Family Friendly Camping Spots Around Australia

There is nothing more Aussie than exploring the great outdoors. With no definite date on when international travel will resume, many families have turned to travelling domestically and exploring their own backyard. A family camping trip is one way for the family to spend time together and get close to nature, and luckily for us, Australia is home to some of the most beautiful spots in the world. Whether you love to hear the waves crashing or want to set up camp at the base of a mountain, our camping enthusiasts at Rhino-Rack have come up with a list of some of the best family-friendly campsites around Australia that the whole family will love.

Make sure to keep up-to-date and check each states travel restrictions before heading off on your adventure.

For more visitor information about each campground, please click the links provided below.

NEW SOUTH WALES

BARRINGTON TOPS NATIONAL PARK, NSW

Barrington Tops National Park is located on the upper central coast of NSW, inland from Forster. The rainforests in the Park are part of Australia’s World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests and highlights the immense biodiversity of Australia. The Park provides activities for adventurers at all levels, but especially caters to families with their numerous campsites and facilities.

Polblue Campground

Set away from the main road and centered around a grassy picnic area, Polblue Campground is perfect for camping with kids. There is plenty to do here, with easy access to walking tracks and other attractions around Barrington Tops. Polblue is also one of the highest campgrounds in NSW that you can drive to, making it the perfect spot for some stargazing. Suitable for tents, swags, camper trailers and caravans. Picnic tables, toilets and BBQ facilities are available. Bookings required.

Gloucester River Campground

Gloucester River Campground and Picnic Area is a great spot for families or large groups who love wide open spaces and riverside camping. The kids (and the rest of the family) can enjoy swimming in the river, exploring walking tracks, wildlife spotting, and running around the spacious grassy areas around camp. Suitable for tents, swags, camper trailers and caravans. Picnic tables, toilets and BBQ facilities are available. Bookings required.

WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK, NSW

Another World Heritage-listed site, Wollemi National Park is located approximately 5 hours from Sydney. The Park is known for its incredible landscapes that facilitate many activities including bushwalking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing.

Newnes Campground

Newnes Campground is a flat, grassy campsite surrounded by tall gum trees and set in the center of a sandstone amphitheatre. Spend the days exploring hiking tracks, old tunnels, and historic mining ruins, before taking a dip in the river to cool off. The kids will also love a visit to the Glow Worm tunnel, a short drive away. Suitable for tents, swags, and camper trailers. Toilet and BBQ facilities are available. Bookings required.

Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground

Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp Campground is the ideal spot for low-key family camping with just the right amount of adventure and rest. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing, as well as easy walking tracks with views over the Cudgegong River. This spot is very popular during school holidays, with limited spots for caravans and campervans, so be sure to book ahead. Picnic tables, carpark, toilet, and BBQ facilities are available.

QUEENSLAND

NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND, QLD

Straddy is packed with campgrounds, beach camping spots, glamping, and cabins. The Island provides amenities to suit anyone, from the glampers to the hard-core campers. Camping on the Island is managed by Minjerribah Camping. All campgrounds are perfect for families and group stays, with some being pet-friendly camping in Queensland.

Amity Point Campground

Amity Point Campground is a beautiful family-friendly spot located on North Stradbroke Island. There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy including, fishing, kayaking & canoeing, snorkelling, scuba diving, cycling, whale watching, and wildlife spotting. This site is suitable for caravans and camper trailers, with options to also book EcoShacks and cabins. Toilets, shower facilities, washing machines, dishwashing area, BBQ facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, power & water, and WiFi are available. Bookings required.

Adam's Beach Campground

Located on the western side of the Island, Adam's Beach Campground is a small, shady campground with 37 sites available. It is a great spot for boating enthusiasts, fishermen and of course, families who love being by the beach. Parents and kids can participate in similar activities as Amity Point here, with the addition of visiting nearby art galleries, museums, and markets. Suitable for tents, swags, and camper trailers. Washing machine, picnic areas, power and water, and shower facilities are available. Bookings required.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK, NT

A 60-minute drive south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is one of the Top End's best kept secrets filled with waterfalls, waterholes, monsoon rainforests, historic ruins, and magnetic termite mounds. There's many bushwalking, sightseeing, swimming, wildlife spotting, and four-wheel driving opportunities for the family to participate in, so we recommend staying at least 2 days to experience all that Litchfield has to offer.

Wangi Falls Campground

Open all year round, Wangi Falls Campground is one of six campgrounds located within Litchfield. It's the largest campsite in the Park with grassy and partly shaded sites, picnic areas, toilets, running water, and a cafe nearby. Enjoy a picnic with family overlooking the Falls, or maybe take a quick dip in the plunge pool. If the family is in the mood to tackle a walking track, Wangi Falls Loop Walk starts at the picnic area near the plunge pool and will take you up to the top of the Falls. Suitable for tents, camper trailers, and caravans (non-powered sites only). Camping fees apply.

Florence Falls Campground

Florence Falls is the second most popular waterfall in Litchfield and offers camping at Florence Falls 2WD or Old 4WD campgrounds. The Florence Falls Campground is a great base to exploring nearby Buley Rockhole, as well as Wangi Falls which is just a short drive away. Both sites are smaller compared to the large campsite at Wangi Falls, and is great for tents, camper trailers and caravans (2WD site only). Picnic areas and toilet facilities are available. Camping fees apply.

