Australia – one of the first things that comes to mind is the incredible nature on offer.
From the dusty red outback, to the tropical rainforests and white sand beaches, Australia offers outdoor experiences like few other places in the world. Camping in Australia can mean a lot of things to different people, but however you do it, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
These are the best campgrounds in Australia, with an option for you in every part of the country – from a fully facilitated caravan park, to camping in the bush without paying a cent. So whether you intend on sleeping in a tent or hiring a campervan, immerse yourself in nature with Australia’s best campgrounds.
With so many to choose from, let’s dive right into the very best!
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Here are the best campgrounds Australia has to offer:
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Western Australia
Northern Territory
Green Patch Campground (NSW)
Located in Booderee National Park – Jervis Bay (just 3 hours south of Sydney), Green Patch Campground is a perfect stop during your east coast campervan road trip. Within a beautiful and discrete setting, Green Patch Campground is perfect for those who want to get among nature and away from the crowds; Kangaroos, Possums and stunning birdlife all adding to a calm and serene experience. It’s a renowned destination for travellers and locals alike, and with some of the whitest sands and clearest waters in Australia, it’s a guaranteed highlight.
This is a low cost campground, so there is a small fee to stay here, as well as a national park fee. You can expect hot showers, toilets, fresh water, and sheltered barbeques, however there is no power available here.
Red Cliff Campground (NSW)
Enjoy beach camping at Lake Arragan and Red Cliff campgrounds, near Angourie NSW. This stunning location is perfect for tent or campervan camping and has 65 grassy campsites. The location is perfect for canoeing, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Note that this campsite doesn’t take bookings, so sites are first come, first served.
Johanna Beach Campground (VIC)
If you’re hiring a campervan in Melbourne, there’s no doubt you plan to travel along the Great Ocean Road. Johanna Beach Campground is a perfect spot to stop for the night, located between Lavers Hill and Apollo Bay. Tucked behind the sand dunes you’ll find this epic ground which is perfect hub for nearby surfing beaches. There are over 50 sites found here facilitated with toilets and costing around $30/night.
Grampians Paradise Camping and Caravan Parkland (VIC)
Explore the beauty of the Grampians National Park, hike its world-famous trails, discover majestic waterfalls, spectacular mountain panoramas, and spot kangaroos, emus and stunning native birds. Grampians Paradise Camping and Caravan Parkland is your perfect base for Grampians adventures, with acres of lush grass and shady trees. Offering a large range of powered and unpowered sites, here you can take your pick from sites with mountain views, sites by the lake, and sites with fireplaces. The park is fully facilitated with hot showered, toilets, and kitchens, and powered sites start at $33/night.
Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp (QLD)
Located 25 minutes north of Noosa within the Cooloola National Park, this campsite is Queensland’s most exciting eco-tourism location and challenges traditional experiences of camping in Australia. The 65 acres of natural bushland offers onsite cabins, camping, campervan and glamping accommodation. The national park is home to a large Eastern Grey Kangaroo population, so some say g’day to the wildlife and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Campgrounds are fully facilitated with showers, camp and kitchen, and offer amazing ecotourism experiences.
Amity Point Camping Ground, North Stradbroke Island (QLD)
There is so much to explore and experience on North Stradbroke Island, located just off the coast of Brisbane. The island is easily accessed by ferry and the trip from Brisbane will take you approximately 3 hours. The island offers many great camping locations, perfect for a summer adventure. Some of these campgrounds are only accessible by 4WD, though you can easily access Point Lookout and Amity Point in a regular vehicle. Amity Point Camping Ground offers spectacular sunsets, and you can spot local dolphins, pelicans and koalas in and around the campground. This is a fully facilitated campground and powered sites start at $45/night.
Hamelin Bay Campground (WA)
Hamelin Bay is an absolute must visit on any south-west Australian road trip. Famous for an abundance of stingrays that swim up to the shores (so close you can actually touch them), Hamelin Bay is just over 3 hours south of Perth – a perfect location for snorkeling, surfing and swimming.
Amongst Australia’s best beach campgrounds, Hamelin Bay Holiday Park provides a direct access to this amazing location, offering hot showers, a kitchen, laundry and a combination of powered and unpowered sites.
El Questro Campground (WA)
Located in the heart of the rugged Kimberly region of Western Australia, El Questro campground is an absolute must-visit for those wanting to experience the vast and ancient landscapes of Australia. In this incredible wilderness region, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife, majestic canyons, rugged gorges, and freshwater swimming holes. There are several camping options here which range from fully facilities and powered campsites, to riverside unpowered allotments.
Cooinda Camping Ground (NT)
If you’re travelling along Australia’s Top End, there’s no doubt you are planning to visit the marvelous Kakadu National Park. The Cooinda Camping Ground is the perfect place to base yourself for a Kakadu Adventure. The shady camping area is located next to Yellow Water Billabong and is surrounded by the spectacular landscape of Kakadu National Park, where you can witness the unique wildlife, flora and fauna of this unique part of Australia. Whether you’re looking for a powered site, budget accommodation, or a space to pitch your tent, Cooinda Campground caters for all budgets. The campground offers 100 powered sites and over 200 unpowered sites. Powered sites start from $30/night.
Ayers Rock Campground (NT)
If you want to see the true Red Centre of Australia, we’re sure you are already planning to visit Uluru. The incredible, huge rock formation is an icon of Australia’s land, so camping nearby will be a truly memorable experience.
Ayers Rock Campground is located just 15km from Uluru and is the ideal base for exploring the surrounding region. This campground offers a mix of powered and unpowered sites, and is fully facilitated with hot showers, a kitchen, pool, laundry and more.
So when you’re ready to get outdoors, start exploring and try camping in Australia’s spectacular nature, hire a campervan and get ready for your self-drive adventure. Travellers Autobarn rents campervans from six convenient locations around Australia, with one way rentals available. Better yet, we can help you find free campgrounds and receive discounts at any campgrounds around the country. Get a quote on your adventure today!
Wrapping Up…
So, those were Australia’s ten best campgrounds. Been to any of these before? What did you think? We’d love to hear from you.
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About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.