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Freedom camping in Australia
Free camping, also called freedom camping, means staying overnight outside an official campground or holiday park. Many designated public lands across Australia allow you to camp for no cost or a small fee. Some spots still require a simple booking (usually under ten dollars) to manage visitor numbers and ensure space. Always check local rules, because not every public area permits freedom camping.
Free camping need not mean compromising comfort. We recommend plugging in your motorhome at a powered campsite every second night or so to keep the house battery topped up. That way you can indulge in a night of true freedom between visits to powered sites without worrying about lighting, refrigeration or onboard conveniences.
Free camping spots in Queensland
Queensland’s free sites range from rainforest creek banks to coastal bays, each offering unique landscapes to explore at your leisure.
Lake Elphinstone Campground - Near Glenden, Isaac Region
Head to the scenic Elphinstone Lake Campground, 25 kms from Glenden. Take advantage of this stunning location and bring along your water sports gear. This lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Try your hand at catching a Red Claw Crayfish and enjoy it for dinner.
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Facilities - all the basics and so much more. You'll be able to use the toilets and showers and the barbecues and picnic tables too.
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Bookings required - No prior bookings needed.
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Good to know- bring your own drinking water, plus something to accompany fresh fish for dinner.
Babinda Rotary Park, Babinda, Cassowary Coast Region
Babinda Rotary Park is a charming, council-managed free campground nestled on the edge of the little sugar-mill town of Babinda, just under an hour’s drive south of Cairns. The park sits beside the Babinda Creek, shaded by lush rainforest canopy and pandanus palms. You’re only a few minutes’ stroll from the township’s handful of cafés, a friendly pub and essential shops.
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Highlights - Stay within a short walk distance from Babinda township. You can book a trip to climb Queensland's highest mountain, hit the beach, or explore the rainforest.
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Facilities - You'll be able to use the toilets and showers, including a hot shower, for $2. BBQ sites and picnic tables are free to use. Pets permitted - No pets allowed.
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No bookings required; you can stay at this campground for free for a maximum of 72 hours.
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Good to know - This is a no power site, so you'll need to make sure all your devices are charged, and you have everything you need for your stay.
Fletcher Creek, Fletcher Creek, Charters Towers Region
Fletcher Creek Camping Grounds offer a genuine slice of North Queensland’s bush camping magic just off the Gregory Developmental Road, approximately 45 km north of Charters Towers. Managed by Charters Towers Regional Council, this free site is ideal for fully self-contained motorhomes seeking a creek-side retreat.
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Highlights - Sites are right at the water’s edge for easy access.
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Facilities - Toilets, cold showers, picnic tables and wood barbeques.
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No bookings required.
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Good to know - Although there is water on site, you should still boil it before drinking or bring your own drinking water.
Free camping spots in Western Australia
In WA you’ll discover remote granite outcrops, windswept beaches and desert plains, all accessible without paying a cent for your site.
Peak Charles campground, at the base of Peak Charles, Great Western Woodlands
Perched at the base of the ancient granite monolith of Peak Charles, Peak Charles campground offers a remote bush-camping experience within the Great Western Woodlands. Fully self-contained motorhome travellers will find minimal facilities but exceptional scenery and solitude.
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Highlights - Enjoy being off the beaten track here, with dedicated fire pits, undercover picnic tables, and plenty of walking trails, including a route up the peak where you can see the horizon!
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Facilities - toilets and a BBQ.
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Bookings not required.
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Good to know - Bring along your own firewood if you fancy toasting marshmallows, and remember you'll be off the grid, so power up before you arrive.
Boondi Rock Campground, Great Western Woodlands
On the edge of a granite outcrop and dam just north of the Great Eastern Highway, Boondi Rock Campground offers six unpowered bays surrounded by striking Great Western Woodlands roughly 80 km west of Coolgardie. The simple setup and remote bush setting make it a quiet overnight stop for fully self-contained motorhome travellers seeking a taste of classic outback scenery.
