Best Outback camping destinations and tips

Planning on tackling one of these awesome Australian Outback camping trip ideas? Use this list of the best Outback camping destinations to discover some awesome stops along the way!

We’ve covered every state and territory across Australia and uncovered some truly remarkable and remote campsites for you to enjoy. Plus we’ve provided information on price, address, facilities, nearby attractions and much more!

You’ll also find a heap of tips to help make your Outback camping trip as safe, comfortable and convenient as possible!

Remember, Camplify is the quickest and easiest way to find campervan hire all over Australia!

18 best Outback camping destinations

NSW Outback camping destinations

1. Comeroo Station Farm Stays

Price: From $25 per night.

Address: Comeroo Station Bourke NSW 2840 Australia

Comeroo Station is situated northwest of Bourke in the heart of the NSW Outback. The station is a fully operational sheep and cattle farm and covers about 100,000 acres of red dirt, across which you have the freedom to choose your own remote campsite. Once you’ve settled in, take a soak in the artesian spa and enjoy its natural healing waters, fish for yellowbelly, canoe the Cuttaburra Creek, take a wagon ride or go bird watching along the bushwalking trails. Comeroo provides a mix of powered and unpowered sites. Large groups are welcome and you can stay for up to a month if you like.

Facilities:

• Toilets

• Showers

• Camp kitchen

• Farm activities

• Phone coverage

• Farm gardens

• Artesian spa

• Bushwalking trails

• Farming museum

• Barbecues

• Pet-friendly

2. Dead Horse Gully Campground

Price: Park entry fee of $8 per vehicle per day.

Address: Dead Horse Campground Trail, Tibooburra NSW 2880, Australia.

Dead Horse Gully Campground is an Outback camping destination for serious explorers, situated in Sturt National Park in NSW's north-western corner. Although it only offers basic facilities, it is located close to The Boulders (from which the nearby town of Tibooburra gets its name - an Aboriginal word literally meaning ‘Place of Rocks'). There are also some great walking trails, making it the perfect place to escape city life for a few days.

Facilities:

• Non-flush toilets

• Picnic tables

• Barbecues

3. Aragunnu Campground

Price: Free.

Address: Aragunnu Road, Wapengo NSW 2550, Australia.

Aragunnu Campground is located in Mimosa Rocks National Park, where the bush meets the sea on the NSW South Coast. From the camping area, it is only a short walk to the beach and there are some great hiking trails to popular spots such as Moon Bay, Mumbulla Creek Falls and Wajurda Point Lookout. The perfect Outback camping destination if you want to remain close to the coast.

Facilities:

• Non-flush toilets

• Barbecues

• Hiking trails

Arrange campervan hire in New South Wales before heading off on your Outback camping trip!

ACT Outback camping destinations

4. Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park

Price: From $45 per night.

Address: 41A Morisset St, Queanbeyan NSW 2620.

Camp close to the city and enjoy a heap of family activities whilst feeling like you are far away in the Outback! The leafy Riverside Tourist Park sits on the banks of the Queanbeyan River and is perfect for those who want to tow a boat and enjoy some skiing, wakeboarding or fishing. Only a quick walk to the shops and with great public transport options to Canberra, it’s a convenient campsite for relaxed riverside camping trips.

Facilities:

• Amenities Blocks

• BBQs

• Camp Kitchen

• In-park boat launch area

• Free WiFi

• Laundry

• Playground

• River Frontage

• Dump Point

• Walking Tracks

5. Woods Reserve

Price: From $15 per night.

Address: Corin Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620, Australia.

If you want an isolated Outback campsite in the ACT, Woods Reserve is a great choice. Positioned on the banks of Gibraltar Creek, it is particularly popular with campers in campervans. Take a dip or go fishing in the creek before following the walking track to the nearby Gibraltar Falls. Plus, dogs are welcome as long as you keep them on a leash within the campground.

Facilities:

• Communal fireplace

• Picnic tables

• Picnic shelter

• Showers

• Toilets

• Walking track/s

• Wash up facilities

• Pet-friendly

Victorian Outback camping destinations

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6. Mountain Creek Camping Area

Price: Free.

