From Far North Queensland’s colourful reefs to the soft white sands of the south – and every verdant rainforest, crimson desert, and striking sunset in between – Australia’s east coast is simply made for camping.
With friendly locals itching to welcome weary wanderers, and the vast sky calling after months of minimal movement, there’s never been a better time to explore our own beautiful backyard.
Here are some of the finest camping spots on offer down under.
North Stradbroke Island, Queensland
Thirty kilometres south-east of Brisbane lies the laid-back nirvana known as “Straddie” to the locals and “Minjerribah” to the traditional owners.
Easily accessible by popping your car, van or trailer on the vehicle ferry in Cleveland, Stradbroke is the world’s second-largest sand island, boasting 30 kilometres of pristine coast along Main Beach alone.
The waters of Stradbroke are crystal clear, inviting visitors to surf, snorkel and dive. Steeped in rich indigenous culture, highlights of this 25,000-hectare wilderness wonderland include Brown Lake (so named for its tea-stained water), the hidden caves of Frenchman’s Beach, and sacred Blue Lake in Naree Budjong Djara National Park.
Between May and November, you can also whale watch from Point Lookout – a vibrant beach town that’s home to Adder Rock Camping Ground.
Peaceful but well-positioned, Adder Rock is reachable by 2WD and offers the perfect balance of natural tranquillity and fabulous facilities. Sleep among native trees at a powered or unpowered site, all with access to showers, toilets, a washing machine and BBQ facilities.
Good to Know: Campers, trailers and tents are all welcome, but fees and stay limits apply. Sorry, your pooch isn’t able to join you here.
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Perched halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Coffs is a lively city surrounded by natural beauty.
Families will love it here – The Big Banana Fun Park offers rides and waterpark fun, while The Forest Sky Pier provides panoramic views of all there is to explore.
When it comes to Coffs Harbour camping grounds, the choices are diverse. Coffs Harbour Camping & 4WD welcomes everyone from RVs to tents with 99 sites just a short drive from the city centre.
Grab some firewood from reception and settle in with the family for a relaxing stay. Dogs are welcome, and while facilities amount to little more than a portaloo, this simple stay is a gorgeous gateway to Hat Head National Park.
Within Hat Head itself, you can sleep on the sands of Racecourse Beach, a secluded spot with eight sites for all camping styles. You can even have alcohol and ice delivered to your campsite! Be warned though, it’s BYO toilet.
If free camping is more your scene, head to Swans Creek Crossing in the magnificent Kerewong State Forest. Aside from water and toilets, amenities are scarce, but the proximity to stunning Upsalls Creek makes this camping ground a hidden gem.
Good to Know: Plan a day trip one hour west to Dangar Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that’s a must-see – there’s even camping on site if you decide to stay.
Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay is a dream destination for many, and it’s no wonder!
Famous for magnificent beaches lapped by turquoise seas, gourmet food and wine, and fun, adrenaline-fuelled adventures, the Byron Bay region is a festival of seaside villages and hinterland hideaways.
From relaxed Brunswick Heads to eclectic Nimbin, there are loads of Byron Bay camping grounds, one of which is Mount Warning Rainforest Park, located less than an hour from Byron at the foot of the World Heritage Listed Wollumbin National Park.
A doorway to the Tweed Region, this camp boasts powered and unpowered sites for tents and caravans complete with campfire option.
Spend a day splashing in the Korrumbyn river, bird – or platypus – watching, or conquering the panoramic Pinnacle walk. At night, get comfortable under the stars, with facilities like a laundry, hot showers and camp kitchen.
For a free beachside option, you can spend one night at the Yelgun Rest Area, just 25 minutes drive from Byron, and gloriously close to South Golden Beach.
Good to Know: Mount Warning Rainforest Park is dog friendly – but not in the wilderness camps. If exploring beautiful Wollumbin, be sure to respect the traditional owners and refrain from climbing the summit track.
Yuraygir National Park, NSW
Turn down a dusty, corrugated road less than an hour north-east of Grafton to enter the diverse Yuraygir National Park, a hidden gem that’s home to the most expansive stretch of protected coastline in New South Wales.
Featuring 65 kilometres of rugged cliffs, imposing headlands with sweeping views and long secluded beaches, this captivating spot is 30,000 hectares of largely unspoilt land just begging to be explored by hikers, and a peaceful haven for those looking to unwind while swimming, surfing or relaxing in nature.
Between the calm lakes and sparkling ocean, the forests here invite you to discover the local wildlife at play as you stroll amongst the paperbarks.
While there are nine campgrounds available in the park, two of the most popular are Lake Arragan and Red Cliff campgrounds. Set on the northern coastline, these grounds offer 85 camping sites, many shaded – and all a short walk to Red Cliff beach, regularly visited by kangaroos – and sometimes even the rare and endangered Coastal Emu!
Lake Arragan is a lagoon that joins the Yuraygir Coastal walk and is the perfect place for swimming and birdwatching, while Red Cliff offers dramatic views, the soothing sound of surf on rocks and playful whales and dolphins.
Both campgrounds are suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans and have toilets, drinking water and wood barbeques.
Good to Know: Coffs Harbour is the best place to grab all your supplies before the National Park, but you can pick up wood at Red Cliff – if fires are permitted at the time.
Crowdy Bay National Park
Hiking, swimming, and exploring are on the agenda when you visit the ironically uncrowded Crowdy Bay National Park.
From fabulous fishing spots to wonderful walking tracks, the whole area is heaven for nature-lovers. The beaches are tranquil, the mountain views divine, and the azure water laps sand that could easily be mistaken for gold.
After you’ve tackled an invigorating hike through groves of mahogany and paperbark trees, threaded through the eye of towering Split Rock, and snapped some shots of Natural Arch, cool off with a dip in the calm, aquamarine water of Dunbogan Beach.
There are several camping options here, including Diamond Head, Kylie’s Beach and Indian Head campgrounds, all of which boast showers and welcome camper trailers (but not pets!)
Wherever you stay, just make sure you grab supplies in nearby Laurieton, and get ready to make friends with the local pied oystercatchers, kangaroos, cockatoos and jabirus while you barbecue in the pastel twilight.
Good to Know: A park fee of $8 applies, while campsite fees vary. Some sites have strict check-in and check-out times.
No matter how far and wide you travel in this world, exploring Australia is something you’ll never regret – nor forget. Camping is the best way to see the lucky country, so get out there!
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