Why savvy campers are switching to winter camping in NSW (2025)

Whether you're seeking a refreshing summer escape or a cozy winter retreat, Australia's diverse landscapes offer incredible camping experiences year-round. We've gathered recommendations from our community of seasoned road trippers for some of the country's most stunning locations, from secluded beaches to mountaintop hideaways. Last updated: January 2025

Don't let winter stop you from hitting the road! With the right preparation (check out our Tips and Tricks for Winter Van Camping), you can embrace the crisp air and serene landscapes with a cozy campervan adventure. With Camplify, you can easily rent unique vans directly from local owners, making winter travel a breeze. Not sure which vehicle type is best for winter? See our guide on the Best Motorhome for Winter Use.

For even more winter destination inspiration, explore our comprehensive guide to Top 30 winter road trip destinations across Australia.

Beachcomber Holiday Park, Potato Point, NSW

Beachcomber Holiday Parkis right by the beach in a stunning setting. Close to a lovely little town, the days are perfect for exploring, surfing, and mountain biking. In the evenings, marshmallow melting and campfires are the perfect activities before getting snuggly under the stars. For more free camping options in the area, check out our complete guide to free camping in NSW.

Starting from Sydney, the journey is a scenic 4.5-hour drive covering approximately 340 kilometres.

Booti Booti National Park, Forster, NSW

The Ruins campground feels rugged and remote with wide sweeping beaches and plenty of bushwalks in the national parks. The location is perfect for making cooking fires on the beach and surfing. There are also some really lovely cafes at Blueys Beach.

A wonderful start would be from Newcastle or Lake Macquarie. The journey from this location spans roughly 150 kilometres and takes about 2 hours.

Rollingstone Beachfront Resort, QLD

Rollingstone Beachfront Resort is one of the highlights from our Top 10 Winter Activities in Queensland guide. You can set up camp, drop a line in the ocean, and relax. The resort is equipped with a pool, BMX track, jumping pillow, and specially designed ponds for recreational fishing. With plenty of beautiful walks surrounding the resort, this location is perfect for an action-packed winter vacation.

A great starting point is Townsville which is about 58 kilometres north and takes just about an hour’s drive.

Wunglebung Campground, NSW

Wunglebung campground is a true bush retreat, teeming with serenity. This dog-friendly location offers bushwalking, kayaking, and mountain biking, perfect for those looking for adventure during the day. After a busy day, Wunglebung is transformed by the night sky and offers some amazing stargazing.

Cape Tribulation, QLD

Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park is an incredible part of the world to visit during winter. The trip up the coast to Far North Queensland is breathtaking, with many places to stop and enjoy along the way. Once in Cape Tribulation, you can enjoy walks to the beach and the rope swing. It’s also a great location to explore the Daintree area and the Great Barrier Reef. In the evening, sit by the campground fire pit and roast some tasty marshmallows.

Barmah Lakes, VIC

Located in the Barmah State Forest about 30km from Echuca on the Murray River, this is a key place for those who love to be at one with nature. By a large expanse of water, campers can canoe, swim, and fish. For those who would like to stay on land, there’s an array of bush and cultural walks. The secluded nature of this location makes for amazing stargazing in the evening around a campfire.

Start from Melbourne, approximately a 2.5-hour drive totalling around 220 kilometres.

Cradle Mountain, TAS

To reach the diverse landscapes of Tasmania, you can start your journey from Hobart or Melbourne. For those coming from afar, flying into Hobart offers a convenient start to your adventure.

From Melbourne, you can take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Devonport. The ferry ride is approximately 10 hours, covering 429 kilometers. Once in Devonport, the drive to Cradle Mountain is about 83 kilometers, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, from Hobart, the drive to Cradle Mountain covers approximately 300 kilometers and typically takes around 4.5 hours. Both routes offer scenic and enjoyable travel experiences.

Beechworth Sambell Park, VIC

This relaxing campsite features the sound of running water from the nearby creek and the smell of pine trees that surround the site. This picturesque location is ideal for long barbecues, swimming, bird watching, and stargazing.

Starting from Melbourne, it’s approximately a 3-hour drive covering 280 kilometres.

Wilsons Promontory National Park, VIC

The beachside campsites are perfect to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With incredible scenery and beaches, swimming, snorkelling, and hiking are all on offer. It’s also close to Big Drift, the sand dune system.

Kick off from Melbourne; the drive to Wilsons Promontory National Park generally takes 2.5 hours covering approximately 220 kilometers.

Mount Crawford, Forest, SA

This special camp spot is engulfed in pine trees and placed next to a creek, a serene spot to immerse yourself in the forest. There’s plenty to do, including bird watching, searching for wildlife, and hiking. Mount Crawford Forest is the perfect spot to get away from it all.

Begin your adventure from Adelaide. The drive to Mount Crawford Forest is approximately 1 hour covering just 70 kilometres. For those interested in other winter activities in South Australia, be sure to explore our guide.

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, SA

A favourite for camping, this national park has an abundance of activities for road trippers to enjoy. Explore the park and catch the best coastal views of South Australia by bushwalking on trails from 30 minutes to four hours. Head down to the beach for some surfing and finish the day with a warming campfire.

Start from Adelaide; the drive is usually 3.5 hours covering approximately 300 kilometers.

Cape Range National Park, Exmouth, WA

If you’re keen to take your time and experience everything Western Australia has to offer, be sure to include the Cape Range National Park in Exmouth, which is a special sight, particularly in the winter months when the weather is warm and people come to experience the extraordinary scenery and wildlife. Swim with whale sharks and snorkel at Turquoise Bay.

The panoramic views over Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef are a must-see, and some may even spot some of the native wildlife including emus, kangaroos, dingos, and even eagles.

For more winter camping activities and destinations in Western Australia, visit our detailed guide.

Bullara Station, WA

This authentic outback station experience is nestled in the heart of Ningaloo. Wake up to an array of animals including sheep, horses, and cows roaming the campground and head to the local coast to find some wonderful swimming spots. Communal campfires are available in the evening for a perfect way to wind down and swap stories with fellow travellers.

Booking a van with Camplify

Booking your ideal campervan with Camplify is easy. Visit our how it works page to understand the rental process. You can then explore our search vans page to find a suitable van. Request to book without any upfront payment, verify your identity, complete the payment once your booking is accepted, and get ready to embark on your adventure.

For every one of these secret spots, there are endless others just waiting for you to explore.

Ready to embark on your adventure? Explore our range of campervans and start planning your winter road trip today!