A Guide to camping in Australia.
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world with one of the most varied landscapes. Camping is very popular over here due to its diversity from snow-capped mountains, pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, dust filled deserts to its unique Wildlife.
To ensure you have all the information you need to go camping, we’ve devised a simple guide about the weather and seasons across Australia, including the most popular camping grounds.
Regardless of where you decide to camp, you’ll discover a treasure trove of camping sites and tourist parks for tents, caravans and motorhomes, including on-site cabins. All you have to do is determine which camping option you’d like.
For instance, if you’d prefer the comforts of home, then a caravan, motorhome or an on-site cabin will provide you with everything you need. For the nature enthusiasts, a camping tent will provide an earthy vibe in the great outdoors.
If you decide to either purchase or hire a caravan or motorhome, you’ll be able to find them in every capital city and most large towns.
What is the best time to go camping in Australia?
Southern States
Victoria and Tasmania: The best time to travel down south is between October and April with pleasant temperatures between 20-28℃.
The winter temperatures can be quite chilly, especially in the Alpine Regions/Snowy Mountains where the temperatures can drop significantly.
Their seasons are very similar to Europe and they offer the most striking and diverse landscapes.
Subtropical States
South Australia, Northern/Central New South Wales, Southern Queensland and Southern Western Australia: These large regions will give you the opportunity to visit Australia’s beautiful coastal beaches and lush rainforests, or you can travel right to the heart of the Outback where the 4 states cover the centre of Australia.
The coastal regions are ideal for swimming with warm to hot temperatures and cool through to freezing cold winter days. Inland temperatures can be extreme, however camping across the entire region is enjoyed all year round.
Tropical States
North Queensland, Northern Western Australia and Northern Territory: This region offers daytime temperatures between 25℃-35°C all year round, although the wet season is between November to March.
During this time, flooding can often cause road closures and some camping grounds will shut down.
Humidity will also be at its highest. It’s also the stinger season, so beware if you go swimming on the Northern Queensland beaches.
The best time to explore the tropics is in the dry season between April and October when it offers the perfect tropical weather and balmy nights.
Central Australia
The Outback: This is where the inspiring landscapes and iconic sites like Uluru belong: This is where the Red Centre, the Simpson Desert, Tennant Creek, West MacDonnell Ranges and the Flinders Ranges are located.
The best time to head off to explore this spectacular region is between April and October. This way, you’ll side-step the excessive summer heat with temperatures soaring as high as 40℃ plus.
The best holiday parks in Australia.
Victoria
Bright is a riverside town that is located in the glorious foothills of the Victorian Alpine Region. It’s well known for its spectacular mountain views and picturesque autumn colours.
You’ll enjoy the boutique stores, the local food and wineries nearby and the local markets, including great outdoor adventures, such as hiking, fishing, paragliding, snow skiing and cycling.
The holiday park provides river view cabins, villas, cottages, powered and unpowered caravan and tent spaces, shady camping, shared kitchen facilities and amenities.
Bright is an attractive tourist destination and famous for its close proximity to the Victorian Alpine Region and ski resorts, such as Mount Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Buffalo. Other natural attractions include Mount Buffalo National Park and the Alpine National Park.
ACTIVITIES: hiking, paragliding, swimming spots, equipment hire, snow sports, cycling. kayaking, horse riding, golf, rock climbing and fishing – (anglers can go fly fishing at the local Ovens and Buckland Rivers from October to December)
Tasmania
Cradle Mountain Holiday & Caravan Park
The Cradle Mountain Holiday & Caravan Park will offer you a unique experience. It’s located on the edge of Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park.
This world-heritage site is the true wilderness adventure as soon as you step outside the door. The park provides cottages, cabins, dorms, powered and unpowered sites, including a laundry, BBQ, camp/kitchen and kiosk/store.
This is where the famous Overland Track begins and covers 161,000 hectares. You can participate in hiking, canoe tours, horseback trail rides and helicopter flights.
Wildlife is in abundance and you’ll enjoy meeting the tasmanian devil, echidna, wombats, platypus, quolls and more.
ACTIVITIES: hiking trails, guided walks, nature & wildlife tours, horseback riding tours and quad bike adventures, canoe tours, helicopter flights, star gazing.
South Australia
Barossa Valley Holiday & Caravan Park in Tanunda
The Barossa Holiday & Caravan Park is located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, approximately 70km from Adelaide and surrounded by beautiful vineyards, cafes and restaurants.
