Cheap and free camping sites are a fantastic way to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes without spending a fortune. Whether you’re a seasoned caravanner or new to camping, there’s nothing like the freedom of the open road and discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.
From coastal views to the rugged outback, Australia offers a range of camping experiences to suit all budgets. And let’s face it, we all love a good bargain.
Finding affordable or free camping spots allows you to stretch your travel budget further, giving you more time to explore and enjoy the adventure. This guide will explore various budget-friendly camping options, from free campsites and showgrounds to pub camping and national parks. We’ll show you some of our favourite cheap and free camping sites we’ve found on our trip so far.
Let’s discover how to make the most of your caravanning and camping trips across Australia.
The Importance of Affordable Camping Amid Rising Living Costs and Caravan Park Prices
We have experienced, and it is often reported in our Facebook Group, Planning A Lap of Australia—Hints and Tips, that the cost of staying in
Affordable and free camping spots offer a much-needed alternative. These sites often lead to some of Australia’s most scenic and untouched locations, providing a more authentic connection with nature.
Discovering these hidden gems can help you save money and enhance your travel experience, making it more enriching and fulfilling despite the financial challenges.
With the rising cost of living and the increasing prices of
By seeking budget-friendly camping options, you can extend your travels, explore more destinations, and enjoy a wider range of activities without worrying about expenses.
1. What Is Free Camping?
We love a good free-camp, as I am sure you do too. We are still talking about the one in the main image and the image above in Neranderra; it’s our favourite in NSW so far.
Free camping, also known as wild or bush camping, is all about camping in designated areas without paying a fee. It often involves staying in remote or less-developed spots, like national forests, secluded beaches, or countryside locations.
Unlike traditional campgrounds, free camping sites usually lack amenities like water, toilets, showers, and electrical hookups, so we must be self-sufficient and follow Leave No Trace principles.
This form of camping offers a more rugged and immersive experience, allowing us to connect closely with nature while saving money on accommodation costs.
How To Find Free Camp Sites
Finding free campsites can be easy with the right tools and a bit of know-how. Here are some top apps for camping to help you locate free camping spots:
- WikiCamps: A comprehensive app with user reviews, photos, and detailed information on free campsites across Australia.
- Camps Australia Wide: Offers an extensive list of free and budget-friendly campsites and useful maps and guides.
- Campedia: Provides a wide range of camping options, including free sites, with helpful filters and search options.
Tips For Finding Hidden Gems
- Ask Locals: Chat with locals or fellow campers for recommendations on lesser-known spots.
- Explore Off the Beaten Path: Take the road less travelled to discover secluded areas not listed in popular guides.
- Check Online Forums: Join camping and caravanning forums or our Facebook group where members share tips on free camping spots.
- Be Flexible: Sometimes, the best spots are found when you’re willing to change your plans and explore new areas spontaneously.
2. Camping Using Hipcamp
Hipcamp is an online platform that connects campers with private landowners. They offer unique camping experiences on their properties. It operates similarly to Airbnb but focuses on outdoor accommodations.
Benefit of Hipcamp
- Variety of Experiences: Offers diverse options, from farm stays and vineyards to secluded forest spots.
- Support Local Landowners: Provides additional income to landowners while promoting sustainable tourism.
Finding And Booking A Hipcamp
- Steps to Book: Visit the Hipcamp website or app, search for your desired location, browse available campsites, and book directly through the platform.
Top Hipcamps In Australia
- Rainforest Camping, Sunshine Coast (QLD): Enjoy a serene rainforest setting with walking trails and wildlife.
- Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges (SA): Experience the rugged beauty of the outback with modern amenities.
- Spirit Of Tasmania Stopover (VIC): Stay close to the Geelong terminal before boarding SOT.
Hipcamp offers a convenient way to discover and book unique camping spots, enhancing your outdoor adventures across Australia.
3. Showgrounds and Sporting Grounds
Showgrounds and sporting grounds often double as camping sites, providing a budget-friendly alternative to traditional
How To Find Showgrounds and Sporting Grounds
- WikiCamps: Search for showgrounds and sporting grounds listed by other campers.
