The Wanderer
Many of us have heeded the call of a free camp before, and if you’ve stayed in a few over the years, you know they can go either way. By that, I mean that sometimes you’ll find a quiet oasis by a flowing stream and other times you’ll find a rubbish-filled rest stop strewn with used toilet paper and dogQuee droppings. At least, I hope they’re dog droppings.
The good ones? Well, when you find one, it’s as exciting as finding a speck of gold in your gold pan or a shiny blue sapphire in your first sieve. And it’s these ones that I’m going to shine a spotlight on today. So without further ado, here are five fine free camping sites (you’ll find the majority of them on GeoWiki X) in each State of Australia to lock away for your next adventure.
The rest area at Little Yabba Creek Park is not too far away from Kenilworth and its famous bakery, home of the one-kilogram donut challenge and Australia’s first coffee in a donut. Yep, we like our donuts here in rural Queensland. A few minutes’ walk away is the pretty Little Yabba Creek. Given how lovely this free camp is, it can get busy on the weekends – usually filling up in the evening as people pull in for the night.
Facilities: Pit toilets. Stay for a maximum of onenight only.
Babinda Boulders is found around an hour south of Cairns and offers two free camping sites. The swimming hole here is simply stunning and has to be seen to be believed. However, make sure to obey the signs of where you are allowed to swim, as the boulders have claimed many lives over the years. Swim, stroll the boardwalk for great views of the water thundering over the boulders (this is the bit you’re not allowed to swim in), enjoy the beautiful surroundings, or just wade in the cold water to beat the heat.
There are actually two free camping sites here – the Babinda Boulders free camping area, which is closer to the swimming hole, and the Babinda Boulders Rotary Park free camp, which is closer to the small town. However, the latter allows your furry friend to stay as well.
Facilities: Toilets, cold showers and barbecues. Maximum of 72 hours.
Yuleba in Queensland actually has a number of free camping sites for travellers, but this one beside Maryanne Creek, around 15 kilometres south-west of the town, is particularly pretty. Rest up here for up to 48 hours; and if you have a yabby pot banging around in your RV’s storage, it’s worth getting it out. Like most rural waterholes, bird watching here is great and you can also fossick for agate and opalised wood.
The last horse-drawn coach in Australia ran from Yuleba to Surat in 1924, and as a result there is a bit of interesting signage and history around the region on the Cobb & Co Coach Service.
Facilities: None.
Long Waterhole, Winton
There is something about free camping on a dusty plain next to a waterhole that feels perfectly like Outback Queensland, right? Just a few kilometres from the Outback town of Winton, Long Waterhole is a great free camp with heaps of room. There is a little shade under the trees around the waterhole but not much in the way of grass.
Watching the sun go down here is epic. It’s also a top spot to base yourself to explore Winton, Opalton, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. However, if it rains, this campsite turns into a muddy mess and is best avoided.
Facilities: None.
Julie Creek, Outback Queensland
The free camping at Julia Creek in Queensland is literally right on the creek and the best thing about it? Julia Creek itself is in the middle of nowhere. You’ll find it around three hours east of Mount Isa. This is a great spot to relax or fish from the river. More information can be found at Julie Creek QLD.
Facilities: None.
Anyone who has visited the Bay of Fires will agree that it could easily contend for one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia. That’s why it’s so incredible to me that this location has not one but eight free beachside campsites. You can stay up to four weeks for free! The only downside is that it’s hard to get a site during the holidays.
Facilities: Some campsites have toilets. More information can be found on the Tasmania Parks website.
Mayfield Bay, East Coast
Back on the East Coast, Mayfield Bay Camping Area is around a 20-minute drive south of Swansea and looks across to the stunning Freycinet Peninsula. Here you can stroll the beach, swim, surf, fish and live your best beach life. These campsites are shady and suitable for tents, motorhomes, trailers and caravans. Although technically it’s free to camp here, donations are much appreciated and contributions go back towards the upkeep of the facilities.
Facilities: Toilet.
Trial Harbour, West Coast
Trial Harbour is a small settlement found on Tassie’s Wild West Coast near Zeehan. The campground is suited to smaller RVs and tent campers, with the sites overlooking the ocean, which on the Wild West Coast is pretty … erm, wild. Once you reach Trial Harbour, the small grassy sites can be found on the coast road to the right.
Facilities: Toilet.
Friendly Beaches, Freycinet, East Coast
Located within the Freycinet National Park on the east coast, this campsite fronts the beautiful Friendly Beaches. Spotting cute Bennets wallabies is guaranteed; and if the season is right, humpbacks as well. The Friendly Beaches campsite is free but you will need to purchase a Tasmania National Park’s pass.
Facilities: Toilet. Maximum 14 nights.