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Highlights - Campsites lie at the foot of the granite outcrop beside a tranquil dam, each equipped with a picnic table, benches and a fire ring. Hike the rock for panoramic views of the surrounding woodlands and discover seasonal wildflower displays in spring.
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Facilities - Six unconstructed bays, each with its own picnic table, bench seating and fire ring; basic drop-toilet block on site.
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No bookings required - first-come, first-served basis
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Good to know - Campfires are permitted only in the provided fire rings when local conditions allow; bring your own firewood and check seasonal restrictions first. There is no potable water or power hookups. Mobile reception is very limited; load offline maps and notify someone of your travel plans before you head into the bush.
Betty’s Beach, Two Peoples Bay, Manypeaks
Overlooking the pristine waters of Two Peoples Bay, Betty’s Beach combines coastal splendour with solitude. Six sandy bays sit just off a short bush track and overlook granite headlands and turquoise sea. The southern coastline often reveals migrating whales in season, while the windswept heathland bursts into bloom in spring. There are no formal facilities, so arrive stocked with water and firewood. Nights here feel cinematic as the Milky Way arcs overhead.
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Highlights - A wooden boardwalk provides direct access to the beach for swimming, rock-pool exploration and shore-based fishing in season.
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Facilities - Basic bush (drop) toilets only.
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No bookings required. First-come, first-served.
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Good to know – Bring ample drinking water, pack out all rubbish, and plan to recharge your house battery at a powered site every second night. . It can get quite busy on weekends and during peak holiday periods.
Free camping spots in New South Wales
New South Wales delivers riverfront hideaways and forest fringes where solitude and starry skies await fully self-contained travellers.
Gloryvale Reserve, Tibbuc
Nestled on the banks of the young Manning River beside Thunderbolts Way at Tibbuc, Gloryvale Reserve offers a hidden-valley feel with crystal-clear swimming holes and smooth river pebbles under towering gums. Its gravel-surfaced bays and shady river frontage make it an inviting free-camping spot for fully self-contained motorhome travellers seeking riverside relaxation and a night beneath the stars.
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Highlights - Swim in the shallow rock pools, explore the creek edge and fire up the wood barbecue pits for an al fresco meal.
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Facilities - Basic drop-toilet block and rustic wood barbecue pits.
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No bookings required, first-come, first-served.
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Good to know - Stay up to 14 nights per visit. No powered sites or drinking water. Carry sufficient water and plan to recharge your house battery at a powered campground every second night.
Stockmans Reward Camping Area, Upper Big River State Forest
Nestled in the Upper River State Forest beside the junction of Arnold Creek and the Big River, Stockmans Reward Camping Area offers a spacious, forested free-camping site about 34 km east of Big River Road, north of Eildon. Its level gravel bays beneath towering gums and marked fireplaces make it ideal for fully self-contained motorhome travellers and large groups seeking riverside tranquillity without cost.
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Highlights – Numerous shaded, flat campsites each with its own wood fireplace. Fish or paddle in the adjacent creek and river, or explore walking tracks through the forest.
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Facilities – Basic bush (drop) toilets only.
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No bookings required - first-come, first-served.
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Good to know - The site sees high demand over long weekends, school holidays and Christmas periods.No power or potable water so carry ample drinking water and plan to recharge your house battery at a powered campground every second night.
Free camping spots in Victoria
Victoria’s free campsites take you from volcanic craters to alpine gullies and coastal heath, each with its own seasonal highlights.
Victoria Falls Camp Area, near Ensay on the Great Alpine Road, East Gippsland Region
Located just off the Great Alpine Road, a few kilometres northeast of Ensay, this campground sits beside the scenic Victoria Falls Historic Area. A short, well-formed walking track leads you through cool fern gullies to the cascading falls and a deep plunge pool, perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm afternoon.
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Highlights - Easy 500 m return walk to the waterfall lookout and swimming hole. Forested setting of mountain ash and soft tree ferns provides excellent birdwatching.
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Facilities - Drop-toilet block and picnic tables under shade shelters. No potable water taps, showers, power or dump-point facilities. Fully self-contained vehicles only.
