Free Camp Your Way Around Australia

Australia offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unique outdoor experiences. For camping enthusiasts, there's nothing quite like the thrill of free camping, where you can set up your tent or park your camper in some of the country's most stunning and remote locations without spending a dime. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey to discover some of the best free camping spots in Australia.

 

Tips for Free Camping in Australia

• Respect the Environment: Always leave no trace. Pack up all your rubbish and avoid disturbing the natural surroundings.
• Check Regulations: Some areas may have specific regulations or restrictions on things like open fires and dogs. Always check local guidelines before setting up camp.
• Be Self-Sufficient: Free camping spots often lack amenities, so ensure you have enough water, food, and supplies.
• Safety First: Be prepared for changing weather conditions and have a reliable means of communication in remote areas.

 

Free Campsites

Queensland

Bowenville Reserve
Phone: 13 18 72
Bowenville Reserve is located alongside Oakey Creek off the Bowenville-Norwin Road, a short 4km drive from the Warrego Highway at Bowenville.

• Fires: No fires directly on the ground.
• Stays: Limited to 7 days.
• Fees: No camping fees.
• Facilities: Picnic tables, bins, toilets (no showers), playground.
• Water: Not available.
• Entry: Gravel road; can be boggy after wet weather.
• Fire Ban: Total fire ban unless in fire pits.
• Fishing: From shore and small watercraft; electric motors allowed.

Yarramalong Weir Reserve
Address: 601 Yarramalong Rd, Tummaville, Queensland.
Located on the banks of the Condamine River, this facility is great for self-contained campers who love to relax.

• Location: 30km east of Millmerran on Yarramalong Road.
• Fees: No fees.
• Stays: Maximum of 3 days.
• Facilities: Picnic tables, toilets, boat ramp on the eastern side of the weir, open fireplaces.
• Bring: Your own drinking water and firewood.
• Dogs: Allowed but must be kept on a lead.

Passmore Reserve
Address: 29 Passmore Rd, Ellangowan, Queensland.

• Swimming: Allowed.
• Dogs: Friendly.
• Facilities: None; bring your own toilet.
• Accessibility: Motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Camping: Tents allowed; must be fully self-contained.

Notch Point/Yarrawonga Reserve Campground
Phone: 0130 047 222
Notch Point (Yarrawonga Park) Reserve is one of the best camping and fishing spots on the Central Queensland Coast.

• Access: 4WD only; no facilities.
• Supplies: Fuel, take-away food, bait, and ice available at the Ilbilbie Roadhouse (bottled water only).
• Stays: Maximum of 7 nights in any 21-day period.
• Dogs: Allowed on a lead.
• Vehicles: 4x4 and offroad caravans/campers with high clearance recommended.

Corella Dam Campground

• Swimming: Allowed.
• Dogs: Friendly.
• Facilities: None.
• Accessibility: Motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Camping: Tents allowed.
• Crocodiles: Only freshwater crocs.

Greenpatch RV Park
Address: Bungara Heritage Trail, Gordonvale, Queensland.
Phone: 0130 069 224

• Location: 30-minute drive south of Cairns.
• Stays: Maximum of 3 nights.
• Facilities: Dump point, toilets, coin-operated hot showers.
• No Power or Water Available.
• Rules: No fires, dogs on a leash, no waste disposal on the ground, no littering, generators 8am-8pm, no loud music after 10pm, 10km/h speed limit in Kid Zone.
• Camping Areas: Grass on lower level for campervans and tents, concrete pads on upper level for caravans.
• Swimming: Not recommended due to saltwater crocodiles.
• Flash Flooding: Can occur; evacuate if siren sounds.
• Bat Colonies: Present during summer; avoid contact with bats.

Bluewater Park Campground
Address: 41790 Bruce Hwy, Bluewater, Queensland.
Phone: 134810
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

• Facilities: Toilets, drinking water, dump point.
• Dogs: Friendly.
• Accessibility: Motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Camping: Tents allowed.
• Rangers Patrol: Will evict if no booking.

Wallace's Landing Fishing Spot
Address: 402 Peak Rd, Inkerman, Queensland.

• Facilities: 1 eco toilet, boat ramp.
• Stays: Maximum of 4 days within any two-week period.
• Accessibility: Motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, and caravans.
• Camping: Tents allowed.
• Pets: Allowed.

South Australia

Pichi Richi Park Campground
Address: 2035 Flinders Ranges Way, Quorn, South Australia.
Phone: (08) 8648 6898

• Access: 4WD and 2WD accessible sites.
• Facilities: Renovated bathrooms, outdoor kitchen, bush walking trails.
• Heysen Trail: Traverses the property.

Parachilna Gorge Campground
Address: Parachilna Gorge Road, South Australia.

• Access: 4WD required, not suitable for large caravans unless high clearance all-terrain rated.
• Facilities: None.
• Self-sufficient Camping: Required.

Fitzgerald Bay North Campground
Address: Point Douglas Rd, Whyalla, South Australia.

• Facilities: Toilets, drinking water, swimming, free wifi, USB charging station.
• Accessibility: RVs, camper trailers, and caravans.
• Camping: Tents allowed.

Victoria

Buckety Plain Campground
Address: Bogong High Plains Road, Bundara, Victoria.
The Alpine National Park offers some of the most authentic and scenic bush camping opportunities in Victoria.

• Camping: Suited to experienced hikers and self-sufficient campers.
• Weather: Can deteriorate suddenly; snow can fall at any time of year.
• Road Closures: Seasonal closures in winter and early spring.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces.
• Dogs: Not permitted.
• Campfire Guidelines: Use fireplaces provided or portable gas/fuel stove, clear area around campfire, never leave unattended, ensure completely out before leaving.
• Fire Bans: Common during summer and autumn; check for Total Fire Bans.

Contact Information
For Total Fire Bans: 1800 240 667.

Tasmania

Lake Mackintosh Campground
Address: Mackintosh Dam Rd, Tullah, Tasmania.
Website: Hydro Tasmania
Facebook: Hydro Tasmania

Located 5km from Tullah, Lake Mackintosh is stocked with brown and rainbow trout and surrounded by beautiful rainforest.

• Facilities: None. Campers need to be self-sufficient and take all rubbish with them.
• Boat Ramps: Two available—primary ramp is concrete, West ramp is gravel. Access via Mackintosh Dam and spillway.
• Note: Access to the site and boat ramp is closed when the lake spills. Visitors must evacuate when water level is high, as indicated on the evacuation gauge board sign.
• Pets: Permitted.
• Activities: Easy bush walking tracks around the lake and a three-hour return walk to the summit of Mt Farrell. Amazing views of Tasmania's wilderness from the summit.
• Fishing: Requires a licence to fish for trout in Tasmania's lakes.
• Stays: Maximum of 14 nights.

New South Wales

Bendethera Valley Campground
Address: Bendethera Camp Trail, New South Wales / ACT.
Phone: 1300 072 757
Email: parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au

This free campground offers a beautiful setting with basic amenities.

• Facilities: Toilets and swimming available.
• Pets: Not permitted.
• Accessibility: Camper trailers and four-wheel drives only.
• Camping: Tents allowed.
• Booking: Must book in advance.

Free camping in Australia offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the country’s diverse landscapes without breaking the bank. Whether you're exploring Tasmania’s rainforests, the rugged outback, or the serene salt lakes of Victoria, there's a free camping spot waiting for you. Pack your gear, plan your route, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure under the stars.

Happy camping!