The Best Camping Spots In Australia – Expert Guide

Camping. It's fun. It's rewarding. And it presents a great opportunity to get away from the rigours of everyday life and relax for a while.

But finding the right campsite can be downright stressful. Will the sites you're considering be nice with the forecast weather? Is it a good time of year for them? Do they have decent facilities?

Here, I've put together a list of the best camping spots in Australia to help you with your search. You will find a number of leading options, along with my top sites by region and by campsite type.

The Top 10 Camping Spots In Australia

1. Lucky Bay, Western Australia

Lucky Bay, just east of Esperance on the south coast of WA, is known worldwide for its extremely white sands. The local residents, a mob of friendly kangaroos, can often be found lazing about on the beach.

At Lucky Bay, you will find decent toilet and BBQ facilities. Many of the campsites have ocean views, and the entire area is accessible via sealed roads. You can launch a small boat from the beach, and the fishing in the area is excellent.

Location: Lucky Bay Road, Cape Le Grand (45 minutes SE of Esperance)

Price: $15 per adult per night

2. Johanna Beach, Victoria

Those of you out there who love the ocean will love the campground at Johanna Beach. It's right on the water, with picturesque scenery and one of the best surfing beaches on the Great Ocean Road.

Dogs are also welcome here, and you will find plenty of walking trails and hikes, with wildflowers in the right season. Located just a short drive from Melbourne, this is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

Location: Red Johanna Road, Johanna (3 hours from Melbourne)

Price: From $28.30 per night

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3. Green Patch, Jervis Bay Territory

You will find the Green Patch campsite in the Booderee National Park in the Jervis Bay Territory (southern NSW). It boasts drinking water access, toilets, showers, and BBQ areas. Jervis Bay itself is known for bioluminescence, a phenomenon that makes the water appear to glow. Camp here at the right time of year to experience this.

Location: Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay Territory (200km south of Sydney)

Price: From $36 per night

4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) Conservation Reserve, Northern Territory

The Devils Marbles are one of Australia's best known natural landmarks and for good reason. You can set up camp within the Conservation Reserve at the dedicated campsite, which includes fireplaces and basic facilities. This is a great place to base yourself and spend a few days exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Location: Stuart Highway, 100km south of Tennant Creek

Price: $7.70 per night

5. Maria Island, Tasmania

Maria Island, located off the east coast of Tasmania, is one of the most incredible places I've visited. The wildlife here is friendly, and there's loads of it. I even saw a family of Tasmanian Devils last time I was there!

The marine park surrounding the island makes for great snorkelling, and the fishing is unbeatable in the areas it's allowed. Although getting to Maria Island can be a hassle, it's absolutely and completely worth the effort.

Location: Maria Island, 15km offshore from Triabunna

Price: From $7 per night, plus ferry tickets

6. Noah Beach Camping Area, Queensland

At the Noah Beach Camping Area, you can set up camp under the trees and enjoy one of the best national park camping experiences in the country. The landscape in the region is spectacular, and popular activities include fishing on Noah Beach,  exploring the Daintree National Park, and observing the local wildlife. Tap water and composting toilets are available on site.

Location: Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation (2.5 hours drive north of Cairns)

Price: From $5.75 per person per night

7. Ormiston Gorge, Northern Territory

You will find Ormiston Gorge 135km west of Alice Springs, making it one of the most remote camping sites in the country. The local waterhole is beautiful to swim in throughout the year, and there are plenty of hiking tracks for those who are feeling a little more adventurous. You can find out more about the area at the nearby visitor centre.

Location: Ormiston Gorge Access (135km west of Alice Springs)

Price: $10 per adult, per night

8. Cockatoo Island, New South Wales

If glamping is more your thing, you will love the facilities offered by Cockatoo Island Camping. Here, you can experience the joys of camping in the heart of Sydney, and you don't even have to have your own gear.

The campground has site-only, package, and deluxe options available, and most of these include full tent hire. There are flushing toilets, hot showers, and a communal kitchen with BBQs.

Location: Cockatoo Island, Woolwich

Price: From $50 per night

9. Pondalowie Bay Bush Campground, South Australia

If you live in or are planning to visit South Australia, the Pondalowie Bay Bush Campground is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed camping holiday. It's a comfortable 300kms from Adelaide, making it a viable weekend road trip destination, and there are loads of activities on offer. These include fishing, boating, surfing, swimming, and hiking.

