The best campsites in Australia with a view

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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.

Alpaca Magic Farm
A captive audience.

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.

Pitch in paradise.

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.

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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!

Camp in Lucky Bay.
Camp in Lucky Bay.

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.

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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.

Devils Marbles
Views from the tent

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.
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. 

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Farm fresh produce to a trail of lights: the ultimate guide to Mildura

    Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
    The charm of Mildura is hidden in plain sight along the Sturt Highway. The capital of Tropical North Victoria is in a league of its own.

    From the moment you arrive in Mildura , the warm air and palm trees invite you to slow down. While most Australians might drive right past it, Mildura is full of surprises. Here you’ll spend one day witnessing over 50,000 years of First Nations history in a UNESCO-listed National Park, and the next dining in a hatted restaurant after wandering through 12,500 fireflies as the outback sunset bursts to life above. From roadside fruit stalls and family-run wineries to houseboats and galleries, it’s time to explore Mildura.

    Feast Street, at the heart of Langtree Avenue in Mildura.
    Taste, wander and be surprised in Mildura.

    Taste Mildura’s produce

    It makes sense to start your trip by addressing the most important question: where to eat. In the beating heart of Australia’s food bowl, sample the local produce directly from the source. And then, of course, experience it through the menu of a hatted chef. Or sandwiched between pillowy slices of Nonna’s ciabatta.

    Rows of orchards and olive groves invite you to spend the day traipsing from farm to farm. Taste olives propagated from Calabrian trees brought over in the 40s, oranges picked right from the tree and squeezed into juice and spoons full of honey . Bring the holiday back to your kitchen by stocking your pantry at roadside produce stalls, or calling into the ‘silver shed ’ (Sunraysia’s gourmand Mecca).

    Thanks to the warm, balmy air and fertile soils, the wineries dotted along these hills produce award-winning local wines. Like Chalmers , a family-run, innovative winery dedicated to making their wines as sustainable as possible. And picturesque Trentham Estate offers views of the snaking Murray River as you sample their vintages.

    Venture beyond the gnarled shadows of olive groves and fragrant rows of blossoming fruit trees and you’ll find an otherworldly side to Mildura. With Discover Mildura as your guide, visit Murray River Salt’s Mars-like stacks. The naturally pink salt is formed from an ancient inland sea and evaporated entirely by the sun to create one of the region’s most iconic exports.

    Start your day with just-squeezed sunshine.

    Hatted dining & Italian history

    Mildura is home to a proud community of Calabrians and Sicilians. This, paired with the exceptional local produce, means that you can find paninos on par with those in Italy. The Italian is a Paninoteca serving up made-to-order, hefty, authentic Sicilian paninos. Nonna Rosa’s pork meatballs, slowly cooked in tomato ragu and served in a crusty, fluffy roll topped with gratings of Grana Padano cheese and salsa verde, will call you back to Mildura for the rest of your days.

    To find hatted dining in Mildura, simply follow the staircase down into the basement of the historic Mildura Grand Hotel to find Stefano’s . Following the muscle memory and instinct of his Italian roots, he delivers on the principle of ‘cucina povera’. That is, the Italian cooking ideology that turns simple, local ingredients into magic.

    Things to do in Mildura include dining at the acclaimed Stefano’s, where simple local ingredients are transformed into Italian culinary magic beneath the historic Grand Hotel.
    Bite into Mildura’s Italian heritage.

    Discover a thriving culture scene

    The city is alive with culture. Whether it’s painted on the town’s walls, told in ancient yarns, or waiting for you in a gallery.

    The Mildura Arts Centre was Australia’s first regional art gallery. Behind the walls of Rio Vista Historic House, you’ll find a lineup of ever-changing exhibitions. The gallery’s wall space pays tribute to the art and songlines of local First Nations People, the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes and more. Outside, on the gallery’s lawn, find 12 contemporary sculptures in the Sculpture Park.

    Mildura’s streetscapes are a punch of colour. Swirling strokes of paint blend the winding artery of the Murray River, red dirt and local characters into a story you can see with your own eyes, thanks to the Mildura City Heart’s Mural Art Project . Pick up a copy of the Murals of Mildura guide from the Visitor Information Centre.

    Follow the border of NSW and Victoria on a map and you’ll see it hugs the curves of a tiny island on the Murray. That’s Lock Island, where, as the sun and moon trade places, the island comes alive as darkness falls. The island is dotted with 12,500 firefly lights that lead you on a meandering path through the outback sunset. The installation is known as Trail of Lights and was created by the same visionary who dreamt up Field of Light at Uluu, Bruce Munro.

    Things to do in Mildura include exploring its rich cultural scene. From vibrant street art and ancient stories to exhibitions at the Mildura Arts Centre, Australia’s first regional gallery.
    Find culture around every corner.

    Wonder at ancient landscapes

    The landscapes of Mildura feel almost transcendental. The skyline bursts to life with reds, pinks, and deep, sparkly night skies.

    The nature will leave you in awe. See hues of pink water changing with the weather at Pink Lakes inside Victoria’s largest national park, Murray Sunset National Oark. Cast a line into Ouyen Lake. Watch the sunset against 70-metre tall red cliffs that reflect the setting sun. Or get the heart racing and sandboard down the Perry Sandhills dunes, formed 40,000 years ago at the end of an ice age.

    Just don’t leave without following the twists and turns of the Murray. Stroll or ride along the Shared River Front Path, or jump onboard a boat for a scenic ride.

    Your itinerary will be incomplete without a visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park . Head out with an Indigenous ranger to witness ancient campsites and footprints, before standing in awe of ancient civilisation near the discovery site of Mungo Man—Australia’s oldest human skeleton at 42,000 years old.

    Mungo National Park at night is a vast, silent landscape where ancient dunes glow under moonlight and stars blanket the sky in breathtaking clarity.
    Walk in the footsteps of ancient civilisation.

    Meet your home away from home

    On equal par with planning your meals and adventures, is finding the perfect place to relax at the end of each day.

    Sleep inside a Palm Springs postcard at Kar-Rama . A sleek boutique hotel complete with a butterfly shaped, sun-soaked pool. Here you’re staying right in the heart of Mildura but you’ll feel worlds away. Or if you really wish to connect with nature, a night glamping under the stars at Outback Almonds will have you spellbound.

    When in Mildura it’s only right to stay on one of the Murray River’s iconic houseboats . Wake up each day to the calm waters of the Murray lapping outside your window. Enjoy days full of river swims, fishing and exploring. All boats are solar-powered and can be self-skippered or moored along the river.

    A solar-powered houseboat on the Murray River in Mildura.
    Stay and play on the Murray in a solar houseboat.

    Start planning the perfect getaway at mildura.com .