Best Free Camping Spots Across Australia
We listed our favourite free camping areas, that are often far off the beaten track, so you get to enjoy them on your own!
Next to each free campsite, you will see three words. These are the ‘three-word address’ created by what3words
Victoria
1. Burrowye Bend – Murray River
A tranquil setting beside the crystal-clear waters of the Upper Murray River, this is a favoured escape, just over an hour from Wodonga, that offers little or no phone coverage and no facilities, so one must be self-reliant. Walwa is the closest town, a 20-minute drive away, and offers a small grocery store, a pub that serves great country fare, a dump point and public toilets.
2. Shearers Quarters Campground – Murray Sunset National Park
I love listening to the wind whistle through the cypress pines as the firewood crackles in the firepit. Most of the time, you won’t have to share this campground with anyone, but even if others are there, the area is large enough to still enjoy the remote peace and quiet. There are a couple of tables and pit toilets available but that is all — take out what you bring in.
3. Talbotville
On the banks of the Crooked River, it’s an epic drive to get in or out of. A town once thrived here, but all that remains now is a ripper camp spot. Low range will be needed to explore the plethora of tracks that wind their way up and down the mountains. The historic town of Grant is up the range towards Dargo and the track along the Crooked River has numerous crossings that will clean the dust from your undercarriage. Take out what you bring in and don’t forget to check out the Dargo Hotel at some stage.
Western Australia
1. Jupiter Well, Gary Junction Road
Located just under 1000km from Alice Springs on the Gary Junction Road, this is one heck of a remote camp. The reason it made the list is that it is one of the few nominated campsites on this epic shortcut from the Red Centre to the Pilbara and is also a stunning place to relax for a few days amongst the desert oaks. The well supplies potable water via a hand pump, a real surprise in such a remote destination.
2. Watrara Pool, Karlamilyi National Park
Located in Western Australia’s largest National Park, Karlamilyi, Watrara Pool is easily the best of only two campsites within the park. The other is near Desert Queen Baths but offers no water views. Now, I should add that a water view isn’t guaranteed at Watrara Pool either, but when it’s there, the bush camping is second to none. There are no facilities, and this is an extremely remote destination where self-reliance is necessary. A high-clearance and well-maintained 4WD is a requirement and don’t forget the sat phone for emergencies, you are a long way from anywhere and anyone.
3. Wolf Creek Meteorite Crater
Many people who have watched the movie of the same name are too scared to come and camp by Australia’s largest meteorite crater, especially when some of the movie set remains near the entrance to the campground. This is a bucket list campsite, not because of the movie, but because of the crater. Ranked as the second largest in the world, the crater is 880m across and is almost perfectly circular. Halls Creek lies 145km away and has everything you need in the way of supplies.
South Australia
1. Purnong Landing, Mannum
This one may surprise you as it is only a small strip right beside the Murray River near Mannum, close to the road and the nearby ferry. What’s great is its peacefulness and location, especially when the PS Murray Princess passes by. There are no facilities, but Mannum is only 32km away.
2. Woolshed Caves Campground, Elliston
This stretch of the Eyre Peninsula coastline is stunning and ‘The Woolshed’ is a large cavern carved into the granite cliff face by the Southern Ocean. There are no facilities, so please take out what you bring in. The hamlet of Venus Bay is 25km north and Elliston is 50km south for supplies and fuel.
3. Waltumba Camping Area, Lake Gairdner National Park
Speed Week takes place on the expansive salt lake annually during March and the place is packed. Any other time after that you can enjoy a great bush campsite amongst the Myall trees. Driving on the lake is prohibited, however, walking out onto the lake is allowed and offers spectacular vistas. You’ll need to be self-reliant, and access is via station tracks from Glendambo, 220km to the north or Iron Knob to the east.
Northern Territory
1. Redbank Waterhole, Owen Springs
When it comes to free camping in the Red Centre, Redbank Waterhole is a cracker. You’ll need to be self-reliant as there are no facilities and be prepared for some soft river sand in places. When the waterhole still contains some water, the birdlife is prolific. Keep this one to yourselves though, especially with Alice Springs only an hours drive north.
2. Old Police Station Waterhole, Iytewlepenty/Davenport Range NP
Remote and wild, this is another stunning free camp by an outback waterhole in the Territory. Situated in Iytewlepenty/Davenport Range National Park, due east of the Devils Marbles, this is remote country at its finest. The 4WD loop track through a ‘must see’ section of the park is a bonus. Enjoy your self-reliance and tread lightly.
Tasmania
1. Swimcart Beach, Bay of Fires
This section of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area offers free camping beside the beach. Popular throughout the year, it's first in, first served but well worth it, breathtakingly beautiful. There are hybrid toilets but that is all, so please take out all your rubbish.
2. Mayfield Bay Coastal Reserve
While a donation is required, this campsite offers wonderful views across Great Oyster Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula. There are toilets, and picnic tables on-site, but you will need to be self-reliant for drinking water and toilet paper. There are a couple of unique convict-built bridges nearby, Three Arch Bridge just south of the campground and Spiky Bridge a little further north.
Queensland
1. Somerset Beach Campground, Cape York
The white sandy Somerset Beach offers a small free camping area that looks across to Albany Island. Only 22km to The Tip, this is the perfect place to base yourself after tackling the Cape York roads. The site contains toilets, picnic tables and rubbish bins (please use them).
2. Old Cork Homestead, Diamantina River
When heading out to Diamantina National Park in western Queensland, this is a great free camp next to a picturesque waterhole. It is remote and you will need to be self-reliant, and don’t forget to pack a fishing rod. The Old Cork Homestead ruins are worth checking out too.
3. Cooper Creek, Windorah
The free campsite below the bridge just out of Windorah is a popular spot, especially when there’s an event being held in Birdsville. There are no facilities so take out what you bring in. The small nearby town has an outback shop and a couple of fuel stations, and the Western Star offers top grub and cold beverages.
New South Wales
1. Burke & Wills Camp, Menindee
The old gum wears a sign explaining the connection with the Burke and Wills Expedition, and the camping nearby is a ripper. Situated at one of the outlets that let water flow down the Darling River from Menindee Lakes, it is spectacular for fishing and photography. There are toilets, a covered picnic table, rubbish bins and a tap supplying non-potable water.
2. Long Plain Hut, Kosciuszko National Park
This site optimises High Country camping; a high country plain, snow gums and wild brumbies running free. It is a great place to base oneself to explore the nearby Yarrangobilly Caves, Coolamine Homestead and the Blue Waterholes. The only facilities are a drop toilet next to the old hut, so take out all your rubbish.
3. Jingellic Camping Reserve, Murray River
A free camp next to a pub is always a great option, especially when the food is top-notch. The Bridge Hotel also offers hot showers (purchase a token) and toilets to campers and is open for lunch and dinner. The camping area is flat and sits on the banks of the Murray River, a perfect spot to launch a canoe.