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Bookings required - though camping is free, online booking is essential via the Parks Victoria site.
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Good to know - carry at least 20 L of drinking water per person per day. The track can be slippery after rain so sturdy footwear is recommended. Plan to recharge your house battery at a powered campground every second night. Despite its remoteness, the site can reach capacity on summer weekends. Book early to secure your spot.
Mt Franklin Reserve, (north of Daylesford), Central Highlands
Nestled inside the steep-sided caldera of the extinct Mount Franklin volcano, this spacious free-camping area sits about 10 km north of Daylesford off Mount Franklin Road. Its level gravel bays shaded by gums and a unique volcanic landscape make it a standout choice for fully self-contained motorhome travellers seeking space, scenery and serenity.
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Highlights – Explore walking tracks that wind to panoramic crater-rim lookouts, enjoy vibrant wildflower displays in spring and gather around limited wood-fire fireplaces under sky-wide stars.
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Facilities – Basic drop-toilets, a communal shelter with picnic tables and shared wood fireplaces (bring your own firewood).
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No bookings required - first-come, first-served.
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Good to know - Carry plenty of drinking water and ensure your house battery is topped up at a powered campsite every second night. Temperatures can plummet overnight, especially in winter so pack warm clothing. There’s no formal maximum-stay signage, but please move on after a few nights to allow others access.
Mount Difficult Plantation Campground, Grampians Region
Nestled among towering radiata pine plantations on the eastern edge of the Mount Difficult Range, Plantation Campground offers a spacious bush-camping experience about 9.5 km north of Halls Gap. Its level gravel bays beneath gum woodland provide an ideal setting for fully self-contained motorhome travellers seeking tranquillity, wildflowers and easy access to the Northern Grampians’ walking tracks.
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Highlights – unpowered sites cater to motorhomes, caravans and tents. Shared wood fireplaces and picnic tables invite group gatherings, and nearby walking tracks lead to panoramic Mount Zero views.
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Facilities – Non-flush (drop) toilets, rustic bush showers, communal fireplaces and picnic tables.
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No bookings required - first-come, first-served basis
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Good to know - The unsealed Mt Zero Road is suitable for 2WD, but the last stretch is gravel. No power, potable water or rubbish collection: carry ample drinking water, pack out all waste and plan to recharge your house battery at a powered campsite every second night. The campground fills quickly during peak periods and long weekends; arrive early to secure your spot.
Free camping spots in South Australia
Across South Australia you’ll find salt-land lagoons, heritage ferry crossings and rugged Eyre Peninsula beaches perfect for a cost-free stay
Narrung Ferry Campsite, northern tip of Narrung Peninsula
A serene riverside stop on the northern tip of the Narrung Peninsula, Narrung Ferry Campsite offers level bays beneath river red gums with sweeping views across the Coorong lagoons toward Point Malcolm Lighthouse. Its proximity to the free ferry crossing makes it perfect for fully self-contained motorhome travellers keen to explore nearby heritage sites, waterways and the historic township of Narrung.
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Highlights - Panoramic vistas of Point Malcolm Lighthouse and the wild Coorong lagoons., Convenient access to the free Narrung Ferry for a quick crossing. Short drives to Poltalloch Station heritage tours, Raukkan’s historic church and Narrung’s local services.
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Facilities - Drop toilets and a cold-water tap (potable water also available in Narrung township). Covered picnic shelters, seating and public bins.
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No bookings required, first-come, first-served. Free stays up to 72 hours.
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Good to know - No power or waste-dump facilities. Carry ample drinking water and recharge your house battery at a powered site every second night. Arrive by late afternoon, especially on weekends and during holiday periods, to secure a waterfront bay.
Fitzgerald Bay Camping Area, Point Douglas Road (near Whyalla), Eyre Peninsula
On Point Douglas Road just outside Whyalla, Fitzgerald Bay Camping Area offers unfettered beachfront access along a heritage-listed 7,000-year-old shingle beach. Its expansive sand flats and shallow tidal pools make it a superb free-camping choice for fully self-contained motorhome travellers seeking swimming, fishing or a night lulled by rolling surf under a canopy of stars.
