Your Best Guide to Free Camping in Australia

Indeed, it is possible to go free camping in Australia, but you can’t do it just any place. If you’re on a budget, you’ll discover some great free camping in Australia with low-cost or even free activities. So, if you’re hoping to save money by camping for free, you’ll want to be extra cautious!

You don’t want to be reprimanded for camping in a prohibited location; otherwise, your free camping in Australia bargain might turn into an expensive one.

To put it simply, the nation of Australia was built for exploration. A campervan is the finest method to see all the nation, and camping is the ideal way to do it. So, with free camping in Australia, you can enjoy the beauty and peace of different regions!

Best Free Camping Sites in Australia

Free Camping NSW

What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of New South Wales’ major cities than to go for the hills? You feel liberated with a car full of camping gear and a tank of petrol.

For those of us who like to leave things to nature, nothing stifles that freedom like excessive camping fees. So, here are some of the top free camping locations in New South Wales.

Turon Crossing Reserve, Bridle Track

The Turon River, which flows through Sofala, Central West NSW, is roughly 117 kilometres long. After being discovered in 1851 as a source of gold for the first time in New South Wales, the Turon has since become a popular fishing and free camping destination in Australia.

Take into account that the Bridle Track is only for 4WD vehicles since it’s quite a dirt track with no guard rails, and the edges are steep. Many sections of the track are so narrow that only one vehicle may go at a time. Thus, pebbles may fall from high spots and the road is treacherous when wet near the start of the trek.

Furthermore, bring your own food and drink, and be sure to clean up after yourself. Also, arrive early to utilize the campground’s few permanent picnic tables and drop toilet. Your kids will even have a blast splashing about in the shallow portions of the cold, deep swimming holes.

Sculptures in the Scrub, Timallallie National Park

For a more creative experience in the Pilliga Forest, go to the Sculptures in the Scrub campground. While this large site is perfect for caravans, campers, and tents, its most notable feature is the named walking track. Not to mention, sculptures in the scrub is a 2km walking trail created with the aid of Indigenous elders.

If you’re fortunate, you’ll see some of the area’s most elusive wildlife and enjoy the spectacular desert landscapes. That being said, you can view the uncommon turquoise parrot, grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, and lace monitors here. As dusk approaches, prepare a BBQ feast and enjoy the stars as one of Australia’s most famous sunsets.

Furthermore, this spacious camping area may accommodate a caravan, a camper trailer, or a tent. So make your way to the famous Sculpture in the Scrub walking trail after setting up your tent! If you’re in the mood for a light meal before or after a walk around the gallery, this is the place to go!

Tables and barbecues are provided and access to rainwater, although I suggest boiling or heating it before drinking and restrooms. Also, make sure to bring a lot of water to the camping site since it tends to become sunny in this place.

Free Camping QLD

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You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank while you’re on vacation since I’ve done all the research and found the greatest free camping locations in Queensland for your convenience.

Ngumbi Campground (Mt Joyce Base Camp)

For those of you who are short on both time and money, Beaudesert is an excellent destination. Just a short drive away, the Ngumbi campsite offers some stunning vistas if you’re up for a bit of excursion. An open camping space, a toilet, a basic shelter, and water tanks are available at Lake Wyaralong’s Ngumbi Camp Site.

Furthermore, the Ngumbi Camp Site is a secluded location with no automobile access. With that, it may only be accessible through paths and even by boat across the lake. However, it is not permissible to remain on the water for an extended period. Also, tank water is the sole water source available at this campground.

Visitors and campers should bring their containers for storing water for drinking and cooking purposes.

Also, with its location at the foot of Mt Joyce between Beaudesert and Boonah in Queensland’s appropriately called Scenic Rim, Lake Wyaralong is a natural beauty that makes for an excellent day excursion from Brisbane. Lake Wyaralong and the surrounding area provide a broad choice of leisure activities for locals and visitors alike.

Activities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping are all popular these days on the lake. For fishing at Lake Wyaralong, SIPS permission is a must, although a boating permit is not. On Lake Wyaralong, set up camp and cook a snag on the BBQ to fuel up for kayaking.

If you’re planning a trip to Beaudesert, you’ll want to reserve in advance since there are only six spots available at this free jewel. 

Fletcher Creek

If you ask me, getting out of bed and hearing the sound of a running river is the best way to start the day. Enjoy the peaceful campground at Fletcher Creek. In fact, many campers and caravanners like stopping here for a rest break along the banks of a running stream.

In addition, they also allow campfires and grills at the site, making it an excellent location for a family camping trip. As a matter of fact, Fletcher Creek is the only free campground in Queensland that allows visitors to remain for the greatest time (one month).

Although, take note that there are no official parking or tenting spots at the campground, so just choose a site on the wide grassy area you prefer and make yourself at home. A dump point and extensive rig access are available in restrooms, cold showers, and BBQ setups. Best of all, you can bring your pets, but please be responsible when bringing them with you.

Furthermore, the Dalrymple National Park is nearby and offers lovely treks for anyone needing some exercise. It has lava flows, fossilized limestone, and the Burdekin River, and you may see a variety of Australian wildlife, including rock wallabies, squirrel gliders, sugar gliders, and several birds.

