Australia is a massive country with extraordinary diversity in terms of landscape and culture. One of the best ways to see the country is by driving across it, which allows you to really get out into its remote stretches. Caravanning and camping in Australia are both extremely popular as a result, and there’s a good support network throughout the country for travelers. Camping allows you to experience unspoiled panoramic views of some of the country’s most stunning scenery, from barren painted deserts to white sandy beaches. The following are a few of the best destinations for campers, whether you’re traveling by car or by caravan.
Broken Hill, NSW
When many visitors think of Australia, they immediately envision the wide open spaces of the iconic outback. Some of the more remote campsites can be difficult to get to without a rough and tumble vehicle capable of off-roading; however, even if you’re in a sensible car, you’ll be able to reach Broken Hill. There are two caravan parks conveniently located in town, including amenities such as swimming pools and working kitchens. If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, head just outside of Broken Hill to Mutawinji National Park where you’ll find a number of campsites.
Esperance. Photo courtesy of amandabhslater.
Esperance, WA
Some of Australia‘s best campsites are located near its golden beaches. One example of this is the camping at Esperance in Western Australia. This sleepy port town has an interesting history as a thriving center of the gold trade, although now most visitors come to take advantage of its seaside camping and bush walks. Pitch a tent and enjoy the views over the headlands, or take a stroll along the picturesque bay. You’ll also find a colony of kangaroos living not too far away at Lucky Bay, in Cape Le Grand National Park.
Fraser Island. Photo courtesy of Nina Matthews Photography.
Fraser Island, Queensland
Fraser Island is a World Heritage site, offering a perfectly preserved ecosystem for visitors to explore. It is the world’s largest sand island, offering surreal and beautiful rainforest landscapes, colorful sand dunes, and crystalline lakes. Although you can visit Fraser Island on a day trip, to truly appreciate the beauty of this wilderness you’ll want to stay the night. You’ll need a camping permit, which allows you to choose a stretch of beach and sleep in the fragrant open air.
Shells on Booderee National Park’s Bherwerre Beach. Photo courtesy of Andrea Schaffer.
Booderee National Park, NSW
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Sydney, Booderee National Park is a top camping destination for campers from the city as well as those from further afield. Located in sheltered Jervis Bay, the water is crystal clear and the beaches are soft, white and sandy. You’ll find three campsites to choose from, although it’s best to book in advance as these fill up quickly.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Photo courtesy of sufw.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Although it’s a bit further away than other destinations on this list, the ferry ride is well worth it for the remote beauty and unique culture Tasmania provides. One of the top options for campers is Cradle Mountain, located in Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park. Serene and uninhabited, this park offers you a host of attractions to enjoy, from cool glacial lakes to old growth forests. The mountain is also home to native wildlife including wombats and the elusive platypus. There’s no shortage of accommodation available, including tent camping, rustic cabins and caravan parks.
These are just a few examples of Australia’s bounty of natural beauty spots. You’ll want to phone ahead to make sure there’s room at the campsite of your choice in order to take advantage of all they have to offer.
Broken Hill dessert. Photo courtesy of cgalvin233 Colleen.
Jessica Festa is the editor of the travel sites Jessie on a Journey (http://jessieonajourney.com) and Epicure & Culture (http://epicureandculture.com). Along with blogging at We Blog The World, her byline has appeared in publications like Huffington Post, Gadling, Fodor’s, Travel + Escape, Matador, Viator, The Culture-Ist and many others. After getting her BA/MA in Communication from the State University of New York at Albany, she realized she wasn’t really to stop backpacking and made travel her full time job. Some of her most memorable experiences include studying abroad in Sydney, teaching English in Thailand, doing orphanage work in Ghana, hiking her way through South America and traveling solo through Europe. She has a passion for backpacking, adventure, hiking, wine and getting off the beaten path.
