1. Most Family Friendly
Cotter Campground, ACT
Looking for family friendly camping in Australia? Look no further. Set on the majestic banks of the Cotter River, Cotter Campground is the most highly serviced bush campground in the ACT, making it the ideal place to introduce kids to the wonders of the great outdoors. Take them swimming, hiking, canoeing and fishing, and at the end of every fun-filled day, relax with a hot chocolate under the stars.
2. Best Stargazing
Warrumbungle National Park, NSW
Warrumbungle National Park is the Southern Hemisphere’s only dark sky-park, meaning that it’s guaranteed to be free from light pollution. This makes it an unparalleled destination to get your celestial fix, whether you’re an amateur or expert stargazer. There are several Warrumbungle campsites from which you can choose to spend a night or two, including Balor Hut along the Grand High Tops, Camp Blackman, which has various amenities, and the more secluded Burbie Camp.
3. Best Dog-Friendly Site
Johanna Beach, VIC
Not only a go-to destination for surfers, Johanna Beach is one of the few dog-friendly campsites in Australia (so long as they’re on leads), so you don’t have to endure those puppy-dog eyes as you leave your best friend behind. This site is nestled behind the sand dunes, and from which towering sandstone cliffs create a view to remember.
4. Best Beachside Hotspot
Crayfish Beach, Hook Island, Whitsunday Islands NP, QLD
Sheltered by a rocky headland to the east, and mountains to the north and west, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more naturally stunning and secluded campsite anywhere in Australia, than the one on Crayfish Beach. You can spend your time snorkelling among the coral reef, exploring the bush, or paddling in the crystal-clear water. And with a maximum capacity of 12 people, this little slice of the wilderness will be all but yours.
5. Highest Campsite
Main Range, Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
The Main Range Walk represents Australian hiking at its best: snow-covered peaks, rare alpine flora and fauna, and panoramic mountain views. With the walk weaving its way past Australia’s highest peak – Mt Kosciuszko – it’s a no brainer where you should set up camp. From your spot top of the country, it might be hard not to feel on top of the world.
6. Lowest Campsite
Lake Eyre National Park, SA
The expansiveness of the harsh Australian outback is exciting and humbling at Lake Eyre. Make sure you plan your trip for the cooler months so that the heat doesn’t prevent you from exploring the 77-kilometre wide salt-crusted lake. Camping options include Muloorina Station Bore, Halligan Bay, and Coward Springs.
7. Best 4×4 Campsite
Mt William National Park, Bay of Fires, TAS
You’ll need to go off the beaten track to get there, but this remote national park on the cost of north-east Tassie’s Bay of Fires is well worth the drive. There are several campsites at Stumpy Bay (labelled 1-4), and the pick of the bunch is number 1 for its proximity to the stunning beach with its red-lichen covered rocks, and aquamarine water.
8. Best Canoeing Campsite
Ord River, Kununurra, WA
Renowned for its tree-lined shores, red sandstone escarpment, bird species and of course crocodiles, it’s easy to understand why the Ord River is one of Western Australia’s most famous tourist attractions. Camping on the Ord after a day of canoeing will only further your immersion in the wilderness. Check out Stonewall Camp which, though rudimentary, tends to attract likeminded adventurers.
9. Best Glamping
Bamurru Plains, NT
If you want next-level luxury while immersed in the wild, you can’t go past an eco-bush lodge where you sleep in safari bungalows. One of the best glamping spots in Australia, the level of lavishness at Bamurru Plains makes it difficult to believe you’re in the middle of nowhere; however, the abundance of bird and wildlife on your doorstep will quickly remind you.
10. Most Remote
Neale Junction, WA
The intersection of two red-sand tracks through the Great Victoria Desert – the Anne Beadell and Connie Sue highways – is visually striking and seemingly significant. Camping 200 metres west of this junction will give you a truly remote experience. Enjoy the solitude as you’re surrounded by nothing for miles around, except desert shrubbery and plumes of dark-red dust.
Enjoyed this article on top 10 places to go camping down under? Check out the best cycling and walking trails in Wagga.
For more camping, hiking and diving, check out our complete guide to adventure activities in Australia.
To see these amazing campgrounds for yourself, head to the Rex website and check out the route map below.