Free Camping SA

Take a look at these fantastic campgrounds in South Australia, and be sure to check out the booking requirements and amenities before you set off on your trip. Campers adore these campgrounds for a good reason, and they fill up quickly because of their appeal.

World Ends Gorge Campground

Located 26 kilometres southeast of Burra, this beautiful, shaded camping area is in an open field by a peaceful brook. As a result, the ideal time to visit is during weekdays rather than on the weekends. You’ll be able to choose a nice, shady spot because of this, so make sure you pack your drinking water for the trip!

During peak vacation months, you can expect to see many people at this popular South Australian camping field since it is so prominent. The enormous gum trees give plenty of shade, and an adjoining creek is a perfect place for your family to go yabbying or just to rest.

Furthermore, there is enough space for everyone, and even though the location is an open field, there is a good possibility that you will be able to set up away from the rest of the group if you want solitude. Also, since this was not a national park, there were no restrictions on generators in this area.

However, since everyone is in such proximity to one another, basic politeness should be a must. For example, turn off your generator at a decent hour throughout the night. Not to mention, bins and a few pit toilets are also available. Hence, it’s an excellent location that you should not miss out on!

Plushs Bend

Plushs Bend has riverfront sites and well-maintained roads that make it accessible to all types of setups, allowing anybody to take in the stunning Murray River vistas.

Located on Plushs Bend Road on the banks of the Murray River near Crescent, South Australia, this free camping in Australia is one of the most luxurious free campgrounds in terms of facilities. Also, be careful to capture the shadows of pelicans and other birds flying over the lake as the sun sets.

In addition to being two lovely towns on the majestic Murray River, Renmark, Paringa, and Lyrup all contribute significantly to their thriving Riverland Community’s overall character and vitality.

With its beautiful lawns and rose gardens, national parks, boat trips, water activities, houseboat vacations, contemporary retail facilities, and excellent communal, financial, and health services, Renmark is the perfect destination for both tourists and adventure seekers.

Stay for a while and take advantage of their excellent dining options, a wide range of housing alternatives, and delicious local wines and products to experience. In the Renmark Paringa region, which has a population of just under 10,000 people, you can find a diverse range of sectors, including horticulturists, viticulturists, and farmers, as well as a flourishing retail and tourist industry.

In addition to offering tourists some of the most spectacular natural scenery on the Murray River, Renmark, Paringa, and Lyrup also provide a diverse range of activities and attractions that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Free Camping NT

The Northern Territory has a diverse topography home to a wide variety of breathtaking natural wonders and sceneries. With everything from vast deserts to stunning waterfalls hidden deep inside lush rainforests, there is something for everyone at Australia’s northernmost tip.

So, if you’re seeking an excellent area to go away from or to explore something new, have a look at some free campgrounds in the Northern Territory that you should be aware of.

Diggers Rest

As a bucket-list item for many explorers, the Tanami Road crosses from the Northern Territory into Western Australia. Indeed, it tests your driving talents as well as that of your vehicle. Located in the Anmatjere area, Diggers Rest campsite is famous because of wild camels and a wide variety of birds.

Having a 4WD and off-road setup is necessary, as having your supplies since there are no amenities in the area. As the sun sets behind the historic windmill, there will be no one else in sight, giving you an unparalleled perspective of the spectacular sunsets.

Take pleasure in the relaxed environment of this classic establishment. You can relax on one of the expansive verandas or participate in the activities of the station. Horses, goats, and cattle are all kept on the farm, so there’s always something to do around here.

Not to mention, bird viewing and bushwalking are popular activities in the area around the King River and its environs.

Mt Connor Lookout

One thing comes to mind when folks think of the Red Centre. Uluru, the world’s biggest rock, is a tourist magnet for the whole nation. But if you know the Red Centre, you may know about Kata Tjuta. A short drive from Uluru is another spectacular mountain related to the same subsurface rock formation as Uluru.

Having said that, there is a third mountain that is often overlooked. Mt Connor, a flat-topped rock, is 500 million years old. Despite its obscurity, this unique peak is well worth a visit. Indeed, it is a remarkable Red Centre hidden treasure. This 300-meter-high sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone formation stand out in an otherwise flat area.

Located on the Lasseter Highway near Petermann, this campsite is a great starting point for a visit to Uluru, with ample space for a camper, tent, or caravan. One can see Mt Connor (a big rock people mistake for Uluru from a distance) and an unexpectedly enormous salt lake from the roadside, making it an ideal location, not to mention it’s free.

Furthermore, it’s large enough to accommodate a few modest caravans or trucks with rooftop tents, as well as toilets and some shade from the trees.

Free Camping WA

Camping is truly remarkable since it offers fresh air, wild creatures, and an opportunity to recharge in a natural environment. Also, what could be better than a few hours spent stargazing with your loved ones, especially when everything is entirely free?

These are the locations of my favourite free camping areas in Western Australia, and I’ve put them all in one in this article for your convenience.

