Where to Camp in Australia? Best Spots & Travel Tips

Camping in Australia is one of the most authentic ways to explore this vast and diverse country, known for its stunning natural landscapes. From the vibrant East Coast and iconic coastal drives to the red deserts of the Outback and the lush rainforests of Queensland and the Top End, every region offers a different adventure. Whether you're travelling by campervan, 4WD, or setting up a tent in a national park, camping brings you closer to nature, wildlife, and remote places off the beaten path. To fully enjoy the experience, it’s essential to know the best campsites, understand local camping regulations, and follow key tips from seasoned travellers.

Key tips for camping in Australia

• Vast nature, safe environment, perfect for road trips
• Choose between wild camping, national parks or powered campsites
• Follow strict rules, especially for free or bush camping
• Don’t miss: Great Ocean Road, Uluru, Fraser Island
• Prepare for distances, fuel, weather and limited mobile coverage
• Always pack essential gear: water, fridge, tools, maps, offline apps

Why go camping in Australia?

Camping in Australia is far more than just a way to sleep — it’s a full immersion into one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments. This is a country of striking contrasts, where untamed coastlines, arid Outback deserts, and dense tropical rainforests coexist. Whether you're camping along the coast, deep in the Red Centre, or among ancient eucalyptus forests, this style of travel helps you reconnect with nature, slow down, and access places that traditional tourism often misses.

Australia is tailor-made for nomadic travellers. The country boasts an extensive network of free and low-cost campgrounds — from beachfront spots to national parks listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many of these sites offer only basic facilities, but they provide what really matters: peace, wide-open skies, and unforgettable views. Travelling by van, 4WD or with a tent lets you set your own pace and route, offering total freedom, flexibility, and the joy of waking up to a new landscape every morning.

Here's why camping in Australia is an experience to be had at least once:

• Discover incredibly diverse landscapes: red desert, paradise beaches, mountains, tropical forests, salt lakes... each region offers its own unique scenery.
• Proximity to nature and local wildlife: kangaroos at sunrise, kookaburras singing, stars twinkling without light pollution.
• Total freedom to choose your itinerary: no need to book far in advance, you can follow your instincts or the weather.
• Numerous free or affordable campsites: ideal for those on a budget, sometimes with breathtaking views.
• An eco-friendly way to travel: as long as you follow the rules, camping limits your environmental footprint.
• Enriching encounters: other campers, van travellers and Australian backpackers all share tips and recommendations.
• Ideal for road trips: camping goes perfectly with renting a campervan or 4x4.

In short, camping in Australia allows you to get off the beaten track, slow down and enjoy the best the country has to offer: its wide open spaces. For those who love adventure, peace and quiet, and waking up to a view, it's an unmissable way to travel.

Where to go camping in Australia? The best places

Australia is a top-tier destination for outdoor and camping enthusiasts, offering an incredible variety of landscapes perfect for overnight stays in nature. From remote bush camps and scenic coastal sites to well-equipped national parks, the country has hundreds of amazing spots for camping — whether you're travelling by tent, campervan, motorhome, or 4WD. Thanks to its vast wilderness, world-class beaches, and diverse ecosystems, each region offers a different camping experience. Below is a curated selection of the best camping locations in Australia, grouped by environment — coast, national parks, and remote off-grid areas.

The most popular Australian national parks for camping

• Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory) : Located three hours from Darwin, Kakadu is Australia's largest national park. Here you can camp in the heart of exceptional biodiversity, among swamps, waterfalls and sacred Aboriginal sites. The campsites are often basic but allow you to immerse yourself completely in a preserved natural setting.
• Grampians National Park (Victoria) : Renowned for its impressive cliffs, hiking trails and abundant wildlife, Grampians National Park is perfect for campers seeking tranquillity and breathtaking views. Accessible campsites are scattered throughout the park, some with spectacular views as soon as you wake up.
• Freycinet National Park (Tasmania) : Located on the east coast of Tasmania, this park is famous for the magnificent Wineglass Bay. The park's campsites offer direct access to the beach, coastal hiking trails and sea views. This is a very popular destination, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Dream spots on the Australian coast

• Byron Bay (New South Wales) : Byron Bay is an iconic destination for travellers in vans or tents. The atmosphere is relaxed, the beaches are superb and the campsites are very well equipped. You can watch dolphins, surf or simply enjoy the sunsets over the ocean.
• Great Ocean Road (Victoria) : This scenic route runs along the ocean and through spectacular landscapes: eucalyptus forests, steep cliffs and wild beaches. There are many campsites along the route, often nestled in the vegetation, with views of the waves or direct access to the beach.
• Coral Bay (Western Australia) : Coral Bay is a gem on the west coast, bordered by the Ningaloo Reef. It's an ideal place to camp near the sea and enjoy diving or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. The atmosphere is peaceful and the campsites are close to the beach.

More wild and isolated places

• Red Centre and Uluru (Northern Territory) : Camping in the Red Centre is an unforgettable experience under the starry desert sky. Near Uluru, campsites such as Yulara offer comfortable accommodation while respecting the rules for preserving this sacred site.
• Cape York (Queensland) : In the far north of Australia, Cape York is a remote region accessible only by 4x4. Campers will find unspoilt nature, deserted beaches, rivers and a feeling of being at the end of the world. It is an ideal destination for experienced adventurers.
• Nullarbor Plain (South Australia) : This arid, endless plain is crossed by the legendary Eyre Highway. The campsites are basic, but the night sky is unrivalled. It is one of the most isolated places in the country, perfect for those looking to disconnect.

