Easter camping in Australia: Thousands of road trips reveal top spots (& best-kept secrets)

"Some people want the beachside buzz. Others want a campsite all to themselves. Easter delivers both - if you know where to look."

As Australia's largest RV-hire marketplace, Camplify sees thousands of Easter camping adventures go out every year — and the patterns tell a story. Coastal favourites booking out months ahead. Hinterland escapes quietly growing in popularity. And a handful of hidden gems that spike every April but stay blissfully uncrowded. Here's the full picture — the hotspots, the alternatives, and the trends shaping how Australians are camping in Easter 2026.

The best news? With thousands of custom RV’s ready to hire from locals right across Australia, Camplify makes hitting the open road easier than ever — no matter what your dream Easter camping getaway looks like.

TL;DR: Where (and how) Australia's are camping this Easter 2026

• Far North Coast, NSW — Byron gets the searches, Yamba gets the bookings

• Mornington Peninsula, VIC — 80% of travellers land on these two foreshore reserves (book early)

• South East Queensland North — The hinterland is quietly stealing share from the coast

• Gascoyne, WA — Station stays and off-grid setups rule here

• South West, WA — Gracetown and Hamelin Bay split the bucket-list crowd

• Esperance, WA — 97% of bookings are Lucky Bay. That's it.

• Hidden gems — Hunter, Darling Downs, Mid West WA, Murray & Mallee, Victorian High Country

• 27% are bringing pets — and a third of Camplify vans are pet-friendly

• 23% are choosing delivery — the van is set up & waiting when you arrive

• First-timer bookings up 152% — more people than ever are using Easter to trial camping for the first time.

The hotspots: Where Australian’s actually camp at Easter

1. Far North Coast, NSW — And the town quietly stealing Byron's crown

Byron Bay gets the hype, but Yamba quietly takes the bookings. Nearly half of all Far North Coast Easter campers land in just two Yamba parks — drawn by family-friendly setups, river access, and the kind of laid-back coastal vibe Byron used to have.

Top campgrounds:

• Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Yamba — The region's most popular Easter camping destination. Big with families booking delivery setups for longer stays.

• BIG4 Saltwater at Yamba — A close second, popular with larger family groups chasing water parks and river access.

The coastal town quietly stealing Byron Bay's title as the crown jewel of the Far North Coast; Yamba.

The quieter picks:

• Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville South — Creek-side, uncrowded, and increasingly the pick for travellers wanting Far North Coast weather without the bustle.

• Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park — Beachfront and perfectly positioned as a first or last stop for those crossing the Queensland border.

All of the views with half the crowd: Easter serenity can still be found at Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville South

Van trends:

Caravans lead the way. Delivery bookings are big here - families want to skip the tow and have the van setup and ready when they arrive.

View Camplify vans on the Far North Coast →

On the Far North Coast of NSW, more families are choosing van delivery, arriving ready to relax with no towing required.

2. Mornington Peninsula, VIC — the foreshore tradition

For Melburnians, Easter camping means one thing: the Peninsula. Over 80% of regional bookings concentrate on just two foreshore reserves — Rye and Rosebud — where families return year after year for shallow waters, fish and chips, and that classic beachside camping experience.

The result? These spots book out fast. If the foreshores are full, the Yarra Valley offers a different kind of Easter camping experience — wine country, cooler mornings, and empty trails instead of crowded sand.

Top campgrounds:

• Rye Foreshore Reserve — The most popular destination in the region. Groups and families chasing the quintessential Peninsula Easter.

• Rosebud Foreshore Reserve — Family-friendly shallow waters and walking distance to shops. A staple for longer stays.

With sites like this, it's no wonder Melbourne families flock to the Mornington Peninsula every Easter.

The quieter picks:

• BIG4 Yarra Valley Park — The green alternative to the blue. Wineries, nature, and high-end park amenities for those skipping the beach.

• Mornington Peninsula National Park — For hikers and adventure-seekers. Rugged coastline near Point Nepean, far from the foreshore crowds.

World-class coastal adventures await in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.

Van trends:

Campervans and caravans split the bookings almost evenly — flexibility matters when foreshore sites book out fast.

View Camplify vans in Melbourne →

Four wheels, one roof, and quality time that actually sticks. There's a reason why families are swapping hotel rooms for itineraries at Easter.

