Best Winter Camping Spots Around Australia

Don’t let the cooler weather put you off exploring the great outdoors, here are the best campsites to visit during winter.

Camping is often associated with warm spring or summer days, but Australia is blessed to have a climate whereby locals and visitors alike can still enjoy the great outdoors in winter.

Here, find the crème de la crème of winter campsites around Australia. Now you just need to decide if you’d rather wake up in the desert, next to thermal pools or deep within a national park.

1. Beachcomber Holiday Park, NSW

Beachcomber Holiday Park is fringed by the Eurobodalla National Park and puts you right in the heart of all that Potato Point has to offer. This stunning stretch of coastline boasts uncrowded beaches, river estuaries and ancient headlands – all of which are accessible from the holiday park. Most sites accommodate up to six guests in addition to a number of family sites that sleep 10. The majority of sites are unpowered, but there are a limited number of solar-powered sites that are powerful enough to run your lights, TV, radio, battery charger and small fridge.

2. Ruins Campground, Booti Booti National Park, NSW

This campsite is framed by Booti Booti National Park – its name is derived from a word that means “plenty of honey" in the local Worimi Aboriginal language – and the kinds of deserted, white-sand beaches Australia is known for. Foster’s Ruins Campground is part of the NSW National Parks offering, with cabbage tree palms and paperbarks setting the scene come winter. Explore scenic headlands, beautiful beaches, refreshing rainforest, and 11 kilometres of estuarine foreshore before retreating back to your campsite. The site offers picnic tables, barbeques, drinking water, showers and toilets.

3. Bullara Station, WA

Bullara Station is an expansive outback sheep and cattle station located within driving distance of the turquoise waters of Ningaloo. Come winter you’ll find wildflowers blooming and diverse birdlife to admire. There are also pet lambs, kangaroos and cows to keep the kids amused. Join a 4WD tour to learn about local geography, bush tucker and how to identify animal tracks. This bush camping oasis offers a choice of powered and non-powered sites (no generators). There are communal fire pits, showers, toilets and a camp kitchen available to use.

Bullara Station stay — Camp on an expansive outback sheep and cattle station at Bullara Station. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Rollingstone Beachfront Resort, Qld

If you like your winter holidays on the warmer side heading up north is a no-brainer. Rollingstone Beachfront Resort is just over 50 minutes drive north of Townsville – and with more than 300 days of sunshine a year it more than ticks the warmer weather box. This 13-hectare tropical playground boasts a beachfront location and everything you need for an upscale camping holiday. First off, it’s every kid’s paradise; there’s a jumping pillow, bike track, activity room, basketball hoop and playground. Secondly, sleeping in a tent places you right next to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. There are sites right on the sand or beside the barramundi-filled lake. Drop a line and put your feet up. You’re in Queensland, after all.

4. Litchfield National Park, NT

Litchfield is home to an abundance of stunning waterfalls and swimming holes. The most iconic of these is Wangi Falls and its campground has all the comforts, including free wi-fi. May to September is considered the best time to go, so you won’t miss a moment of the dazzling winter beauty. Be sure to check for campsite closures beforehand. Make your booking through the Northern Territory Parks Booking System .

5. Wunglebung Campground, Qld

If camping along the coast of Queensland doesn’t draw you in, then this remote 1600-acre working cattle farm will. Set on the upper Rocky River near Tenterfield NSW, Wunglebung is bordered by the magnificent Rocky River and Bicentennial National Trail. This is a bush retreat in every sense of the word. There is space dedicated for tents, vans and motorhomes. In the surrounding area, there are tracks to follow and beautiful valley trails to drive and explore. Spend your day bushwalking, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking and lots of big sky stargazing at night. Just note there is no mobile or internet service available, so prepare yourself for an off-the-grid experience.

6. Barmah Lakes Campground, Vic

If you enjoy feeling like the only person in the world this secluded campsite on the banks of the Murray River and Barmah Lake is about as off-grid as it gets in these parts. Pitch a tent on one of the two circuit loops with 22 semi-designated and dispersed campsites. There is a boat ramp nearby, making this an ideal spot for canoeing, fishing and the like. There are also several marked hikes around the lake and Indigenous cultural sites.

Barmah Lakes Campgrounds is perfect for those who love to be at one with nature.

7. Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park, Vic

Beechworth is by far the best-preserved 19th-century gold mining town in Australia. Taking a visit here is a lesson in charming streetscapes, thanks to the impeccably preserved architecture that was largely constructed in the same style, at roughly the same time, and with the same material – the local honey-coloured granite. Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park is your lakeside base camp for exploring the region. Over 50 powered sites are set among shady trees, with concrete slabs for caravans and motorhomes, and taps providing town water. For an off-grid experience, enjoy unpowered camping on the banks of Spring Creek. There are over 70 available, with campfires permitted in designated areas. Sambell Park provides easy access to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and many walking tracks. There are two under-cover barbeque areas, a playground, mini golf, a volleyball court, LPG and a well-stocked kiosk.

Beechworth Sambell Park is your lakeside base camp for exploring the region.

8. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, SA

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is located on the south-western tip of the Yorke Peninsula, approximately 300 kilometres by road from Adelaide via Port Wakefield, Ardrossan, Minlaton and Warooka. The spot is a favourite among campers, fishers, swimmers and bushwalkers. Come winter, it transforms into a fresh green landscape, with wild seas and large surf. Visit one of the surrounding lighthouses, or learn about the tumultuous maritime history of South Australia at the shipwreck of Ethel. Explore historic Inneston – an abandoned township surrounded by bushland. Then retreat to your campsite to catch some of the best coastal views in South Australia. The entire park is accessible by 2WD.

9. Freycinet National Park, Tas

Freycinet National Park is home to some of Tasmania’s most incredible camping spots , which may explain why you need to enter a ballot system to camp during peak times (Easter and Christmas). This makes winter a great time to venture south without the crowds and enjoy the sleepy sand dunes. Wake up to breathtaking views, and explore the beautiful bays by day (Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay and Wineglass Bay) – with panoramic views of wondrous Wineglass Bay the main drawcard for visitors. The campground is a small coastal strip along the dunes of Richardsons Beach and the granite knoll of Honeymoon Bay – and while there are plenty of options, they go fast. Freycinet Camping Information provides everything you need to know to enter the ballot, and for non-peak times, you can book your site through the Freycinet Visitor’s Centre.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

The 9 best winter camping spots around Australia