Tasmania is a beautiful state, with so many incredible mountains, valleys and gorges to explore.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll want to check out this list of the best places for camping in Tasmania for your next outdoor adventure.
Freycinet National Park
Freycinet has several great campgrounds to choose from, but for those wanting to soak in some incredible views, we recommend the Honeymoon Bay site. Perched on a granite base overlooking the bay, the site includes electric barbecues, picnic tables and toilets. From here, it’s just a short walk to Richardson Beach where you can enjoy swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing all day long. The waters of Freycinet are often visited by whales, so make sure to keep an eye out.
Amazingly, the Freycinet Peninsula was formed over 400 million years, with two eroded blocks of granite now standing tall as the Hazards and the peninsula of Mount Graham. There are several amazing walks that take you along the coast, and plenty of chances to spot wallabies, echidnas, and birds
Bruny Island
Not far from the famous Bruny Island Lighthouse, you will find a campground conveniently located near Great Taylor’s Bay beach. The Jetty Beach Campground is ideal for those who love snorkelling and kayaking. The site is sheltered by trees, making it a comfortable and calm location for families, and the beach is known for its gentle waters. Plus, the site boasts wood barbecues and campfire areas for late night marshmallow toasting.
This campground welcomes tents, caravans and campers. There are several coastal walks nearby for those wanting to soak in the views, and families will love checking out local businesses such as the Bruny Island Chocolate Company and Bruny Island Cruises, which offers a three-hour exploration of the surrounding waters and the chance to spot sea creatures such as dolphins and fish.
Mount Field National Park
Just a few minutes walk from the Visitor Centre is a campground in the forest beside Tyenna River. When camping here, you can choose from 14 powered sites, with spaces available for caravans as well.
When walking through the national park, you will find a trio of waterfalls including Tasmania’s most photographed waterfall, Russell Falls. Just one look at this three-tiered attraction will show you why it’s so popular. In the forest, you will also come across the tallest tree species in Australia, the swamp gum. Growing up to 100 metres, it is the second tallest flowering plant in the world and a natural wonder you have to see for yourself.
At night, don’t forget to check out the Glow Worm Grotto on the edges of the walkway to Russell Falls. These tiny creatures are only found in Tasmania and light up the night with their incredible fluorescent glow.
Cockle Creek
Located in Southwest National Park, this campground is popular with adventurous spirits due to the variety of activities on offer including bushwalking, swimming, snorkelling, fishing and more.
Cockle Creek has a rich and fascinating history as the homeland of the Lyluequonny Indigenous people, and there are several important Aboriginal sites in the surrounding parkland. It is also the location of thriving whale, timber and coal industries, and many historic remains can be found by taking one of the short walks which start from the site. Choosing the Fishers Point walk will take you along the coast for breathtaking views of Bruny Island and the Southern Ocean, before returning past the ruin of an 1843 pilot station, and an old lighthouse.
Bay of Fires
While there are heaps of different campsites in the Bay of Fires, including options along the lagoon or sandy beaches, our favourite has to be Cosy Corner. As the biggest campsite, visitors can choose between a well-protected area among the trees, or a more exposed grassy area with views across the lagoon. Right next to the site is Cosy Corner Beach, where you’ll quickly learn what makes this area so popular when you see the white sand and orange lichen-covered granite boulders.
There are plenty of things to do when visiting the Bay of Fires, including a four-day guided wukalina walk, where you can learn all about the deep connections of the palwa people (Tasmania’s Indigenous people) to the land, take in natural beauty, and try bush tucker.
Cradle Mountain
The Overland Track is Australia’s premier alpine walk. This 65 kilometre, six-day walk attracts enthusiastic hikers from around the world as they travel through valleys, rainforests, moorlands and meadows while testing their physical and mental strength. It is one of the most beautiful bush walks on offer, with so many once-in-a-lifetime views along the way.
While hiking the Overland Track, you will inevitably pass by Cradle Mountain. Here, there are plenty of camping options for those wishing to stay the night, such as the Cradle Mountain Fishery and Camping site. Just a ten minute drive from the Visitor Centre, this site overlooks a large dam and bushland, with Tasmanian Devils, quolls and wombats known to roam the area. Guests are encouraged to try their hand at fishing, and wander the easy walking track around the dam’s edge.
Loving these great places to go camping in Tasmania? Check out the best art trails in the state by clicking here.
