Camping in Australia is more than just pitching a tent – it’s a lifestyle, a rite of passage, and often the best way to truly experience the raw beauty of this vast, sunburnt country. From rugged coastlines to remote deserts and alpine hideaways, Australia offers a diverse range of camping styles to suit all travellers. Whether you’re chasing solitude or social vibes, simplicity or creature comforts, there’s a camping experience to match.

Here are the top five types of camping in Australia – and why you might want to give each a go.

1. Bush Camping – For the True Adventurer

Bush camping, or what many would call “off-grid” or “wild camping,” is the purest form of getting away from it all. No power, no showers, no marked sites – just you, your rig, and the Aussie wilderness.

Australia is blessed with countless national parks and public lands where bush camping is permitted (though always check for permits or fire bans). This type of camping offers serenity, star-filled skies, and a front-row seat to nature. It’s perfect for those who like to go remote, fish in solitude, or sit around a campfire without another soul for kilometres.

Best spots: Sandy Desert, High Country Victoria, Kimberley region, Simpson Desert

Gear tip: A reliable 4WD vehicle, water storage, a solar setup, and a long-handled shovel are essential.

Pros: Total freedom, low cost, few people

Cons: No amenities, higher risk if something goes wrong

2. Caravan Park Camping – Comfort Meets Community

If you enjoy meeting fellow travellers, love a hot shower after a dusty day, or need power for your appliances, caravan parks are a great choice. These managed facilities often offer grassy powered sites, communal BBQs, laundry, and sometimes even pools and playgrounds.

Caravan parks are ideal for families, grey nomads, or digital nomads looking to stay connected while exploring. They’re often located in prime locations near beaches, rivers, or tourist towns.

Best spots: Big4 parks along the east coast, Darwin FreeSpirit Resort, Discovery Parks in Margaret River

Gear tip: Bring your powered lead, water hose, and levelling blocks

Pros: Great facilities, safe environment, suitable for caravans and RVs

Cons: Can be noisy or crowded during peak times, booking ahead is often required

3. Station Stays – Aussie Hospitality on the Land

A station stay is a unique way to camp on working cattle or sheep properties, giving you an insight into life on the land. Many outback stations now offer campsites with basic facilities, providing the opportunity to experience activities such as cattle mustering, artesian bores, and outback hospitality around a communal campfire.

You’ll often find secluded campsites with plenty of space, and owners who are more than happy to share yarns about the region. It’s a more personal, grounded camping experience.

Best spots: Curtin Springs (NT), Trilby Station (NSW), Farina Station (SA), Home Valley Station (WA)

Gear tip: Carry cash or be ready for minimal phone coverage

Pros: Cultural insight, friendly hosts, stunning outback locations

Cons: Some roads can be rough, limited mobile reception

4. Beach Camping – Wake to the Sound of the Sea

Australia’s 25,000km of coastline offers some of the best beach camping in the world. Nothing beats waking to the sound of waves, feeling sand between your toes, and watching sunsets over the ocean from your camp chair.

Beach camping ranges from fully remote sites (like Sandy Cape on Fraser Island) to managed coastal campsites with toilets and showers. Some require 4WD access and sand driving skills, but the rewards are incredible – think fishing, snorkelling, and dolphin sightings straight from camp.

Best spots: K’Gari (QLD), Cape Range (WA), The Coorong (SA), Bruny Island (TAS)

Gear tip: Bring a sand mat, tyre deflator, and sturdy guy ropes for wind

Pros: Scenic locations, abundant wildlife, water activities

Cons: Windy weather, sand in everything, tides to be aware of

5. Glamping – Luxury in the Bush

Not everyone likes “roughing it,” and that’s where glamping comes in. Short for “glamorous camping,” glamping combines the joy of sleeping close to nature with hotel-style comforts. Think safari tents with real beds, hot showers, and even private decks and kitchenettes.

This style is ideal for those new to camping or for those seeking a romantic escape with a touch of indulgence. You can find glamping setups in vineyards, rainforests, deserts, and by the sea.

Best spots: Paperbark Camp (NSW), Longitude 131 (NT), Nightfall Wilderness Camp (QLD), Bay of Fires Bush Retreat (TAS)

Gear tip: Just bring your overnight bag – everything else is usually included

Pros: Comfortable, stylish, no setup or pack-down

Cons: Can be pricey, limited availability in peak seasons

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Final Word

Australia offers a diverse range of camping styles, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re chasing seclusion in the bush, family fun in a caravan park, rugged coastlines, or a taste of outback life, there’s something for every type of camper.

So, pack your swag, hitch up the van, or book that luxury tent, and hit the road to discover what camping in Australia is all about. The hardest part? Choosing where to go first.