Thunderbolts Lookout in Barrington Tops National Park (Image Destination NSW — Don Fuchs)
Australia is chock-full of beautiful bucket-list worthy locations, and while it’s nice to tick off these spots and experience what all the fuss is about, sometimes you just want a quieter location away from the crowds.
Destinations don’t have to be top-secret to avoid being overrun by avid campers and outdoor adventurers. Sometimes it’s just a matter of heading to towns or campgrounds away from major thoroughfares or exploring regions outside of their peak season. Or going to a national park so large you won’t be peeved that someone is there at the same time as you.
Here are some spots around Australia to check out for your next caravanning adventure.
Barrington Tops National Park, NSW
Covering 76,512-hectares, this World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest is a lovely spot to visit in north-east New South Wales. And with plenty of outdoor activities on offer, you can easily get some peace and quiet away from the crowds. If you’re the adventurous sort, there’s white-water kayaking that offers a lot of fun and some spectacular scenery (I speak from experience), hiking tracks with epic views, and if you visit in the wintery off-season, you can experience snow. And there are plenty of picnic and day-use areas to stop and relax at during your visit.
On the way to Thunderbolts Lookout in Barrington Tops National Park (Image Destination NSW — Don Fuchs)
Walks range from easy to more challenging multi-day hikes (recommended for experienced hikers) and are a great way to see the area.
There are various campgrounds within easy access of many of the Barrington Tops’ best attractions. Polblue Campground is the perfect spot if you’re bringing your van, with 45 campsites available. Bookings are required. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecue facilities and toilets. Bring in your own drinking and cooking water, firewood and fuel stove. Some other campsites to consider are Devils Hole and Little Murray Campground (only accessible to vehicles and trailers in summer), Horse Swamp campground.
Find out more here.
Nambung Station Stay, WA
The Coral Coast is one of Western Australia’s crowning glories, and while it might attract visitors like flies during the dry season, there are some locations where you can escape off the beaten track. Nambung Station is one such location. Located 40km off the highway from The Pinnacles Desert (also a must-visit destination featuring sweeping desert panoramas, sand dunes and unique rock formations), just two hours north of Perth, this station stay is worth the few extra kilometres.
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park (Images Allison Watt)
It’s a 2023-hectare working sheep and cattle station, and ideal for those who love bush walking, birdwatching, wildflowers, stargazing, photography or the laid-back farming lifestyle.
The property is surrounded by Nambung National Park, so there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore, and the station owners provide guided tours to some of the area’s best spots and hidden gems.
There are powered and unpowered sites, toilets and hot showers, and the property is dog-friendly, but they must remain on leash at all times. There’s also a camp kitchen and fire pit to make some friends at happy hour.
Head here to find out more.
Brandybottle Camping and Recreation Reserve, Clairview Qld
Located halfway between Mackay and Rockhampton on the Queensland coast and just off the Bruce Highway, this is a great little spot for those who love getting away from the crowds. It’s small, but that’s the beauty of it. The park features a small nine-hole golf course, a bar and 13 powered sites — five of which are concrete and the rest grass. Bookings are advised (0423 877 288).
A quiet stay at Brandybottle Camping and Recreation Reserve (Image Allison Watt)
Clairview itself is a lovely and tiny east coast town with some nice beach attractions, public amenities, a boat ramp and shops for restocking.
Find out more here.
Litchfield National Park, NT
Litchfield National Park may be one of the Northern Territory’s top contenders in the dry season (May–October), but the number of visitors does slack off during the wet season. Unlike some of the NT’s other national parks, Litchfield is open all year round but be aware that some of the 4WD tracks may be closed due to weather conditions and some destinations such as The Lost City, Surprise Creek Falls and Tjaynera will be inaccessible (from the ground at least). But some of other favourite spots, including Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls remain open and will be more powerful than ever as the wet season kicks in. Wangi Falls is generally open all year, but not always, so check ahead.
Buley Rockhole is open all year (Image Robert Crack)
If you plan to camp in Litchfield in the wetter months, make sure you’ve got the right gear and pack accordingly.
It’s important to note that road conditions in the NT can deteriorate in the wet season, and there may be some road closures. Always plan ahead and have all the necessary gear before travelling in the NT at this time of year. And embrace the rain! The NT’s epic thunderstorms are half the appeal this time of year.
Head here for more information on camping in Litchfield National Park.
Rutherglen, Vic
Considered (by our team at least) as one of Victoria’s more underrated towns, Rutherglen is a gem for those who love good wine, bike riding, fishing, gourmet food and much more. The surrounding region has been home to winemakers for more than 160 years, and there are dozens of wineries and cellar doors to tickle your fancy. And if you want a change of scenery, Rutherglen is not too far from the Murray River for those who like a peaceful day on the riverbanks or enjoying some watersports.
