River, stream, or creek camping in Australia with climbing

If you love camping adventures—or road trips with a camper trailer or caravan—you’ll love every part of Australia.

96% (7864 reviews)
96% (7864 reviews)

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Australia with climbing

98%
(1661)

Bahwidgee on Tumut River

171 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Bombowlee, NSW
Located on the stunning Tumut River, where cool groves of black wattle line the riverbank, offering shade, privacy, and comfort. Here you have clear Snowy River water at your doorstep. It's so fresh we drink it! Each camping site is by the river, prime position for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Based on availability, you are welcome to choose your spot on arrival. All options are grassed and level. You will have access to a pit toilet, otherwise, please BYO facilities. Small campfires are welcome in the fire pits provided, or BYO firepit (permitting there are no restrictions in place at the time). Firewood can be purchased at the time of booking. We're pet-friendly, so you're welcome to bring your four-legged friends along! Please note, however, that we are a working farm and as such farm activities are going on, and we have resident animals, so please keep your pets under control at all times. Also, please ensure kids are supervised at all times, particularly around the river. Lifejackets are recommended. During your time here, visit the local farm gates in Tumut, Batlow, Tumbarumba, and Adelong for their delicious high-country produce. There are also some beautiful swimming spots and walks to discover in the region, as well as good facilities in town, including the local swimming pool and shopping centre. Enjoy a local brew and bite to eat at the Tumut brewery. Bahwidgee is just 3km from the Tumut town centre - so close you could ride in, or even walk.
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Showers
from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(1243)

Fair Harvest Retreat Margaret River

36 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Margaret River, WA
Awarded best Hipcamp site in WA 2023 and 2024 Our campsite is designed for people wanting a quiet, eco-friendly stay. Just five kilometers outside of Margaret River, we welcome campers to come and experience the magic of Fair Harvest. The gardens and farm of Fair Harvest were established in 1995 and have matured into an extensive Permaculture demonstration system. In 2022, we were proudly awarded the nationally-recognised Eco Certification for Ecotourism. Our camper amenities include 2 showers ( on timer as we have limited rainwater), 2composting toilets, and an outdoor kitchen built from timber harvested onsite. We are dedicated to creating a more sustainable lifestyle and sharing our beautiful farm with others. As a permaculture farm recycling is a huge part of our culture so please read our detailed guidelines to waste management for campers. The farm features extensive food gardens, a Pop Up Farm Cafe , a beautiful Yoga Barn, and a farm and forest walks. Our campground is close to town, bush walks and cycle trails. Enjoy eco-friendly amenities and a great vibe, a place to retreat in a beautiful part of the world. Visit the animals, discover our veggie garden and observe the many birds part of our ecosystem. Due to farm commitments, events, courses and retreats, the campground is open to the public only certain times of the year. Open everyday during holidays and long weekend. Open Wednesday to Sunday outside holidays Closed from mid june till mid September We have limited space for caravans, RVs and camper trailers. Please message us first to make sure we still have space. Please note that shady site are limited. We highly recommend campers to read the rules before arrival, thank you in advance! Fair Harvest Retreat Rules 1 - CHECK IN is between 2 and 6 pm, for late arrivals let us know your ETA. CHECK OUT by 10 am 2 - ON ARRIVAL, stop at the self check-in area. Register your details. Find your name and camp site number on the whiteboard. Grab a map and set up your camp. 3 - KIDS should always be accompanied beyond the immediate campground. 4 - Enjoy a SHORT WALK around the gardens. We kindly ask you to keep the gates closed and not to pick the food. FARM WALK, follow the walk trail sign around our forest about 30/40 min.. 5 - DOGS should be on a lead at all time, we do have 1 designated paddock (not fenced) where you can have your dog off leads, please ask us. Our 2 farm dogs are free to walk around the farm and are really friendly. Jimmy - Black X Kelpie love to get the stick, very gentle. Max - Tan x kelpie , love to chase Jimmy. Please make sure your bins and food are out of reach. 6 - FIRE - you are welcome to light the communal fire (firewood provided) 
 this is the only fire allowed on site. Please check current fire Ban info with us. usually from December till March WATER - the campground run with rain water only, we are limited please used it wisely. 7 - WASTE & RECYCLING - SO IMPORTANT! We are doing our best to provide a great recycling model. PLEASE help us …. All food even meat should be given to the chickens (bin in the kitchen) There is a 10C refund bin (this goes to charity) A recycling bin at the front gate. A general waste bin at the front gate. We do not accept mixed rubbish in our bin, so if you don't separate take them away with you. We will be more than happy to explain and help you with your waste. 8 - QUIET time from 9pm - please be mindful of others campers - no parties or late music. No generators. 9 - VISITORS between 9 - 4 and please ask them to park in the general carpark 10 - We are a SMOKE FREE farm.
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from 
AU$34
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
91%
(41)

