Best Campsites Along the East Coast of Australia
September 18th, 2024
11 minute read
There’s no denying that the East Coast of Australia is a camper’s dreamland. With an abundance of expansive national parks, it’s not too difficult to find a campsite by the beach, in the forest, next to a river or in the outback! So, if you’re looking for that local insight (you know, the kind of advice that you would usually ask your weekend-warrior uncle for as you borrow his nifty outdoor gadgets), look no further.
Our team of avid-outdoor lovers have collated their favourite campsites from years of road tripping, exploring Australia and pitching tents! So, pack the marshmallows and let your camping adventure begin.
Please note that all information about the following campsites is accurate up until the date of posting, however, we recommend you check official national park websites and download the WikiCamps app to check any recent updates or closures of these campsites!
- Best Campsites in QLD
- Ellis Beach Campgrounds
- The Boulders Camping Ground
- Dunk Island Spit Camping
- Balgal Beach Campground
- Big Crystal Creek Campground
- Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary & Campground
- Seaforth Campsite
- Glastonbury Creek Camping Area
- Booloumba Creek Camping
- Rainbow Beach & Inskip Point Campgrounds
- Best Campsites in NSW
- Mystery Bay Campground
- Depot Beach Campsite
- Waves Campground
- Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park
- Best Campsites in VIC
- The Gums Campground
- Bunga Arm Campground
- Boreang Campground
Where to camp along the East Coast of Australia
Best Campsites in QLD
Ellis Beach Camping, Palm Cove
Closest major town: 28km north of Cairns
In an awesome, oceanfront spot located between Cairns and Port Douglas, pitch your tent amidst a palm-lined holiday hub! With the Great Barrier Reef just a hop, skip and a jump away, unwind in tropical bliss at your own low-cost campsite with views of the Coral Sea and Double Island. With great amenities like a pool, as well as options for campervans and beachfront cabins, explore the wonders of Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas from a sun-soaked campsite.
The Boulders Camping Ground, Babinda
Closest major town: 65km south of Cairns
A natural wonderland complete with beautiful bushwalks, abundant swimming spots and mesmerising boulders in the river. This campsite is free and spots are allocated on a first-in, first-served basis, so we recommend getting in early! Set up camp and explore your surroundings, with the peaceful sound of a rushing river accompanying your time in the forest!
Dunk Island Spit Camping
Closest major town: 4km off the coast of Mission Beach
Escape the hustle and bustle with a trip out to Dunk Island in far-north Queensland! Catch the water taxi over and unwind with a bespoke, comfortable and cruisy beach camp! This hidden gem boasts secluded beaches and marine wonders to be explored with a snorkel. With no cars allowed, experience the simplicity of exploring the island on foot and bask in the endlessly sunny tropical days!
Balgal Beach Campground
Closest major town: 59km north of Townsville
A lovely little beachfront campsite area, this tent-only area is shaded by a charming canopy of trees. With a shelter hut, BBQ facilities and all the basics, bring your mates and your gear and set up for a quintessential Aussie camping experience! Spend your days swimming, hanging out by the beach and taking it slow in this gorgeous part of far-north Queensland! Or, if you’re van-living along the East Coast, check out the neighbouring campsite that allows vehicle camping but is a bit busier.
Big Crystal Creek Campground
Closest major town: 74km north of Townsville
Go bush and unwind amongst nature’s finest up near Big Crystal Creek! As the name suggests, there’s a cool, dazzling waterhole for swimming, and there are also magical waterfalls dotted all over the place. And, 3km down the road is a "secret" waterhole where locals from Townsville go, so spend your days literally chasing waterfalls for utterly idyllic swims. The perfect, tucked-away gem to pitch your tent, have a few good campfire feeds and explore the surrounding bush, add Big Crystal Creek to your far-north road trip list!
Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary & Campground, Agnes Water
Closest major town: 100km south of Gladstone
If you’re searching for an authentic Australian wildlife experience, look no further than Horizons Sanctuary. This campground is primarily used as a Kangaroo rehabilitation centre, where orphaned joeys are cared for before being released into their natural environment. With a simple yet functional set-up, choose from powered or unpowered sites suitable for cars, tents, smaller vans with access to toilets, hot showers and communal kitchens. There really is nothing like waking up to dozens of friendly kangaroos!
Booloumba Creek Camping, Conondale
Closest major town: 64km west of Noosa Heads
A hidden nirvana amongst national park and gorgeous country towns, Booloumba Creek is a stunning camp spot loved by locals. Its defining feature is its bright blue, jewel-coloured swimming hole, fed by glistening nearby waterfalls. Spend your days hanging out by the water, rope swinging in, walking or even embark on the multi-day Conodale Great Range Walk to experience the bush’s wonders.
Seaforth Campsite, Cape Hillsborough
Closest major town: 45km north of Mackay
You’re in store for more kangaroos at this beachfront campsite. The perfect stop for your north Queensland camping adventure, go fishing, stroll along the shoreline and unwind in this quaint seaside town. With well-maintained local facilities like a bowls club, swim club and cafes in the area, explore the quiet and lovely little Cape Hillsborough township and enjoy a well-deserved slowdown.