Karalee Rocks

As a former water catchment for steam trains heading to Kalgoorlie in the 1890s, Karalee Rocks now works as a great spot to pitch your tent and take in the night sky. They have a great selection of hiking routes if you are a fan of the outdoors. You can also reach the campgrounds with a 2WD and use the fire pits to prepare a good camp kitchen.

Some of the most amazing engineering structures ever built to catch water from a gigantic stone outcrop may be on the 2.5-mile Karalee Rocks route. The cliffs provide breathtaking views, and the walk is dotted with informational panels about the area’s rich history.

The large camping area can accommodate up to 30 campers and trailers, and a disposal station is close. The Great Eastern Highway between Perth and Kalgoorlie goes through this 5-kilometre “national gem” area.

Furthermore, the 2.6-kilometre Karalee Rocks Extended Loop Track in Yellowdine, Western Australia, has a lake and is an excellent trail for hikers of all ages. The route is open all year round, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

Peak Charles

In all directions, Peak Charles may be seen from a distance of more than 50 miles away. So, if you’re up for a two-mile hike, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Hence, it is crucial to notice that Peak Charles is much larger, taller and steeper than other rock outcrops in the area.

Also, there are three distinct parts to the hike up to the peak. For example, your fitness level and, of course, the weather play a role in your decision-making.

Take a moment to load your camera, for Peak Charles’ breathtaking landscape will leave you speechless. It’s a three-hour drive north of Esperance, and the hiking trails here aren’t for the weak of heart, but the view of the salt lakes and scenery in the distance is well worth the effort. For the more adventurous camper, indeed, this location is ideal.

Free Camping TAS

Visit Tasmania and breathe in the world’s finest air! There are many reasons to visit this gorgeous part of Australia, not to mention the free camping offered in Tasmania.

Lake Mackintosh

Located only five kilometres west of Tullah, Lake Mackintosh has been one of Tasmania’s most stunning lakes. Myrtle, sassafras, and eucalypt woods, as well as native ferns, grow close to the lake’s shore in the surrounding area. The beaches of Lake Macintosh are also a great area to have a picnic or BBQ.

Indeed, it’s possible to take a three-hour return trek to the peak of Mt Farrell through lush woodland, abandoned mines, and patches of button grass. Not to mention, there are stunning views of Tasmania’s wildness from the top of the mountain.

Best of all, it’s a dog-friendly state forest with breathtaking views. It may become crowded because it’s a fishing haven; thus, the boat ramp has a second campsite (closed when dam water is being released).

Furthermore, Mount Farrell, the highest peak in the area, offers a stunning view of the surrounding forest, as well as possums, wallabies, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.

Cocke Creek

The campsites on Cockle Creek Road in Recherche are a fantastic place to start the South Cape Harbor Trail, a sheltered harbour. The clean environment and the uncommon mix of woods, beaches, and mountains found only in this region of the globe are irresistible.

The campgrounds are located in a national park with several hiking trails, fishing holes, and pools. On low tide, you may even select your own delightfully fresh oysters.

Also, note that it is impossible to purchase goods or services in the immediate vicinity; however, there are several nearby attractions and hiking paths for people who want to explore the South-West National Park. Simply taking a walk down the beach might provide an appreciation for the peacefulness and beauty of Recherche Bay.

Free Camping VIC

The city of Victoria has a wide variety of free campsites available. There are various campsites, some with all the amenities and others with none, to choose from. For the weekend camper, there are several campgrounds within commuting distance of Melbourne.

Take advantage of free campgrounds while you’re on the road to save money on lodging expenses. In general,  free camping in Australia is closer to nature, with nearby hiking trails and more friendly people.

Barmah National Park

From dawn till dusk, camp out on the riverside and enjoy the peaceful environment. Also, the famous river red gums may grow up to 45 meters tall and live up to 500 years. Moreover, natural beauty and indigenous heritage may be explored on nearby hiking trails. The Yamyabuc Discovery Trail, the Lakes Loop Track, and the Broken Creek Loop Track are just a few examples.

Indeed, these remote bush campgrounds along the river road in Yielima are a great place to unwind. Furthermore, hundreds of kangaroos, emus and wild horses inhabit the region, which gives it the sense of an “untouched” wilderness. Even fishers and walkers alike may enjoy the river for a refreshing dip as well as the neighbouring walking trails.

Gadds Bend Reserve

Imagine a 2500-kilometre-long tunnel across the country’s southernmost regions, surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape. Indeed, a journey that reflects the wide range of people and places that line its route, infused with 19th-century romanticism.

Ancient river red gums, wetlands, top-notch restaurants and vineyards, cafés and bars, pubs, golf courses, and tourist sites are all within a few miles of one other. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this may be the place to visit.

There’s a quiet campsite along the Murray River Road in Walwa where you can sit back, relax, and take in the scenery. There are various ways to relax on the water, whether you swim, kayak, or simply sit on the banks.

Keep a lookout for owls and possums while sitting around a campfire at night to watch the seaside sunset.

The Wrap-Up: Free Camping in Australia

The most incredible way to enjoy camping is with friends and family. So gather the group and start planning your next stress-free getaway at one of these free camping in Australia. While you’re at it, take advantage of some of the hiking trails in the area.