| Cost | Free camping options featured |
|---|---|
| Location | Multiple sites across all Australian states and territories |
| Pet Friendly | Varies by site – pets welcome at Tully Memorial Park, Galena Bridge, and Blackfellows Caves; not permitted at Basket Swamp |
| Campfires | Fire pits available at Galena Bridge |
| Facilities | Varies by site – toilets, fire pits, covered picnic tables, dump point at Galena Bridge; drop toilet at Basket Swamp; self-contained only at Blackfellows Caves |
| Vehicle Access | Big rigs welcome at Tully Memorial Park; self-contained vehicles at Blackfellows Caves |
| In Camps App | Yes – all sites listed in the Camps App |
This week we’re focused on Aussie free camps! It’s warming up so there’s plenty of camping here on rivers, beaches and even a waterfall! However, first stop we’ll dive into some WWII history in the Northern Territory.
You can free camp at Churchills Head – we stopped in on the way back to Queensland, intrigued as to the history and how the name came about. This area is loaded with history for war buffs.
Now if free camping is not your thing, you know you’ll find plenty of other camping options for many of these sites. For instance, up the road from Churchills Head is Banka Banka Station with a quirky bar, sunset hill and private gorge. Look all of these up in the CAMPS App and guides!
We loved not only the stunning camp Sloop Reef, but all seven free campsites on the spectacular Bay Of Fires up from Binalong Bay in eastern Tasmania.
Big news for the camping community is that 131 more Parks Victoria’s paid campgrounds will be
free of charge starting this summer. It is only temporary at this stage – get the details here.
You don’t find many in a city, but is Tully Memorial Park the closest RV site to Brisbane, QLD? Pets and Big Rigs are welcome – do check out the flood markers when there!
Camp on the Murchison River with toilets, fire pits, covered picnic tables and dump point. No wonder our travellers rate this pet friendly rest area at Galena Bridge, WA.
NSW’s Basket Swamp is right up near the QLD border – even though the name is unattractive, the nearby waterfall is not! No pets, but there is a drop toilet and I had to try out the swing…
Blackfellows Caves in SA is just a carpark for self contained vehicles, pets welcome and 24 hours maximum – the bonus is the beach and cave views!
You’d thought I’d forget Canberra, didn’t you? We list one free camp in ACT: Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area. Just a roadside overnighter – find it in the CAMPS App!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all these free campsites suitable for pets?
No, pet policies vary by location. Pets are welcome at Tully Memorial Park QLD, Galena Bridge WA, and Blackfellows Caves SA. However, pets are not permitted at Basket Swamp NSW. Check the Camps App for current details on other sites mentioned.
Can I take a big rig to these free camps?
Big rigs are welcome at Tully Memorial Park near Brisbane. Blackfellows Caves SA requires self-contained vehicles. For vehicle access requirements at other sites, check the Camps App for current details.
What facilities are available at Galena Bridge in WA?
Galena Bridge on the Murchison River offers toilets, fire pits, covered picnic tables and a dump point. It’s also pet friendly, making it a highly rated rest area.
How long can I stay at these free campsites?
Stay limits vary by site. Blackfellows Caves SA has a 24-hour maximum stay. Check the Camps App for current details on stay limits at other locations.
Are campfires allowed at these free camping locations?
Fire pits are available at Galena Bridge WA. Fire regulations vary by site and season, so check the Camps App for current details on campfire rules at other locations.
What’s special about the Bay of Fires free camps in Tasmania?
There are seven free campsites along the spectacular Bay of Fires near Binalong Bay in eastern Tasmania, including the stunning Sloop Reef campsite.
What are the new Parks Victoria free camping changes?
131 more Parks Victoria paid campgrounds will be free of charge starting this summer. This is temporary at this stage – check the Camps App for current details and updates.
Is there free camping close to Brisbane?
Yes, Tully Memorial Park may be the closest RV site to Brisbane, QLD. It welcomes both pets and big rigs. Be sure to check out the flood markers when visiting.