Pfeiffer Wines is one of the many wineries you can visit in the Rutherglen wine region (Image Visit Victoria)
For somewhere to stay, the Rutherglen Holiday Park is a charming spot with plenty of styles of accommodation available. It’s in town, so you’re within easy reach of all the best activities and attractions.
If you’re happy to put up with a few more people, visit during the Tastes of Rutherglen festival held annually on Victoria’s Labour Day long weekend (March).
Head here to find out more.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, SA
Located at the very end of South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula (284km from Adelaide), this national park spans 10,626 hectares and is a remote coastal wilderness with plenty of beautiful beaches and camping available. You may not have it completely to yourself, but you’ll be able to find a spot to camp or spend the day on the sand without being nose-to-nose with a likeminded traveller.
Ethel Beach (Image Robert Crack)
Stenhouse Bay Jetty in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park (Images Robert Crack)
Explore the stunning coastlines, and enjoy fishing, surfing and bushwalking, and if you luck out you might spot some local wildlife. Some top spots to visit include Ethel Beach (don’t miss the shipwreck), Dolphin Bay and Cape Spencer Lighthouse.
Vehicle entry and camping fees apply.
For more information, head here.
Pilliga Pottery and Barkala Farmstay, NSW
This unique gem is found 23km north of Coonabarabran just off the Newell Highway, with another 10km of dirt road to truly remind you that you’re heading somewhere away from the caravan park crowds.
The property is tucked against the Pilliga Forest and is home to several mudbrick and rammed earth buildings, which have been transformed into a unique farmstay experience complete with an on-site cafe that serves great food, accommodation, camping and a massive pottery workshop.
Blue Wren Cafe at Pilliga Pottery and Barkala Farmstay
Once you’ve taken in the beautifully eclectic aesthetic, explore the many facilities and activities on offer, including a swimming pool, volleyball court, creek, bushwalking, animal feeding and birdwatching. It’s great for the whole family, and pet-friendly too. And if you want to explore further afield, head into the Pilliga State Forest to visit the Sandstone Caves, Salt Caves and Sculptures in the Scrub.
The property is completely off-grid and self-sufficient. Goanna Campground is a good option for those who want to be close to the pottery studio and aromas from the cafe. There’s a toilet block close by with composting toilets, and a main toilet and shower building a few minutes’ walk away.
For those who want a bit more seclusion, check out Kellie’s Campground, which has bush, paddock and creek-site sites and a new toilet and shower block plus dishwashing facilities.
And make sure you check out the pottery studio and gallery while you’re there, with unique pieces made from the property’s clay and available for purchase.
Head here fore more information.
Eromanga, Qld
If you want to explore Queensland’s dinosaur trail but don’t want to stay where the crowds are, then Eromanga is a good spot to consider. It’s the furthest town from the sea in Australia and one of the region’s stops along the dinosaur trail and is also home to Australia’s largest dinosaur. For somewhere to stay, Eromanga Hall allows free overnight stays (24-hour limit) with access to toilets, showers and a dump point. It’s also pet-friendly and the nearby Opalopolis Park has barbecue facilities, a picnic table and a playground to keep the kids entertained.
Camping at Eromanga Hall (Image Allison Watt)
Sculptures at Eromanga’s Knot-A-Saurus Park (Image Allison Watt)
In town, be sure to visit the Eromanga Natural History Museum to get your fill of dinosaur fossils. History buffs should check out the Old Royal Hotel, built in 1885 and once a Cobb & Co staging post and the Living History Centre for information on the town’s early days.
Find out more here.
Karijini National Park, WA
Being away from the coast helps keep this national park (the second largest in Western Australia) quieter than some other WA locations. It offers a breathtaking and rugged natural landscape to explore, and you can stay in the park at Dales Campground, which is huge, but the sites are very spacious, so you’re not jammed in like sardines. Bookings are essential and can be made up to 180 days (around six months) before arrival. All the campsites are compacted gravel and unpowered. Facilities include pit toilets and a dump station. Showers are available at the Karijini Visitor Centre for a fee.
There’s plenty to see and do in Karijini National Park, WA (Image Allison Watt)
The national park has plenty to do, including bushwalks, hikes, swimming and plenty of gorgeous gorges to explore.
If you want another camping option near the park, then Albert Tognolini Rest Area has received glowing recommendations. No facilities bar a picnic table and fireplace are provided, but it’s RV and pet friendly and it’s free.
Head here for more information on camping in Karijini National Park.
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, SA
A 500km drive north of Adelaide, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is the largest mountain range in South Australia and is well-known for its rugged landscapes and unique wildlife. The national park covers around 95,000-hectares, and is home to some stunning gorges, walking trails, 4WD tracks and camping locations. The Wilpena Pound amphitheatre of mountains is a must-visit.
