Australia's Most Beautiful Campsites With A View

Fall asleep under a blanket of stars and wake to some of the best views in the country at any of these picturesque campsites.

Australia really is the lucky country. Every state and territory is home to a diverse range of rich scenic grandeur that is ready and waiting to inspire and excite you. And camping gives you a front-row seat to the wonder of it all. Here, find our picks of the best campsites with a view.

Alpaca Magic Stud, Sutton, NSW

Canberrans, this one is for you. While this campsite is technically located just across the ACT border in NSW, it is only a 30-minute drive from the Canberra CBD. And you’ll be warmly welcomed by fields of alpacas, llamas, donkeys, and miniature cattle studs.

The gently rolling hills and seemingly endless grasslands also play host to an adjoining campsite that is available to book through hosting platform HipCamp. It is suitable for self-sufficient campers – which means BYO water, toilet and shower amenities – who leave no trace.

The views on offer at Alpaca Magic Stud are essentially in the name – fields upon fields of peacefully grazing animals. But if the view alone isn’t enough to entice you, book into one of the many workshops on offer: Conversations with Cows, Breakfast with the Alpacas & Llamas, Needle Felt workshops, Fleece Spinning workshops, and the very popular Llama Walking Experience.

First Sun Caravan Park, Byron Bay, NSW

Cape Byron is the most easterly point of Australia’s mainland, and First Sun Caravan Park reaps the benefits of its plum position on the foreshore of Byron Bay’s main beach. Let’s just say you’re guaranteed to be the first to witness the sun each day.

For the most part, guests are also treated to unobstructed views of the ocean with sites located right alongside the beach. Yet, you’re also within strolling distance to all the major attractions, so you won’t skip a beat.

First Sun caravan park Byron — Wake to the Australia’s first glimpse of sun.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT

With its remote desert location, deep cultural significance and spectacular natural beauty, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to one of Australia’s most unforgettable attractions – and, without a doubt, offers one of the best campsite views in the world.

Due to Uluru’s cultural importance to the local Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people, the closest you can camp is 15 kilometres away in Yulara at the Ayers Rock Campground. But don’t worry, it isn’t called The Rock for no reason, you will still be treated to jaw-dropping views from this distance.

In addition to its grassy campsites, you’ll also have access to a swimming pool and it’s a great place to base yourself to explore the park’s numerous walking tracks, rockpools and Aboriginal rock art sites. It’s worth allowing a couple of days to explore and observe the changing moods of the Rock.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Flinders Ranges, SA

The rugged mountains that rise above grassy plains to form the Flinders Ranges are more than 600 million years old. The Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that tell the tale of how this area was created have been passed down between generations for more than 40, 000 years.

In the northern part of this epic location, you’ll find Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Its campsites deliver some of Australia’s most spectacular mountain views and offer numerous eco-tourism-accredited guided tours.

Whether you love birdwatching, bushwalking, geology, wildlife spotting or 4WD adventures, this wilderness sanctuary offers a multitude of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. They even have three fully equipped observatories, so you can get an even closer look at the incalculable number of stars at night.

Flinders Ranges Arkoola campsite — Pitch a tent among 600 million year old relics.

Lucky Bay National Park, WA

Gone are the days of paying top dollar to sit around an overcrowded resort: your own personal paradise awaits at Lucky Bay.

You’ll find Lucky Bay just past Esperance in WA’s far south, and the campsites, which are situated almost on top of the sand, couldn’t offer more luxurious views: lush, turquoise waters lapping at gloriously white sand, a dramatic framing of rocky outcrops and beach-going kangaroos lazing about in the sunshine (yes, really).

Swim, fish or opt for a bushwalk on one of the many trails that wind through the park past freshwater pools and a dazzling blanket of wildflowers (if you happen to be there in spring). Or just sit and marvel at the beauty of the natural world. Bliss!

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Monkey Mia, WA

Monkey Mia is one of those rare places in Australia where dolphin visitation is daily, rather than seasonal, and the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers a human-dolphin interaction program for free. This absolute beachfront camping resort is in the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Spend your day’s snorkelling or boating in crystal clear waters, partaking in a camel ride or an Aboriginal Cultural Walk.

