Top 10 Free Bush Camping Locations in Australia
Looking to get away and experience the beauty of the Australian bush, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Look no further – we have found 10 amazing free bush camping locations across Australia where you can enjoy unlimited camping experiences amongst nature with no cost to you.
Free Bush Camping At Agnes Creek, Northern Territory
Agnes Creek on the Stuart Highway is one of the best free camping sites we have camped at. It’s well back off the road with loads of room and firewood. There is abundant birdlife if that’s your thing. This is a free campground. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Free bush camping in tents is allowed. At Agnes Creek, there is a mile of space for camping. It does not have any services, that is, no toilets, no showers, no potable water. The only water is from the creek and it’s not a permanent source. It was dry when we camped there – you’d have to treat it before use. Dogs are allowed. There is no mobile reception. Fires are allowed and there is plenty of firewood around if you don’t mind going for a walk to find it.
Free Bush Camping At Coober Pedy, South Australia
Free camping in Coober Pedy is the way to go. We camped for three nights on The Commons at Coober Pedy. The Commons at Coober Pedy is a free camping area just out of town. It is a huge area with enough space to easily fit a couple of hundred vans, motorhomes or camper trailers. There are no services at The Commons Free Camp at Coober Pedy so you must be self sufficient however there were no signs or information saying that you have to be self contained. We had absolutely zero security problems at the Coober Pedy Free Camp despite what we’d been told and had read. This was even with us and one other van being about the only vans there each day and night. We happily left the vans at the commons each day and went out and explored. As always when free camping we take simple security precautions. We put our chairs, table and BBQ away inside the van. We make sure the vans toolboxes and hatches are all closed and locked. Any valuables such as computers and iPads come with us in the car.
Cape Hillsborough National Park, Queensland
Get close to nature, complete with plush rainforest and some awe-inspiring mountains at Cape Hillsborough National Park. There are three unofficial free bush camping campsites here – Blooming Point Beach Campsite, Emu Beach Campsite and the Coconut Beach Campground – where you can set up for a night or two for free. Cape Hillsborough also offers plenty of unforgettable walks that take in breathtaking coastal views and plant-filled verges.
Dorrigo National Park, New South Wales
Dorrigo National Park, located in the northern part of New South Wales, is a popular spot for free bush camping as it offers 35 kilometres of walking tracks. What’s even better? It’s absolutely free to camp here. Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Rainforest Mountain boardwalk or journey along the Waterfall Way track which runs through verdant valleys and rainforest before mysteriously disappearing into the depths of India pencil pine forest. There’s also Corangamite camping area which slopes down towards the river below.
Warlu Way Bush Camping Grounds, Western Australia
Enjoy the tranquillity of Warlu Way in the stunning regions of Western Australia. The bush camping grounds are great for families or couples looking to connect with nature. There’s nothing quite like watching a blazing sunset from beneath a broad gum tree canopy, and being able to camp here for free is an added bonus! Fishing and swimming are popular activities at nearby Lake Indoon, but if you’re more inclined towards midday strolls, you can take in some lovely bushwalking trails in the area before settling down for another peaceful night under the stars.
Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales
Enjoy the beautiful views of Myall Lakes National Park for free! This stunning park stretches along the coast in New South Wales and provides plenty of opportunities for leisurely exploring. Get back to basic with a bush camping experience, or find yourself set up by a serene lake. Whether you’re new to bush camping or an experienced camper, there’s something here for everyone. From fishing and swimming to spending time blissfully birdwatching, Myall offers all of these activities without breaking your bank!
Karijini National Park, Western Australia
Karijini National Park is a stunning natural haven located in the rugged Pilbara region of northern Western Australia. Easily one of Australia’s best camping spots, the park is home to ancient landscapes, awe-inspiring gorges and numerous walkways winding through spectacular scenery. With plenty of trails to explore, bush campers can take advantage of the free bush camping throughout the park to set up shop and make more time to appreciate all the sights and sounds this place has to offer. Experience nature in its rawest form with an unforgettable adventure at Karijini National Park – completely cost-free!
Long Waterhole, Winton Queensland
Amazing sunsets over the billabong and surrounding trees offering shade. A peaceful camp with plenty of wildlife only two kilometres from Winton on the Winton-Jundah Road in the middle of the Queensland outback. Only self-sufficient campers as there are no facilities on site. The area can be affected by rain and floodwater so keep an eye on the weather. Long Waterhole makes a great base camp while exloring the Winton leg of Australia’s Dinosaur Trail. It’s also an ideal place to camp when attending the camel races.
Lake Eildon National Park, Victoria
Lake Eildon National Park is located in the northern foothills of the Central Highlands of Victoria Australia. About 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Lake Eildon is huge, about 27,750 hectares in size consisting of rugged hills, open woodlands and and lots of forest. Bushwalking, boating, mountain biking and fishing are all popular things to do at Lake eildon National Park. Campers at Lake Eildon and day visitors can enjoy a range of bushwalks ranging from gentle lakeside walks from the camping areas to longer hikes where you can explore some of the more remote and picturesque areas of this popular National Park. Most longer walks are of moderate to steep grade and generally better suited to the cooler months.
Diggers Rest, Northern Territory
The Tanami Road is a familiar track well known to Aussie adventurers. Crossing from the middle of the Northern Territory across the border into Western Australia. it is a stern test of you driving skills and your vehicle’s capabilities. The Diggers Rest campground is found near Anmatjere. It is frequented by wild camels and varied birdlife. 4WD and off-road set-ups are a necessity. And you need to bring everything you need to live off-grid as there are no facilities here. With hardly anyone else within cooee enjoy the view of incredible sunsets behind the old windmill.