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.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

9 idyllic Byron Bay camping spots