Best Camping Spots For Easter

by Zach Bostock - Mountain Designs

Best Camping Spots For Easter

Getting away for a day or two of camping at Easter time is a great Aussie tradition. Our country has an incredible number of idyllic locations to experience the great outdoors - check out some of our team's favourite spots to escape to at Easter time.


New South Wales

Jounama Creek Camping Area

Tucked away in the hills at the entrance to the Snowy Mountains coming from Tumut is an open grass camping area by the flowing Jounama Creek. The area is ideal for tenting, campervans and caravans. With easy access to surrounding features such as Talbingo Dam for swimming, Snowy Hydro Plant, Yarrangobilly Caves and thermal pools, there is plenty to see and do.

Info

Amenities - toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, wood BBQs

Power - No

Permits - No permits required, just first in first served

Access - 2WD (unsealed road)

Best Time To Go - Warmer months are ideal for swimming in the creek and surrounding water - Autumn or Spring is nice for sitting around a fire. Winters are quite cold as snow falls not far away.

Location - Approximately 30 minutes' drive south from Tumut (watch out for kangaroos at dusk).

Things To Do - swimming, boating, mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, caving, fishing

More Info - https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/jounama-creek-campground


Warrumbungle National Park

Further north and inland you'll find huge rock formations in the Warrumbungle National Park. Known as Australia's only dark sky park, you'll see exceptional starry nights, as well as some impressive rock formations such as the Breadknife, Belougery Spire and Bluff Mountain. It's great for the adventurous trad climbers or even just sightseeing. The park has multiple camping areas such as Camp Blackman and Camp Walaay, or for the hikers there are remote bush camp areas such as Burbie Camp and Balor Hut campground.

Info

Amenities - Depending on the camp area, access to toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, showers, drinking water

Power - No

Permits - Yes

Access - 2WD (unsealed road) - hiking for remote bush camp sites (no vehicle access)

Best Time To Go - Springtime when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Location - Approximately 2 hours' drive north from Dubbo.

Things To Do - hiking, climbing, star gazing

More Info - https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/warrumbungle-national-park


Barrington Tops National Park

Home to the world heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, Barrington Tops National Park is filled with multiple car camping areas and remote bush camps with plenty to see and do. Camping areas such as Gloucester River campground and Gummi Falls campground are ideal for car camping. For those wanting to go more remote, there are camping areas such as Black Swamp campground and Wombat Creek campground.

Info

Amenities - Depending on camp area, toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities

Power - No

Permits - Online booking required

Access - 2WD (unsealed road) for most car camping areas - 4WD for more remote car camping areas - hiking for remote bush camp sites (no vehicle access)

Best Time To Go - Autumn is ideal for hiking or day walks, while Spring is ideal for seeing wildflowers.

Location - Approximately 2 hours' drive north from Newcastle.

Things To Do - hiking, 4WDing, mountain biking, kayaking & canoeing, fishing

More Info - https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/barrington-tops-national-park


Queensland

Girraween National Park

Bordering NSW, Girraween National Park is covered in giant granite boulders and rock formations. There are two camping areas to choose from: Castle Rock and Bald Rock. Ideal for tenting, campervans and caravans, the campsites are well equipped with fire pits, toilets and showers with hot water. On the other hand, if hiking is more your thing, there are remote bush camp sites also available for tenting. The area has many rock formations to see, scramble and climb, such as the Pyramids, Castle Rock, Underground Creek and Turtle Rock.

Info

Amenities - Flushing toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, fire pits, wood BBQs, untreated water

Power - No

Permits - Yes

Access - 2WD (unsealed road) - hiking for remote bush camp sites (no vehicle access)

Best Time To Go - Spring & Autumn.

Location - Approximately 40 minutes' drive south from Stanthorpe.

Things To Do - hiking, climbing, scrambling

More Info - https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween


Charlie Moreland Camping Area

Situated in Imbil State Forest, Charlie Moreland camping area hosts many tent sites while being surrounded by tall eucalypt trees and rock-filled streams. You could find over 120 species of birds in the area as well as goannas roaming around the camping area. The camping area is suitable for tenting, campervans and caravans.

Info

Amenities - toilets, fire rings, non-drinking water

Power - No

Permits - Bookings required

Access - 2WD (unsealed road)

Best Time To Go - All-year-round, however temperatures may be more pleasant in Spring and Autumn months.

Location - Approximately 1.5 hours' drive west from the Sunshine Coast.

