The Ultimate Camping Trip Along Australia’s East Coast

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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