When you choose to free camp, you won't find yourself locked into public transport schedules or bound by the availability of hotel rooms or campsites. Instead, you'll find yourself in total control. You can take your time and immerse yourself in the great outdoors, manage your budget and enjoy some time away from the crowds. Just decide on your dream destination, then travel and camp your way across Australia.
Intrigued to learn more? Let us introduce you to free camping and share the 15 most beautiful freedom camping spots in Australia to get you feeling inspired.
When you choose to free camp, you won't find yourself locked into public transport schedules or bound by the availability of hotel rooms or campsites. Instead, you'll find yourself in total control. You can take your time and immerse yourself in the great outdoors, manage your budget and enjoy some time away from the crowds. Just decide on your dream destination, then travel and camp your way across Australia.
Intrigued to learn more? Let us introduce you to free camping and share the 15 most beautiful freedom camping spots in Australia to get you feeling inspired.
What is free camping?
Free camping, also known as freedom camping, is essentially parking up or staying the night in a place that is not an official campground or holiday park space. In some parts of Australia, you can free camp on designated public land for either no cost or a small fee.
The good news is that many people don't know how or where to find free campgrounds (check out the thl Roadtrip App for your insider knowledge!), so these are often available. It’s worth noting that some free camping spots (even those with no fees) do require booking. This is often to help manage numbers and ensure there is enough space for travellers to social distance. Booking fees are under $10 but it pays to check the rules for the state you are in to be safe.
It's important to note that freedom camping isn't allowed in every public place. Still, there are designated sites all over Australia that offer free camping. Plus, once you find a freedom camping spot, you've got total freedom to choose where you pitch up. You can camp nearby thousands of beaches, within national parks, and with Aussie wildlife just outside your door! Lucky Australia is so pretty, right?
When you free camp, you can choose to park up your motorhome and enjoy the beautiful setting and the peace and quiet too. Campgrounds and holiday parks fill up quickly during the busy summer months and can be packed with campers. Escape the crowds by picking a secluded chilled out spot.
What are the benefits of free camping?
Freedom camping comes with a few perks. It allows you to reallocate some of your travel budget away from accommodation and towards other treats and highlights. That could mean enjoying an extra bottle of wine from a local vineyard or taking an extra memorable trip via helicopter, seaplane or something else!
You'll also be able to truly experience the area you're visiting from the ground up. Getting a chance to soak up the atmosphere, sunsets, sunrises, and more from a unique vantage point. Freedom camping might even inspire you to get off the beaten track and discover the less touched parts of Australia.
Whether you stay on the well-trodden path or you go bush for a night or two, you'll also love the feeling of being your own tour guide and choosing where you spend your days and nights.
Free camping in your campervan
Freedom camping with your campervan offers up a few extra benefits. You've got your whole home on wheels with you. That means you'll still have a comfy bed to stay in, plus the luxury of a kitchen set up, somewhere dry and comfortable to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, and the extra comfort of insect screens on your windows. All in all, it's a much more pleasant experience than doing it in a tent, especially for your first time.
You should only freedom camp if your vehicle is fully self contained.
When it comes to free camping, you'll need to be prepared to pack in and pack out - that means bringing in what you need and leaving with your rubbish. But, with plenty of storage space in your campervan, you can stock up on food and water and bring along essentials like a good book without any trouble.
Before you get on the road, make sure you know what comes with your Maui camper, so you know what you need to bring and what you'll already have.
Free camping spots in Queensland
Off to Queensland to explore the golden sand beaches, inviting waters and tropical islands? There are plenty of natural wonders to discover in northeastern Australia and a few top free camping spots too!
Elphinstone Lake Campground
Head to the scenic Elphinstone Lake Campground, 25kms from Glenden. You'll be able to access the site in your camper or by car if needed.
- Highlights - 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.
- 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.
- Bookings required - No prior bookings needed.
- Hot tip - bring your own drinking water, plus something to accompany fresh fish for dinner.
Babinda Rotary Park
Check out Babinda Rotary Park, located just an hour's drive south of Cairns.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bookings required - No bookings required; you can stay at this campground for free for a maximum of 72 hours.