Things To Do - day walking, mountain biking, horse riding, dirt biking, kayaking, swimming

More Info - https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/imbil/camping


Big Bend Camping Area

Hidden within Carnarvon Gorge, the Big Bend camping area is where you will find yourself after a 9.7km walk through the Main Gorge track, set alongside the Carnarvon Creek shadowed by the sandstone walls of the gorge. For those that aren't up for the hike, you can camp by car access at Carnarvon Gorge camping area.

Info

Amenities - toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities

Power - No

Permits - Bookings required

Access - 2WD (unsealed road)

Best Time To Go - During holiday seasons, as the area is closed in non-holiday times.

Location - 9.7km walk from Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, located 5.9km from the park entrance.

Things To Do - hiking

More Info - https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-gorge/camping/big-bend


Victoria

Tidal River Campground

The southernmost tip of mainland Australia, Wilsons Promontory National Park is home to the Tidal River campground. The ground is the most well-equipped campground in the national park, while being surrounded by scenic walks and natural features. If you are looking for a more secluded camping site, you can hike to multiple other remote bush camps in the area.

Info

Amenities - toilets, showers, BBQ facilities

Power - Powered sites available

Permits - Bookings required

Access - 2WD

Best Time To Go - Spring through to Autumn, as Winters can be quite cool. Note peak-Christmas season requires you to apply for a ballot.

Location - Approximately 3 hours' drive south-east from Melbourne.

Things To Do - hiking, swimming, surfing

More Info - https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park/where-to-stay/tidal-river-campground


Federation Hut

Perched alongside the second tallest mountain in Victoria - Mt Feathertop - is a hut that marks a hiker's campground, Federation Hut. For the more adventurous, Federation Hut camp site is where hikers find themselves when hiking the Razorback Trail to Mt Feathertop. The trail is an 11km, grade 3 hiking trail, starting at Diamantina Hut, approximately 1 hours' drive from Bright. The trail follows a ridgeline towards Mt Feathertop for approximately 5 hours, above the tree line with 360° views looking down either side of the ridgeline. Hikers will need to carry all their own gear to the camp site. Upon arrival there are multiple tent sites, first in first served. From the camp site, you can summit Mt Feathertop and view down into the large valley below. It is quite a view watching the sunrise from here.

Info

Amenities - toilet, unfiltered water tank

Power - No

Permits - No permits required, first in first served

Access - hiking (no car access)

Best Time To Go - November to April (it does snow in Winter).

Location - Approximately 1 hour drive south from Bright.

Things To Do - hike Razorback trail, summit Mt Feathertop

More Info - https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/federation-hut-


Grampians National Park

From mountainous views to waterfalls and big cliff faces, the Grampians has lots to see and do. It is the fourth largest national park in Victoria and is known for its Aboriginal cultural heritage. With 12 campgrounds accessible by vehicle (sometimes unsealed roads) such as Smiths Mill campground and Stapylton campground, there are plenty of camping options available.

Info

Amenities - toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, some sites have showers.

Power - No

Permits - No permits required, first in first served

Access - 2WD (unsealed road)

Best Time To Go - Autumn through to Spring, with ideal temperatures in Autumn, seasonal waterfalls in Winter and wildflowers blooming in Spring.

Location - Approximately 3 hours' drive west from Melbourne.

Things To Do - hiking, mountain biking, cycling, climbing, fishing, swimming

More Info - https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park


South Australia

Talia Caves Campground

Situated within Eyre Peninsula, Talia Caves campground sits alongside large limestone cliff faces. The large natural cave formations, The Woolshed and The Tub, are worth exploring while also looking out for sea lions, dolphins and whales out at sea.

Info

Amenities - varies across 20 sites

Power - No

Permits - No permits required

Access - 2WD (unsealed road)

Best Time To Go - Autumn through to Spring.

Location - Approximately 3 hours' drive north-west from Port Lincoln.

Things To Do - caving, rock fishing, whale watching, surfing

More Info - http://www.findacamp.com.au/camp-site.php?camp=505


Coorong National Park

Coorong National Park, a significant area for endangered flora and fauna, is host to a large lagoon that is separated from the ocean by sand dunes. The park has many things to offer such as bird watching, boating and walking. It hosts multiple camp sites such as 28 Mile Crossing campground and Long Point campground. There are also many other more remote camp sites accessible only by 4WD such as Kartoo Road, or even by boat such as Godfrey's Landing campground.

Info

Amenities - Depending on camp area there are toilets, picnic tables, boat ramp

Power - No

Permits - n/a

Access - 2WD to most camp sites

Best Time To Go - Summer for seeing many migratory birds.

Location - Approximately 3 hours' drive south from Adelaide.

