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Australia’s Most Stunning Camping Destinations

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broken hill
Broken Hill dessert. Photo courtesy of cgalvin233 Colleen.

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 Australia 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. 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
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
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.

Bonus: The island is home to the Fraser Island Great Walk, which is one of the best Queensland hiking trails!

shell beach
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
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.

Still craving adventure? In Tasmania, you’ll also be able to explore some truly scenic Bruny Island walking tracks. The island is stunning and is not only home to unforgettable trails, but also the rare white wallaby!

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.

About Jessie Festa

Jessie Festa is a New York-based travel content creator who is passionate about empowering her audience to experience new places and live a life of adventure. She is the founder of the solo female travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and is editor-in-chief of Epicure & Culture, an online conscious tourism magazine. Along with writing, Jessie is a professional photographer and is the owner of NYC Photo Journeys, which offers New York photo tours, photo shoots, and wedding photography. Her work has appeared in publications like USA Today, CNN, Business Insider, Thrillist, and WestJet Magazine.