Kookaburra

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jerrawangala, NSW
Step into tranquillity and get ready for a truly authentic 'bush' experience at Kookaburra, a charming 20-acre farm tucked away between Ulladulla and Nowra on the NSW South Coast! Just under a three-hour drive from bustling Sydney and Canberra, Kookaburra offers a peaceful getaway that'll make you feel worlds away. Imagine setting up camp in our open paddock or nestling under the shade of our tree canopies! As an added bonus, there's a serene creekside just a short bushwalk away. Our area is home to a variety of wildlife, including friendly kookaburras, adorable wallabies and even the occasional wombat! It's definitely a haven for nature lovers! At Kookaburra, we ensure all our guests enjoy privacy and space. However, do bear in mind you're in a shared space and you might see other groups around. We operate on a self-sufficient model, so please remember to dispose of your rubbish responsibly and, of course, leave no trace in nature. Our farm family includes curious and friendly cows, free-roaming chickens and a delightful pig – they might even come say hello when you first pull in! Come join us at Kookaburra for a weekend getaway or an overnight stop. You're always welcome to drive in, pass the house and park in the back paddock. We're generally around if you need anything, but a simple wave is enough! Please note that if you plan to arrive after dark, do let us know in advance so we can provide any necessary arrangements. We allow fires (subject to Fire Danger Ratings), and you can even cut your own firewood! We love pets too, so bring them along, remembering to supervise them around the farm animals and wildlife. Remember – at Kookaburra, phone reception is limited (pretty much non-existent), so be sure to come prepared. And although a 2WD vehicle generally suffices, adverse weather may require a 4WD. Don't forget to bring pest repellent, watch out for those wombat holes and keep an eye out for tree stumps and snakes! We can't wait for you to experience the magic Kookaburra has in store! See you soon!
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from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(43)

WildWing Retreat

6 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · St Helens, TAS
WildWing Retreat is a beautiful 25 acre bush block, located within a 15 minute (1km) walk, to the local surf beach of Four Mile. The property has been created to host retreats centred around nature immersion, movement and connection (i.e yoga, acroyoga, dance, meditation, mindfuness, embodiment practices etc) and in the 'off season' it's available to host hipcampers! Because the space has been designed to host large groups, there are a bunch of facilities available to use, such as compost toilets, a communal kitchen with fresh running water, solar lights and gas cooker, an undercover deck area, hot showers, and a cedar barrel hot tub (refer to the extras section for hot tub use!). We also have a small stream on the property, with a little waterhole for plunging in and are surrounded by native wildlife. The property blooms with native Kunzea bushes, wattles, native cherries and various varieties of eucalyptus. WildWing is also our home, so we have our own set up, on a different section of the property. This means that we are nearby if needed, but that we all have our own space on the property :). There is a beautiful large fresh water river and waterhole just down the road (15 minute walk, or 2 minute drive), and aside from the surf beach down the front, we are also only a 10-15 minute drive from a bunch of other beautiful and popular surf beaches on the east coast. The whole area is great for fishing, boating, surfing, bike riding, walking and short hikes. We are a 10 minute drive from Falmouth, a 25 minute drive from the St Helens mountain bike trails, a 30 minute drive from Bicheno & Douglas Apsley National Park, a 45 minute drive from the infamous Bay of Fires and an hours drive from the Freycinet National Park. We are passionate about outdoor living and supporting the natural environment and have created WildWing with the intention to support others to have unique and beautiful experiences in nature, while caring for the land they inhabit.
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from 
AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(276)