Things To Do - bird watching, boating, kayaking & canoeing, 4WDing, fishing, walking

More Info - https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/coorong-national-park


Eagle Water Hole Campsite, Deep Creek Conservation Park

2.2km hike from the car park, Eagle Water Hole campsite is a great remote campsite for first timers, located on the Heysen Trail along the Aaron Creek circuit hike. The trail and campsite are for hikers only, and are covered with grassland and lush vegetation. To extend the hike, you can walk out to the coast for ocean views.

Info

Amenities - Picnic table, no toilets or campfires

Power - No

Permits - Yes, car pass and overnight camping pass

Access - Hiking (no car access)

Best Time To Go - Spring for blooming wildflowers and opportunities for whale watching.

Location - Approximately 2 hours' drive south from Adelaide.

Things To Do - hiking, whale watching

More Info - https://heysentrail.asn.au/heysen-trail/accommodation/provider/eagle-waterhole-camp-site/


Western Australia

Honeymoon Pool Campground, Wellington National Park

Set within Wellington National Park, Honeymoon Pool campground is surrounded by bushland that sits alongside the Preston River. The area is a popular spot for swimming and paddling as well as cycling and bushwalking.

Info

Amenities - toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities

Power - No

Permits - No permits or bookings required

Access - 2WD

Best Time To Go - Warmer months to take advantage of the water.

Location - Approximately 45 minutes' drive east from Bunbury.

Things To Do - swimming, kayaking & canoeing, mountain biking

More Info - https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/honeymoon-pool-campground


Dales Campground, Karijini National Park

Western Australia's second largest National Park, Karijini National Park, is home to large mountains and valleys built by erosion. Dales campground is one of only two places you can stay in the National Park, with multiple water holes and water falls nearby. The area also has many walking trails that take you on a journey of changing scenery, becoming richer and lusher the further you go into the gorges.

Info

Amenities - toilets, BBQ facilities

Power - No

Permits - Bookings essential

Access - 2WD

Best Time To Go - Late Autumn through to Spring for cooler temperatures.

Location - Approximately 3.5 hours' drive south from Port Hedland.

Things To Do - walking, swimming

More Info - https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/dales-recreation-area


Waychinicup Inlet Camping Area, Waychinicup National Park

Lined with large granite boulders, Waychinicup Inlet camping area boasts great views along the coast and also inland. The area is covered with wildflowers in the Spring as well as animals all year round. Even though the campground is accessible by 2WD, there are 4WD tracks around to fully explore the area that will lead you out to Cheyne Beach.

Info

Amenities - toilets, picnic facilities

Power - No

Permits - No bookings taken

Access - 2WD (unsealed road)

Best Time To Go - Spring for blooming flowers.

Location - Approximately 1 hour drive east from Albany.

Things To Do - fishing, 4WDing, swimming, rock hopping, walking

More Info - https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/waychinicup


Tasmania

Mount Field Campground, Mount Field National Park

Within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area, Mount Field campground offers a wide range of flora and fauna. Known as 'the park for all seasons', the area displays ever-changing scenery as you walk along its trails. Features such as Russell Falls and Lake Dobson are well worth checking out. The camp sites are well equipped and are scattered amongst the trees with some sites alongside the river.

Info

Amenities - toilets, showers, drinking water, BBQ facilities

Power - Available

Permits - Park entry fees apply, first in first served

Access - 2WD, campervans and caravans

Best Time To Go - Warmer months for more comfortable camping (Winters will see snow).

Location - Approximately 1.5 hours' drive north-west from Hobart.

Things To Do - walking, fishing

More Info - https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/mount-field-national-park/mount-field-camping


Boltons Green, Cockle Creek

The planet’s most southern-formed road and Australia’s most southern camp site, Boltons Green is a popular campsite with a wide variety of activities. The site is a family-friendly area that highlights Tasmania’s ruggedness while still showcasing its beauty. Nestled within a bay, the water allows for water activities such as kayaking and snorkelling.

Info

Amenities - toilets, picnic facilities

Power - No

Permits - Parks pass required

Access - 2WD (unsealed road)

Best Time To Go - Warmer months to take advantage of the water.

Location - Approximately 2 hours' drive south from Hobart.

Things To Do - kayaking & canoeing, fishing, swimming, snorkelling, walking

More Info - https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/southwest-national-park/cockle-creek-camping


Freycinet National Park

Host to the well-known Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park has a lot to offer. From its crystal-clear waters to granite-filled mountains, the park is one of Tasmania's most popular National Parks. There are multiple camping options available from car accessible sites at Richardsons Beach or Honeymoon Bay to more remote bush sites only accessible by foot, such as Wineglass Bay or Hazards Beach.

Info

Amenities - Depending on camp site, toilets, BBQ facilities, picnic facilities, cold showers

Power - Available at some sites

Permits - Parks pass required

Access - 2WD, hiking

Best Time To Go - Warmer months.

