you can marvel at its amazing wildlife and cultural treasures.
The various park-run campsites are first come, first served. Be aware that some are alcohol free, and crocodiles are an ever-present danger.
Cape Le Grand National Park, WA
Lucky Bay is lucky enough to boast the title of Australia’s whitest beach, and the national park’s dazzling sands are also home to a colony of beach-loving kangaroos.
This pristine park close to Esperance has a great camp site and picnic area, with amazing beachside views to take your breath away. Catch the spring wild flowers or take an autumn break – the campsite is open all year round.
The Coorong, SA
Nowhere in the world is quite like South Australia’s Coorong. Truly an untamed wilderness, the Coorong is a long, straight lagoon running parallel with windswept coastal dunes for 130 kilometres. More than a hundred kilometres of beach is interrupted only by the mouth of the mighty Murray River as it opens to the sea.
With camping available beside salt lagoons and white sandy beaches, a number of park campgrounds offer respite to the traveller. Watch out for a staggering variety of water and sea birds wheeling overhead.
Namadgi National Park, ACT
This remote wilderness area in the Australian Capital Territory offers a variety of natural environments and an abundance of native wildlife. Covering more than 106,000 hectares, you have around 160 kilometres of marked walking trails to explore.
Camping is available at Honeysuckle, Orroral and Mt Clear campgrounds, with bookings essential and fire permits required all year round.
Camping safety in Australian National Parks
There are some very definite dos and don’ts when camping in wild Australia.
- Only camp in designated camping areas
- Strict regulations exist around the lighting of fires
- Treat trees, vegetation and beaches with respect
- Do not leave your rubbish behind you
- Avoid camping directly under large trees
- Respect local laws regarding pet restraint
- Only use detergents, toothpaste and soap at least 50m from any waterways
- Don’t leave food lying around to attract wildlife
- Be wary of local wildlife including crocs, goannas, spiders, snakes and sharks
- Always carry sufficient water when you walk and drive
- Keep your car topped up with fuel and mechanically sound
So there you have it. Take your pick, follow the rules and enjoy some happy camping. And when you get home with your filthy vehicle, clean off the dust and sand from your adventures with some ace car cleaning products from Autosmart Retail!