With so many people looking to get away from the crowds, it’s no wonder that free camping is becoming so popular. We reached out to you to find out some of your favourite free campsites around the country. With a bit of knowhow and a few improvements, it’s easy to turn your camping setup into an off-grid powerhouse, making it perfect for getting out and exploring some of the awesome free campsites the country has to offer this winter.
Moreton Island, Queensland
Accessible by ferry from Brisbane, if you’re looking to escape the city Moreton Island is the destination for you. Made entirely of sand, it’s a tropical paradise with snorkelling, diving, bird watching, sand tobogganing, bushwalking, and fishing right at your fingertips. With pristine beaches, pools and lakes, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to soak up a bit of winter sun.
With no sealed roads, vehicle recovery services or mechanics on the island, if you want to 4WD or camp you will need to be a little prepared. High clearance 4WDs are always recommended if you’re looking to head across to Moreton Island and if you’re planning to go especially remote, being able to jump start your battery should you run into trouble is always handy. There are plenty of campsites scattered across the whole island with a range of facilities. If you’re keen to get away from the crowds, beach and bush campsites are a little more remote but definitely worth exploring.
For more information on Moreton Island and to book your permit.
Mildura, Victoria
Nestled on the Murray River, right on the Victoria and NSW border, Mildura has grown into a bustling regional city. This makes it the perfect destination if you’re looking to slow down without straying too far from civilisation. Surrounded by vineyards and sandy river beaches, there’s no shortage of things to do or places to soak up the beautiful Riverland scenery.
If you want to stay a while, there’s plenty of camping spots just outside Mildura, along the Murray. Depending on your setup there are numerous holiday parks along the river with power, bathroom facilities, camp kitchens and even wireless internet but if you’re wanting to get a bit more off-grid, there are also many free camping spots just out of town. It pays to do a bit of research beforehand as they can be quite secluded and hard to find, with varying facilities available.
Check out the Visit Mildura website to learn about all the things to do in Mildura and the surrounding area.
James Price Point, Western Australia
With the striking red cliffs, James Price Point in WA could quite easily be mistaken for Mars. Located 50km north of Broome, it’s the ideal spot to switch off and enjoy the stunning Kimberly scenery. Red cliffs, into pristine sand and the stunning Indian Ocean, it’s the perfect secluded spot to sneak away for a weekend or longer.
James Price Point is remote, with no shops, toilets, showers or drinking water you’ll need to bring it all with you. Because of this, having a 4WD with a capable dual battery system is highly recommended, especially when you can free camp right on the cliffs overlooking the beach. Being so secluded, it’s important to take all your rubbish with you and camp responsibly to ensure it can stay open for future campers.
For everything you need to know about James Price Point and getting there, check out the Wanderfully Living website.
Wingello State Forest, New South Wales
Nestled in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Wingello State Forest is a mountain biker, 4WD or hiker’s dream. With over 30km’s of trails and tracks within the forest, it’s a great destination for anyone looking to get out, stay active and enjoy the nature.
All State Forests are free to camp in but facilities are minimal, so you will need to be self-sufficient. The main campsite within Wingello does have toilets but if you’re travelling further into the woods, you’ll need to bring everything with you. Before you go, always make sure to check with the Forestry Corporation about park closures. Especially in winter, forest conditions can change rapidly and closures can happen at any time.
To learn more about the Southern Highlands and Wingello State Forest check out the Southern Highlands website.
Talia, South Australia
For a winter beach getaway, look no further than Talia, South Australia. Located on the Eyre Peninsula, 40km out of Elliston and 200km out of Port Lincoln, it’s a perfect location if a bit of rock fishing is your ideal way to spend a getaway. With a walkway down to the rocky cliffs, there’s plenty of exploring to do and some incredible rock formations and blowholes to check out along the coast.
Setup camp on the edge of the cliffs and overlook the stunning Talia beach in this awesome free camping spot. With no facilities available, you’ll need to be self-sufficient but it is accessible by 2WD and even caravans, if you want a bit more comfort. There’s no booking or time limit for your stay, so with the right 12v power setup, you can stay for as long as you like.
To learn more about Talia and the caves, or find out how to get there, check out the South Australia website.
For more information on taking your camping setup to the next level, check out how to get your setup off-grid ready and to find out exactly what 12v gear is perfect for your setup, our dual battery selector tool might come in handy.