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Highlights - Direct beach frontage for swimming, shoreline fishing and beachcombing among ancient shingle deposits. Walking tracks along the bay edge reveal ever-changing tidal vistas and nearby coastal scrub.
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Facilities - Clean flushing toilets, running water taps and public bins at the main parking area. No showers, power, waste-dump or shelter; all other comforts must be fully self-contained.
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No bookings required, campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Good to know - Mobile signal is limited; plan your route and communications ahead. Bring extra drinking water in case taps are turned off seasonally, and pack out all rubbish.
Remember to recharge your house battery at a powered campsite every second night. The site can become busy over holiday weekends and peak summer months—arrive early to secure a beachfront bay.
Free camping spots in Tasmania
Tasmania rewards motorhome travellers with turquoise bays, ancient lake shores and island-windswept forests, all free to enjoy.
Cosy corner South Camping, Bay of Fires, North East Coast
Cosy Corner South Camping sits at the edge of the Bay of Fires near Binalong Bay, offering two distinct free-camping areas. One tucked among coastal trees and another on the grassy lagoon shore. Its white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise water and orange-lichen–streaked granite make it a superb choice for fully self-contained motorhome travellers seeking scenic beach walks and tranquillity.
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Highlights - Choose between sheltered, tree-lined bays or open grassed sites beside the lagoon. Follow the shoreline north to Swimcart Beach or south to explore further stretches of the Bay of Fires coastline.
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Facilities - Car parking bay; no on-site water, bins or power. Coin-operated hot showers and fresh water taps, plus a dump point, are available at the St Helens Sports Complex (10 km away).
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No bookings required, first-come, first-served.
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Good to know - Carry all drinking water and pack out all rubbish. Plan to recharge your house battery at a powered site every second night. Endeavour to arrive in daylight to pick your preferred bay.
Ted’s Beach Campground, Southwest National Park
Situated on the north-western shore of Lake Pedder, about 3 km south of Strathgordon on Gordon River Road, Ted’s Beach Campground offers prime free lakeside camping in the Southwest National Park. Its gentle slopes down to the water’s edge, boat ramp access and iconic views across the lake make it an outstanding choice for fully self-contained motorhome travellers seeking fishing, boating, swimming or a peaceful night under the stars.
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Highlights - Boat ramp for easy launching of kayaks or small boats, plus excellent trout fishing and lakeside swimming. Short bushwalking tracks to nearby lookouts and picnic spots, with opportunities to spot pademelons, possums and birdlife at dawn and dusk.
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Facilities - Non flush toilets, non-treated drinking water taps. Free electric barbecues, sheltered picnic tables and a simple camp kitchen area.
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No bookings required - Camping is free of charge, but a valid Tasmanian National Parks Pass (entry pass) must be clearly displayed in your vehicle
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Good to know - No power hookups or showers. Carry ample drinking water and plan to recharge your house battery at a powered campground every second night. Mobile phone coverage is very limited.
See all you need to know about taking your motorhome to Tasmania.
Essentials for a Successful Trip
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Self-containment: only use designated sites if your vehicle meets self-containment standards for waste and water
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Pack in, pack out: carry in all supplies and take out every bit of rubbish
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Know your rig: familiarise yourself with your maui motorhome’s onboard features and what extras you need to bring
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Battery management: plan to plug into a powered campsite every second night to top up your house battery
Enjoy the freedom with maui
When free camping in remote areas, always follow a leave-no-trace ethic. Take all rubbish with you, limit noise after dark and use only existing fire rings or portable stoves. By treading lightly, we preserve these pristine settings for fellow travellers and the generations to come.
With your maui motorhome as your sanctuary on wheels, these campsites promise authentic encounters with Australia’s wild heart. Plug in for power when you can, indulge in untethered nights under the stars and awaken refreshed to days of wonder. Wherever the road leads, freedom awaits.