Easter is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for a weekend of camping, exploring and relaxing.
Are you stuck for some inspiration about where to take your caravan to? Here’s a few spots that are sure to help you create some unforgettable memories.
QUEENSLAND
Bunya Mountains National Park
Camping in the Bunya Mountains National Park, which covers 22,000 hectares of tall rainforest, natural grasslands, woodlands, and Eucalypt forests, is such a treat. There’s three camping areas, catering for all kinds of camping experiences. Be sure to head out on one of the many brilliant walking tracks and keep an eye out for some of the spectacular bird life found in the region.
Book your spot on the Bunya Mountains website.
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is part of the Great Sandy National Park and if you want to go camping here, you must pre-book your camping permit. You can’t actually camp on the beach, but there’s plenty of options nearby, including Teewah Beach, Freshwater, Poverty Point and Harry’s Hut camping areas, and the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area.
There are a few caravan parks inside the township of Rainbow Beach if that’s more your style.
1770
Yes, 1770 is a place not a year. This sleepy little town is located just 125 km north of Bundaberg, right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef and has plenty to offer caravanners.
You can camp on the beachfront and spend the days snorkelling, kayaking, or fishing. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, camping at 1770 promises an unforgettable coastal getaway.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Horseshoe Bay
Coffs Harbour is home to one of Australia’s top coastal camping grounds – Horseshoe Bay. With the beaches, forests, and ocean all right outside your door, this is the perfect place for an Easter Long Weekend. Also, all the modern facilities of Coffs Harbour are close by, it is camping without being in the wilderness.
Honeymoon Bay
Honeymoon Bay is best known for its crystal-clear water and white sands — making it the perfect spot for a family day out snorkelling. It’s a small, sheltered bay located about 10 km from the edge of Currarong along the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse Road.
Blue Mountains
The Acacia Flat campground is one of the most secluded in NSW, in the Blue Gum Forest of the Blue Mountains. It’s a bit of a trek, but once you get there, you’ll be glad you made the effort. You can try the Newnes campground, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and eucalypt trees if its more your style.
If you’ve got a 4WD, try the Murphys Glen or The Diggings campgrounds.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
If you want to go out into the country, put the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park near Armidale on your list. It’s famous for cascading waterfalls, striking gorges and the ancient Gondwana rainforest. Set up camp at the Dangars Gorge Campground and visit the nearby scenic waterfall lookout and you’ll have a holiday you won’t forget.
VICTORIA
Sorrento
Sorrento is a stunning coastal town based in the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria.
The vibrant town is packed with activities including wildlife cruises, Polperro dolphin swims, Peninsula stand-up paddle boarding, wineries, world-class golf courses, markets, galleries, and of course beautiful beaches.
Stay on one of the campsites that stretch along the coastline of the beautiful Port Phillip Bay from McCrae to Sorrento.
Barmah Lakes
Barmah Lakes is located near the famous Murray River in the Barmah State Forest.
It is a peaceful camping spot surrounded by River Red Gums, creeks and billabongs — a great spot for canoeing, swimming and fishing.
There are plenty of walking tracks and Aboriginal culture sites nearby.
Grampians National Park
Stretching more than 1500 square kilometres, the Grampians National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty.
There’s plenty of places to set up camp, including the Jimmy Creek Campground, the Strachans Campground or the Stapylton Campground. Go on hikes like the Major Mitchell Plateau Walk and the Grampians Peaks Trail.
TASMANIA
Swansea
A pretty little seaside village of Swansea overlooks the Great Oyster Bay. The town is filled with history with the famous Swansea markets and Three Cliffs Bay.
The South Bruny Campgrounds are first come first served. There are three to choose from – Jetty Beach, The Neck and Cloudy Corner. All have easy access to the beach.
Make sure to grab your National Parks Pass ahead of time to stay at the campgrounds.
Cradle Mountain
This iconic peak in Tasmania may not be the highest mountain, but this national park is riddled with some of the best hiking trails and camping locations in Tasmania.
Cradle Mountain has an abundance of wildlife to ensure there is always something to get your attention and captivate your mind.
There are plenty of camping and caravanning sites, so see which one tickles your fancy.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Eyre Peninsula
If you love seeing wildlife when you’re at the beach, this needs to go on your list. Think dolphins, sea lions and giant cuttlefish or watching whales with their calves.
There are a variety of hidden, quiet camping spots in the Coffin Bay National Park, and we guarantee the whole family will be impressed.
Try Stokes Bay, a beautiful and isolated beach perfect for a relaxing holiday. Your jaw will drop when you see the limestone cliffs and large rock pools with crystal clear, green water and pure white sands.
Or you could try the Antechamber Bay Campground, a short while from the beach and Chapman River. There is heaps to do on the island, including day hikes, wildlife sanctuaries and viewing seals at Seal Bay.
Waitpinga Campground
Fleurieu Peninsula of Newland Head Conservation Park is a popular destination for fishing and surfing. Set up camp, relax and enjoy the sounds of distant waves rolling onto the beach and then spend the day out fishing or surfing.
Follow the hiking trails along the rolling hills and rugged cliffs and you’ll be presented with the scenic panoramic views of Waitpina Creek and Encounter Bay.
For more information, check out Parks South Australia for more details.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Margaret River
With so many options in the Margaret River region, you’ll have a hard time deciding! From wineries and cafes to beaches and surfing, there’s something for everyone. Cap it off with a stunning ocean sunset, just a three-hour drive from Perth, and you’ve got a camping trip you won’t forget.
Esperance
Everyone needs to go to Esperance once in their lives. Make sure to visit Cape Le Grand National Park – it’s worth it alone for the incredible pink salt lake, turquoise waters and white sand you’ll see.
There’s plenty of places to park your van, so enjoy the sights, go swimming or fishing with your family and make some memories.
Sandy Cape
The underrated Turquoise Coast is ready and waiting. The campground is in Jurien Bay, and you’ll be surrounded by idyllic waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and sandboarding to your heart’s content.
Camp fees do apply and can be paid in the honesty box at the entry road or to the onsite caretaker.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Gunn Point, Darwin
Gunn Point is a free camping favourite of Darwin locals. It’s a gorgeous spot but there are no facilities here so you need to be completely self-contained.
You can’t camp on Murrumujuk Beach (the best camping is 10m back from the cliff edge to protect them from coastal erosion) but you can drive on the beach if you have a registered vehicle.
Just a short drive away is the Saltwater Arm and Leaders Creek boat ramps if you fancy dropping in a line. As tempting as the water is, swimming isn’t recommended due to the presence of crocodiles and stingers.
Edith Falls, Katherine
There’s so much to do at Edith Falls. The bottom plunge pool is closed for swimming, but the upper pools are open. You can take the 2.6m loop walk up to the pools and spend the day cooling off and relaxing.
If that’s not enough you can keep climbing to the Sweetwater Pool, a 9km return walk from the Edith Falls carpark.
Book your spot through the Parks Reservation System.
Kakadu National Park
Another great region to explore is the Kakadu National Park. Think swimming, camping, and exploring places like the Yurmikmik Walks, Kurrundie Falls, the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre or the Ikoymarrawa Rock Holes (Moline).
Check Parks Australia for up-to-date information about what’s open and accessible in Kakadu.