There’s plenty to do, including mini golf, bowling or a visit to the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.
Tanunda boasts a European heritage with picturesque wineries, jutting church spires, cafes and restaurants. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from Maggie Beers Farm Shop.
The park provides cabins, a deluxe safari tent, premium powered sites, unpowered sites and ensuite powered sites.
You’ll find activities galore for everyone, such as a KIDS CLUB, Activity Room, BBQ, Bouncing Pillow, Camp Kitchen, Kiosk/Store, Playground, Swimming Pool, WIFI and more.
ACTIVITIES: Balloon Adventures, Barossa Farmers Market, Barossa Daimler Tours, Barossa Bowland & Dinosaur Themed Mini Golf, St Hallett Barossa, Maggie Beers Farm Shop, Grant Burge Wines, Whistler Wines, Tour Barossa, and more…
New South Wales
Byron Bay is a nature lovers haven surrounded by a beautiful coastal town situated on the far-north coast of NSW with a vibrant community spirit.
The park is ideal for a tent, caravan or motorhome and provides powered or unpowered sites. Self contained cabins are also available.
The park offers a bbq area, camp kitchen, children’s facilities and laundry. Enjoy your caravan, motorhome or pitch a tent in the stunning surrounds.
You can find many street artists, quirky boutiques, award-winning restaurants and unique cafes buzzing with that alternative lifestyle feel.
The holiday park has a relaxing and calming appeal with direct access to Clarkes Beach, and just a short stroll away from the hustle and bustle.
ACTIVITIES: (sight-seeing – Cape Byron Lighthouse) safaris & wild life activities, water sports, day trips, swimming, national parks, wellness & spas, workshops & classes, solo travellers tours, extreme sports and adrenaline, ecotourism, food and drinks, cruises and boat tours. Don’t forget to watch out for migrating whales!
Queensland
Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Escape to a tropical paradise at the award winning Big4 Whitsunday Resort. With a value-packed holiday, you won’t find anything like this in the Whitsundays.
It provides a variety of accommodation from condo’s, cabins and villas to powered caravan, motorhomes and tent sites.
You’ll probably spend many happy hours at the Mega Waterslide Park, or taking a dip in the heated pool available throughout the winter months.
Other activities are available, including mini golf, tennis, water slides, kids craft, pedal karts, poolside massages and outdoor movies.
There’s also an animal park that the kids will love. This resort is very well organised and most activities are for free.
If you’re looking for adventures outside the resort, all you need to do is use the resort as a base.
ACTIVITIES: cycling, swimming, sailing charters, skydiving, kayaking, ocean rafting, cruises, fishing charters/tours, jetski tours, scenic flights and more.
Northern Territory
Hokey’s Camp Site – Wagait Beach
This is what camping adventures are all about. The property is a vacant, fully fenced one acre block and is the second street back from the beach.
Nobody resides on the property, you’ll have the site to yourself.
There’s a designated area where you can park your tent/camper trailer/motorhome/caravan – cars allowed.
This block provides power, hot/cold water with shower and flush toilet. It also includes three fire pits/campfires allowed.
The block is a quick 5 minute stroll to the beach. The Wagait Beach Store is close by to purchase groceries, takeaways and alcohol, including the Cox Country Club.
Pets are welcome, as long as they’re good natured. It goes without saying, you will need to clean up and dispose of pets toilet waste.
ACTIVITIES: cycling, fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife watching, fishing – You can fish from the jetty or beach. Campers have caught barramundi near the creeks close by. Be Croc Wise!
Western Australia
The holiday park is the ideal location for a well-deserved break. It provides cabins, as well as fully powered sites to motorhomes, caravans and tents.
You’ll love the deluxe facilities which provide a huge toilet and shower block, including a laundromat.
The park also offers a full camping kitchen, fridges, stoves, ovens, microwaves and barbecues. You can swim all-year-round in their large heated indoor pool.
This beautiful coastline is ideal for beach lovers and all water sports. Enjoy the thrill of sandboarding on huge white sand dunes, explore the Pinnacles Desert, or try your hand at fishing.
Lancelin has a lucrative cray fishing industry and the local seafood is second to none.
If you decide to visit Perth for a day of sightseeing, it’s just 1 1/2 hours away.
ACTIVITIES: swimming, kite surfing, wind surfing, sand boarding the dunes, kayaking, hiking, festivals, fishing trips, visit the Pinnacles Desert, wining/dining/cafes, local seafood and more…