3. The Sunshine Coast, QLD — hinterland vs coast

The Sunshine Coast delivers both — and the data shows travellers are split. Coastal dreams of Noosa and Teewah pull the adventure crowd, but it's the hinterland that's quietly stealing share. Kenilworth accounts for over 30% of regional bookings — families and dog owners drawn to riverside camping, farm-stay vibes, and prices that don't sting like the coast.

Top campgrounds:

• Kenilworth Showgrounds & Homestead — The region's quiet powerhouse. Year-round favourite for families seeking riverside, dog-friendly escapes without coastal prices.

• Noosa North Shore - Teewah Beach — The adventure pick. 4WD-access beach camping for those with off-road capable setups.

Kenilworth Homestead: the Sunshine Coast hinterland escape quietly growing in Easter popularity.

The quieter picks:

• Habitat Noosa, Boreen Point — Eco-tourism on the Everglades. Kayaking, sustainable camping, and a different pace to the beach parks.

• Cotton Tree Holiday Park — River mouth location, popular for delivery setups. A reliable family option without the Noosa North Shore commitment.

Cotton Tree Holiday Park: a hidden gem of the Sunshine Coast region.

Van trends:

Caravans lead, but Noosa North Shore pulls the off-road capable rigs. Kenilworth sees the highest delivery demand in the region.

View Camplify vans on the Sunshine Coast →

For those seeking off-road adventures: Teewah Beach in Noosa is second-to-none. Image: Bush and Bay.

4. Gascoyne, WA — station stays and the Ningaloo pilgrimage

This is where Easter camping holidays look completely different. Over a third of Gascoyne bookings land on remote station stays — Gnaraloo, Warroora, Quobba — where there are little-to-no facilities, just a world-class coastline and whatever you've packed in your van. The rest base themselves at Yardie Homestead, the gateway to Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef's best snorkelling.

Off-grid capability isn't optional here. Solar, water tanks, and self-sufficiency are the baseline.

Top campgrounds:

• Yardie Homestead Caravan Park — The Ningaloo base camp. Close enough to Exmouth for supplies, close enough to the reef for sunrise snorkels.

• Gnaraloo Station — Kite-surfers, surfers, and those chasing remote coastal beauty. No frills, all adventure.

World-class snorkelling, fishing, surfing and diving — it's easy to see why North West WA is a bucket-list destination for travellers with a few weeks to spare.

The quieter picks:

• Warroora Station — Wilderness camping at its best. Beachside sites, total self-sufficiency, and the feeling of having the coastline to yourself.

• Quobba Station — Rugged coastal station near the famous Blowholes. For travellers who want raw landscape over resort comfort at just $10/night.

The quiet alternate: Blowholes campground at Point Quobba: off-grid paradise for self-contained vehicles at just $10/night!

View Camplify vans in Perth →

Van trends:

Campervans & rooftop tents 4WD's outpace caravans here — the youngest traveller crowd and the most off-grid focused. Solar and water tanks are non-negotiable.

5. South West, WA — the nature coast

Three-quarters of South West Easter campground bookings split between two destinations: Gracetown and Hamelin Bay. Both sit in the Margaret River wine region corridor — Gracetown for world-class surf, Hamelin Bay for turquoise water and stingrays on the sand. This is bucket-list camping.

Busselton plays a different role — the family-friendly hub with resort amenities for those wanting the South West without the off-grid commitment.

Top campgrounds:

• Gracetown Caravan Park — Heart of the Margaret River region. Surf breaks, wineries, and the coastal beauty that defines the South West.

• Hamelin Bay Holiday Park — Famous for its friendly stingrays and crystal-clear water. A bucket-list Easter destination.

Would you visit Hamlin Bay - if it's known for friendly stingrays which cruise the beach? Image: Cape to Cape Tours.

The quieter picks:

• Flinders Bay Caravan Park, Augusta — Quieter atmosphere at the bottom of the South West. Ocean views without the Hamelin Bay crowds.

• RAC Busselton Holiday Park — The high-amenity alternative. Pools, playgrounds, and Busselton Jetty access for families wanting comfort.

Augusta's quieter side — Flinders Bay Caravan Park sits at the bottom of the South West, far from the bustle.

Van trends: Campervans, 4WD's, younger travellers, and self-sufficiency — the same adventure-focused pattern as the Gascoyne.

View Camplify vans in Perth →

Endless backroads. Spectacular coastline. The Margaret River region delivers for caravan park lovers and off-grid adventurers alike.

