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Home » Destinations » Oceania » Australia

The Ultimate Camping Trip Along Australia’s East Coast

Modified: May 10, 2025 · Published: Jul 25, 2013 by Guest Blogger |

With relaxing ocean views and top facilities, the east coast of Australia is one of the best places in the world for camping. Whether your style is rustic or upscale, you’ll find the perfect amenities and many attractions.

Blue water and beach in the Whitsunday Islands (photo: Brewbooks).
Blue water and beach in the Whitsunday Islands (photo: Brewbooks)

The best way to plan a camping trip is to choose your destinations first, then pick the campsites to suit your taste. You will then have a better idea of what are the best camping gadgets you will need to bring. From Cairns to Melbourne, here are some of the ultimate camping spots along the east coast of Australia.

Table of Contents

  • Cairns
  • Whitsunday Islands
  • Fraser Island
  • Byron Bay
  • Lakes Entrance

Cairns

While Cairns feels like the end of the road along the east coast (some roads go north, but mostly more minor dirt roads), it is a fantastic holiday spot for campers.

Most campervan parks and campsites around the city have top reviews for amenities, atmosphere, and cleanliness. Still, given the reefs just off the coast, some beautiful rural spots, such as the Kuranda State Forest, are just north of town.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are perhaps the most gorgeous islands on Earth, and they rose to international acclaim when the local tourist board held a “best job on earth” contest featuring them. Turquoise waters and clean white beaches can be found for miles.

Plan to spend some leisure time here—there are lots of places to tuck away and relax in this area. You can also use the camper shuttle service, called the “Scamper,” to move from island to island.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island (photo: Mike Lawton)
Fraser Island (photo: Mike Lawton)

What more of an ultimate camping trip than to camp on the world’s largest sand island?

Fraser Island has six campsites on the island itself, making it a very charming and rustic experience come evening, when all tourists have boarded their ferryboats back home.

Camping is available on the headlands just across the mainland, but for the best experience, plan ahead and book on the island.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay (photo: eGuide Travel)
Byron Bay (photo: eGuide Travel)

Known more as a backpacker town than anything else, Byron Bay also has quite a few camping and lodging options, making it an excellent spot to explore the southern stretch of Queensland.

You’re a good bit south of Brisbane and over an hour south of the Gold Coast, meaning there’s a bit more room to stretch out here, while still offering plenty of amenities and things to do, from the cafes and bars to beach strolls in the afternoon.

Lakes Entrance

Entrance (photo: Phil Whitehouse)
Entrance (photo: Phil Whitehouse)

Last but certainly not least is a stop in Lakes Entrance, a spot in Victoria about two-thirds of the way from Sydney to Melbourne.

There are several national parks within an hour’s drive. These include The Lakes National Park (a gorgeous sand spit that extends for miles), Colquhoun National Park, Cape Conran National Park, and state forests in all directions heading away from the coast.

If you like to hike or walk, this spot will keep you busy for at least a week.

For more tips and ideas on camping on the Australian east coast, pick up a copy of Kerryn Burgess’ book, Cool Camping Australia: East Coast, which features in-depth reviews of campsites and destinations across the entire east coast.

_________

This post was written and brought to you by Britz Australia. Learn more about a campervan holiday with Britz today.

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This post was written by a guest contributor. Please reference the author's byline in the post above for more information. If you would like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines. For information on advertising opportunities, go here.

Comments

  1. Debra says

    July 31, 2013 at 8:03 am

    I have never had the pleasure of camping at the beach...the closest I've come so far is to leave the sliding glass door open in an oceanfront room. This is going on my bucket list today.

  2. Richard says

    August 01, 2013 at 4:21 am

    Such a beautiful trip, definitely on my list. I had always thought of just doing that route by backpacking and staying in hostels, but after reading this post, it's camping all the way. Just have to watch out for the creepy crawlies!!!

  3. rebecca says

    September 09, 2014 at 6:04 am

    Frazer Island! certainly somewhere I have always wanted to go.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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