A Backpacker's Guide to

Camping in Australia 

A Guide to

Camping in Australia

Are you thinking about hiring a campervan with a bunch of mates and hitting the open road to explore the best this country has to offer? This has to be one of the top things to do on every traveller’s bucket list.

If you’ve never done a road trip in Australia before or hired a campervan then here is a handy guide that runs you through everything you need to know about road-trippin' in Western Australia. We’ve covered detailed driving itineraries, tips for must-see places to stop and essential information on driving Down Under.

 As the world’s sixth largest country, chances are you’re wondering how to conquer the land Down Under on your camping trip of a lifetime.

The beauty of Australian travel is that you’ll never see all of it, but trying might just be your most epic travel goal yet! To help you get started, we’ve put together the ultimate guide on where and when to go, the equipment you’ll need, top spots for beach and outback lovers and expert tips from locals in the know.

Here’s what you’ll find in the camping guide:

1. How to choose the right equipment for you 2. Best times of the year to camp 3. Australia’s most breathtaking beach camping 4. Where to go Outback camping 5. Three top free camping spots 6. 10 best Australian camping tips  

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you want to camp in a tent or take a campervan on the road.

No matter where you go, you’ll find campgrounds suitable for both options so base your decision on your unique needs. For example, if you love the comforts of home, a campervan with a sink, fridge, gas stove and bed off the ground has everything you need. For the intrepid traveller, a tent gives you that true sense of life in the great outdoors.

If you choose to take a tent, here’s a checklist of the essentials you’ll need:

• A good quality tent that’s waterproof and easy to assemble, with a ground sheet or tarp.

• Sleeping gear, including self-inflating or inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows.

• An esky or camping fridge.

• If you intend to camp in remote locations, you’ll need cooking gear including a camp stove, gas bottle, a billy (camping kettle), a saucepan, plates, cups, eating utensils and a bucket, sponge and detergent for washing up.

• Camping chairs and table.

• Torches, a gas lamp or solar-powered lights.

• First aid kit and personal toiletries, towels, clothes pegs and wet weather gear. When you want to check out Australia’s top campgrounds with a little more comfort and a whole lot less setting up, consider buying or renting a car or campervan. 

Station wagons

Station wagons are the perfect option if you want the choice of taking a tent but prefer sleeping in a vehicle in the case of bad weather. They’re cheap to run, you can pick one up from all over the country and they include your cooking gear and esky.

As they’ll seat two to five people, you’ll keep petrol costs down too.

Cost: Rent a station wagon from Travellers Autobarn from $35 a day. You’ll get access to free campgrounds, discounts on caravan parks, 24/7 roadside assistance, unlimited kilometres and a toll-free service number. If you’re looking at buying, costs range from about $3000 - $6000.

Campervans

When you want to check out as much of Australia as you can on an extended camping trip, campervans offer life’s little luxuries, including fridges, kitchen sinks, gas stoves and power plugins.

From basic vans for backpackers to those suitable for families and groups, you’ll have room to move with little to no setup.

Cost: Hire a campervan from Travellers Autobarn from $35 to $85 per day, with access to free campgrounds, discounts on caravan parks, 24/7 roadside assistance and a toll free service number for peace of mind.  

Australia is world-renowned for sunny days and clear, blue skies, but weather extremes can make or break a camping adventure. Here’s a rundown of where to go to experience the best of the seasons.

Southern states

Tasmania’s untouched wilderness and Victoria’s food and wine trails are top choices for campers. Australia’s southern states see European-style seasons, with dramatic changes enhancing the landscape. Temperatures drop in winter however, sometimes to as low as -7°C in the Alpine region. The best time to camp is between October and April, with comfortable average temperatures between 20 – 28 °C.

Subtropical states

You can camp right on the sand or in the heart of the outback throughout Northern and Central New South Wales, South Australia, Southern Queensland and Southern Western Australia. Coastal regions offer the hot summer weather that’s perfect for swimming and cool, though rarely freezing, winter days. Inland temperatures can be a little more extreme, however, it’s possible to camp across the entire region year round.

Tropical states

 If you can’t wait to explore the tropics, Northern Western Australia, the top of the Northern Territory and Northern Queensland offer daytime temps of about 25°C and 35°C all year. What you need to consider, however, are the wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to March. Though places like Kakadu National Park are at their lush best, camping in many areas at this time is best left to experienced campers with 4WDs.

Flooding often causes road closures and some campgrounds shut down for the season. Humidity is also at its highest and it’s stinger season on North Queensland beaches, so cooling off without a stinger suit isn’t a good idea. Head to the tropics between April and October in the dry season to make the most of the incredible scenery, with fantastic weather for quality time spent in the great outdoors.

Central Australia

Always wanted to see Australia’s vast, inspiring Outback landscapes and iconic sites, like Uluru? The Red Centre, West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert, Flinders Ranges and Tennant Creek are best seen between April and October. This way, you’ll avoid excessive heat in summer, when temperatures soar as high as 40°C.

Life doesn’t get much better than camping by the ocean. With more than 10,000 beaches, there’s plenty of spots to choose from. Here are some of the country’s most breathtaking beachfront campgrounds.  

Johanna Beach. Victoria Nestled in the Otway National Park, the campground at Johanna Beach is the perfect base for exploring the famous Great Ocean Road.

Pick up your campervan and equipment in Melbourne, keeping in mind that you’ll need your own cooking equipment and water supply. Then, simply surf, hike, whale watch and relax with spectacular ocean views.

Jervis Bay.  New South Wales Jervis Bay is home to the Booderee National Park and the popular Green Patch camping area. Here, you’ll snorkel in calm waters lapping powder-soft, white sand and spot wallabies, king parrots and rainbow lorikeets. Owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, you’ll find cultural programs for kids, plus bush tucker walks and campfire yarns. Jervis Bay is a three- hour drive from Sydney, where you can hire your equipment.