Location: Innes National Park, Inneston (On the tip of Cape Spencer)

Price: From $15 per night

10. Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, Northern Territory

At the Cooinda campground, close to some of the Kakadu National Park's main attractions, you will experience luxury camping that won't break the bank. The camping grounds here are located right next to Yellow Water Billabong. Most are fully shaded and have a nice grass cover, and you will get a good deal if you visit during the slow season.

Location: Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu (150km SE of Darwin)

Price: From $39 per night

Best Camping Spots In New South Wales

Honeymoon Bay Campground

Honeymoon Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Jervis Bay. The campground offers easy access to the beach, where you can snorkel, swim, or take advantage of the area's walking trails.

Location: Corner of Lighthouse and Currarong Roads, Currarong

Price: From $15

Jenolan Campground

Heading out into the Jenolan State Forest will take you into the heart of NSW's forest country. The Jenolan Campground offers easy access and free camping, although there are loads of more secluded campsites in the area if you have a 4wd.

Location: Jenolan State Forest, NSW (160km west of Sydney)

Price: Free

Best Camping Spots In Queensland

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays

At Whitehaven Beach, you can pitch your tent on the sand with panoramic views of the ocean and the beautiful white beaches in the area. Access is by boat, and you will find non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and other very basic facilities.

Location: Whitsunday Island

Price: $6.50 per person, per night

Goomburra Valley Campground

Situated just 2 hours drive from Brisbane, the privately-owned Goomburra campground is an excellent place for a weekend getaway. Here, you will find a camp kitchen, firepits, and full amenities. And, it's located on the bank of the Dalrymple Creek.

Location: 2013 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra

Price: From $19 per person, per night

Best Camping Spots In Western Australia

Betty's Beach, Western Australia

At Betty's Beach, you will find a selection of beachfront unpowered sites with very minimal facilities. It's located in the middle of WA's beautiful south coast, making it a great place to spend a few days on the beach during the summer months. And what's more, it's free!

Location: Betty's Beach Road (50km east of Albany)

Price: Free

Rottnest Camping Ground

Feel like spending a few days exploring a wilderness island, snorkelling with amazing sea life and taking photos with the always-smiling quokkas? Rottnest Island has you covered, and the Rottnest Island Campground is a great place to stay.

Location: Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Price: From $39 per night

Best Camping Spots In Victoria

Smiths Mill Campground

This beautiful campground is built on the site of an old sawmill in the middle of the Grampians National Park. Wildlife is abundant, and you will find basic toilets, a bush shower, and a small number of firepits.

Location: Old Mill Road, Zumsteins (270kms NW of Melbourne)

Price: From $15.50 per night

Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory

The Tidal River campground, managed by Parks Victoria, is a favourite for families and others visiting the Wilsons Promontory. This well-equipped campground offers powered and unpowered sites with a full range of amenities.

Location: Main Road, Tidal River (230km SE of Melbourne)

Price: From $30.20 per night

Best Camping Spots In South Australia

Wilpena Pound Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Flinders Ranges, the Wilpena Pound Campground is a great place to base yourself and explore the area. It's cheap, and there are plenty of day trip opportunities surrounding the camp.

Location: Hawker-Wilpena Road, Flinders Ranges

Price: From $14 per night

Vivonne Bay Campground

As the name suggests, this campground sits just metres from the stunning Vivonne Bay, which has been named Australia's best beach in the past. There are countless opportunities for surfing, fishing, and snorkelling at this world-class location.

Location: Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island

Price: From $17 per night

Best Camping Spots In Tasmania

Policeman's Point Campground

Policeman's Point is a beautiful free campsite located on the northeast coast of Tasmania. It's quite a popular spot, and it's perfect for fishing and swimming. Dogs are allowed, so bring your furry friend along for the ride!

Location: Ansons Bay (300km north of Hobart)

Price: Free

Honeymoon Bay

Found in the famous Freycinet National Park, Honeymoon Bay is one of the most stunning campsites I've stayed at. You will find incredible coastal walks, beautiful beaches, and some of the best fishing spots in the state.

Location: Freycinet Peninsula (200km north of Hobart)

Price: From $13 per night

Best Camping Spots In The Northern Territory

Wangi Falls Campground

Within the Litchfield National Park, you will find the stunning Wangi Falls. Camp nearby and spend a few days hiking, swimming in the nearby waterholes, and relaxing in the sun.