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, NT

World Heritage-Listed Kakadu National Park is Australia's largest national park. There are a range of family experiences around Kakadu from wildlife tours, aboriginal culture tours, boat cruises, bushwalks, and swimming under waterfalls and in waterholes.

Cooinda Campground and Caravan Park

Cooinda Campground is located within Cooinda Lodge Resort next to Yellow Water Billabong. The campground has powered and unpowered sites for tents, camper trailers and caravans, with access to the resorts swimming pools, restaurants, bars, picnic areas, showers, toilets, picnic, and BBQ facilities. When staying here, be sure to book a Yellow Water Cruise with the family to see Kakadu's famous big crocs, snakes and reptiles, and variety of birds that call the wetlands home. Bookings required.

Anbinik Kakadu Resort Campground

Anbinik Kakadu Resort Campground is situated in Jabiru which is the main township in Kakadu. The campground offers 15 campsites for tents, campervans, and caravans, and has restaurants, shops, and a swimming pool nearby. Bookings required.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

LANE POOL RESERVE, WA

Considered one of the best camping locations near Perth for families, Lane Pool Reserve is ideal for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. The Park is popular for activities including bushwalking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, horse riding, and four-wheel driving.

Baden Powell, Charlies Flat, Tony's Bend, Yarragil, Chuditch and Stringers

Camping for small family groups or individuals is available at Baden Powell, Charlies Flat, Tony's Bend, Yarragil, Chuditch and Stringers where you will either find yourself camping on the banks of the Murray River, or set back away from the river in the peaceful Jarrah forest. Suitable for tents, campervans, caravans, and camper trailers. Picnic tables, toilets and BBQ facilities may be available at each site. Bookings required.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

DHILBA GUURANDA-INNES NATIONAL PARK, SA

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is a favourite for camping, fishing, and surfing. The Park provides ample opportunities for adventure, with walks ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours, incredible wildlife, and some of the best coastal views in South Australia. Don't forget to visit the lighthouse, shipwreck, and abandoned township of Inneston to get a glimpse into Australia’s maritime history.

Stenhouse Bay Campground

Stenhouse Bay Campground is one of the main campgrounds within the Park, offering 25 large campsites just a short stroll away from Little Emu Beach, Stenhouse Jetty and Stenhouse Bay Visitor Centre. The kids will enjoy swimming in clear waters and spotting the resident emus that wander around the area. Suitable for caravans, campervans, camper trailers and tents. It also has toilet facilities. Bookings required.

Pondalowie Bay Campground

Pondalowie Campground offers two sites, one for tents and the other for caravans and camper trailers. This is a basic campsite amongst some vegetation and is a short walk away from Pondalowie Bay and Fishing Village boat ramp. The family will enjoy this beachside playground with swimming, fishing, and surfing on the list of things to do. Suitable for caravans, campervans, camper trailers and tents. Toilets, fire pit and BBQ facilities are available. Bookings required.

VICTORIA

GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK, VIC

Heritage-listed for its fauna and flora, the Grampians National Park is a great spot for families looking to see some iconic Australian animals and take in the beauty of one of Australia's well-known places. The Grampians is also home to the largest number of ancient Aboriginal rock paintings, providing cultural enrichment for all visitors. While many of the hikes should only be attempted by the fit, there are plenty of other activities to keep the kids entertained like fishing, swimming, sightseeing, wildlife spotting, canoeing, and kayaking.

Smith Mills Campground

Located in the central Grampians at the site of an old sawmill, Smith Mills Campground is only 1 kilometre away from the spectacular Mackenzie Falls, and a short drive to Boroka Lookout and Reeds Lookout. The walk to all three locations is doable with kids and a great bonding activity. Suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Facilities include toilets, bush shower and shared fire pits. Bookings required.

Borough Hut Campground

Perfect for larger family groups, Borough Hut Campground is located by Fyans Creek and is a 10-minute drive from Halls Gap. Lake Bellfield is only a short stroll away from the campground so kids can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing all-year round, and swimming when the weather is warmer. Suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Facilities include toilets, shared fire pits, tables, and benches. Bookings required.

TASMANIA

FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK, TAS

Freycinet National Park is known for its crystal-clear water, pink granite mountain ranges, pure white sands and of course, the famous Wineglass Bay. There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained from walking tracks, swimming, boating, snorkelling, wildlife spotting, and lazing about on the beach. Please note that camping at the Park is extremely popular and there is a ballot system in place for all campsites during the summer season (18 Dec-10 Feb) and Easter. Outside of the ballot season, campsites can be pre-booked through the visitor centre.

Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek

Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek campgrounds are located just metres away from the water which means the kids will spend most of their time on the beach. If you're up for a challenge, the hike up to Wineglass Bay is a must and manageable with kids - make sure to bring plenty of water and food to have once you reach the bay. Unfortunately, the walk isn't pram friendly, and a carrier is recommended. This campground offers powered and unpowered sites for tents, campervans and caravans. Toilets, showers and picnic facilities are available. No fires are allowed in the Park. Freycinet is a fuel stove only area.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

COTTER CAMPGROUND, ACT

Set on the banks of the Cotter River just 20 minutes out of Canberra, Cotter Campground is the most popular camp spot in the ACT. Kids will love the playground and swimming in the river, while the whole family can enjoy fishing, picnics, and numerous walking tracks around the campground. Suitable for tents, campervans, and vans. Electric BBQs, toilets and shower facilities are available. Bookings required.