We know what you’re thinking… Easter? It can’t be that time of the year already! But here we are, a few months into the year and in need of a well-deserved break. If you ask us, there’s no better way to relax and kick back than by spending some quality time in the great outdoors. Australia is littered with so many drop-dead gorgeous spots to set up the tent that it can be almost impossible to know where to begin. The Easter rush can also mean that your favourite camp spot is all booked out, so it’s a good idea to have a backup so that you aren’t left high and dry. Whether you’d classify yourself as a camping king or queen, or are heading out bush for the first time, here are a few of the best spots across Australia to visit this Easter holidays.
Queensland
Carnavon Gorge, Central Queensland
Carnarvon Gorge is one of many hidden gems throughout the Central QLD Region but what sets it apart from the others is the stunning sandstone cliffs and rich cultural history that make this exquisite outback oasis one not to miss. Located 268km North of Roma and roughly 60 clicks from Rolleston, it’s smack bang in the middle of nowhere giving you a true-blue bush experience. This destination is one built for the hikers with several trails as diverse as the landscape around them. Lace up your boots and hit up the Amphitheatre or the Moss Garden, two of the more manageable tracks that are simply drop dead gorgeous. When it comes time to set up camp you can’t go past Carnarvon Gorge Camping Area, available during the Easter, Winter, and Spring school holidays. Out here you can pitch your tent or camper trailer right in the heart of some pretty epic landscape. Big Bend Camping Area is another one worth a look but be sure to book in advance. Carnarvon Gorge is a great place to spend a few days while you catch up on your R’n’R by the beautiful waterholes lining the area and should be top of the list this Easter.
Rainbow Beach, Queensland
The scorching summer days may be done and dusted as we track into Autumn but that doesn’t mean your Easter escape can’t include a little sun, surf, and sand. This time of year is an absolute cracker for hitting the beach and if you feel like throwing a camping adventure into the mix you can’t look past Rainbow Beach. Located on the Fraser Coast roughly 70km from Gympie and 134km from the glitz and glamour of Noosa, this is an ideal location for any BCFer. It doesn’t really matter what type of outdoor adventure tickles your fancy - you’ll find the lot at Rainbow. A ripper 60km beach will have the fourbie lovers liking their lips, while the Cooloola Great Walk is an epic one for people who don’t mind lacing up the ol’ hiking boots. The fisho will be spoilt for choice with some of the best beach fishing going around right at your front door… so don’t forget to pack the rods! When it comes to accommodation take your pick, Rainbow Beach Holiday Village and Big4 Breeze Rainbow Beach both have ripper options for the traveller. If you plan on pitching a tent or parking the caravan you’ll be stoked, with powered and unpowered sites available depending on your preference and all the amenities you need for an egg-celent easter away. This place is a pearler, but the word’s got out, so pick up the phone today to book your piece of paradise.
Check out these other cracker camping spots in Queensland…
- South Stradbroke Island
- Moreton Island/Moreton Bay
- Yeppoon
- K’gari (Fraser Island)
New South Wales
Jervis Bay
Only two hours South of Sydney you’ll find a BCFers paradise that’s definitely worth a look this Easter break – Jervis Bay. Chock full of options for outdoor fun in the sun, you can enjoy a spot of fishing, cycling, boating, or snorkelling during your time away while still being more than close enough to a number of cafes, antique shops, and museums. There’s truly something for the whole clan at Jervis. With a superb mix of beach and bush, camping is an absolute treat. You can choose a beachside spot or join the ‘roos in National Park if you prefer to snag a hinterland experience. Popular spots include Green Patch Camping Area in Booderee National Park where you’ll find a range of camp sites that have so many facilities attached that even the fussiest campers will feel right at home. Booderee National Park is one of the biggest drawcards of Jervis Bay, so why not set up shop there this Easter! Jervis Bay Holiday Park is another option for those seeking a few more creature comforts. Wherever you decide to stay, whether it’s on the beach or among the wildlife, Jervis Bay is a spot you need to check out this year.
Check out these other cracker camping spots in New South Wales…
- South West Rocks
- Copeton Dam
- Mt Kosciusko National Park
- Kenangra Boyd National Park
Victoria
Murray River, Yarrawonga
If you’re after a true bush camping experience whilst still only being a short drive from a township then you don’t need to look much further than Yarrawonga. There is something for campers of all shapes and sizes so whether you’re looking for a free riverside camp or a cabin at the holiday park, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head. If you want to bring the caravan along you won’t have an issue as the tracks leading to the water are more than wide enough, and the flat beach sections are well suited to those with the home away from home hitched up to the back. Forges Bend or Little Bruce’s camping area are both ripper free camps that are suited to both solo campers and those who want to bring the whole clan. On the other side of the Murray is Mulwala, and together with Yarrawonga this place is truly paradise for those who love all things BCF. Whether water skiing is your jam, or you’d rather tangle with a mighty Murray cod, camping on the Murray River is sure to make for a memorable trip this Easter.