C Colo - just beautiful

8 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Colo, NSW
Our property contains the first road in and out of Colo - the original road is supported by hand built dry rock walls some of which are over 3 m high. Often referred to as convict built, but more likely built by freemen who were former convicts.  The property housed the load master's residence who controlled the cargo boats that docked to collect the valley’s produce. This was then transported back down the Colo River which flows into the Hawkesbury river and leads to Broken Bay following the coastline down to Old Sydney Town. The beach diagonally across the river was landed upon by members of the First Fleet’s exploratory scouting party on the lookout for quality farm land - some of which is still in production today.  Our property is on the uppermost reach of freshwater but with tidal influence. This deep water allows swimming and canoeing all year round. Our property is adjacent to the only council built canoe launching facilities on the Colo River.
Pets
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from 
AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(601)

Hopevale Adventure Camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents113 acres · Widgee, QLD
The Cooke Family welcomes you to “Hopevale”. A beautiful 113 acre property bordered by Wrattens National Park at the edge of the world in the peaceful Widgee district of greater Gympie. Jason, a landscaper by trade, and Jacinta a teacher by profession, met many years ago at a national Christian youth conference. Four beautiful children later and many years down the track, they bought Hopevale as a blank cattle fattening property in 2018. After much hard work, they have made it what it is today, with plans to continually improve. We have different camp options available, one of which is set up for those guests also wanting to stay with horses or just have a larger group booking. Guests will have access to a toilet and shower throughout their stay which is within walking distance from each of the campsites. Campfires and pets are welcome. The property has only had 4 farming owners in its 110 odd years since it was first surveyed and selected in 1915. The Hillcoats, Bishops, Cotters, and now the Cooke’s. The families over the years have used the property for timber getting, dairy, beef and small cropping. The property is geologically rich with volcanic soils, sandstone escarpments full of caves and overhangs. The mighty Wrattens Falls sits to the back of the property in the National Park and is a sight to behold in full flow. It feeds the head waters of the western branch of Widgee Creek which meanders through the property. The subtropical dry rainforest clad mountains are dominated by the majestic Bunya and Hoop pines and are a testament to what once was covering the entire property before being cleared for farming. Remnant riparian creek lines are botanically rich and diverse holding Red and White Cedar, Teak, Silky oak and many other coveted timber trees harvested back in the day. There are many species of animals and birds that call Hopevale home. From water dragons, frogs and fish in the creeks, monitors, wallabies, deer, koalas, possums and phascogales in the eucalypts. Red-back wrens, pardalotes, rainbow bee-eaters, finches and quail call the open grasses home while whip birds give their iconic call in the forest. Above, birds of prey ride the thermals of the valley looking for their next meal. “We have been blessed beyond measure with a small slice of God’s wonderful creation that we would love to share with you.”
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from 
AU$16.20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(235)