Lucky Bay, Western Australia.

 When you’re hiring your campervan in Perth, you’re spoilt for choice with campgrounds in Western Australia. Swim in turquoise seas while kangaroos laze on the beach at Lucky Bay, near Esperance. The idyllic arc of sand stretches for five kilometres in the Cape Le Grand National Park. The caravan and campground here offers picnic areas, showers, toilets and barbeques.

Noah Beach, Queensland.

It’s hard to believe you can camp both in the rainforest and on a beach fringing the Great Barrier Reef, but Noah Beach makes the dream come true. Depart from Cairns and head to Cape Tribulation in the stunning Daintree National Park. Bird watch, picnic on the beach, snorkel with abundant marine life and explore the world-heritage listed forest.

Solitude, serenity, millions of stars and vast landscapes of astounding beauty are just some of the reasons camping in Australia’s Outback is a journey like no other. From places to spot rare wildlife, to remote cattle stations and striking natural landmarks, get ready for a unique insight into the country at these top spots.

Ayres Rock, Northern Territory Pick up your campervan and supplies in Darwin for a camping trip through the Northern Territory. Ayres Rock Campground is located within Ayres Rock Resort so you’ll sleep under the watchful eye of the incredible sandstone landmark. With facilities like a pool, barbeques, self-service laundries and an outdoor kitchen, you’ll be well looked after in the Outback.

Kilcowera Station, Queensland Parrots chatting in Coolabah trees, bird- filled wetlands and Red Kangaroos await at Kilcowera, a working cattle station 1200 kilometres west of Brisbane. It’s open to campers from March to October with all the facilities you need for comfort. Try yabbying, canoe on the lagoon and swim in refreshing waterholes. Currawinya National Park is close by for daytrip explorations.

Mungo National Park, New South Wales.

 World Heritage Mungo National Park is home to the famous Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, some of the oldest modern human remains found outside Africa. Main Camp is the spot to base yourself, close to the Visitor Centre and Mungo Woolshed. To get there, drive to Mildura or Wentworth from Sydney.

The Grampians, Victoria.

Mighty sandstone mountains, roaring waterfalls, colourful wildflowers and abundant wildlife characterise the Grampians region. Just a three- hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, kangaroos, kookaburras and incredible mountain views keep you company at Grampians Paradise Camping and Caravan Parkland.

Bungle Bungles, Western Australia.

 The Bungle Bungles are world-famous geological landmarks. The orange and black sandstone domes rise to about 300 metres in the Purnululu National Park, located in the Kimberly region. With a community fire pit and travellers from across the globe, the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park rests at the gateway to natural wonders, making it the ideal gathering point to explore this majestic area. Top three free camping spots There are thousands of opportunities for free camping in Australia, in the bush, by the sand and even throughout national parks. Here’s a look at three top picks.

Lake Crosbie, Victoria. Lake Crosbie is one of the ‘pink lakes’, located in the Murray region in the Murray-Sunset National Park. The lake’s algae secrete a red pigment, creating an ethereal pink hue across the water. When you watch the water early or late on a summer’s day, you’ll truly know what it is to see through rose coloured glasses! The main campground at Lake Crosbie is first in, first served, with non- flushable toilets, barbeques and picnic tables. You’ll need to take your own water supply and your best walking boots for an array of scenic trails.

Gap Creek, New South Wales.  In a two hour drive from Sydney, you can set up camp in a wilderness, coloured with lyrebirds, red cedars and a tumbling waterfall. This is remote rainforest camping at its best, which you'll find at the Watagans National Park. Also, the Gap Creek campground nearby offers picnic tables, toilets, a carpark and barbeques.

Saunders Beach, Queensland  If your idea of camping is dropping a line in to catch a fish for lunch, swimming, and lazing on the sand, there are six kilometres of beach to explore in Townsville. Saunders Beach is a relaxing slice of paradise with a designated, free camp site, barbeques, a picnic area and public toilets. There’s also a café and take away shop close by.  

Free Camping Spots in Australia 

Sleeping under the stars and breathing in the fresh air is as simple as it gets, and so is camping in Australia. However, with some top camping tips you’ll ensure a safe, happy trip, while avoiding any mishaps.

1. Research campsites before you go to check what facilities are available. This will give you a better idea of what you have to take with you.

2. Check weather predictions and fire bans so you can prepare accordingly.

3. Let friends and family know where you’ll be and your intended itinerary.

4. Stock up on food at supermarkets before you leave so you’re not stuck having to buy more expensive beer and sausages in smaller stores. Always carry four to five litres of water per person, per day, especially in the Outback. Many remote campsites don’t provide drinking water.

5. If you hire a campervan or car, carry out basic maintenance checks every 500km, including checking the tyre pressure and coolant levels.

6. Always arrive at campsites before nightfall, as lighting may be limited.

7. Choose a spot with flat ground for your tent and avoid camping under trees.

8. Store all your food securely. Australian wildlife are notorious for having a nibble on your food, plus you don’t want to attract nocturnal animals to your camp.

9. Never pack your tent when it’s wet as it could be damaged by mildew. Dry, sweep and air it before putting it away.

10. Duct tape fixes everything from broken tent poles to a crack in your camping chair. Don’t forget to take a roll!

Top tips for

camping in Australia 

Whether you are a gap year backpacker,

budget traveller, or tourist on the cheap, discover

campervan hire Australia with Travellers Autobarn.

Visit the website or contact the team for more information

today!

www.travellers-autobarn.com.au

www.travellers-autobarn.com.au