- Camps Australia Wide: Includes a section dedicated to these types of camping spots.
- Local Tourist Information Centres: They can provide information on available showgrounds and sporting grounds in the area.
Advantages Of Camping At Showgrounds and Sporting Grounds
- Affordability: Generally cheaper than
caravan parks. - Facilities: Often provide basic amenities like toilets, showers, and power hookups.
- Location: Usually centrally located, making it easy to explore nearby attractions.
Popular Showgrounds and Sporting Grounds For Camping
- Narromine Showground (NSW): Offers spacious sites and is a great base for exploring the Central West.
- Maryborough Showgrounds (QLD): Offers spacious sites and is a great base for exploring Fraser Coast.
- Kenilworth Showground (QLD): Conveniently located near the historic town centre and surrounded by beautiful countryside. We loved staying at the Kenilworth Showgrounds.
Camping at showgrounds and sporting grounds can be a practical and economical choice. It provides a comfortable place to stay while exploring the surrounding area.
4. Pub Camping
Pub camping involves staying overnight at local pubs that offer camping facilities. Typically, these pubs allow campers to park their caravans or set up tents on their grounds, often for free or at a low cost, in exchange for purchasing a meal or drink.
We’ve stayed at some great outback pubs on our travels around Australia. They always have a fantastic atmosphere and generous pub food.
The Benefits Of Pub Camping
- Support Local Businesses: You help support local establishments by camping at pubs.
- Social Atmosphere: Enjoy a friendly and lively environment with locals and fellow travellers.
- Affordability: Many pubs offer free camping when you purchase a meal or drink, making it a cost-effective option. However, we have spent more at a pub eating lunch and dinner than on a
caravan site!
Finding Pub Campsites
- Websites and Apps: Use platforms like Camps Australia, WikiCamps and Campedia to find pubs that offer camping.
- Country Pub Camping: This is a Facebook Group for most topics, and pub camping is no exception.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travellers for their favourite pub camping spots.
Popular Pub Camping Spots
- Nindigully Pub (QLD): Known for its friendly atmosphere and great food, with free camping along the Moonie River.
- Coppernook Pub (NSW) is a charming spot with basic amenities and a welcoming community vibe. The food is delicious, we ate lunch and dinner there.
- Wandering Tavern (WA): Provides a convenient stopover with good food and ample space for campers.
Pub camping is a fantastic way to enjoy local hospitality, save on accommodation costs, meet interesting people along your journey and have a yarn over a beer or two.
5. Station Stays
We love a good station stay! We’ve stayed at a few on our travels around Australia.
Station stays involve camping on working farms or cattle stations, offering a unique experience of rural life. These stays allow you to camp on vast properties often used for agriculture, providing a genuine outback experience.
Advantages Of A Station Stay
- Unique Experiences: Get a taste of farm life, participate in station activities, and enjoy the vast open landscapes. If you have kiddos, they love staying on a farm.
- Support Local Agriculture: Your stay helps support local farmers and their operations.
- Budget-Friendly: Station stays are often more affordable than traditional campsites, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers.
How To Find Station Stays
- Resources: To find station or farm stays, use websites like Youcamp and Outback Beds, or check apps like Campedia, Camps Australia, or WikiCamps.
- Local Information: Tourist information centres can also provide details on nearby station stays.
Top Picks
- Pinnarendi Station (SA): We stayed here while driving the Queensland section of The Savannah Way.
- Manbulloo Homestead (NT): Located on the outskirts of Katherine in the NT, offering scenic views and various outdoor adventures.
- El Questro Station (WA): Located in Kimberley, it provides stunning natural scenery and numerous activities.
6. Camping in National Parks
Australia’s national parks offer various camping opportunities, from coastal retreats to rugged outback sites. These parks offer campers unique experiences amidst breathtaking natural landscapes and diverse wildlife, like the one we experienced at Devils Marbles in the NT.
