Camping is one of the best ways to see this beautiful country we call home. Across Australia, there are hundreds of awesome places to pitch a tent, set up your swag and spend some time in the great outdoors. With the June long weekend fast approaching, you’ve got the perfect excuse to plan an epic camping adventure with your friends and family.
Best Camping Spots NSW
The milder months of winter are an ideal time to explore the many beloved camping spots around bays, rainforests and some of NSW’s stunning national parks.
Jervis Bay Caravan Park, Jervis Bay NSW
Jump in the car and head three-hours south of Sydney to the beautiful Jervis Bay Caravan Park. This spot is perfect for the inner-city couple looking for a private romantic getaway. Privately owned and very secluded, this camping spot overlooks the crystal clear waterway that leads into Jervis Bay. Sandy beaches, incredible cycling trails and a recreational fisherman’s paradise, this is the perfect way to spend the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Kanangra-Boyd National Park, Jenolan NSW
The Boyd River campground is a serene spot where you can spend the night surrounded by tall snow gums. If you’re a fan of Aussie wildlife, wallabies, possums and the occasional echidna can be easily spotted around the campsite. The national park also offers a variety of hiking routes of varying levels of difficulty to keep you entertained and amongst nature throughout the day. The Kanangra Walls hike, which is just a few minutes drive from the campsite, and boasts an epic view of the area’s cliffs and Eucalyptus forest is a must do.
Halifax Holiday Park, Nelson Bay NSW
Nestled between a quiet bay and natural bushland, Halifax Holiday Park is an ideal location for an action packed weekend getaway. For all the boating enthusiasts, they’ll enjoy access to moorings and deep water boat ramp facilities, so make sure you visit BCF to get everything you need for your afternoons on the bay.
A perfect spot the whole family can enjoy! Get a great dose of nature while still having the creature comforts of coffee and restaurants just around the corner.
Best Camping Spots QLD
If camping in the winter scares you, maybe consider some of the more tropical (and warmer) options that the sunshine state has to offer.
Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park, Rathdowney QLD
Another family-friendly option, Bigriggen is a great camping spot if you’re looking to pack your weekend with activities. From walking tracks to on-site wildlife tours - you’ll never be stuck with nothing to do! If you’re a cycling enthusiast, Bigriggen has many trails that’ll keep you and the family entertained all weekend so make sure all the cycling gear is packed and ready to go.
With shared bathroom facilities, open pit fires and being welcoming to pets, the site has everything you need to make your weekend incredibly relaxing. Located just an hour and a half from Brisbane, Biggriggen is a must if you’re looking for a long weekend of adventure. Missing some cycling gear? If you’re a Cashrewards member, visit Proviz Sports to save on your must-have cycling haul.
Mount Tamborine Caravan and Camping Park, Tamborine Mountain QLD
30 minutes south of Brisbane is the tranquil rainforests scenery of Mount Tamborine, one of the favoured camping spots in south-east Queensland. Spend the day enjoying an abundance of scenic views, trails, creeks, rockpools and lookouts. Spend your evenings wandering down the main street that overflows with art galleries, restaurants and pubs.
If you’re still bored after all of that, visit the Thunderbird Park where you and the kids can enjoy activities like treetop course, canyon flyer, mini-golf and horse-riding – just to name a few.
Cylinder Beach Campground, Stradbroke Island QLD
If you’ve ever wanted to camp right on the beach, Stradbroke Island is your go-to place this long weekend. Cylinder Beach Campground is one of the most popular places to camp on the island with plenty of modern amenities,including free wi-fi for those not wanting to venture too far away from their creature comforts.
At Stradbroke you’ll enjoy spending your mornings watching the dolphins swim into shore, and if you trek up to Amity Point Lookout you’ll get the best view of the whales. If you’re an avid walker, the breath-taking North Gorge Walk is a must!
Best Camping in Victoria
There are a surprising number of hidden gems when looking for places to camp in Victoria, with these three spots just the tip of the iceberg!
Wilsons Promontory National Park, Gippsland VIC
The best option for those with adventure in their veins, Sealers Cove rewards hikers with natural scenery you can’t view by car. Spectacular golden beaches and crystal clear waters are features of this popular overnight camping area.
Some top tips:
- You’ll need a camping permit in order to set up your tents for the night
- Make sure you're well dressed, it can get quite cold
- There is very limited access to amenities, so make sure you come prepared with a proper camping setup and carry sufficient water and food!
Cumberland River Holiday Park, Lorne VIC
Winter is one of the best times to visit the Great Ocean Road, as you avoid the intense summer crowds and can visit some of Victoria’s most incredible wonders, completely unbothered. Take advantage of the winter deals at the local camping grounds - particularly Cumberland River Holiday Park. Just 10 minutes south of Lorne, this park is the perfect base from which to explore the rest of the Great Ocean Road and surrounds.
Boreang Campground, Zumesteins VIC
If you’re into four-wheel driving, awesome sunset views and panoramic walking trails, The Grampians is where you need to be pitching your tent over the long weekend. There are so many 4WD trails for four-wheeled enthusiasts to enjoy, but if this is your first time make sure you’ve got all the necessary recovery gear - some trails can be extremely tricky!
The Boreang Campground is central to everything you’ll need. From there make your way down to Beehive Falls, or maybe picnic at Lake Belfield?! Soak up the vistas on offer at the sandstone ridges of Mount Thackeray and spend the afternoon pretending you're the heir to the Paddy Castle. The Grampians is the ideal backdrop for an incredible outdoor weekend getaway.