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.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

9 idyllic Byron Bay camping spots