Australia's Most Beautiful Campsites

There’s camping and there are the most beautiful places to camp in Australia. You can thank us later.

Personal butlers. Five-star dining. Drink umbrellas. There are a trillion-and-one ways to define luxury, but sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. Like when you find yourself alone on a beautiful beach. Or accidentally falling asleep in a hammock. Or when you’re so far into holiday mode, that you find yourself wandering around with no shoes on. And no make-up on. And maybe even no pants on.

With all that in mind, we’ve scoured the country for nature’s most luxurious spots: hidden hideaways and picture-perfect retreats just begging for you to pitch a tent in, boil the billy and get away from it all… hammock not included.

1. Lucky Bay, WA

Forget paying top dollar to sit around an overcrowded resort: your own personal paradise awaits at Lucky Bay.

Situated almost on top of the beach, the campsite itself 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 bushwalk one of the many trails that wind through the park past freshwater pools, admire the dazzling blanket of wildflowers (if you happen to be there in spring), or just sit and wonder at the beauty of the natural world. Lucky Bay is just past Esperance in WA’s far south.

Contact: 08 9083 2100, dpaw.wa.gov.au

2. Mt Field National Park, TAS

Tucked amongst the lush greenery of Tasmania’s oldest national park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to sleep outdoors under the careful watch of the ancient, elegant trees nearby.

Wake to the gentle sounds of nearby Tyenna River, wander through the giant fern forests (via the many walking trails), and take the time to walk to the magnificent Russell Falls – Tasmania’s most spectacular waterfall of all, and the perfect place to sit in quiet contemplation.

This pristine area is also home to an array of native species like yellow-tailed black cockatoos, crescent honey-eaters and green rosellas, so keep an eye out.

Found 65km northwest of Hobart, the tiny camp area has just 14 sites, so take your partner, some candles and enjoy the serenity. Electric barbecues and wheelchair access are available here, too.

Contact: 03 6288 1149, parks.tas.gov.au

3. Pondalowie Bay, SA

Sandwiched between rugged coastal views and mallee bushland on the southern tip of Yorke Peninsula in Innes National Park (four hours from Adelaide), this is a beachside playground for the whole family.

Pitch your tent, wander to the beach and jump in for a surf – the bay is especially renowned for its waves. There are also many good fishing spots and a shipwreck to check out, at nearby Ethel Beach.

Contact: 08 8854 3200, environment.sa.gov.au/parks

4. Green Patch, NSW

White sandy beaches, crystal clear water, kangaroos bounding in the distance… and you.

Situated in Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay on the New South Wales South Coast, Green Patch campsite is so beautiful that those in-the-know will book the place out months in advance – so get in early.

Once you’re there, the neighbouring beaches are perfect for swimming and sun-worshipping, while nearby bushwalking trails are perfect for discovering little picnic spots in the shade.

Bathrooms, hot showers and fresh 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 night time bonfire. And don’t forget the wine…

Contact: 02 4443 0977, environment.gov.au/parks/booderee

5. 1770, QLD

Tucked away in a secluded bay between sub-tropical forest and sparkling blue ocean, is Queensland’s best kept camping secret: 1770.

Soft sand meets lazy palm trees on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef here, and you can actually sleep right on the beachfront.

Diving, snorkelling, reef trips, beach walks, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and boat hire are all available options (especially good if you’ve brought the kids along!) – or just grab a rug, find a secluded spot, and spend your days enjoying the gentle breeze while you read a good book.

1770 is about 125 kilometres north of Bundaberg.

Contact: 07 4974 9286, 1770campingground.com.au

6. Johanna Beach, VIC

If you fantasise about falling asleep each night to the soundtrack of waves, then this is the place for you.

Camping at Johanna Beach isn’t just picturesque, it’s world-class-stunning: just as you’d expect of a spot that’s part of the Great Ocean Road coastline.

Literally right on the beachfront, this little secret is tucked away just past Apollo Bay in Victoria’s Great Otway National Park – a relatively easy (and scenic) drive from Melbourne.

Pack your cozzies, toss in a sarong and don’t forget the drinking water – there isn’t easy access to any here.

Kids and doggies are welcome – and if you do bring them along, there are several nearby trails meandering past heathland, wildflowers and awesome sea views that they can burn their energy on. Fishing and surfing are also good here.

Contact: 03 8627 4700, parkweb.vic.gov.au

7. Red Cliff, NSW

True to its name, Red Cliff campground takes in panoramic views of isolated beaches bordered by rich red cliffs, rocky outcrops and surf.

Perched on the northern coastline of Yuraygir National Park, about 150 kilometres south of Byron Bay near Brooms Head, this private pocket of paradise attracts many birds and kangaroos – but not so many people.

Take in views like this one (below) on one of many nearby walks, head to the beach for a swim, or wander on over to neighbouring Lake Arragan: it’s a great spot for canoeing, swimming, fishing and bird-watching… What more do you need?

Contact: 02 6641 1500, nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

8. Younghusband, SA

Amidst a scattered of gum trees and scenic bushland you’ll find Younghusband: a tiny, picturesque area offering serene and beautiful spots to sleep under the stars along the grassy stretches that border the Murray River.

Mild weather, classic Australian scenery and spectacular sunsets are three reasons to come camp here – but they’re not the only ones.

You can kayak along the river and nearby creeks, go fishing for your dinner, and spend your arvos snoozing in the afternoon shade while listening to the prolific birdlife.

There’s no caravan access or amenities, but that’s part of the charm.

Pitch a tent or roll out a swag anywhere that isn’t marked as private property and snuggle up under the silence of the stars with a crackling fire for company. Ahh, serenity…

Contact: 08 8363 6244, murrayriver.com.au/younghusband

9. Ormiston Gorge, NT

Rugged scenery, gumtree-lined river banks and dramatic rocky cliffs: that’s what this camping area offers, located close to its renowned namesake (that’d be the Ormiston Gorge) in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Wander the area on foot with many nearby hiking trails – like the easy 40-minute Ghost Gum Lookout walk, which finishes at a breathtaking viewing platform, or the four-hour Ormiston Pound Walk – part of the Larapinta Trail.

Then cool off at the campground’s fresh waterhole, which is ideal for swimming and attracts plenty of wildlife year-round. You can also expect bathrooms and barbecues, although there’s limited drinking water – so come prepared!

Contact: 1800 645 199, or find more info on Ormiston Gorge here

10. Kurrajong camping area, WA

Situated in the Kimberley’s spectacular Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Kurrajong is surrounded by the area’s trademark orange and black beehive-like mounds.

Soak up jaw-dropping views of this dramatic outback landscape and check out many picturesque walks and waterholes such as Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge.

And although the camp ground features its own sunset lookout, we suggest taking a helicopter flight across the park for the best views (flights run regularly).

However Kurrajong’s impossibly stunning and remote location comes at a price – it can only be accessed by 4WD and although there are some basic facilities, be sure to carry all food and drinking water.

You can also stay further north at the Walardi Campground.

Contact: 08 9168 4200, parkstay.dpaw.wa.gov.au/

11. 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 attraction: the Devils Marbles.

These huge, granite boulders scattered across a dramatic ocre landscape set the scene for the ultimate desert romance. You’re almost guaranteed 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 – the area cools down at night.

Don’t forget a camera to catch the extraordinary beauty of sunrise and sunset, too.

The camping area is situated at the southern end of the Karlu Karlu Reserve.

Contact: 08 8999 5511, nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves

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 Uluṟu, 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 .

11 of Australia’s most beautiful secluded campsites