Address: Mountain Creek Rd, Tawonga VIC 3699.

Situated in the highlands near Mt Beauty and Mt Bogong (Victoria’s highest peak), Mount Creek Campground is an Outback campsite of a different kind. Take one of the many nearby hiking trails to the mountain tops for stunning alpine views over the surrounding snow-capped peaks, plunging waterfalls, rocky ridges, grassy plains and historic mountain huts that are scattered around the place. Just be aware that in winter it can get very cold and snowy - but that only makes the camping experience that much more special!

Facilities:

• Non-flush toilets

7. Casuarina Campground

Price: Free.

Address: Casuarina Camping Area, Wyperfeld National Park, Big Desert VIC 3418.

The Casuarina Campground sits in the Wyperfeld National Park amongst a land of pine forests, lakes and the famous Mallee sand dunes. Although it only offers basic facilities, this remote Outback camping destination offers a heap of activities for nature lovers - go for a walk, do some wildlife spotting, take a dip in the chain of lakes or just kick back and stargaze.

Facilities:

• Non-flush toilets

Arrange campervan hire in the ACT before heading off on your Outback camping trip!

Tasmanian Outback camping destinations

8. Rivers Edge Wilderness Camp

Price: Starts at $14 per night.

Address: 1322 Lonnavale Rd, Lonnavale TAS 7109.

On the bank of the Russel River, the Rivers Edge Wilderness Camp offers a wide variety of facilities and spacious Outback campsites for caravans. The river boasts great trout fishing and you might meet a platypus swimming around in the river's pools. Take a walk through the surrounding White Gum forest and keep an eye out for the local community of eagles.

Facilities:

• Camp kitchen

• Wood heated lounge area

• Toilet & shower facilities

• Swimming holes

• Walking/jogging circuit

• 6 hole disc golf course

• Sports fields

• Pet-friendly

• Fire pots at every site

• Barbecues

9. Crayfish Creek Van Park & Treehouse

Price: From $25 per night.

Address: 20049 Bass Hwy, Crayfish Creek TAS 7321.

Crayfish Creek Caravan Park is an Outback camping ground of a different kind, offering a range of sites and even a luxury treehouse cabin with a spa. There’s no shortage of things to do either, with the park only being a short walk away from the surrounding beaches and shell coves. Take one of the bushwalking trails into Rocky Cape National Park or drive to nearby Stanley and ride the chairlift to explore the infamous volcanic plug, the ‘Nut’.

Facilities:

• Barbecues

• Camp kitchen

• Kiosk

• Laundry

• Playground

• TV area

• Cycle and running path

• Woodheater

• Beach access

Arrange campervan hire in Tasmania before heading off on your Outback camping trip!

South Australian Outback camping destinations

10. Second Valley Caravan Park

Price: From $25 per night.

Address: 2 Park St, Second Valley SA 5204.

Second Valley Caravan Park is one of South Australia’s best-kept secrets. This Outback campsite is located between the rolling hills and sparkling coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula, offering great fishing, bushwalking and swimming by the jetty. Surrounded by a backdrop of breezy pine trees, the park also features a heap of fantastic facilities as well as powered and unpowered campsites for caravans and motorhomes.

Facilities:

• Camp kitchen

• Laundry

• Fish cleaning area

• Playground

• Kiosk

• Cafe

• Rainwater and tap water

• Dump point

11. Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park

Price: Desert Park Pass starts at $48 per vehicle.

Address: Simpson Desert SA 5734.

Not for the faint of heart, camping in the Simpson Desert National Park is the quintessential Outback camping experience. Get lost in the red sand dunes and sleep under the stars near the salt lakes or gidgee woodlands. But be aware that there are no facilities in the park and you will have to come prepared with everything you need. To camp in the park, you will need to buy a Desert Park Pass. You are only permitted to camp within 100 metres of the public access tracks.

Facilities:

• None

Arrange campervan hire in South Australia before heading off on your Outback camping trip!

