Listen up, happy campers! A study comparing the quality of camping around the world has ruled that Australia tops the list, beating out the USA, Canada and South Africa. It’s a big call to make, but we’ve broken down the reasons why Australia was awarded top gong, plus some of the best campsites the country has to offer.
Why Australia is the best country for camping
The study, carried out by Asilia Africa Lodges , focused on eight different criteria, collectively used to assign each country a rating. These criteria were:
– Wildlife and plant species diversity
– Light pollution levels
– Annual rainfall
– Number of national parks
– Urbanisation rates
– Availability of outdoor activities
– Population density
Australia was awarded a score of 82.25/100, the highest of any country. We shone in all categories, but truly triumphed in our sheer number of national parks – 685 to be exact – covering 28 million hectares total. In particular, the study highlighted the UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park in the NT, as well as Blue Mountains National Park in NSW as standouts. (Psst, we’ve rounded up the best camping spots in the Blue Mountains here, and the best Kakadu camping here).
Camping in Kakadu is a chance to unplug and unwind. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)
The study also noted Australia’s diverse plant and wildlife species and ample places to roam as factors that make the country a camper’s paradise. And we’re inclined to agree.
Camp in a mini bubbletent in the Capertee Valley. (Image: Sera Wright)
Where to camp in Australia
We’ve already rounded up the best campsites in Australia, from camping on the white sands of Lucky Bay WA to Tasmania’s luscious Mt Field National Park. We also have a guide to the best places to camp in winter, from laid-back coastal camping adventures to far-flung outback stations. We also have guides on the prettiest places to camp in Tasmania and luxury glamping in the NT, if you prefer a bit of extra comfort.
The West Australian Coast is home to an abundance of camping spots. (Image: Getty/dm2912)
Camping can take on many forms, and it doesn’t have to mean roughing it or carrying heavy gear through remote stretches of wilderness. But whether you’re trekking with a tent or parked up by the beach in a comfy campervan, camping close to nature is a thousand-star experience that no luxury resort can replicate.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.
An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.
This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.
A stay at Park Hyatt
Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.
If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.
Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.
Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.
Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.
The festive stay package
Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.
The Summer Kit
Take home a branded tote bag.
Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.
Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.
The details
The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.
Christmas dining
Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.
For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .
From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.
On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.
“Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”
Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.
Exploring Sydney
The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.
For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.
The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.
Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.
Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.
