Camping & Road Tips Australia: Beyond the Bitumen

Camping is easily the best way to explore Australia.

I’ve never seen more wildlife than when we’ve gone camping. There is something fundamentally different about hearing the bush come alive at night from inside a tent rather than through a hotel window.

Most of our trips focus on getting away from the crowds. If a site has plenty of birdlife, a few nearby hiking tracks, and enough space to actually breathe, we’re interested.

We keep things simple so we can spend more time exploring and less time faffing about with gear.

ROAD TRIPS & CAMPING STYLE AT A GLANCE

Accommodation: National parks, state forests and remote station stays—and hopefully peace & quiet

Setup: 4WD touring, a tent—ground or rooftop—and a 25-year-old fridge that is still alive

Philosophy: Minimalist, low-impact and focused on physical and mental wellbeing

Road Trips: Routes and loops connecting Australia’s stunning national parks, from remote to regional areas

Gear: No fluff—only simple, durable equipment with an eye on sustainability

✨ Why we do it: To enjoy the solitude and marvel at the natural creation

OUR PREFERRED SPOTS

If you’re looking for resort-style caravan parks with jumping pillows and paved sites, you’re in the wrong place. We generally avoid them unless we’re desperate for a shower or passing through a town where it’s the only option.

We prefer the simplicity of national parks, state forests, station stays or private Hipcamp properties. We look for places where nature is the main attraction, not the amenities.

EXPLORE BY REGION

Use the map to find specific guides, or browse the regional hubs below for detailed notes on road conditions, facilities, and the best time to visit.

All articles about Camping on Queensland and Beyond

QUEENSLAND CAMPING

Iconic red dirt, lush national parks and station stays. Comprehensive guides and “5-tent” spots across the state.

NSW CAMPING

Serene riverbanks, northern NSW escapes and remote bush camps. Practical logistics for national parks in regional NSW.

A 4WD with a rooftop tent driving down the long, red dirt Central Arnhem Road through native bushland in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.

ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES

Route notes, fuel stops and stunning spots. Practical guides for outback loops, regional drives and long-distance itineraries.

HOW WE RATE CAMPSITES

Camping reviews often focus on the quality of the showers. Ours don’t—well, not exclusively.

Since we prefer remote national parks and station stays, we rate spots based on the location, the peace and quiet and the “would we ever come back?” factor.

Toilets are the only exception. Whether it’s a composting pit or a bush toilet, cleanliness is a must.

We rate all our camping experiences on a scale of 1 to 5—entirely subjective. Obviously. 🙂