Sealers Cove, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
Wilsons Promontory – or, as it’s called by locals, The Prom – is on the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. The Sealers Cove campsite, located on the eastern side, has no car access, so you have to walk 9.5km (about three hours) from the Telegraph Saddle car park to get there. The track is well maintained, though, and the spectacular scenery (and possibility of spotting some native wildlife) will make it all worthwhile. Trust us.
Facilities: Toilets
Bookings: Yes. More info here.
Gunlom Campground, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Switch your phone alarm for the sound of cackling kookaburras and squawking galahs at Gunlom Campground. On top of vibrant birdlife, hikes, and rich indigenous history, the campsite has great access to the idyllic Gunlom Plunge Pool. Take a dip and soak up the insanely ’grammable view over the iconic Kakadu National Park – just remember to read the signs and stay safe while swimming.
Facilities: Showers, flushing toilets, drinking water, rubbish bins, barbecue, fire pit
Bookings: Not available
TIP: Get lit (responsibly) 🔥
Total fire bans are common in Australia, especially in hot and windy conditions. Check with the local state or territory's fire authority before striking any matches.
Richardsons Beach Campground, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean lapping the shore at this campsite set a mere 50 metres from the beach. Located near Coles Bay in Tasmania’s first national park, Richardsons Beach campground acts as a perfect base for exploring the surrounding beaches and leafy bush walking tracks. A climb up Mount Amos for an unbeatable view of Wineglass Bay is a must.
Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, barbecues, flushing toilets, phone, drinking water availability can vary
Bookings: Yes, using a ballot system during peak times. More info here.
The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, New South Wales
Pitch your tent on this grassy waterfront campground, and it’ll be hard to believe you’re only an hour north of Sydney. Accessible from Palm Beach by ferry or water taxi, or from West Head Road car park (if you can brave the steep 2.8km walk), its convenient location makes it perfect for an overnight escape from the city...as long as you don’t mind sharing the space with the local swamp wallabies or kookaburras, that is.
Facilities: Barbecues, picnic tables, drinking water, phone, showers, and toilets
Bookings: Yes. More info here.
TIP: Don’t be garbage!
If there are no provided bins, most national parks require you to take all your rubbish home with you. Leave no trace. 🙏
Dales Gorge Campground, Karijini National Park, Western Australia
Located in the northeast of Karijini National Park (a place traditionally owned by Banyjima, Innawonga, and Kurrama Aboriginal people), the campsite in Dales Gorge is ideal for exploring the vast red rocky landscape and sparkling turquoise pools this tropical semi-desert is known for. Be sure to make the most of the excellent walk options nearby; we recommend a stroll down to Fortescue Falls followed by a swim in the oasis at the end.
Facilities: Pit toilets, barbecues, picnic tables
Bookings: Not available
Honeymoon Pool, Wellington National Park, Western Australia
Camp among the towering peppermint trees on the banks of the Collie River at this peaceful campground less than a two hours’ drive south of Perth. There’s easy access to the nearby Honeymoon Pool, which is perfect for swimming, canoeing, and fishing (though restrictions do apply).
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, camp kitchen, fire rings
Bookings: Not available
TIP: Check for weather warnings ⛈️
Weather can change quickly, so always check the local conditions before you head off on your adventure.
Whitehaven Beach Campground, Whitsunday Island, Queensland
A trip to Queensland isn’t complete until you’ve sunk your toes into the brilliantly white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach. But for a truly unforgettable experience, sink your tent pegs in too. There are only seven campsites, and, you know, being an island and all, it’s only accessible by boat. But it’s actually super easy to organise; the barge transfer service “Scamper” offers return trips, with drinking water included and camping gear available for rent.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables
Bookings: Yes. More info here.
Booky Cliffs, Murray River National Park, South Australia
This serene campsite in Katarapko on the bank of Australia’s longest river is just under 250km from Adelaide. Easily accessible by cars and small caravans, it’s a perfect spot for fishing, kayaking, bushwalking, or kicking back and soaking up the blissful Aussie countryside. Keep an eye out for locals, namely goannas, echidnas, brushtail possums, and kangaroos. Oh, and the sunrises are .
Facilities: Pit toilets
Bookings: Not available
TIP: Location, location, location 📍
Eucalyptus (or gum trees) can drop limbs unexpectedly, especially in the head of summer. Try to avoid setting up your tent or parking your car under big overhanging branches.
Cotter Campground, Casuarina Sands, Australian Capital Territory
Forget Parliament House; pitch your tent on the banks of the Cotter River and soak up a different side of the nation’s capital. Only a 20-minute drive from Canberra, the grounds are relatively well equipped and conveniently located for water sports, walking trails, and wildlife spotting.
Facilities: Barbecues, showers, toilets, drinking water, picnic tables
Bookings: Not available
Booloumba Creek Camping Areas, Conondale National Park, Queensland
Nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, these lush forest campsites are the perfect way to get your nature fix. Set up your base in one of the available camping areas, then take a walk to the cascading Booloumba Falls for a cheeky dip. If you’re up for more of an adventure, the Conondale Range Great Walk offers a challenging four-day 56km hike with remote campsites, epic scenery, and abundant wildlife along the way.
Facilities: Water (treatment required), toilets, fire rings, payphone
Booking required: Yes. More info here.
TIP: Keep cash on hand 💵
Most national parks charge entry fees, so keep some cash on hand. If you’re planning on visiting a few parks in the same state, buying a multipass upfront may be cheaper.
Cheap, cheerful, and close to nature... What better way to get to know Australia? Start planning your adventure today.
Illustrations by Dan Blaushild / BuzzFeed