Western Australian Outback camping destinations

12. Dales Gorge Campground

Price: From $11 per night.

Address: Dales Rd, Karijini WA 6751.

Smack bang in the middle of the Karijini National Park, the Dales Gorge Campground is one of Australia’s best Outback camping destinations. Set up your campervan amongst the red rocks and green ferns before heading off to explore nearby sites such as Dales Gorge, Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool. Take a dip in the swimming holes, wash under the waterfalls and then kick back and barbecue in the picnic area.

Facilities:

• Toilet

• Barbecue

13. Yardie Homestead

Price: From $24 per night.

Address: Yardie Creek Rd, Exmouth WA 6707.

If you want an Outback camping ground surrounded by rugged ranges and pristine coastline, it’s well worth making the drive from Exmouth to Yardie Homestead. Offering fantastic facilities and a range of powered and unpowered campsites amongst a coastal landscape of sandy beaches, rocky gorges, deep canyons, vast wildlife and lush vegetation, this place is an absolute gem. Swim in the turquoise waters near the Ningaloo Marine Park and keep an eye out for colourful coral, fish, dolphins, whales and rays!

Facilities:

• Tropical swimming pool

• Bathroom blocks

• Laundry

• Kiosk

• Tennis court

• Barbecues

• Camp kitchen

• TV area

• Seasonal restaurant

• Boat ramp

• Telstra mobile reception

• Pet-friendly

14. RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

Price: From $31 per night.

Address: 35 Aragon St, Cervantes WA 6511.

The RAC Cervantes Holiday Park is the closest Outback campground to the Pinnacles, situated perfectly between Perth and Geraldton on WA’s Coral Coast. It boasts a beachfront location and offers views over the roaring Indian Ocean. Some of the fantastic family-friendly facilities include a large heated swimming pool and a games room to keep the kids entertained.

Facilities:

• Large heated swimming pool

• Table tennis

• TV room

• Bathrooms

• Barbecues

• Camp kitchen

• Kiosk

• Games room

• Laundry

• Playground

Arrange campervan hire in Western Australia before heading off on your Outback camping trip!

Northern Territory Outback camping destinations

15. Ayers Rock Campground

Price: From $43 per night.

Address: 173 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872.

Ayers Rock Campground sits in the heart of the Australian Outback. Located just 20km from Uluru, it is the perfect base for exploring Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Admire the desert sunrise from your campsite before you spend the day exploring The Rock and nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). The campsite has powered sites so that you can turn on the air conditioning in your caravan or motorhome for a comfortable night’s sleep. Not to mention the awesome facilities and free daily activities including guided garden walks and Indigenous bush yarns.

Facilities:

• Communal kitchen

• Amenities blocks

• Barbecues

• Swimming pool

• Playground

• Volleyball court

• Games room

• Laundry

• Free guest activities

• Pet-friendly

16. Karnamarr Campground

Price: From $15 per night.

Address: Jim Jim Falls Rd, Kakadu NT 0822.

Camp at Karnamarr Campground in the heart of the Kakadu, one of the largest and most secluded National Parks in Australia. This campsite offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, home to a diverse range of fauna and flora, including 20,000 native plant species, red-tailed black cockatoo and saltwater crocodiles. Plus, you’re only a short drive from the famous Jim Jim Falls and nearby Twin Falls.

Facilities:

• Drinking water

• Flush toilet

• Hot showers

• Barbecues

• Picnic area

• Fire pit

• Alcohol permitted

Arrange campervan hire in the Northern Territory before heading off on your Outback camping trip!

Queensland Outback camping destinations

17. Kilcowera Station

Price: From $40 per night.

Address: Hungerford Road, Thargomindah QLD 4492.

Private and remote, Kilcowera Station is an idyllic camping spot in Outback Queensland. It offers a range of campsites to suit different styles of camper. Those looking for a relaxed and convenient experience can take a powered or unpowered site on the lawn near the shearer's shed. Those who are more adventurous might choose an unpowered lagoon site or you can even opt to go Outback wilderness camping near one of the 40 waterholes spread across the massive property.