The Pines Campground, South Bruny Island
The Pines Campground is a small but shady free campsite not far from the beach at Cloudy Bay on South Bruny Island. Those with a boat will be pleased to know you can launch it directly from the beach nearby. Bruny Island is accessed via ferry from the small town of Kettering. Getting your vehicle over to Bruny Island is not free, but it’s one of the most reasonably priced island vehicle ferries in Australia. More information on the ferry can be found on the SeaLink website.
More information can be found at Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Facilities: Toilet.
Cascades Campground, Wadbillga National Park
Located in the Wadbilliga National Park, Cascades Campground is a quiet site nestled among towering ribbon gums. Here you can kayak or swim in the Tuross River or hike the Cascades walking track. The campsite is 4WD access only and is suitable for tents and camper trailers.
Bookings are made through the NSW National Parks website. Although there is no camping charge, a nonrefundable booking fee of $6 applies.
Facilities: Toilet.
Bretti Reserve, Mid Coast
At Bretti Reserve, around a two hours and 15 minutes drive north of Newcastle, you will find 50 campsites on the banks of the Barnard River. Bring your kayak or canoe if you have one; but if not, you can’t go wrong with a swim or a fish in the river. More information can be found at Midcoast NSW.
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables, barbecues.
Long Gully Campground in the Budawang National Park offers 10 camping sites on a grassy flat beside the Yadboro River. Although you can splash around in the Yadboro, nicer swimming can be found nearby in the Clyde River. Regardless, it’s a lovely spot with plenty of Aussie wildlife.
Bookings are made through the NSW National Parks website. Although there is no camping charge, a nonrefundable booking fee of $6 applies.
Facilities: Toilet.
Ellenborough Reserve, Ellenborough
Just 45 minutes west of Port Macquarie, Ellenborough Reserve is located near the banks of the Ellenborough River and the Hastings River. Due to its riverside location, make sure to bring your canoe or stand up paddleboat. The sites are flat and grassy and it’s known to get busy. More information can be found at Camps Australia Wide.
Facilities: Toilet.
Barwon River Free Camp, Brewarrina
Located on the banks of the Barwon River, this quiet rest area is large, grassy and offers plenty of shade. Here you will find picnic tables, bins and exercise equipment. There seems to be a resident stray cat here that appears to be a direct descendant of Garfield. He’s quite partial to leaving footprints on your windscreen at night.
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables, barbecues, public exercise equipment
Blue Pool, East Gippsland
Swim in a sparkling deep water hole along Freestone Creek at the Blue Pool free camp in the Briagolong State Forest. The swimming hole is a short walk from the campsite and there is some great hiking here as well.
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables.
Camp riverside around 2.5 hours east of Melbourne in the Baw Baw National Park along the Aberfeldy River. The tranquil riverside location is superb for both swimming and relaxing. Of course, it’s also a great spot to base yourself while exploring the Baw Baw National Park. More information can be found at Parks Victoria.
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables.
Ada River Campground, Errinundra National Park
Around six hours north-east of Melbourne, the Ada River free camping area in Errinundra National Park doesn't usually see crowds. Camp among old-growth temperate rainforest beside a trickling stream and enjoy nature at its best.
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables.
Located near the Gellibrand River in the Otways, around 2.5 hours from Melbourne, Dando’s Campground gives campers plenty of opportunity to swim or head out on a hike through the bush. It’s a beautiful campsite but if leeches make you squeal in horror, this site is probably not for you.
Facilities: Toilet.
Reeves Beach can be found in South Gippsland, around three hours south-east of Melbourne. This free camp offers grassy sites with direct access to 90 Mile Beach; and given its amazing location and zero cost, the sites fill up fast … particularly during the holiday season.
Facilities: Toilet.
Mud Tank Zircon Fields, near Gemtree
Campers can stay for free at the spacious Mud Tank Zircon Fields, less than 20 kilometres east of Gemtree, to try their luck fossicking for semi-precious sparkly zircons. The gems found here are usually shades of yellow and orange to light brown, but it’s not uncommon to find clear, pink or purplish coloured ones too. All ages can enjoy finding their own piece of zircon in the creek beds and mine sites.
More information can be found at Northern Territory Government.
Facilities: Toilet.
Saying you camped on an old airstrip is pretty cool, right? During WW2, Gorrie Airstrip in Elsey was the largest airbase for repairs and services in the Northern Territory. Long since abandoned, it’s now a free camp with plenty of room to spread out.
Facilities: None.
Gunn Point is a free camp around an hour north-east of Darwin that’s popular with Darwin weekenders. It’s not far from two different boat ramps for a spot of fishing but definitely do not swim here due to stingers and crocodiles. This is not the place to camp for peace and quiet. On the weekends, it’s a haven for quads, motorbikes and 4WDs and, as a result, it can get a little noisy.
Facilities: None.