Glastonbury Creek Camping Area
Closest major town: 86km north-west of Noosa Heads
Delight in the sound of babbling brooks, endless river swims and abundant space out at Glastonbury Creek Camping Area! Just an hour's drive out from Noosa heads, relax in the creek, embark on surrounding hikes, gaze at lookout views, nestle down by the campfire and even abseil! The perfect way to expand your Sunshine Coast experience, immerse yourself in lush natural marvels.
Rainbow Beach & Inskip Point Campgrounds
Closest major town: 117km north of Noosa Heads
Head up from the sun-soaked Noosa Heads to the Fraser Coast for an adventure to please even the highest camping standards! Whether you’re heading to K’gari (Fraser Island) for some world-class wonders or sticking to the mainland for some beach camping to go down in the memory books, you’re in a camper’s haven!
If you’re camping at Inskip, a sandbar gateway to K’gari where the barge runs daily, you have seven whole sites to choose from. Only some are 2WD-friendly (MV Beagle and MV Sarawak West Camping Area), but all are fantastic places to escape, surrounded by bush and water. Or, if you’re camping in Rainbow Beach, your only option is either the Big4 Rainbow Beach or Rainbow Beach Tourist park, both of which have hot showers, powered sites and all the little luxuries while allowing you easy access to this summery holiday town.
Best Campsites in NSW
Mystery Bay Campground
Closest major town: 227km southwest of Canberra
Located on the South East Coast, Mystery Bay is where national park meets bush meets the beach! Wake up to a sun rising over the ocean, before lacing up your boots for a local hike around the rocky coves. With great facilities, this is a wonderful spot to stop for a few nights. It’s cheap and has all of the basics you need, as well as being tucked away for all of your R&R needs! Keep an eye out for penguins, these little guys are known to frequent the shores after dark.
Depot Beach Campsite, Murramarang National Park
Closest major town: 167km west of Canberra
Another beachside coastal haven, Depot Beach Campsite is a getaway to both tranquil swimming seas and delightful rainforest walks. Dotted amongst charming beachside shack-style cabins, set up your campsite in an allocated site and unwind in ocean paradise! Snorkelling, swimming and hiking are popular in the area and the flocks of kangaroos that flock to the open grassy fields are an absolute native treat to spot!
Waves Campground, Crescent Head
Closest major town: 300km north of Newcastle
Just out of Crescent Heads, escape into the bush in this tranquil campground that is not too far from excellent surfing and a groovy coastal township. Teeming with native wildlife like goannas, possums, kangaroos and even koalas, enjoy nature and relax! With excellent facilities and a cafe, hire shop on site and wholesome events like summer yoga classes, explore Crescent Head mindfully and peacefully at Waves campground.
Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park
Closest major town: 6km south of Byron Bay
Visiting Byron Bay and want the camping experience? Book a site at the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park to experience a combination of both quiet beach access and proximity to the heart of Byron Bay! Perfect a lovely escape whilst still enjoying access to all of the fun in town, Suffolk is the perfect place to pitch your tent! With a handy camp kitchen, a goats trail to Tallow Beach and fantastic facilities, live out your Byron fantasy without breaking the bank!
Best Campsites in VIC
The Gums Campground, Kinglake National Park
Closest major town: 80km northeast of Melbourne
A total gem of lush preserve area just out of the city, Kinglake is a favourite camping spot for locals and visitors alike. Take a hike through the flourishing victorian bushland, keeping your eyes out for wombats and unique birdlife, or head to Mason’s Falls to gaze at the rushing rapids and even have a swim in the summer! Be mindful that this is a small and popular campground with 18 campsites, only five of which are suitable for camper vans and caravans - so book ahead if you’re travelling in your van! The perfect place to recharge your battery after some time in the city so set up camp, kick off your shoes and snuggle down by the campfire!
Bunga Arm Campground, Gippsland Lakes
Closest major town: 294km west of Melbourne
The epitome of tranquillity and secluded peace in nature, Bunga Arm is unique in the sense that it’s only accessible by boat! Whether you’re a keen kayaker, canoer or even stand-up paddleboarder, head on over to this sandbar between the ocean and Lake Victoria and experience paradise. Rest up without the hubbub of nearby campers, breathe easy and delight in nature’s magic.
Boreang Campground, the Grampians
Closest major town: 260km west of Melbourne
This one’s the perfect base for any fervent hikers looking to explore some of Victoria’s most impressive national parks. Journey through the Paddy Rocks of the Grampians, wander to the remarkable Mackenzie Falls and rub shoulders with exquisite wildlife like cockatoos, wallabies and kangaroos! Wake up for a spectacular sunrise over the beautiful rock formations for something truly special!
Complete your camping trip with the ultimate East Coast itinerary for your time down under!
With a diverse selection of experience and a plethora of personalised itinerary advice from our local travel experts.
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