Facilities:

• Bathroom

• Showers

• Laundry

18. Broadwater Camping Area

Price: $6.85 per person per night.

Address: Sundown QLD 4380.

In the mountainous hinterland of South West Queensland, the Sundown National Park is home to the Broadwater Camping Area. This Outback camping site sits on the grassy bank of the Severn River and is great for experienced campers in a 4WD. Take a hike to The Broadwater, a large waterhole and wildlife haven where campers love to swim and fish on hot summer days. And if you want an even longer walk, venture to Ooline Creek or follow the Western circuit and keep an eye out for the parrots and eastern grey kangaroos.

Facilities:

• Non-flush toilets

• Barbecues,

• Shower cubicle (BYO shower)

• Donkey heater (boil your own water).

• Water at headquarters.

Arrange campervan hire in Queensland before heading off on your Outback camping trip!

Tips for camping in the Outback

Tip # 1. Picking the perfect camping spot

Ultimately, you want a site that is flat and protected from the sun and wind but not directly under big gums or dead trees. You don’t want a branch dropping on your campervan in the middle of the night!

Also, consider where the amenities are. You want to be close enough for convenience but you don’t want to be awoken in the night by other campers using the facilities.

Tip # 2. Camp away from crocs

When camping in parts of Australia that are home to saltwater crocodiles (north Queensland, north Western Australia and the Northern Territory), never camp close to the water's edge. As a rule of thumb, you should always camp at least 100 metres from the water and far away from fishing spots or areas that show signs of crocs (e.g. drag marks or footprints).

If you know there are crocodiles in the area, don’t approach the water's edge either. Even if you can’t see the crocodile, it could be waiting underwater only a few metres away.

Tip # 3. Pop the bonnet

When you arrive at your Outback campsite after a long day of driving, open the bonnet and let the engine cool down. This will help prevent mice and rats from seeking warmth inside your bonnet at night and eating your cables.

Tip # 4. Pack everything away

Once you are done cooking and eating at your campsite, clean everything off and pack it away. Do not leave your stove, pans, plates or utensils outside at night, as this will attract wild animals.

The same goes for other items such as shoes, camping chairs and even your keys. Animals in the Outback are known to chew on or steal whatever they can find.

Tip # 5. Stay safe from dingos

Dingos are wild animals and should not be treated like pet dogs. They are attracted to campsites and will eat anything that you leave out. They may also bite if scared or provoked. It’s best to keep your distance and close the doors of your caravan or campervan at night time.

Tip # 6. Deflate your tyres for soft sand

If you have to drive through soft sand (such as a beach or dunes), read the driver’s manual and check what the recommended tyre pressure is. It’s best to deflate your tyres on soft sand as it helps prevent getting bogged.

Tip # 7. Get to popular Outback camping sites early

If you know that one of the campsites you are visiting is particularly popular, make sure you leave for your destination early in the morning so that you can secure a spot before the crowds arrive.

Tip # 8. Prevent insects from getting into your caravan

If you’ve never camped in the Outback before, you might be shocked by the number of flies and insects. Before you leave, make sure that the fly screens on your campervan or caravan are in good condition. At your campsite, be sure to never leave the door open.

Tip # 9. Outback camping packing list

When heading off on an Outback camping trip, make sure to pack the following:

• Extra blankets

• Camping chairs and table

• Camping stove and fuel

• Cooking and eating equipment

• Insect repellent

• Drinking water

• First aid kit

• Torch

• Multi-tool knife

• Satellite phone (if in a remote region)

Tip # 10. Always carry extra water

It’s hard to come by fresh drinking water when camping in the Australian Outback. Carry a large water tank in your campervan or caravan and fill it up whenever you can.

First time setting up camp? For more tips, check out our guide to camping for beginners!

Hire a campervan for your Outback camping trip

After choosing an Outback camping destination, it’s time to arrange a campervan with a big bed and a kitchen to cook your meals. Who said camping in the Outback wasn’t comfortable?

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