Whether you're drawn to tropical beaches, desert landscapes or mountain forests, Australia has a piece of nature waiting for you. Camping is the best way to discover it in an authentic, economical and responsible way.

Practical tips for a successful camping trip in Australia

Camping in Australia is a unique experience, both for the landscapes and the feeling of freedom it provides. But to make sure your adventure is a success, it's best to be well prepared. The country is vast, distances are long, and conditions can vary considerably from one region to another. Here are some essential practical tips to help you organise your trip and make the most of your camping road trip.

Choose the right camping equipment

The camping equipment you need in Australia depends largely on the type of trip you are planning: in a van, by car with a tent, or backpacking. In all cases, opt for lightweight, sturdy equipment that is suited to local conditions.

For tent campers, choose a tent that is easy to pitch, wind-resistant and well-ventilated. A double-roof tent is highly recommended to prevent condensation, especially in humid areas such as tropical Queensland or Tasmania.

A sleeping bag suitable for the temperature is essential. Don't be fooled by the cliché of a country that is always warm: nights in the desert or at high altitudes can be very cold. A self-inflating mattress or insulating layer greatly improves comfort over long periods.

Don't forget a cool box or portable fridge, a gas stove, basic cooking utensils, a head torch, external batteries and water bottles (especially in remote areas). A first aid kit is also essential, as is effective sun protection (hat, cream, sunglasses) and insect repellent to avoid mosquito and fly bites.

Finally, if you are camping in a van or 4x4, make sure your vehicle is well equipped with a sufficient water tank, spare wheel, basic tools and possibly a solar shower.

Preparing for your road trip: map, fuel, distances

Australia is a huge country. It is crucial to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid any unexpected surprises, especially in sparsely populated areas. Unlike in Europe, it is common to drive for several hours without coming across a petrol station or supermarket. This means you need to plan ahead, especially for water, petrol and food.

Before you set off, plan a realistic route based on the length of your stay and the type of vehicle you are driving. Distances can be misleading: for example, it takes nearly nine hours to drive from Sydney to Melbourne without stopping. And if you are exploring the Outback, be aware that some tracks are only accessible by 4x4 and that there are sometimes no road signs.

Always plan your refuelling stops in advance. Fill up your jerry cans with petrol whenever you can, especially in areas such as the Red Centre, Cape York or the Nullarbor. Always have a paper road map to hand: some areas have no network coverage, and GPS may be useless.

Also remember to tell someone your itinerary, especially if you are camping off the beaten track. Distances between emergency services can be long, so it is always best to take precautions.

Use useful apps (Wikicamps, CamperMate, etc.)

When camping in Australia, certain mobile apps quickly become indispensable. Not only do they help you find available campsites in your area, but they also provide useful information about water, showers, restrictions and waste disposal points.

• Wikicamps Australia: this is the most popular camping app in the country. It works offline once the maps have been downloaded. It lists thousands of locations, including free and paid campsites, rest areas, showers, toilets and water points. With reviews from travellers, it's the ideal tool for finding somewhere to sleep each night.
• CamperMate: very intuitive, it also shows camping areas, shops, petrol stations, local alerts (fires, floods) and suggests tourist routes. The app works online but is free.
• Fuel Map Australia: perfect for tracking petrol stations and prices around you. Very useful for avoiding nasty surprises on your fuel budget.
• Park Alerts (or equivalent depending on the state): these government apps or websites provide real-time information on road closures, restrictions in national parks and bushfire risks.

Keeping these apps up to date allows you to improvise without stress, while complying with the regulations in force.

Weather and Seasons in Australia: When Is the Best Time to Go Camping?

Australia’s climate varies dramatically depending on the region and time of year. Understanding when and where to camp is essential for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable camping trip — especially given the size of the country and the risk of extreme weather events.

Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are reversed compared to Europe:

• Summer (December to February): very hot in the south, humid and cyclonic in the north. Camping is possible in the south (Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia), but can be stifling in the Outback. The north (Queensland, NT) should be avoided due to heavy rains and mosquitoes.
• Autumn (March to May): ideal time for camping in almost all regions. Temperatures are mild, the climate is more stable, and sites are less crowded.
• Winter (June to August): this is the high season for camping in the north (Darwin, Cairns, Kimberley), with a dry and pleasant climate. The south becomes colder, especially in mountainous areas.
• Spring (September to November): another perfect time for camping. The landscapes are green and the temperatures are balanced. Ideal for the east coast, the Outback and the Great Ocean Road.

Always check the local weather forecast before setting off, especially for areas prone to storms, flooding or fires. Never camp in high-risk areas during bushfire season, which is very common in summer in some southern regions.

Finally, adapt your equipment to the season: warm clothing for cool winter nights, mosquito nets and sunscreen in summer, and breathable clothing in humid areas.

The key to a successful camping trip in Australia is good preparation. The country is vast, wild and sometimes unpredictable, but it offers unparalleled natural beauty. By choosing the right equipment, planning your trips carefully, using the right apps and respecting the seasons, you will have an unforgettable adventure in complete safety. Camping in Australia promises spectacular sunrises, starry nights and unexpected encounters at the end of every road.