Sunset at Hucks Lookout, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, SA
Winter is the most popular time of year for people to visit this area (to avoid the heat), but if you visit in late autumn and early spring you can still enjoy the cool nights and clear, warm days that are perfect for bushwalking. A park entry permit fee of $10.90 applies.
Ten campgrounds are available to choose from, some suitable for vehicles and caravans/camper trailers, and others are only accessible by foot (check before you book).
Recommended attractions include the Adnyamathanha rock carvings at the Perawurtina Cultural Heritage site, and Brachina Gorge for spotting the yellow-footed rock-wallabies on Scree Slope (best to visit in the late afternoon).
Yellow-footed rock-wallaby seen in Brachina Gorge
There are four walks and 14 hikes in the national park, ranging from easy through to hard hikes or even the Heysen Trail which follows the principal mountain range between Cape Jervis (Fleurieu Peninsula) to Parachilna Gorge in northern Flinders Ranges.
Find out more here.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tas
Situated in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is one of Tasmania’s more remote and quieter national parks (compared to Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park at least). Visit Tassie during winter to avoid the crowds, but be prepared for the cold.
This national park is home to dramatic mountain peaks, winding rivers, deep gorges, lakes, waterfalls and more. And there are plenty of walking tracks and attractions near the park’s sole access road, the Lyell Highway, which runs through the centre of the park.
Explore the rugged wilderness of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park (Image Tourism Tasmania — Ollie Khedun and West Coast Council)
For an easy hike, check out Donaghys Hill (2.2km, 40-min return), where you can immerse yourself in the area’s rugged beauty with views of mountains and the Franklin River. Or trek to Nelson Falls, an easy 1.4km route through mossy forest that is a stark reminder that Tasmania was a part of the great supercontinent of Gondwana.
Experienced hikers might be tempted by the multi-day hike to Lake Rhona, a beautiful alpine lake in the peaks of the Denison Ranges where, if you’re lucky, you’ll have the beach in the mountains all to yourself.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is considered a day-use area, and the only place to stay is at a rugged campsite at the junction of Collingwood River and Alma River, but there are no facilities. Nearby Strahan is a great place to stay, or simply stop at this national park on your way to your next destination.
Head here for more information about Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Winton Wanderers Caravan Park, Winton Qld
This is a great caravan park for wanting to explore Winton. It’s a few kilometres out of town but it has great amenities, including toilet and shower blocks, laundry and big shady trees and is set on more than 40-hectares and has more than 80 powered drive-through sites.
Happy Hour at the small Winton Wanderers Caravan Park (Image Allison Watt)
When Caravan World deputy editor Allison Watt was there last year, she reported that there was happy hour around the fire every night to watch the sunset and every second night the young guys who were managers at the time would give a little talk about the history of the area. Every day a man would drive around the caravan park in his ute selling groceries (milk, bread, fresh fruit and veggies) — talk about service.
There’s plenty to entice in Winton, where Banjo Patterson first sung Waltzing Matilda. Explore the Age of Dinosaurs Museum, the North Gregory Hotel where you can hear a bush poet recite Banjo’s poetry, the fantastic open-air Royal Theatre, and much more.
Find out more here.
Mungo National Park, NSW
Head to south-west New South Wales to explore the lovely Mungo National Park’s stark landscape of dry lake basins and sand formations, home of the famous Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, the oldest human remains found in Australia.
To truly appreciate this ancient country, organise a guided tour with Tri State Safaris, Outback Geo Adventures or a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) guide to learn more about the landmarks and the cultural history of Lake Mungo.
Mungo lunette (Walls of China), Mungo National Park (Image Destination NSW)
If you prefer to travel at your own pace, there is a 50km Mungo Self-Guided Drive tour which will introduce you to the area. The tour kicks off at the Mungo Visitor Centre before heading to the Mungo lunette (Walls of China) viewing platform, Rosewood picnic area and Red Top Lookout. It’s recommended to have a 4WD.
There’s caravan-friendly camping available at the Main Camp. Facilities are basic, so make sure you’re prepared and well-stocked. There are picnic tables, barbecue facilities and toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking and cooking water, firewood and anything else you need. Bookings online are required, and fees apply. If you’re not bringing the van, check out the historic Mungo Shearers’ Quarters or the more modern Mungo Lodge.
The historic Zanci Homestead in Mungo National Park is only accessible by bike (Image Destination NSW)
The closest major town to Lake Mungo National Park is Mildura, a one-and-a-half-hour drive away via unsealed roads. Be sure to check the NSW National Parks website for updates and road closures before you travel.
Head here for more information.
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