Booking And Costs Of National Park Camping
- How to Book: Reservations can typically be made through each state’s national park website or via apps like Parks Australia and state-specific apps.
- Typical Costs: Fees vary by park and campsite facilities, usually from $10 to $40 per night. Some remote sites might be free or require a small entry fee.
*Note: When camping in various national parks in the Northern Territory, you must buy an NT Parks Pass (unless you are an NT resident) to cover most of the NT. The exceptions are visiting Uluru and Kakadu, where you must buy additional passes for each area. You can read about the park passes on the government parks website.
Benefits Of Camping In National Parks
- Natural Surroundings: Enjoy stunning scenery, from rainforests and beaches to deserts and mountains.
- Wildlife: Encounter native animals in their natural habitats.
- Facilities: Many parks offer well-maintained amenities, including toilets, showers, and picnic areas.
Top National Parks Campsites
- Kakadu National Park (NT): Known for its diverse ecosystems, Aboriginal rock art, and vibrant wildlife.
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park (TAS): Offers scenic alpine landscapes and great hiking trails.
- Wilson’s Promontory National Park (VIC): Famous for its beautiful beaches, coastal forests, and abundant wildlife.
7. What Are Council Caravan Parks?
Council-operated parks are public parks managed by local councils that often offer camping facilities. These parks are maintained by local councils and provide a budget-friendly camping option with basic amenities.
How To Find Council Caravan Parks
Tips and Resources: Use apps like WikiCamps, Campedia and Camps Australia Wide. Or check local council websites and tourist information centres for details on council parks.
Council Caravan Park Costs And Facilities
- Typical Costs: Generally, council parks charge between $10 to $30 per night.
- Available Amenities: Facilities often include toilets, showers, picnic areas, and most have power hookups.
Recommended Council Caravan Parks
- Streaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park (SA): Offers beachfront sites with excellent amenities.
- Lake Ainsworth Holiday Park (NSW): Located by a freshwater lake, providing a beautiful setting and good facilities.
- Moore Park
Caravan Park (QLD): A convenient and well-maintained park with affordable rates and essential amenities.
Council parks are a great choice for affordable and comfortable camping, providing easy access to local attractions and natural beauty.
8. What Is CMCA
The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) is a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting motorhome and campervan enthusiasts. CMCA provides resources, advocacy, and a network for its members, promoting safe and enjoyable travel.
Benefits
- Discounts: Members receive discounts on various products and services, including fuel, insurance, and campground fees.
- Exclusive Campsites: Access to member-only campsites and special CMCA RV parks.
- Community Support: Enjoy a strong sense of community with social events, rallies, and forums for sharing tips and experiences.
Finding CMCA Campsites
- How to Locate: Use the CMCA website or app to find and book exclusive campsites. The resources list available sites and their amenities.
Examples
- CMCA RV Park, Innisfail (QLD): Offers spacious sites, modern amenities, and a convenient location near local attractions.
- CMCA RV Park, Penola (SA): Features well-maintained facilities and in close proximity to the Coonawarra wine region.
- CMCA RV Park, Gunnedah (NSW): Provides a peaceful setting just a block away in this charming local town.
CMCA membership enhances the camping experience with exclusive benefits, access to special campsites, and a supportive community network.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap and free camping sites is a rewarding way to explore Australia, offering both financial benefits and unique experiences.
Station stays provide a unique and affordable way to experience Australia’s rural heartland, offering memorable adventures and supporting local communities.
Whether you’re free camping in remote locations, staying at showgrounds and sporting grounds, enjoying the social atmosphere of pub camping, or immersing yourself in nature at national parks, there are numerous options to suit every traveller’s needs and budget.
Council parks and Hipcamp offer additional affordable choices, while CMCA and station stays provide exclusive and authentic experiences.
You can discover hidden gems and make the most of your caravanning trips by utilising resources like camping and caravanning memberships, apps, websites, and local recommendations. Embrace the journey, support local communities, and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
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With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