Free camping in Kakadu? Yes, please! Two Mile Free Camp is a top fishing spot that is only accessible in the dry season. Budget travellers use this beaut spot as a base to explore Kakadu National Park, but under no circumstances should you swim here unless you want to fatten up the resident crocodile population.
Facilities: None. You will need to get a Kakadu Parks Pass to visit Kakadu.
Red Lily Billabong Campground, Kakadu
Red Lily Billabong is another great free camp in Kakadu that closes during the wet season. This spot is popular with local fishermen and is one of three secluded campgrounds within a few kilometres of each other. To find it, head two kilometres past the Aurora Kakadu Resort until you find a turnoff. Head down here for around 18 kilometres and you will come to Red Lily Billabong. Despite being a top fishing spot, there is no boat ramp; but you can launch straight off the bank here. There are no facilities, so you will need to be completely self-sufficient.
Facilities: None. You will need to get a Kakadu Parks Pass to visit Kakadu.
Free camping can be found at the stunning Talia Caves on the Eyre Peninsula. The whole area is picturesque and there are plenty of amazing natural geological features to explore, including Talia Caves, The Woolshed and The Tub. Those who travel with fishing rods will want to have a crack directly from the rocks at Talia Beach.
Facilities: None. A SA Parks Pass is required to enter National Parks in South Australia.
Fitzgerald Bay, Whyalla
Free camping is available at Whyalla along Fitzgerald Bay in designated locations. There are lovely views of the bay and here you can swim, fish, stroll the beach and enjoy the sunset views.
Facilities: Toilet on northern campsite only.
A free camp right on the Murray River sounds picture-perfect, right? Sites can be found here on the Murray River itself or on a backwater of the Murray. A boat ramp is an added bonus but the best part is its location behind the Overland Corner Hotel. A historic pub that serves as a kind of museum with plenty of historic pieces on display. Also, the beer garden is huge and is within stumbling distance of most of the campsites.
Facilities: Toilets. It’s best to be completely self-sufficient as the toilets are few and far between.
Swamp Hen Reserve, Walker Flat
Also located right on the iconic Murray, Swamp Hen Reserve at Walker Flat is a relaxing spot where you can pull up and watch the river traffic. As an added bonus, the bird watching is epic. There’s a boat ramp, and it’s also a top spot to throw your line in! This free camp can be found at the end of the ‘no through road’ at Swamp Hen Reserve.
Facilities: Nearby toilets.
Cape Hardy Beach is beautiful, with the typical blue/green ocean waters that South Australia is well known for. The beach is a short walk from the campsite, which boasts spectacular views. The campsite is large and flat with no shade.
Facilities: None.
Western Australia’s coastline is epic and James Price Point is no exception. Around 60 kilometres north of Broome is this amazing free camp where the red cliffs meet the sparkling ocean. The first half of the drive here from Broome is good, but the second half is on a mix of sandy rock and gravel with corrugations. Make sure to drop the pressure in your tyres!
Facilities: None
This natural water feature along the Carnarvon Mullewa Road when heading north of Murchison is a free camp desert oasis. It usually has water in it year-round and there are trees that provide much-needed shade. To find it, follow the dirt track just south of Bilung Creek for a couple of hundred metres.
Facilities: None.
Doolena Gorge, Marble Bar
The Doolena Gorge free camp can be found around 30-40 minutes’ drive north of Marble Bar, and given that Marble Bar made the Guinness World Record as Australia’s hottest town when it recorded the longest heatwave ever in 1923-24 (160 days of 37.7 degrees), this waterhole is a great spot to beat the heat.
You can swim here; but if the water is low, it’s fairly unappealing. Shade can be found by the cliffs and trees during the day. The sun lights up the cliff face at dusk and it’s a top spot to explore on foot – particularly if you climb the gully to the top of the waterfall for great views.
Facilities: None.
Betty's Beach, Albany
Betty’s Beach is a secluded beachside free camp around a 45-minute drive north-east of Albany. Access is via a dirt road, and although it’s 2WD accessible, the access road is steep with small turnaround areas. This is a great spot to enjoy the coastal vibes of Western Australia.
More information can be found at City of Albany Nature-Based Campgrounds.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, rubbish bins and a shelter. Camping is not available from mid-February to the end of April.
The Mary Pool free camp can be found around 110 kilometres south-west of Halls Creek. Provided as a 24-hour rest stop on a long and lonely stretch of road, this is a large site with plenty of room along the banks of the Mary River. Of course, this is the Kimberley Region … so it’s not recommended that you swim in the waterways here.
FACILITIES: Toilet.
Free camps are not just waypoints on a map, they’re agateway to adventuring longer with fewer crowds. So pack some extra portable solar panels, ensure you’re well equipped for a few days of off-grid living, and check out some of these free campsites in each State of Australia. Until the next campfire, may your adventures continue to unfold under the Southern Cross.
Category: Features
Written: Mon 08 Apr 2024
Printed: February, 2024
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