The Best Byron Bay Camping Spots | Australian Traveller

Camping is the quintessential old-school Aussie getaway. Here’s where to park your caravan or pitch a tent in Byron Bay.

The best camping spots in Byron Bay hit the trifecta of sunshine, sea and sand. Add immersion in nature, toasted marshmallows, stargazing and fresh air for bonus points.

Whether you’re the kind of camper who likes to travel with the bare essentials or you like to hit the road stocked with all the mod cons, we’ve got you covered – under canvas or a retro rollout awning. Here is a list of the best campgrounds and holiday parks in and around Byron Bay to suit every kind of traveller.

1. First Sun Holiday Park

Wake to the sound of waves crashing on the sand at Wreck Beach from your campground located just metres away at First Sun Holiday Park. The holiday park is popular with both caravanners and campers and includes barbecue and picnic areas, well-equipped camp kitchens and 24-hour security.

This is not an episode of Survivor or Bear Grylls: if you run out of baked beans, you can just pop up to the shops in the town centre or check out one of the local cafes. First Sun options include unpowered and powered sites, as well as cabins, lodges and huts.

First Sun Holiday Park in Byron Bay — Check in to a spacious cabin at First Sun.

2. Reflections Byron Bay

You can pitch your tent on prime real estate at Reflections, which has campgrounds dotted up and down the coast of NSW. Again, you are not unmoored from society; the campsite is located just a short walk away from the main strip of shops, bars and Byron’s best restaurants.

Reflections has a kitchen, barbecue and laundry facilities as well as school holiday activities and even wi-fi. This is the best campground for surfers visiting Byron Bay as it overlooks Clarkes Beach, too. And despite being so close to the bustle of Byron Bay, you’ll still be able to hear the gentle lapping of waves and birdsong in the air of an early morning.

Enjoy the beachfront location at Reflections Byron Bay.

3. Discovery Parks Byron Bay

Want to convince your better half about the merits of camping? Will an ozone-filtered swimming pool and a deluxe safari tent do the trick? Discovery Park Byron Bay is only two kilometres from town near the banks of Belongil Creek, which snakes through dense bushland.

The holiday park, which also includes a range of cabins, powered and unpowered sites for tents and vans, is predominately aimed at families who like to socialise as it includes shared barbecue facilities, laundry, a camp kitchen and cafe as well as a bouncing pillow, waterpark and wi-fi. Despite having modern facilities, you can still hear the forest birds and the ocean.

the property exterior of Discovery Parks, Byron Bay — Discovery Park is set on the banks of Belongil Creek.

4. Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay

The beauty about camping near Byron Bay is that if anything goes pear-shaped you can just duck into town. Kids have an ear infection? Pop into the chemist. Tired of tinned spaghetti? Wash all the sand out of your crevices in the camp shower and treat the family to dinner.

Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay is not exactly a hidden gem: it’s located on 11 hectares of parkland that tumbles down to Tallow Beach. Hardcore campers will love the bush camping vibe and the fact the campground is home to resident koalas, echidnas, wallabies and native birds. If you’d rather sleep in a bed, book one of the cabins, villas, glamping tents or even the luxurious Fig Tree House.

5. Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park

If you’re a chilled-out kind of camper looking for your tribe, chances are you will find a few kindred spirits at the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park . The park has sites to suit all comers, from safari camping tents to self-contained cabins and caravanning and camping spots.

Located just five kilometres south of Byron Bay, this classic campground brings to mind childhood trips, albeit with a few additional upgrades like an undercover dining area, free barbecues and modern camp kitchen. Dreaming of an escape to the country? Stroll along this exclusive stretch of coastline to see how the other half live.

the property exterior of Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park in Byron Bay — You will find a few kindred spirits at the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park.

6. Broken Head Holiday Park

One of the top reasons people leave the comforts of home behind to go camping is to connect with nature and step away from the humdrum of their everyday existence. Either that or they’re on a Splendour bender. Regardless of whether you see yourself as a camper, glamper or someone who appreciates all the mod cons, those driven to book a stay at Broken Head Holiday Park are united by their need to switch off and enjoy a laidback holiday.

This lovely campground has direct access to Broken Head Beach and is surrounded by a national park. Onsite facilities include a kiosk, barbecue area with camp kitchen, laundry facilities and a tour desk.

an aerial view of Broken Head Holiday Park — Connect with nature at Broken Head Holiday Park.

7. Glen Villa Resort

Camping in Byron Bay is one of the more affordable options to enjoy the charms of this seaside village. Glen Villa Resort is a great place to base yourself and explore the area’s natural beauty and attractions. Enjoy the comfort of sleeping in the great outdoors on a powered or unpowered site or book a rustic cabin, cottage or beach hut.

The sites for tents, campervans and caravans are arrayed around a five-hectare property that backs onto the Cumbebin Wetlands. It’s about a 10-minute walk into town, and there’s also a pool and camp kitchen. The resort has an array of snug crayon-coloured beach huts which are ideal for bunking down during Splendour or Bluesfest.

8. Hazy Stays

The Hipcamp runner-up for Best Cabin Rental in Australia goes to… Hazy Stays . Here you will find a rustic shipping container turned tiny home plonked in the middle of a grassy paddock just a short drive from Pottsville. While the container has been converted into a tiny liveable space, you can also pull up to the camping area in your caravan or pitch your tent in the paddock.

The four-hectare campsite, a 30-minute drive from Byron, is very different from the action-packed holiday parks confetti’d along the Byron Bay coastline. While there’s plenty to see and do, and beaches are still accessible, this Hipcamp stay is more about getting close to nature while in the Northern Rivers.

the property exterior of Hazy Stays, Broome — Hazy Stays is a tranquil retreat away from home. (Image: Kate Muray)

9. Selva Byron

Hardcore campers will feel pretty smug about sleeping under canvas at Selva Byron in Brunswick Heads . This Hipcamp site is just eight kilometres from Byron Bay and conveniently bookended by beaches and the picturesque town of Brunswick Heads.

Selva Byron is a former cattle farm that is being reforested, and you will find a few goats roaming around as well as resident wallabies and koalas. The property has 10 different sites: six for caravan/ RVs and four for tents in two separate patches. It is for fully self-contained campers only as there are no toilets or water available onsite. If the weather is inclement, book a stay in the renovated 100-year-old farmhouse.

a foggy morning at Selva Byron — Fog engulfs the grassland at Selva Byron.

For more travel tips and insider recommendations, read our travel guide to Byron Bay.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

9 idyllic Byron Bay camping spots