These are some of our country's best-kept secrets.
Contrary to popular belief, camping isn’t just reserved for spring and summer. While it’s tempting to pitch your tent by sprawling, salty coastline, Australia has so much more to offer – especially during the winter months.
With international travel still off the cards for a lot of people (tight funds and all), our friends at Australian caravan & campervan sharing platform Camplify have decided to share some local knowledge of the most picturesque destinations to inspire your winter vacations at home this year.
Reaching out to its community of van owners who hit the road regularly to some of the country’s most stunning camping locations, we’ve got the inside scoop on some of their best kept secrets for your next road trip when our country opens up again.
Just make sure you don’t skimp on the layers and extra socks.
Bossberries, North Dorrigo, NSW
Jodie, owner of campervan Spirit in NSW, recommends this spot. This caravan park is in an amazing location, it’s the perfect location for brilliant campfires and star watching. Surrounded by bushwalks, there’s plenty to do to stay active or just relax by the creek and try to spot some platypus!
Rollingstone Beachfront Resort, QLD
Juliet, owner of caravan Owlcation in QLD, recommends Rollingstone. This is the perfect location to choose your own adventure and is ideal for beachfront camping, meaning you can just set up camp, drop a line in the ocean and relax. The resort is equipped with a pool, BMX track, jumping pillow and specially designed ponds for recreational fishing. With plenty of beautiful walks surrounding the resort, this location is perfect for an action packed winter vacation.
View this post on Instagram
Check out more travel guides via our website.
Barmah Lakes, VIC
Jan, owner of motorhome, Freedom Getaway in VIC, says Barmah Lakes, VIC is her go to. Located in the Barmah State Forest about 30km from Echuca on the Murray River is a key place for those who love to be at one with nature. By a large expanse of water, campers can canoe, swim and fish. For those who would like to stay on land, there’s an array of bush and cultural walks. The secluded nature of this location makes for amazing stargazing in the evening around a campfire.
Beachcomber Holiday Park, Potato Point, NSW
Back to New South Wales, Lisa, owner of the caravan the Complete Family Retreat in NSW, suggests Beachcomber Holiday Park. Beachcomber is right by the beach in a stunning setting. Close by to a lovely little town, the days are perfect for exploring, surfing and mountain biking while marshmallow melting and campfire are the perfect activities in the evening before getting snuggly under the stars.
View this post on Instagram
Wunglebung Campground QLD
Wunglebung is a true bush retreat, teeming with serenity, and Beverley, owner of caravan 2020 Kokoda Cadet II Platinum in QLD recommends checking it out for a winter holiday like none other. This dog friendly location offers bushwalking, kayaking, mountain biking perfect for those looking for adventure during the day. After a busy day, Wunglebung is transformed by the night sky and offers some amazing star gazing.
Beechworth Sambell Park, VIC
Delaney, owner of campervan, Van Morrison in VIC, recommends Beechworth Sambell Park, VIC: This relaxing campsite features the sound of running water from the nearby creek and the smell of pine trees that surround the site. This picturesque location is ideal for long barbeques, swimming, bird watching and stargazing.
View this post on Instagram
Bullara Station, WA
You might have to fly to get there, but Lisa, owner of a fleet of caravans in WA recommends Bullara Station, WA. This authentic outback station experience is nestled in the heart of Ningaloo. Wake up to an array of animals including sheep, horses and cows roaming the campground and head to the local coast to find some amazing swimming spots. Communal campfires are available in the evening for a perfect way to wind down and swap stories with fellow travellers.
Booti Booti National Park, Forster, NSW
Brittany, owner of Vance the East Coast Voyager in NSW, suggests Booti Booti National Park, Forster, NSW. The ruins campground feels rugged and remote with wide sweeping beaches and plenty of bush walks in the national parks. The location is perfect for making cooking fires on the beach and surfing. There are also some really lovely cafes at Blueys Beach.
Cape Tribulation, QLD
Hayley and Stan, the owner of this luxury Motorhome, NSW & QLD say Cape Tribulation, QLD is their favourite. Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park is an amazing part of the world to visit during winter. The trip up the coast to Far North Queensland is breathtaking with many places to stop and enjoy along the way. Once in Cape Tribulation, you can enjoy walks to the beach and the rope swing. It’s also a great location to explore the Daintree area and the Great Barrier Reef. In the evening, sit by the campground fire pit and roast some tasty marshmallows.
View this post on Instagram
Wilsons Promontory National Park, VIC
No doubt a favourite for Victorians, Vickie, owner of caravan, Jayco Jpod in VIC, suggests Wilsons Promontory National Park. This beachside campsite is perfect to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With incredible scenery and beaches, swimming, snorkeling and hiking is all on offer. It’s also close to Big Drift, the sand dune system.
Mount Crawford Forest, SA
Sonja, owner of caravan, Elly in SA, says Mount Crawford Forest, SA is her winter favourite. This special camp spot is engulfed in pine trees, and placed next to a creek, a serene spot to immerse yourself in the forest. There’s plenty to do, including bird watching, searching for wildlife and hiking. Mount Crawford Forest is the perfect spot to get away from it all.
View this post on Instagram
Cape Range National Park in Exmouth, WA
Elena who owns the Adventurous Spirit in WA says WA’s Cape Range National Park in Exmouth is a must for roadtrippers: If you’re keen to take your time and experience everything Western Australia has to offer, be sure to include the Cape Range National Park in Exmouth, which is a special sight, particularly in the winter months when the weather is warm and people come to experience the extraordinary scenery and wildlife. Swim with whale sharks and snorkel at Turquoise Bay. The panoramic views over Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef are a must see, and some may even spot some of the native wildlife including emus, kangaroos, dingos and even eagles.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, SA
Skye, who owns campervan, Van Halen in SA, says Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, SA is her go-to. A favourite for camping, this national park has an abundance of activities for road trippers to enjoy. Explore the park and catch the best coastal views of South Australia by bushwalking on trails from 30 minutes to four hours. Head down to the beach for some surfing and finish the day with a warming campfire.
View this post on Instagram
To explore vans available to hire now, head to www.camplify.com.au