Bimbimbi River Camp

10 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · VIC
Bimbimbi is located at the free flowing, clear beginning of the Murray River, at Tintaldra. We have 5 separate sites. Each site is for a single group, so you know you will only have yourselves in close proximity. Each site has access to the river, although The Fishing Hole, River Red Gums and The Big Bend have better access than The Willows and The Old Pump Hole. Swimming, fishing for Murray Cod, hiking along the river bank (we have 3km of frontage), bird watching, relaxing are typical things to do here. Or, if you are more adventurous, borrow our canoes and do a down river trip, or go for a longer hike up Pine Mountain in the Pine Mountain National Park. Or, bring your mountain or road bikes and do some cycling on the picturesque roads and trails. The Big Bend is the most open camping site suitable for larger groups. Access to the river for swimming is good. This site is accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles. The Fishing Hole is our most remote location, accessible during the summer by high clearance 2-wheel drive vehicles but 4-wheel drive is highly recommended. There is good access to the river here for swimming. This site is clothing optional. You are basically on your own in a remote place. Wear whatever you like, including nothing at all. River Red Gums is a single campsite, also remote and primitive, accessible by high clearance 2-wheel drive vehicles during dry weather. Again, 4 wheel drive is recommended. Access to the river is easy and the bank slopes gently down making it a great place for swimming. This site is also clothing optional. The Old Pump Hole is upstream of all the other camp sites. It is the easiest to access. Most vehicles will get to this site. The bank here is steeper so swimming is not as easy. However, always improvising, campers at this location jump in here with their li-los, inner tubes and other flotation devices and float down to The Big Bend, get out and then come back and do it again. This is an area set on a small hill overlooking the river, as shown in the photos. The Willows, our newest site, is between The Big Bed and River Red Gums, set under the shade of some willows a few metres from the river bank. The bank here is also steep, but again, campers can hop into the river here and float down to River Red Gums, or walk either to River Red Gums or The Big Bend for swimming. The Willows is also clothing optional. The campsites are well spaced out, with a minimum of 200 metres between the nearest two locations. In fact, it either impossible or very difficult to see anyone else at the other camp sites from your own camp site. Each camp site is accessible via its own track, so you won't have other vehicles driving past your camp site. We have a Leave No Trace policy, please take all rubbish with you. (This also means not throwing bottles, cans, bottle tops, aluminium foil and other non-biodegradable items into the camp fire.) Dogs are allowed, but please keep them under control, particularly if near cattle. Campfires are allowed only in braziers provided, when fire bans are not in place. You can gather your own firewood or purchase firewood from us (see "Extras"). Please arrive before dark if you haven't been here before. It is difficult to understand a new camp site in the dark. We provide a toilet at each location, for your convenience and the cleanliness of the camp site in general. Nothing but your human deposit and toilet paper in the toilet please. No disposable wipes, nappies etc. Please put these in your trash. Also, bring your drone but use it only over locations that are not occupied. We have canoes to borrow and seasonal produce is available from the garden. And, again, wood for purchase if you don't want to gather your own. Please see "Extras"
Pets
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Toilets
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Showers
from 
AU$17
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(40)

The Ranch on Clarence

29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents113 acres · Louisa Creek, NSW
The Ranch on Clarence River: Horse Lovers Camp & Riverside Adventure Discover a serene escape on our stunning 113-acre property, boasting 1.3 kilometers of pristine Clarence River freshwater frontage. Surrounded by the peaceful presence of over 30 majestic Andalusian and Warlander horses as well as other breeds roaming freely. You’ll find a true sanctuary for both relaxation and adventure. Horse Lovers Camp offers ample space for self-contained campers to pitch their tent or park their off-road caravan. Nestled along the edge of the mighty Clarence River. From soaring cliff faces overlooking the river and the vast expanse at the southern end of the property, with platypus, to peaceful rapids and large swimming pools in the middle and a sandy beach at the northern end, the property really does have it all. There is great walking and mountain bike trails all over the property for your enjoyment. You can embrace the tranquility of nature, whether you’re gazing at the horses, fishing, swimming, or kayaking. Explore the hills on your mountain bike, or unwind by the campfire under the stars. For the equine enthusiasts, you can meet our herd and book a personalized horse riding or equine experience. If horses aren’t your thing, take advantage of the riverfront—swim, fish, or paddle in the refreshing waters while your friends ride. Key Features: Clarence Camping: 1.3km of Clarence River frontage with ample space for off-road caravans or tents. Equine Experiences: If you are a thrill seeker, you have found the right place!! Ask us about our multi-day treks, or book our 1 or 2 hr River Ride (we may just swim the horses bareback in the river if the conditions are right on the 2 hr ride) Bring in the herd on our Troopie Horse Safari. This is an experience like no other with the herd galloping along side the Troopie! Yeeehaaaa!! Meet and greet our herd of over 30 horses! Outdoor Adventure: Kayak, swim, fish, or bike—there’s plenty to do! Campfires & Stargazing: End your day by the fire, gazing at the stars above. Please note, we currently welcome only self-contained campers who bring their own toilet, shower, and drinking water. UPDATE: We do have 1 flush toilet available for all our guests on the property nearby the Homestead. Pets are welcome as long as they are well-behaved, and if your pet tends to chase livestock, they’ll need to be leashed. If the fire baths are your calling card, book Swan Lake. Our property is 2WD & 4WD accessible, with 4WD caravans and camper trailers welcome. We do have plenty of 2WD sites available as well. If you’re unsure about your vehicle, feel free to message us for a chat. The Ranch on Clarence is a sister business to The Ranch Byron Bay, where we offer memorable equine experiences.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Under $50