Monkey Mia campsite — Camp on the edge of paradise.

Green Patch, Jervis Bay, NSW

The campsites at Green Patch book out months in advance, so don’t delay. Find it tucked away in Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast. The lucky few who get in early can expect white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and kangaroos bounding in the distance.

The neighbouring beaches are perfect for swimming and sun-worshipping, while nearby bushwalking trails deliver several shaded picnic spots to sit and enjoy a meal with a view.

Bathrooms, hot showers and water are all in ready supply, as are barbecues and wood fireplaces – so bring plenty of supplies for a barbie under the stars and a nighttime bonfire. And don’t forget the wine.

Jervis Bay green patch camping — Greenpatch from above.

Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory, Vic

Wilsons Promontory is one of Victoria’s favourite national parks for good reason. The Prom’s main hub is the family-friendly Tidal River Campground (named for the tea tree-stained waterway that curls lazily around it), which offers family-friendly campsites and huts. You’ll need to book ahead, especially in peak season.

All modern amenities are available including hot showers, dish-washing stations, toilets and picnic spots with free gas barbeques.

Wilsons Promontory Tidal Beach beauty — Tidal Beach beauty.

Lizard Island National Park, Qld

A room at Lizard Island resort could set you back $2000 a night – or, you could pitch a tent next door for less than $7. As far as facilities go, life on Lizard is pretty minimal. Campers must be self-sufficient in food, water, shelter and first-aid equipment. No supplies are available on the island but visitors are welcome at the resort’s Marlin Bar (although it is not open every day).

Camping on one of Australia’s most northern island’s guarantees easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. Nowhere else can a holidaymaker enjoy its spoils so freely and completely. On any other island, you’re confronted with a 90-minute journey from sand to coral. On Lizard, underwater gardens are within a minutes’ walk from your tent.

Lizard Island camping — Life on Lizard is pretty minimal.

Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, NT

Spend a night or three here, and you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural attractions: the Devils Marbles.

These huge, granite boulders scattered across a dramatic ochre-coloured landscape set the scene for the ultimate desert sojourn. Get ready to fall in love with the colours, sights and gentle solitude of the area.

You’ll need to bring your own drinking water, as well as firewood to kindle evening flames – as the temperature can drop dramatically at night.

Talia Caves, Eyre Peninsula, SA

Camping on the Eyre Peninsula feels like you’ve pitched a tent on the edge of the world. Spending a night surrounded by rugged sandstone cliffs, empty beaches and eroded caverns is to experience the country at its most ruggedly beautiful and charming best.

Talia Caves Campground more than does the job. It comes without toilets or water, but 20 sites for bush camping. Pass the time by fishing, or simply by gazing at the beauty of the coastline. As a bonus, you can pitch your tent and watch the sunset over waters that, further west, are pounding against the Great Australian Bight.

Talia Caves lures you to the edge of the world.

Jan Juc Caravan Park, Great Ocean Road, Vic

Considered to be one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road gives you the opportunity to see the iconic 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforests and misty waterfalls.

The natural beauty of this area draws visitors from far and wide. To truly drink in the stunning scenery, pitch a tent at the Jan Juc Caravan Park . And if you also want to check out the world-famous Bells Beach surf break, the park is as close as you can sleep to the action. There are barbecues, powered and unpowered campsites and cabins available.

Freycinet National Park, Tas

It’s no secret that Freycinet National Park is home to some of Tasmania’s most incredible camping spots, which may explain why you have to enter a ballot system to camp during peak times (Easter and Christmas).

Pitch a tent here to wake to breathtaking ocean views. Your days will be spent exploring the beautiful bays: Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay and Wineglass Bay – with the panoramic views of wondrous Wineglass Bay the main drawcard for visitors.

Freycinet National Park camping — Pitch a tent here and wake to breathtaking views.

For more camping holiday inspiration, head here.

Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

surfers at Bells Beach in Australia — Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach — Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

surfers out at Bells Beach — Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay — The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum — The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum — The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

surfing at Bells Beach — The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)

The best campsites in Australia with a view