Location: Litchfield Park Road, Litchfield National Park

Price: From $10 per night

Ayers Rock Campground

At the Ayers Rock Campground, you will experience magnificent views of Uluru right from your campsite. The facilities here are excellent, including an outdoor kitchen, self-service laundry, and swimming pool.

Location: 173 Yulara Drive, Yulara

Price: From $43 per night

Best Free Camping Spots

Fitzgerald Bay Campground, South Australia

At Fitzgerald Bay, you will be taken back to the basics. No facilities are available, even toilets, but you can bring your dog along. There are excellent ocean views, along with reliable fishing spots where you can catch some dinner.

Location: Gulf View Drive, Fitzgerald Bay

Price: Free

Long Waterhole, Queensland

At the manmade Long Waterhole, you will find loads of birdlife and beautiful sunsets. It's located in the heart of Queensland's outback, so expect hot, dry weather and plenty of dust.

Location: Winton-Jundah Road, Winton(1400km NW of Brisbane)

Price: Free

Best Beach Camping In Australia

Flinders Beach Campsite, North Stradbroke Island

At Flinders Beach, you will find a dog-friendly beachfront campground that would make the ideal spot for your next camping trip. It's 4wd access only, but you will find excellent fishing, surfing, and bush walking opportunities in the area. Note that it does get very busy here in the school holidays.

Location: North Stradbroke Island, Queensland (Ferry access from Brisbane)

Price: From $20.25 per night

Ningaloo Station, Western Australia

At Ningaloo Station, on WA's coral coast, you can set up camp just metres back from the world-famous Ningaloo reef. Snorkel among the coral, chuck a line in, or just relax in the sun. This is one of my favourite places in the world, and I find myself returning year after year.

Location: Ningaloo Station, 150km south of Exmouth, 1200km north of Perth

Price: $8 per adult, per night

Best Bush Camping In Australia

Warren Campground, Western Australia

The Warren Campground is situated on the Warren River near Pemberton in WA's southern forest. Here, you can camp among the karri trees while taking advantage of the numerous secluded spots where you can access the river.

Location: Heart Break Trail, Yeagarup

Price: $11 per adult, per night

Euroka Campground, New South Wales

At the Euroka Campground you will find a number of unmarked sites suitable for tents. These are situated among the forest in the Blue Mountains, making it the perfect spot for a little hiking and to just enjoy the wilderness for a few days.

Location: Euroka Road, Blue Mountains National Park (65km west of Sydney)

Price: From $24.60 per night

Best Campsites For Pets

Cockle Creek, Tasmania

At Cockle Creek, at the southernmost point of Tasmania, you will find a full complement of bushwalking, swimming, and kayaking opportunities. Dogs are allowed on the north side of the river, but you can't cross with them into the national park.

Location: 812 Cockle Creek Road, Recherche (120km south of Hobart)

Price: Free

Sand Cape Recreation Park, Western Australia

The beachside campsite at Sandy Cape is the perfect place to go with your pets. I've spent time there on countless trips, and it's always a highlight to see all the dogs and other pets enjoying the beach and surrounding areas.

Location: Sandy Cape Road, Jurien Bay (250km north of Perth)

Price: From $20 per night

Best Campsites For Kids

Cotter Campground, Australian Capital Territory

Cotter Campground sits just a short drive from Canberra, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Here, you will find loads of wildlife and a selection of sites on the banks of the Cotter River.

Location: 1692 Cotter Road, Stromlo

Price: From $6 per night

Teewah Beach Camping Area, Queensland

The Teewah Beach camping area boasts loads of beachside spots for camping. It's a great spot for fishing, surfing, swimming, and enjoying the ocean with your kids. It does get busy in peak season, so be sure to book in advance.

Location:  Cooloola (250km north of Brisbane)

Price: From $13.10 per night

Best 4wd Camping Spots

Davenport Creek, South Australia

This hidden gem is only accessible with a 4wd, and can be found by following a number of sandy tracks near Davenport Creek. There's an eco-toilet installed in the area, and the fishing and sand-dune exploring opportunities are endless.

Location: Charra (800km NW of Adelaide)

Price: Free

Banksia Camp, Western Australia

You will find the Banksia Camp after following a long dirt road and a winding 4wd track near Walpole on the remote south coast of WA. Located right on the beach, this is the perfect place to set up for a couple of days fishing, swimming, and exploring the coastline.

Location: Broke Inlet, Walpole (off Mandalay Beach Road)

Price: From $7 per night