Available this weekend

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping in Australia with climbing guide

Overview

Australia is a wild-at-heart continent, and camping is a part of its DNA thanks to Aussies who love camping holidays. It isn't hard to find a good caravan park or camping area—from five-star glamping at Uluru and family-friendly coastal holiday parks to rustic campsites at cattle stations and bush camping in national parks. Pitch your tent near the dunes and be lulled asleep by the sound of the surf, or wake up to bird calls and frog song in the rainforest. Take in the views from a country peak, or head out into the wilderness on an Outback road trip. And the best thing about camping in Australia? There's always perfect camping weather somewhere, no matter the time of year.

Where to go

New South Wales

New South Wales has a bit of everything that makes Australia such a great place to camp. Hipcampers can choose from snow-covered mountains, beaches, rainforest, and Outback plains—you can always find a good camping spot in NSW.

Queensland

Australia’s favourite place to escape the cold, the white-sand beaches north and south of Brisbane in southeast Queensland are warm enough to swim in all year-round. It may be too wet in summer to camp comfortably in the rainforest of Cairns, the Tropical North, and along the Great Barrier Reef, but winter is the best time to swim in the sea. The Outback, too, is at its best in the cooler months.

South Australia

A wild, dramatic, and mostly deserted coastline, South Australia’s rugged outback ranges and fantastic wine are just a few reasons to pitch a tent or park your caravan here. It may not always be swimming weather (the ocean waters are cold), but the beach camping here is some of the best in Australia.

Tasmania

Any time's a good time to visit Tasmania, a place that will delight intrepid Hipcampers with its wild and remote national parks and camping sites. You'll need a warm sleeping bag and good wet weather gear, as it can snow on the peaks near Hobart even in summer. But don't let a little dampness put you off, because it rains here all the time, which is why the World Heritage wilderness areas are so beautifully lush.

Victoria

Just down the road a bit from Melbourne, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is a bucket-list road trip that lives up to the hype, with some of the best coastal camping areas around. Hiking and camping in the Grampians is good year-round, although the snow-covered high country peaks and the east coast national parks are best saved for the warmer months.

Western Australia

Western Australia is huge, so don’t expect to see it all in a couple of weeks. Let the weather be your guide and explore the coastal national parks, forests, wineries, and beaches south of Perth during the hot, dry summer, then head north to Broome and the Kimberley for a 4WD camping adventure in winter, when it rarely rains.

Northern Territory

When the wintertime chills hit the south, the Northern Territory is the place to be, especially if you’re fond of campervan road trips. The deserts of the Red Centre offer warm, fly-free days and cold nights ideal for gathering around the campfire. Kakadu National Park and the Top End are hot and dry—perfect for swimming.

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.