Camping Guides

I don’t come from a camping family but ever since I moved to Australia, I got into it. Because… camping is seriously one of the best ways to experience Australia.

I’ve never seen as much wildlife than when we’ve gone camping, and there’s something really special about lying in a tent and hearing a whole lot of strange noises in the night.

We have a very simple camping setup and aren’t really into staying in caravan or tourist parks much, unless we’re in a campervan, in desperate need of a shower or if it’s our only option. So if you’re looking for guides to the best caravan parks, you probably won’t find too many here.

Most of our camping adventures take us to Australia’s national parks or state forests – wherever there’s some hiking or exploring to do, and plenty of bird life and other wildlife.

Click on the map to see individual guides to camping spots.

Alternatively, click on the pictures below to get a list of all the camping areas in Queensland and NSW we thought were awesome and those that were not.

WHY DO CAMPING GUIDES (= REVIEWS)?

There are a fair few Aussie blogs and websites these days that give you information on campgrounds in Australia (and overseas) but we like staying in national parks and I often struggle to get information that’s not just the basic facts (e.g. there are toilets, no showers, …) or how to get there (which can also be quite handy).

I often want to know if it’s off the beaten track or what the general vibe was. Basically, would you ever go back?

So I’ve come up with my own ratings of a campsite.

It’s not based on what facilities are offered since we don’t really care too much about that. But I will usually make a comment about toilets. Because toilets are important, everybody needs them. I’m happy to deal with anything from flush, composting to pit toilets as long as they’re clean. That’s my main criterion.

We’re into basic camp spots that are in beautiful locations and that leave you feeling relaxed and wanting to stay forever. The more isolated and on our own we are, the better.

All ratings are entirely subjective. Obviously. And I’m totally ok with that. 🙂

CAMPGROUND RATING: TENTS

	1 tent: Run away as fast as you can. It is so awful, words fail me.
	3 tents: Don’t want to stay forever but it’s quite nice for a few days.
	5 tents: When can we move in?!?!?!

I must say that I’m yet to stay in a place that deserves 5 tents but I’m sure it’s out there waiting for me to discover it! 🙂

INSECT IMPACT RATING: MOZZIES

In addition, given that the husband is a fabulous mozzie magnet (which generally means he gets eaten alive while I may have a bite or two to show off), I award some of these lovely insects to indicate the general insect / mosquito impact at each campsite.

This may not apply to all campgrounds.

	1 mozzie: Even if you spend years here, your chances of meeting one aren’t high.
	3 mozzies: Bearable, if you have some insect repellent.
	5 mozzies: Infestation, or simply, death by mozzie.

Graphics credit: The creative talents of my sister.