- Hot tip - 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
Discover the peaceful Fletcher Creek. Spend a few days camping next to the sound of the river flowing. You’ll find Fletcher Creek 30 minutes out of Charters Towers.
- Highlights - Park your camper on the grass right at the waters edge.
- Facilities - Toilets, cold showers, picnic tables and wood barbeques.
- Pets Pemitted - Pets are allowed on site.
- Bookings required - No bookings required. You can stay here for up to 1 month.
- Hot tip - 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
Western Australia offers up arid desert, untamed bushland, lush topics and beautiful beaches all in one massive corner of the country. Plan your trip, and don't forget to stop in at one or more of these top free camping spots in WA.
Peak Charles
You can't miss Peak Charles in the middle of Peak Charles National Park, 175kms away from Esperance.
- 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!
- Facilities - toilets and a BBQ.
- Pets permitted - no pets in the National Park. Bookings required - bookings not required.
- Hot tip - Bring along your own firewood if you fancy toasting marshmallows, and remember you'll be off the grid, so power up before you arrive.
Torbay Inlet
Head to Torbay Inlet in Albany for another picturesque spot to park up your camper. You’ll find this free camp ground 28km west of Albany.
- Highlights - There’s a walking track right down to the beach. If you bring along the appropriate gear you’ll be able to fish and surf here.
- Facilities - Toilets.
- Pets permitted - pets are welcome on site.
- Bookings required - No bookings required.
- Hot tip - Bring your own drinking water and rubbish bags - remember to leave no trace of your visit behind.
Cliff Head
Cliff Head is one of three nature-based campsites roughly 3.5 hours from Perth and 30 minutes from Dongara. Getting there requires travel on a gravel road but is suitable for campervans.
- Highlights - From Cliff Head, you can explore the local cliffs, go fishing, try sandboarding, and hit the beach for a swim.
- Facilities - eco-toilets, an undercover area with sink, benches and tables, and a communal fireplace at the largest of the three sites.
- Pets permitted - Check with the Dongara Visitor Centre to confirm.
- Bookings required - Camping is $20.00 per vehicle per night. You can stay for a maximum of 3 nights (72 hours) within 28 days.
- Hot tip - There is no running water or power on-site, so you'll need to be self-sufficient. Luckily all Maui motorhomes are fully self contained and have everything you need.
Free camping spots in New South Wales
New South Wales is host to waterfalls and snowfields, beaches and vineyards, ocean-fresh oysters, juicy cherries and fragrant truffles... between savouring all of these and more, lock in some time to free camp at these sites.
Bretti Reserve
Plan to spend a few days at Bretti Reserve, just 30 minutes from Gloucester.
- Highlights - Hidden between more than three national parks, the campground sits on 10 hectares of land between two rivers. There's plenty of time for swimming, canoeing, bushwalking and chilling out.
- Facilities - Basic toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues and drinking water.
- Pets permitted - dogs are welcome!
- Bookings required - bookings required, with a maximum of 14 nights total stayed.
- Hot tip - This is an unpowered site, so bring along your charged gear and a good book. Gloucester has a supermarket if you need top-ups.
Humes Crossing Campground
Based in the midst of the Tumut area in Kosciuszko National Park, Humes Crossing Campground is available for families.
- Highlights - With caving, walking tracks and plenty of space to play some outdoor games, the whole family will be kept busy!
- Facilities - Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, boat ramp, and toilets.
- Pets permitted - Pets not allowed in the National Park.
- Bookings required - There are no camping fees at this campground, but a $6 booking fee applies.
- Hot tip - Bring your own water for drinking and cooking. If you want to go fishing, don't forget your gear!
Little Beach Campground
Amidst the Bouddi National Park, Little Beach Campground lets you camp right by the sand!
- Highlights - go surfing, bushwalking or fishing while camping right on the beach.
- Facilities - Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets.
- Pets permitted - No pets.
- Bookings required - Rates and availability are displayed when making an online booking. A minimum nightly rate applies, which includes the first 2 occupants.
