Australia is packed with seemingly endless natural beauty, and because of this, camping is easily one of the best ways to fully enjoy it and explore it. Here are a few of the best camping spots you need to visit at least once.
*This is a collaborative post
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Cooinda Campground
Pack a few cold six packs of Erdinger beer and your tent and head to the Cooinda Campground. Found in the Northern Territory, Cooindan is full of mangroves, monsoon forests and floodplains, which combine to create a particularly unique ecosystem.
Found on the edge of the Yellow River billabong, this spot is perfect for crocodile and bird watching; there is plenty to explore and do for the entire family.
O’Reilly’s Campground
Heading to Queensland, O’Reilly’s is a lesser-known campground that is most definitely a hidden gem. It is full of cascading waterfalls and lush forests, and is perfect for a weekend away or a Summer night of swimming and relaxing.
The best part is that it is only an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast, meaning you can easily visit in the afternoon if you don’t have the time to set up camp.
North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island, known as Straddie by the locals, is one of the most popular camping spots in Australia. Set your tent up on the white, sandy beaches, and take in the views of the gorgeous ocean rolling up the sand.
Straddie is not only close to Brisbane, but it also feels detached from city life thanks to all the trees that surround it, the wild kangaroos you can often spot, and the breathtaking coastal walks you can enjoy.
Noosa Everglades Ecocamp
The Noosa Everglades is another exceptionally beautiful and unique spot to spend a few nights under the stars. Found in Queensland, the trendy beachside town is popular with tourists and locals, and the camping sites are no different.
The Ecocamp offers a variety of sleeping options, including glamping and fully-powered sites. The river is perfect for swimming and lazing in the sun, and there are also boat tours available, which are the perfect way to watch the sunset.
Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island may not look like a remote camping paradise, but this post-industrial slice of heaven is one of the best places to spend the night in the middle of Sydney Harbor. Plus, you don’t even need your own camping gear to enjoy it.
Visitors can book a luxury glamping package and take in the beautiful views of Sydney and its surroundings.
Kakadu National Park
There is no “best spot” in Kakadu, as every camping site is exceptional. This national park is exceptionally diverse, and you can camp near water, in a forest, near the mountains, and everything in between.
There are countless walking and hiking trails to enjoy, a ton of wildlife to see, and plenty of plants and trees to discover. Kakadu is easily one of the best national parks in the world, and is a must-visit for anyone who can get there.
El Questro Wilderness Park
Found along the famous Gibb River Road, El Questro is a seemingly endless swathe of wildland, packed with massive trees, greenery, animals, and, surprisingly, a hot spring that you can swim in.
You can also camp at the beautiful Black Cockatoo Campground, or sleep in style at one of the many private riverside bush camps.
Yulara
Found in the Northern Territory, the Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara is about 9 miles from the spiritual heart of Australia, Uluru. With the imposing mountain as your background, surrounded by endless stretches of red sand, this is the perfect place to truly escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Considering how isolated this campground is, you will be pleased to hear that there is a pool, a barbecue area, an outdoor kitchen, laundry facilities, and a shuttle to take you to and from the onsite bars and restaurants.
Lucky Bay
One spot that is still undiscovered by many locals is Lucky Bay. Trade in the popular, overcrowded campsites, and choose a little slice of peace and tranquillity all for yourself at this site that sits almost on top of the beach.
There are gorgeous beaches, spectacular rocky outcrops, and countless kangaroos that spend their days lazing in the sun by the water. You can swim, fish, and take many bushwalks in this secluded and breathtaking part of the country.
Taronga Zoo
Finally, this isn’t your typical camping experience, but if you want to camp without leaving the city, you need to head to Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Their Roar & Snore experience allows visitors to sleep in the zoo, and listen to all the animals as they wake up once the sun goes down.
You will spend the night in a safari-style tent, as well as have the opportunity to take a night safari through the zoo. You can also enjoy several animal encounters, with a delicious dinner and breakfast included in your stay.
In conclusion, Australia has a wide variety of camping experiences and locations available, all offering their own unique sights, sounds, and experiences. Whether you are camping for the night, or for a week, there is something for you that will leave an ever-lasting mark on your memory.