6. Esperance, WA — the Lucky Bay pilgrimage

This one's simple: 97% of Esperance bookings are Lucky Bay. White sand, turquoise water, kangaroos on the beach — it's one of Australia's most iconic campsites, and Easter campers know it.

The catch? It's an 8-hour drive from Perth and sites book out fast. For those who miss out, Duke of Orleans Bay offers equally stunning coastline with a fraction of the competition.

Top campground:

• Lucky Bay Campground — The reason people drive to Esperance. Wake up to kangaroos, swim in water that looks photoshopped.

Sand so firm you can drive a 2WD on it — Lucky Bay is van-life bucket-list material.

The quieter pick:

• Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park — The local's backup. Rugged scenery, fewer crowds, and the same stunning southern coastline.

Can't get a spot at Lucky Bay? Duke of Orleans Bay is just a few headlands over — same stunning coastline, fewer crowds.

Van trends: The 8-hour drive filters for the committed. Off-grid capable vans only — Lucky Bay has no powered sites.

View Camplify vans in Perth →

The Lucky Bay locals don't mind some Easter company.

How Australians are camping this Easter

Beyond the destinations, the data reveals how people are hitting the road — and a few surprises.

27% are camping with pets

Dogs lead the pack, but they're not alone. One hirer coordinated a trip with a 15-year-old Princess Parrot named Jasper. Others are travelling with cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Kenilworth and the South Coast NSW are the pet-friendly hotspots — relaxed vibes, dog-friendly campsites, and fewer restrictions than the coastal resort parks. The good news? One-third of all Camplify vans are pet-friendly — so your furry (or feathered) friends never have to stay behind again.

View pet-friendly vans on Camplify →

23% of all campers are choosing caravan delivery

Nearly one in four Easter campers want to skip the towing - and arrive to the van setup and waiting for them. First-timers avoiding towing anxiety, families maximising the long weekend, or simply those who'd rather start the holiday the moment they pull up. With Camplify's delivery service, local owners can drop off your van fully set up and ready to go — no reversing, no stress, just arrive and settle in. Average delivery fee? Around $200.

First-timer bookings are up 152%

Easter is the trial run. A huge spike in first-time campers treating the long weekend as a test before committing to buying their own van. "Try before you buy" is a real trend — and delivery setups remove the biggest barrier: towing nerves.

12% are camping fully off-grid

Up 50% on the yearly average. Solar panels, water tanks, battery capacity — these are the questions spiking in booking enquiries. The Gascoyne and Victorian High Country are pulling most of this crowd. Camplify has thousands of custom rigs to choose from — from budget-friendly options to fully equipped setups with all the bells and whistles for a proper off-grid getaway.

The hidden gems: where to escape the crowds

Not every Easter camping holiday is a fight for sites. These regions see a spike in bookings every April — but fly under the radar compared to the coastal headliners.

Hunter, NSW Wine country an hour from Sydney — but not where most Easter campers think to go. Vineyards, rolling hills, and a slower pace while the Far North Coast fills up.

Darling Downs South West, QLD One of the biggest Easter upswings in the country. Inland, easy driving, and increasingly popular with first-timers looking for a low-pressure introduction to van life.

Mid West, WA The highest Easter surge nationally — and the Gascoyne's quieter neighbour. Coastal wildflowers, empty beaches, and none of the Ningaloo crowds.

Murray & Mallee, SA River country without the coastal chaos. Easter bookings here jump significantly above the yearly baseline — families and retirees drawn to houseboats, riverbank camping, and a slower pace.

Loddon Mallee / Murray, VIC The inland alternative to Peninsula madness. Murray River frontage, red gum forests, and campsites that don't require booking six months ahead.

Victorian High Country The biggest Easter upswing in Victoria. Alpine villages, cooler temperatures, and empty trails while everyone else bakes on the beach.

Outback SA For travellers who want space, not sand. Easter sees a quiet spike in bookings from those chasing red dirt, big skies, and the kind of solitude the coast can't offer.

Your Easter, your way

Whether you're chasing the crowds at Lucky Bay or escaping them in the High Country, the van is what makes it possible. Sleep where the magic happens. Move when you want. No checkout times, no hotel walls between you and the view.

Camplify has thousands of vans available from local owners right across Australia — from family-friendly caravans with all the comforts to off-grid rigs built for adventure. Pet-friendly options, delivery setups, first-timer support — whatever your Easter looks like, there's a van ready for it.