Destinations
10 Reasons to go winter camping in Australia (2025 updated)
)
Winter may not seem like the best time to explore the great outdoors but here in Australia, you can enjoy camping during the cooler months in most places. Let’s face it, we’re not dealing with unbearable lows like our friends over in Canada (-30 degrees celsius? No thank you!).
So pack up the RV with some cosy comforts and discover our top 10 favourite things about camping in winter.
Camplify has your next holiday under the stars covered. Hire a caravan, campervan, camper trailer or motorhome for your Winter adventure! Find the van for you here.
1. Embrace the serenity of off-peak camping
)
If peace and quiet top your holiday wishlist, winter is your season. With fewer crowds and open spaces as far as the eye can see, you’ll have the pick of prime campsites, unspoiled views, and tranquil trails. It’s just you, the sounds of nature, and the kind of stillness that fills your soul.
2. Cost-effective getaways
)
Winter camping is kind to your bank account. Campsites are cheaper, van hire is more affordable, and you'll often score last-minute deals. It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a spontaneous trip, especially with Camplify’s flexible and budget-friendly van options.
3. Unique wildlife encounters
)
Listen to the trickle of water rather than campers next door!
Cooler days mean more daylight animal sightings; picture curious wallabies, sunbathing lizards, and morning bird calls in surround sound. Whether you’re an amateur wildlife photographer or just love nature, winter camping brings the bush to life in beautiful ways.
4. Starry nights and clear skies
)
There's nothing quite like a winter night sky. Cold air clears out the haze, leaving you with dazzling constellations and a Milky Way that looks close enough to touch. Soak it all in from your camp chair, wrapped in a blanket with a warm drink in hand.
5. Campfires and cozy evenings
)
Winter is basically one long excuse to light a campfire. Toast marshmallows, tell tall tales, and warm your toes by the flames. Many campgrounds allow fires in winter, but always make sure to check local regulations first.
6. Health benefits of cold-weather camping
)
Whale watch along the East Coast
Fresh air, movement, and a digital detox? Sign us up. Cold-weather camping gives your immune system a boost, helps you sleep, and keeps your body happily moving. Plus, hiking with brisk air in your lungs feels just that little bit more rewarding.
7. Scenic winter landscapes
)
Do you have the right gear to keep warm?
Think misty forests, wind swept coastlines, and sunrises that light up the morning frost. Winter adds drama and magic to already beautiful spots, turning every walk or lookout stop into a photo-worthy moment. It's nature at her moody, majestic best.
8. Fewer insects
)
No mozzies, no midges, no drama. Winter is the season to enjoy bug-free dinners, stress-free hikes, and uninterrupted naps without the buzz of winged intruders. You might even forget bug spray exists. (But do always bring bug spray, just in case.)
9. Perfect time for reflection
)
When the world slows down, we get to tune in. Winter camping invites you to unplug, breathe deep, and reconnect with what matters, whether that's reading in a secluded campsite, or simply staring at the clouds without checking your phone.
10. Embrace the adventure
)
Winter adventures come with bonus bragging rights. You’ll wake up to frosty landscapes, master the art of layering, and cook breakfast with your beanie on, all while creating stories you’ll talk about for years. It’s camping, with a little extra edge.
Top winter-friendly Australian campgrounds (2025)
New South Wales
Thredbo Diggings Campground, Kosciuszko National Park – Nestled along the Thredbo River, this site provides easy access to ski fields and snowy mountain scenery.
Woody Head Campground, Bundjalung National Park – A coastal gem with clear waters and rock platforms, ideal for winter fishing and snorkeling.
Victoria
Granny's Flat Camping Area, Jamieson – A high country favourite for fishing, mountain biking, and 4WD adventures.
Cumberland River Holiday Park, Great Ocean Road – A scenic riverside site with powered spots for campervans, nestled between the cliffs and coast. Perfect for a wintery Great Ocean Road adventure with nearby waterfalls and epic hikes.
Queensland
Rollingstone Caravan Park – Just north of Townsville, this sunny spot boasts warm winter days and beachside views.
Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island – A calm bay perfect for families, cold water swimming and whale watching in winter.
South Australia
Wilpena Pound Campground, Flinders Ranges – Surrounded by rugged landscapes and Indigenous history, this site is a winter hiking haven.
Coorong National Park – A serene coastal spot great for kayaking and birdwatching.
Western Australia
Dales Campground, Karijini National Park – Cool winter weather is perfect for exploring deep gorges and waterfalls.
Cape Le Grand National Park – White sand beaches, crystal clear water, and kangaroos lounging by your tent. Sounds like an Aussie winter treat.
Tasmania
Bay of Fires Conservation Area – Famous for its vivid boulders and pristine beaches, ideal for peaceful winter retreats.
Huon Campground, Southwest National Park – Remote, wild and perfect for escaping the crowds.
Northern Territory
Litchfield National Park – Its waterfalls and swimming holes are a dream to explore in winter without the tropical humidity.
Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges – Dramatic landscapes, great hiking, and chilly desert nights under the stars.
Winter camping gear recommendations
Make your cold-weather getaway warm, safe, and enjoyable with the right gear. Here are some top picks for winter 2025:
Sleeping bags
The North Face Inferno Down Sleeping Bag – Designed for extreme cold, this mummy bag keeps you toasty even on frosty nights.
Darche Cold Mountain Dual Sleeping Bag – Spacious and insulated, perfect for couples or anyone who likes to stretch out.
Sleeping pads
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT – Excellent ground insulation and compact enough for remote camping.
Cooking systems
MSR WindBurner Stove System – Wind-resistant and efficient, ideal for hot meals when it’s cold out.
Lighting
Black Diamond Headlamps – Reliable, waterproof, and bright enough for night hikes or late-night setup.
Warmth accessories
Yeti Lowlands Blanket – Rugged, waterproof, and delightfully warm, great for lounging by the fire or layering over your sleeping bag.
Winter camping hacks
Get the most out of your cold-weather trip with these practical tips:
Layer Smart – Use a base, insulation, and waterproof outer layer to adapt to changing temps.
Dry = Warm – Damp clothes are your enemy. Pack quick-dry fabrics and always keep a dry set for sleeping.
Insulate from the Ground – Use a foam pad under your air mattress or sleeping pad to prevent heat loss.
Boil-and-Bottle – Fill a bottle with hot water and toss it in your sleeping bag to preheat it.
Calorie Load – Eat a hearty meal before bed to help your body generate warmth through the night.
Keep Moving – Do some light exercise before you sleep to warm up (jumping jacks work wonders!).
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.