Five of Australia’s best-hidden camping spots to enjoy this Easter
With Easter and school holidays approaching (yes, again!), many avid campers and caravaners are preparing to enjoy quality (and the occasional hair-pulling) family time in the great outdoorsWhile there’s no shortage of ah-mazing camping grounds to enjoy in Australia—some are more well-known than others and these others can be like finding your own pocket of heaven.
carsales spoke with two camping experts - Nick Baker, CEO of Reflections Holidays, and Darci Hopper, who is currently travelling around Australia with her family (husband, two kids, and dog) and sharing her journey on their Instagram @rippinaroundoz about their favourite lesser-known camping sites around Australia. Here are five of the best worth exploring this upcoming Easter holiday break.
Booloumba Creek Campground, Queensland
Nestled in Conondale National Park, Queensland, about two hours from Brisbane, Booloumba Creek Campground was a favourite of the Hopper family on their travels.
“This spot is surrounded by ancient forests, crystal-clear creek waters, and loads of wildlife. It feels secluded and peaceful, perfect for a nature getaway,” Hopper tells carsales.
The camping ground is close to lush rainforest walks, waterfalls, and swimming holes, including the stunning Booloumba Falls making it a perfect spot for a dip.
“The creek is perfect for swimming, and the serenity of the rainforest makes it feel like a hidden paradise,” Hopper says.
The camping ground has toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables available, but there are no showers, and it can only be accessed by a 4WD. There are also no pets allowed.
You can book online via the national park website with national park camping fees applied.
What to bring:
- Drinking water
- Firewood
- Rubbish bags (no bins provided)
Diamond Head Campground, New South Wales
“If you prefer the road less travelled, Diamond Head Campground is a must-visit,” says Baker.
A short walk from the beach, Crowdy Bay National Park has a range of camping sites with Diamond Head being the most popular.
The camping ground offers sites for tents, camper trailers and caravans with an amenities block, picnic tables, barbeque facilities, carparks, showers, toilets, and a rubbish bin. You do need to bring your own drinking and cooking water, though.
You can book for up to 20 people or five sites online, with park entry fees applicable.
Diamond Head offers everything from swimming and fishing to scenic walks through the surrounding bushland. “Whether you’re staying in a tent or a van, Diamond Head is the kind of spot where you can completely disconnect and recharge,” says Baker.
What to bring:
- Camping chairs and table
- Cooking facilities - BBQs available
- Esky
- Drinking water/cooking water
- Enough clothes or eco friendly washing liquid - no laundry facilities on site
- First-aid kit
- Mosquito repellent
- Headlamp or torch with extra batteries
- Portable power bank
Butch Camp, Broken Bridge, Victoria
Ten minutes’ drive from Bright in the Victorian High Country is Butch Camp.
Located right on the river, Hopper says there are plenty of shady spots and the location is “great for swimming for the kids, skimming rocks and relaxing.”
“The peaceful riverside setting is perfect for unwinding, and the sound of the flowing water at night is unbeatable.”
Nearby attractions include the town of Bright, bushwalking and exploring the surrounding forest are also highlights of the area.
The campsite offers basic bush camping with no facilities, so be prepared! There are no toilets or water, so fully self-sufficient camping only but it is free to stay.
What to bring:
- Everything! Water, food, toilet setup, and firewood if you want a campfire.
Lake Gairdner Campsite, Tasmania
Lake Gardiner Campsite is located in Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania.
Only a short drive to the Apple Isle’s famous Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, and some of Tasmania’s best hiking trails make this an A+ location to immerse yourself in nature’s finest. But even the camping ground itself is incredible says Hopper.
“It’s right by the lake with incredible sunrise and sunset views,” she says.
“Waking up to the lake views is unreal, and it’s a great base for exploring Cradle Mountain without the crowds of the more popular campsites.”
Lake Gardiner Campsite has no toilets, showers, or water—self-sufficient camping only but it is free to stay.
What to bring:
- Drinking water
- Food
- Toilet setup
Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
In Flinders Ranges, South Australia just south of Wilpena Pound is the camping ground of Rawnsley Park Station.
The ground has amazing views of the ranges, great wildlife spotting, and plenty of space between sites for privacy.
“The rugged outback setting makes you feel totally immersed in nature, and the sunsets over the ranges are next level,” Hopper says.
With stunning hikes, 4WD tracks, and epic outback scenery in the nearby Flinders Ranges, there’s plenty to do during the day outside of camp.
The camping ground includes powered and unpowered sites, toilets, showers, and a camp kitchen. There are no open fires allowed but it is pet friendly.
What to bring:
- Food
- Drinking water
- Warm clothes—it gets chilly at night!
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