Location - Approximately 2.5 hours' drive north from Hobart.

Things To Do - fishing, kayaking & canoeing, swimming, snorkelling, hiking

More Info - https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/freycinet-national-park


Northern Territory

Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park

Hidden in the shadows of the Umbrawarra Gorge, the campground sits along a small creek, ideal for swimming and exploring. You can wade your way through the gorge to see the towering red cliffs. Keep an eye out for Aboriginal art along the walls of the gorge.

Info

Amenities - Toilets

Power - No

Permits - Camping fees apply

Access - 2WD (unsealed road) in non-wet season only

Best Time To Go - May through September, as it is not wet season.

Location - Approximately 3 hours' drive south-east from Darwin.

Things To Do - swimming, walking

More Info - https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit/umbrawarra-gorge-nature-park


Litchfield National Park

Home to the iconic Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park is an ideal place for camping, hiking or 4WDing. With car accessible camp sites such as Wangi Falls campground and Florence Falls campground, and more remote bush camps such as Tjaynera Falls and along Walker Creek, there is something for all levels of campers. The area hosts ideal spots for swimming and bushwalking as well as a more challenging hike, the Tabletop Track, spanning 39km.

Info

Amenities - Depending on camp site, toilets, showers, fire pits

Power - Available

Permits - No permits required

Access - 2WD

Best Time To Go - Autumn to Spring, as it is not wet season.

Location - Approximately 1.5 hours' drive south from Darwin.

Things To Do - swimming, hiking, 4WDing

More Info - https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit/litchfield-national-park



Shady Camp, Mary River National Park

Known for its fishing and 4WDing, Mary River National Park is a wonderful place to find a campsite. The camp area is well equipped for a comfortable stay, and has a great area for spotting local wildlife, such as saltwater crocs, with a viewing platform to look out over the floodplain.

Info

Amenities - toilets, picnic facilities, BBQs

Power - No

Permits - No permits required

Access - 2WD/4WD for in wet season

Best Time To Go - Between March and April to take advantage of fishing.

Location - Approximately 2.5 hours' drive east from Darwin.

Things To Do - fishing, bird watching, 4WDing

More Info - https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit/mary-river-national-park


Australian Capital Territory

Woods Reserve Campground, Namadgi National Park

Nestled in the hills, only 45 minutes from Canberra's CBD, Woods Reserve campground is a great and easy escape. Situated alongside Gibraltar Creek, the site is a family-friendly area. From seeing the sights such as Gibraltar Falls and Corin Forest nearby, to being immersed in giant granite boulders along walking tracks such as the Gibraltar Peak Track, there is plenty to do while camping here.

Info

Amenities - toilets, picnic facilities, showers, BBQs

Power - No

Permits - Bookings are essential

Access - 2WD

Best Time To Go - Spring through to Autumn as Winter can be quite cold (snow does fall in the area).

Location - Approximately 45 minutes' drive south-west from Canberra.

Things To Do - hiking, fishing, bird watching

More Info - https://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/parks-and-reserves/find-a-park/namadgi-national-park/woods-reserve


Brindabella National Park

Creating the western border for ACT, the Brindabella Range is a great place for a 4WDing expedition with grand views, running creeks and plenty of tracks to explore. The range offers an alpine bush experience, covered in Australian natives and wildlife. There are multiple campsite options within the range, such as Flea Creek campground, Coree campground and McIntyres campground, home to the historic McIntyres Hut.

Info

Amenities - Depending on camp site, toilets, picnic facilities

Power - No

Permits - Bookings required

Access - 4WD only

Best Time To Go - Spring through to Summer for taking advantage of the creeks and wildflowers.

Location - Approximately 1 hour drive south-west from Canberra.

Things To Do - 4WDing, fishing, trail bike riding

More Info - https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/brindabella-national-park


Mount Clear Campground, Namadgi National Park

Towards the southern tip of ACT, Mount Clear is a more remote camping area where you will find native flora and fauna and also Sam Aboud's Dunny. With a creek close by and open plains, you will be able to relax easy. The area also offers bushwalking, with a fire trail leading up Mount Clear.

Info

Amenities - toilets, wood BBQs, picnic tables

Power - No

Permits - Bookings are essential

Access - 2WD (unsealed road)

Best Time To Go - Spring to Autumn for warmer weather, as Winter can be cold.

Location - Approximately 1.5 hours' drive south from Canberra.

Things To Do - hiking

More Info - https://visitcanberra.com.au/accommodation/56b23b4b3ed14ca745317f3e/namadgi-national-park-campgrounds


Photo Credits

Image courtesy of Harrison Candlin

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