The Most Instagram-Worthy Camping Spots Across Australia
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Australia is so far removed from the rest of the world that even a short overseas trip requires a lot of prep, time, and money. Luckily, there are countless incredible travel destinations in our very own backyard, which means that even if a trip to Europe or the Caribbean is off the cards, there’s still plenty to do and see.
Camping isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but those who enjoy it will know that incredible rush of freedom that comes with waking up in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a beach bum or an energetic adventure-seeker, here are the some of the most beautiful camping destinations around Australia… all of which will look great on your Instagram feed.
Johanna Beach, Victoria
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of waves gently crashing on a white, sandy beach. Johanna Beach lies about three hours south of Melbourne, making it the ideal weekend getaway. Situated on the southern-most coast of the mainland, the camping spot offers spectacular views 24 hours a day. Lay about and enjoy the gleaming sand and glistening blue water during the day – it stretches so far, you’ll feel as though it’s all yours. By night, a breathtaking sunset makes way for clear skies speckled with endless stars – the kind you really forget about when you live in the city.
Dawsons Spring, Mt Kaputar National Park, New South Wales
If you’re looking to escape to a serene wilderness, Mount Kaputar is the answer. A lesser-known but incredibly beautiful destination about seven hours from either Sydney or Brisbane, Mount Kaputar is an ideal camping compromise for friends heading in from both directions! The national park offers something for everyone, from walking, cycling and hiking to horse riding and bird watching. The spacious camping grounds include a barbecue, car park, showers, toilets and other basic amenities for just $6 per night. The backdrop, meanwhile, is breathtaking in both scope and beauty – it doesn’t get better when it comes to inland camping.
Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand, Western Australia
Without a doubt, Cape Le Grand offers the best natural scenery in the south-west, and it’s a great pick if you can’t choose between a relaxing beachside escape and an adventure-filled getaway. The cape is home to gargantuan granite peaks, rolling shrubbery and colourful wildflowers, set along a stunning coast as far as the eye can see. The sheltered Lucky Bay is the kind of camping spot you could easily stay at for a week or more, with pristine turquoise water that’s just made for swimming, surfing and fishing.
Mt Field National Park, Tasmania
A short drive from Hobart, Mt Field National Park is one of Australia’s unsung heroes in terms of diversity, beauty, and camping. One of the most diverse national parks in the country, the park boasts some of the world’s tallest trees in gum and fern forests and is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many endangered species. The park is worth a visit all year round, as the leaves turn in autumn, with skiing and snowboarding in winter, and idyllic hikes during the warmer months. Of course, the biggest attraction is Russell Falls, one of the most treasured and beautiful waterfalls in Australia.
Cape Tribulation, Queensland
Although Cape Tribulation is a short drive from Cairns, the opportunity to camp in far north Queensland’s famous Daintree Rainforest should never be passed up. Cape Tribulation itself is the middle point between the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef, meaning that this beachfront camping spot is unlike anything else in the world, given the abundance of natural wonders and adventures at your fingertips. From beaches and swimming holes to rainforest terrain ideal for 4WD aficionados, the greatest aspect of Cape Tribulation is how far removed it is from even the slightest hint of city life and urban development.
Ormiston Gorge, Northern Territory
The Ormiston Gorge is a two-hour drive from Alice Springs and 17 hours from Darwin, meaning you can only get there if you’re really, really dedicated to travelling across the country. If you’re willing to put in the effort, though, it’s absolutely worth it. Ormiston Gorge forms the westernmost border of Ormiston Pound, a ring of mountains within the vast MacDonnell Ranges. The area offers phenomenal panoramic views of Mount Songer and the Gosses Bluff Crater, while the Finke River, one of the country’s largest central rivers (it stretches for some 600km) passes right through. Despite the absolute remoteness, basic creature comforts like toilets, showers, gas barbecues and limited drinking water are available, making for a great camping destination.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Situated off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island lives up to its name, with wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas, sea lions, koalas and pelicans inhabiting the island, which stretches 155km long, and 50km wide. Six separate camping areas are on offer throughout the island, with varying degrees of amenities throughout, and considering the island is the third biggest off Australia’s coast, there’s plenty of local food, wine and activities to enjoy. Though isolated, the pristine sandy beaches and lush greenery of Kangaroo island are easily accessible via a short flight or ferry from Adelaide, making it a go-to for a dreamy weekend camping escape.
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