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With so many amazing holiday destinations across Australia, it can be hard to choose where to visit next, especially if you want to explore somewhere outside the usual tourist hotspots.
As dedicated and often full-time travellers themselves, our Friends of Jayco and Jayco Vanbassadors have experienced some of the best hidden campsites across Australia and in this blog article they share some of their favourites spots.
Membinup, WA
“Arguably one of the best free camps Australia wide. The campsites are quiet and peaceful, but 4WD access is required, and there are no amenities so self-contained is preferred. Featuring powdery white sand, clear turquoise ocean, rock pools, sand dunes and beautiful sunsets this campground is perfectly situated between Cape Arid National Park and Cape Le Grand National Park.”
Elim Beach (QLD)
“Located in Far North Queensland, around one hour north of Cooktown, The Elim Beach campground belongs to Thiithaarr-warra Elder, Eddie Deemal and is right on the beach. It is available to off road vans and 4WD only. The drive from Hope Vale to Elim takes about an hour on an unsealed road, some of which is on private property, so you just need to make sure you close the gates. A map to the campground can be obtained from the service station at Hope Vale. Camping at Elim Beach Campgrounds is only $10 per person per night and kids under 12 are free. There is no power, but generators are allowed. It is also home to the famous coloured sands, which are stunning.”
Banyan Tree Caravan Park (NT)
“Just a 5-minute drive out of Litchfield National Park is this beautiful farm stay. It has great amenities and huge GREEN grassy shaded sites which is pretty rare in the NT. There is an amazing camp kitchen to socialise with other campers, or a lovely bar and restaurant at the front near the beautiful Banyan Fig Tree. They do amazing home-made pizzas and have a great happy hour. Another great feature is all the animals around. There are beautiful horses that roam free around the caravan park and lots of chickens, sheep and goats too. The farmer will take the kids out in the morning to feed the cows in the back paddocks.”
Notch Point, Ilbilbie (QLD)
“If you are adventurous and like to escape off the beaten track with a 4WD or an off-road caravan, Notch Point is a great spot to escape. Around 1.5 hours south of Mackay, it’s a free camp right on the beachfront, set amongst coastal scrub and tropical coconut palms. There are no facilities, so you need to be self-sufficient with a shower and toilet. Many travellers flock there for the fishing, as you can launch your boat from the boat ramp and fish the inlet or the ocean. We chose to hang under the palms and enjoy a campfire as the sun went down. The kids loved finding shells and exploring the rocks once the tide went down. You can camp along the inlet or on the beachfront, depending on the weather and winds.”
– Ashlea, @oursunshinedays
Chilli Beach, Cape York (QLD)
“We heard so many people talk about Chilli Beach and after being here we know why. It is absolutely my favourite spot on the Cape York Peninsula. The campsite has a stunning view of the beach and there is a fantastic view of sunrise from the beach. It is a hike from the main Peninsula Developmental Road so we recommend a few days. Make sure you bring your water and power – there is access to a public toilet.”
– Travelling Buckinghams
Joey Lees Campground, Curtis Islands (QLD)
“About a 20-minute boat trip from Gladstone, Joey Lees Campground is in a quiet peaceful location right by the beach. We just visited at Christmas time and loved it there. There is a maximum of 30 people allowed at the campsite and you must bring in all your food and water.
Lake Arragan and Red Cliff campgrounds (NSW)
“This campsite is near Angourie and is located right near the beach. There are around 65 campsites and there is access to drinking water, toilets and BBQ facilities.”
– Jade Sutcliffe @jadesutcliffe
Burners Beach, Yorke Peninsula (SA)
The Burners Beach campsite is about an hour’s drive from Innes National Park and has 2WD access. With around 12 campsites on site, it is relatively small, but we love this spot because it is a north facing bay and so is protected from that ferocious southerly wind. Amenity wise, there is one clean drop toilet but no water. It costs $10 per night or $50 for a week.
– @_dontwannagohome_
Edward River Campgroumd, Edward River (NSW)
“We love this spot for the quiet and serenity. Nestled deep within gum trees, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but it’s only half hour from Echuca. It is a free camp with 2WD access for all campers and has lots of large secluded sites right on the river with clean drop toilets. The Edward River is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and swimming and a jetty you can jump off. There’s also great bird watching all around.”
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