Lake Eildon, Victorian High Country
Before the harsh bite of winter sets in a trip to the Vic High Country is a must. Over Easter the weather is spot on for camping in this part of the world and the natural beauty on display will have you walking around with your jaw dragging along the floor. You can head down one of the many 4x4 tracks in the area and camp in a secluded riverside location or find a spot closer to Lake Eildon where you’ll have more than 3,334,158 megalitres of water (that’s a lot of water) at your disposal. Strap the kayak to the roof or bring the paddle board along for some man-powered fun on the lake. Popular locations around Lake Eildon include the Delatite Arm and Jerusalem Creek Campgrounds. Some of these sites must be booked, so make sure you get in early to secure your spot. If you’re into a spot of fishing make sure you bring your trout gear along too, as the many rivers in the area such as the Acheron, Goulburn and Steavenson rivers are all ripper waterways to snag a trout or two.
Check out these other cracker camping spots in Victoria…
- Warrnambool
- Great Otway National Park
- Mallacoota
- The Grampians
Western Australia
Margaret River, Western Australia
You might need more than one Easter break to do everything on offer at Margaret River as it is absolutely choc-a-bloc with things to do. Whether you don’t mind a glass of wine or are simply keen to plonk your backside in a beach chair at some of the most pristine beaches in the country, Margaret River is a place that has it all. Camping in this area is one of the best ways to see it, as you can move around from camp site to camp site to soak in some amazing views and vitamin D. The sky is the limit at Margaret River - jump on a fishing charter and chase the famous WA Dhufish, sail the seas off the coast, or simply go for a dip at Smiths Beach, Yallingup. One of the best things about camping at Margaret River is the ‘all you can eat buffet’ of accommodation options at your disposal. Bring the caravan along, roll out your swag, or stay at one of the many holiday parks that are just perfect for the little tackers. The best part is, you’ll have a beachfront view almost everywhere you go! There’s so much to do at Margaret River that it’d be a shame to just read about it. Pack up the car and head to Margaret River to find out what all the fuss is about.
Check out these other cracker camping spots in Western Australia…
- Karijini National Park
- Francois Peron National Park, Denham
- Ningaloo
- Kalbarri
South Australia
Beachport/Robe, South Australia
As the old saying goes, Robe’s not famous for Robes, but Bega’s famous for Bega. While you might not find your next dressing grown on the sands of Robe, you will find yourself a beach adventure like almost no other in Southern half of Australia. A beach driving haven, Easter is the perfect time to tackle the drive along the sand from Beachport to Robe as well as getting stuck into some diving, swimming and if you’re not bad behind the spear gun, snag a beach meal while you’re at it. In terms of camping, it can slim pickings during the peak season, so make sure to book your spot in early in one of the cracker campsites only a short drive from the beach. If a relaxing family getaway is more your jam, we’d recommend staying at the caravan park in Beachport or the Robe Holiday Park. With more natural beauty than you can poke a crayfish at, Beachport and Robe are both beautiful, quiet towns that absolutely explode during peak times and for good reason. This place is an absolute piece of paradise!
Check out these other cracker camping spots in South Australia…
- Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula
- Kangaroo Island
- Eyre Peninsula
- Coorong National Park
Tasmania
Mount William National Park
Whether you’re a Tassie local or are planning a quick getaway to the State down under, camping at Mount William National Park has bucket-loads to offer. The nearby Bay of Fires is known for its b-e-a-utiful beaches and bright orange granite rock that makes it truly like nowhere else in the world. You can camp there too, but you’ll have to rock up well in advance as it can get busier than Bondi on a hot day. For a better chance at securing a camp spot, Mount William National Park is the place to be. You’ll have access to awe-inspiring views and might even bump into a Tassie devil or two if you’re lucky! Like the rest of the state, the campgrounds in Mt Williams are in immaculate condition. They might not come with all the bells and whistles but with fireplaces, picnic tables and pit toilets available at most campgrounds, you’ll feel like a true camp legend when you crack open a cold one before a night under the stars. There are six designated campgrounds in Mount William so take your pick! Just make sure you pick up a parks pass before heading down as it’s a requirement to hold one when entering heading to national park.
Check out these other cracker camping spots in Tasmania…
- Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park
- Fortescue Bay Camping Ground, Tasman National Park
- Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park
- Maria Island