Camping Spots Close to Your City

Many people think a camping trip means travelling for hours somewhere remote, but in Australia that isn’t the case at all. There are fantastic camping destinations near all the major cities but will make you feel a million kilometres away in another world. Here are some camping destinations near your city that are worth exploring.

Camping Spots by Major City

Brisbane

• Lake Moogerah Caravan Park - Located 100 km from Brisbane, Lake Moogerah has a range of activities on offer as well as a very tranquil space along the lake surrounded by mountains to set up camp.
• Lamington National Park - You can experience some of Queensland’s most amazing natural wonders here just 100 km south of Brisbane like Morans Falls and Natural Bridge.

Sydney

• Cockatoo Island - Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay will get you to this island on the picturesque Sydney Harbour. Go glamping with their own luxury tents or bring your own gear. The views here are unmatched.
• Euroka Campground - Just 67 km West of Sydney lies the Euroka in the Blue Mountains. A popular destination for people (and kangaroos) there are plenty of walking trails and peaceful picnic areas.

Canberra

• Cotter Campground - Less than 25 km away from Canberra lies the Cotter River where you can just show up spontaneously and stay without booking ahead. You’ll get a fully serviced campsite with plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing.
• Namadgi National Park - You’ll be in the heart of Bush Country at Namadgi, just a 45 minutes’ drive from Canberra. Take a guided Ranger tour through the Bush or bring the mountain bikes for a biking adventure.

Melbourne

• Nioka Bush Camp - Just far away enough from Melbourne to feel like a getaway at 44 km, Nioka Bush Camp is a great place for camping beginners to get a feel for the activity. You’ll be along the Plenty River and there are bush walks available.
• Anderson Reserve - If you like your water sports, then Anderson Reserve has a lot to offer in terms of canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. It’s only open in the summer months, so be sure to book fast as it is very popular. Anderson Reserve is located on the Bellarine Peninsula, 110 km from Melbourne.

Hobart

• Hobart Caravan Camping Park - Located 15 minutes from Hobart CBD along the seven-mile beach is the Hobart Caravan Park. Here you will get great access to one of Tasmania’s favourite beach. There are shuttles available to other activities like the wildlife park and the Salamanca markets.
• Fortescue Bay - Stay seaside on Fortescue Bay, 100 km from Hobart. You’ll be beside the seaside with access to caves, waterfalls and other natural beauty found here.

Adelaide

• Stringybark Campground - An hour and a half’s drive from Adelaide will bring you to Stringybark on the Fleurieu Peninsula in the Deep Creek Conservation Park. There are plenty of facilities, including hot showers and fire pits, but you can still get back to nature with plenty of nature walks where you will spot some kangaroos.
• Brownhill Creek - This location is only 7 km from Adelaide CBD, but you will feel a lot further than that in this very green, shaded and grassy area. There are powered/unpowered sites as well as cabins available.

Perth

• Discovery Parks - Coogee Beach - Just a 30-minute drive, less than 25 km from Perth is the un Coogee Beach near Freemantle. Stay directly on the beach and lounge about while having a BBQ and letting the kids play on the adventure playground.
• Discovery Parks - Woodman Point - This site has both powered sites or cabins available from within the Woodman Point Reserve. You’re only a 10-minute walk from the beach and fishing jetty. There’s a swimming pool too!

Darwin

• Crab Claw Island Resort - You can really relax at this scenic resort just over 100 km from Darwin. Stay only 75 metres from the water’s edge. Bring your own boat or hire one for a day on the sea.
• Corrobee Park Tavern - Go camping while having access to BBQs and a saltwater pool, and all modern amenities too. There’s free wi-fi here if you can’t quite be without it!

Alice Springs

• Alice Springs Tourist Park - This camping site is only five minutes away from the centre of Alice Springs, but you’re in the heart of the Outback. Have a walk to spot all the unique birds here and experience some of the most beautiful sunsets.
• Kings Creek Station - The activities here are different here at Kings Creek Station, including quad bike tours and helicopter rides. This makes for an amazing camping experience in the Outback, although it is a five-hour (436 km) drive from Alice Springs.

Cairns

• Cool Waters Holiday Park - With generous-sized powered areas for tents, camp kitchen and even a spa, Cool Waters has a lot to offer everyone in the family. It’s only 15 minutes (9 km) away from Cairns.
• Lake Placid Tourist Park - A 22-minute (17.5 km) drive from Cairns will bring you to a wonderful escape from busy life. You will be on the edge of a wonderful rainforest with plenty of trails to walk and ride a bike. It is pet-friendly too!

Central Coast

• Tallow Beach Campground - Swimming, surfing, and fishing are some of the activities that people love to visit Tallow Beach for. It’s quite a remote place, but only a short distance from Killcare on the Central Coast.
• Putty Beach Campground - Putty Beach, a half hour drive from the centre of Central Coast, is another quiet spot where there are plenty of fishing and swimming spots. Head out to Gerrin Point Lookout for some of the most spectacular ocean views. See what kind of wildlife you can find here!

No matter where you go, you will need to bring the right camping equipment with you, as well as anything needed for activities like a kayak. These items can be bulky and awkward to transport, which is why Australia turns to Yakima for transporting cargo. Our range of roof racks, roof boxes, and other car accessories are ideal for any vehicle to safely get your often-pricey equipment from home to your camping destination. Use our Vehicle Finder to find the right products for your vehicle and travel in confidence with roof racks and car accessories from Yakima.