- Hot tip - This is a remote camping spot, with space for only 6 sites. Make sure you come prepared with plenty of water.
Free camping spots in Victoria
Visit Victoria for the idyllic waterfalls, forests and plenty of National Parks. Between adventures, check out these three popular free camping spots.
Lalgamook (Mt Franklin)
Near Hepburn, Lalgamook (Mt Franklin) is suitable for caravans and motorhomes.
- Highlights - you'll be camping in a breached volcanic crater! Spend time relaxing amongst the conifers and deciduous trees. Perfect for relaxing, reading and playing board games.
- Facilities - Toilets and wood fireplaces.
- Pets permitted - Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
- Bookings required - You can camp for short stays at Mt Franklin on a first-come, first-served basis. No fees apply.
- Hot tip - Bring your own firewood (campfires are only permitted in the fireplaces provided) and your own water.
Mount Difficult Plantation Campground
Set among old Radiata Pine Plantation at the edge of the Mount Difficult Range, Mount Difficult Plantation Campground is the gateway to exploring the northern Grampians.
- Highlights - Situated close to Halls Gap, Heatherlie Quarry, Beehive Falls, and an easy drive to walking tracks, picnic areas and Aboriginal rock art in the Northern Grampians.
- Facilities - Woodfire barbecue, Firepit, picnic tables, non-flush toilets and bush showers. 30 campsites for tents, camper trailers, caravans, and campervans
- Pets permitted - No dogs are allowed.
- Bookings required - No bookings required, but a maximum of 6 people per site.
- Hot tip - Bring your own water and food.
Stevenson's Falls Campground
Stevenson's Falls Campground is north of Apollo Bay and accessible by all types of vehicles.
- Highlights - Wrens and kangaroos are common visitors. There is just a short walk to the Falls and plenty of shade to rest and relax in.
- Facilities - Toilets
- Pets permitted - Dogs on leads are welcome.
- Bookings required - No bookings required.
- Hot tip - Bring drinking water and other necessities along with you.
Free camping spots in South Australia
Journey to South Australia to visit the wildlife reserves, local produce and the exquisite Limestone Coast.
Perlubie Beach Campground
Get sandy at Perlubie Beach Campground, just 20 minutes out of Streaky Bay.
- Highlights - Enjoy all things beachy - sunbathing, swimming, fishing and more!
- Facilities - Toilets, showers and water.
- Pets permitted - Pets allowed.
- Bookings required - No booking, but a $10 per night honesty box.
- Hot tip - Bring along cash for the honesty box, and make sure you have your beach gear!
Cable Bay Beach Campground
Explore Innes National Park and settle in at Cable Bay Beach Campground, which offers 2 campsites for campervans. Located 300km by road from Adelaide via Port Wakefield, Ardrossan, Minlaton and Warooka.
- Highlights - the beaches at Yorke Peninsula are great places to go swimming, surfing, fishing, or enjoy a family picnic, while Innes National Park has an excellent choice of walking trails.
- Facilities - Toilets are available.
- Pets permitted - No dogs in the greater National Park area.
- Bookings required - Camping fees from $15 per 2 adults. Bookings are required and available online. Maximum of 5 nights stay.
- Hot tip - Bring along a camera to enjoy the view, and don't forget to charge your devices prior as the sites are unpowered.
Chookarloo Campground
Chookarloo Campground is set in natural Eucalypt woodland, within Kuitpo Forest, just over an hour out of Adelaide.
- Highlights - Enjoy the local walking trails, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding (permits required) in the forest.
- Facilities - 23 designated camping sites, two timber shelters, toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, access to Chookarloo and Heysen walking trails.
- Pets permitted - Dogs are allowed on a leash at all times.
- Bookings required - a maximum of 10 people per campsite, bookings and payment are required before arrival. A fee of $18.30 per vehicle applies.
- Hot tip - Chookarloo Campground does close for the summer season during the fire danger season. Camping is permitted from 1 April to 30 November annually.
Ready for your next Maui adventure?
Hire your camper from Maui today. Or explore the latest deals.