Best Places to Camp in Australia

Along the Karuah River, wide grassy sites sit far enough apart that you'll barely hear another camper, with cattle and horses grazing close by. Swim the rapids, watch for platypus at dusk, and fall asleep to the sound of running water.

Sites here sit spaced apart under shady trees, some overlooking a lily-covered dam, with a bush track leading down to the Myall River. Shower under open sky, cook in the memorabilia-filled communal kitchen, and let the resident chickens and dog Ruby keep you company.

A spring-fed lagoon runs clear and blue past this private paddock camp, with turtles, platypus, and fish sharing the water beneath dark, star-filled skies. Swim, paddle the kayaks or SUP, swing off the rope, then soak in the stone hot bath overlooking it all.

A creek winds through this bush camp near Robin Falls, with shaded, well-spaced sites, birdsong, and a ridge lookout for sunset. Swim the clear water, gather wood for your fire pit, and let Michael point you toward nearby trails.

Just four grassy, secluded sites sit among the bushland outside Darwin, each with its own outdoor shower, fire pit, power, and water. Swim at Berry Springs five minutes away, then wash up in the spotless amenities block before falling asleep to birdsong.

This fenced bush block near Wagait Beach is fully set up with power, water, fire pits and firewood, plus a clean bathroom. Walk to the jetty to fish, watch sunsets from the beach, or let the kids ride bikes safely around camp.

Mountains ring this Widgee property, where cattle, horses, and wallabies graze between creekside sites and a swimming dam with a diving board. Hike to the caves, cast a line at the waterhole, or just watch the stars come out over camp.

Sites sit spread along the Mary River's banks, each with its own fire pit and mown grass running down to clear, swimmable water. Borrow the free kayaks and tubes, watch for platypus at dusk, and listen for frogs once the banks go dark.

Five huge grassy sites sit spaced for privacy under mature trees, a short walk from Kenilworth's pub and bakery and the Mary River. Big rigs fit easily, fire pits come large, and the river's close enough for a swim or a cast.

Spacious sites spread across farmland in Inman Valley, with dams, starry skies, and kangaroos passing through at dusk. Friendly dogs greet you at camp, clean toilets and an outdoor kitchen sit close by, and kids run free while the Heysen Trail waits just beyond.

Rolling hills, sheep-dotted paddocks, and a restored shepherd's hut with a wood heater mark this working farm outside Riverton. Hike the Heysen Trail to Marshall's Hut, then join Trish and Peter at the Sunset Baa for drinks as the valley below goes gold.

Sheep and lambs graze the paddock next door on this quiet South Australian property, where a fire pit, table, and stump stools sit ready for the evening. Wake to a cuppa with the flock, then watch the sunset settle over open paddocks.

Spread along the Inglis River near Wynyard, this working family property gives each group its own grassy site, fire pit, and stretch of water. Swing off the rope into the river, fish from the bank, or feed the resident goats and hand-reared ducks.

Sites sit private and secluded along the Ringarooma River, where platypus, echidnas, and wallabies show up at dawn and free firewood waits by the fire ring. Book the sauna and cold plunge, then walk into Branxholm for a lamb pie.

Clydesdales and goats roam this farm in Tasmania's northwest, where paddock sites climb toward hilltop views over the valley. Jamie and Renee will walk you among the horses, sell you a bag of firewood, and send you off with a carton of multicoloured eggs.

Set in the foothills of the southern Grampians, this working sheep farm spreads seven spacious, mowed sites across open paddocks with views to Mt Abrupt and the range. Gather firewood, build a fire, and wake to kookaburras and lambs in the field.

Paddocks roll down to a creek and lake here, with kangaroos, emus, and cows grazing right by your private, well-spaced site. Watch the wildlife, cool off in the water hole, and let the kids ride bikes on the farm track until dark.

Private sites line the upper Murray here, fenced off from grazing cattle, with a composting toilet, firewood, and swimming holes at every bend. Fish for cod at sunset, kayak the river, and watch platypus and cows drift past your camp.

Named gullies spread across this Keysbrook farm, each site set beside a babbling creek with sheep, cows, and the odd cheeky goat wandering past. Build a fire, gather fresh farm eggs, and fall asleep to the water running by.

Jarrah and karri trees shade spacious sites above a dam, with a nature trail of flora and fauna signage looping the property near Manjimup. Kids ride communal bikes and swing while Matt's family shares fresh veggies from their own garden.

Old-growth karri forest lines the dirt track into this working farm on the Warren River, where kangaroos and emus graze near the cattle at dawn. Camp riverside, fish, soak in the quiet, or push on to Callcup Hill's 4WD tracks down to Warren Beach.