Free Camping ……. and caravanning is one of the more rewarding ways to explore and experience a place. This is especially true in a country like Australia, famous for the great outdoors.
There are plenty of campsites tucked away – but if you don’t know where they are you can easily miss them. People often assume that it won’t be difficult to find a place to stopover on a budget but soon discover it can be a lot more expensive than anticipated. Or worse, they can’t find somewhere to stop and continue driving when they are tired.
These “free camping” sites include rest areas, picnic areas, parklands or parking areas next to a business. You can also stay for free at some hotels, state forests or RV Parks – we even come across free caravan parks!
Some would only be suitable for a brief overnighter on your journey and may have a maximum time limit. Others are next to pools or rivers, with toilets and you are welcome to bring along your pets and stay for longer.
Generally, less pricey means less facilities. However, we list free camps with pools, showers, playgrounds, near boat ramps and wonderful views. Some are close to world class destinations, and Aussie icons.
Just use the symbols or the filters to find them in our comprehensive guide books and Camps Australia Wide App!
You’ll find free camping, new events (including Mother’s Day treats), new owners and perhaps a ghost at the Harrisville Royal Hotel in the Scenic Rim of Queensland.
CAMPS loved our visit to Leyburn Sports Ground – image Hugh Gilmore Since we visited, Leyburn Sports Ground very flash automatic showers and a dump point all on site. Here’s some of the bird life at Leyburn, Queensland, Australia and a look at their FREE recreation ground. CAMPS at Leyburn Sports Ground It is a great spot to set up your tent, caravan or Big Rig. The site is lovely, grassy and HUGE. image Karen & Mal Grice This free campground has a 72 hour limit – with new showers, a flushing loo and dump point. Thanks Karen & Mal
We woke up to this view at Ravensbourne Recreation Reserve – overlooking Ravensbourne National Park and the Great Dividing Range. The free site is for 24 hours maximum and it is for self contained vehicles only, no tents. There are limited parks. You’ll see an updated toilet block (flushing loos, accessible, plus change table), sheltered picnic tables, oval… and there is even tennis courts at this pet friendly, scenic spot! I would book ahead to gain access. History and train buffs will like the Shay Loco – like something out of Thomas the Tank Engine! Walking is nearby in the
Theebine Hotel owner, Jackson If you haven’t been to Theebine, then you should! Update: We were back again, last weekend for the opening of the new deck at Theebine Hotel. What a night, and I slept like a baby in the van. Check out the photos on our socials! We visited last September, met the publican, some CAMPS fans (thanks Jeanette and friends) and said hi to the local councillor, Cr Dolly Jensen and had a lovely relaxed lunch! Since then, the Mary River flooded and has caused dreadful damage to the area. So, I’d say, they need your support even
Lloyd Jones Weir is a peaceful camping spot located among trees on the banks of the pretty Alice River. Campers love this free campsite because it is tidy and clean with plenty of shade and sufficient facilities. As well as being a great place for bird watching, Lloyd Jones Weir has a sandy beach next to a lagoon where you can sun yourself and some great places to fish and swim. Where: 15 km South West of BarcaldineToilets: YesCamp Fires: Yes (BBQs available)Pet friendly: YesShowers: NoWater: YesPower: NoMobile Reception: YesBig Rig Access: YesGetting There: Turn West off Landsborough Highway 5 km South of Barcaldine for 9km. There is a 1km
The last Cobb & Co coach service in Australia travelled 76 km from Surat to Yuleba in 1924. In Yuleba, check out the The Cobb & Co Wall before you set out. You can learn about the horse drawn carriages, the changing stations and the coach run if you drive the Cobb & Co Way, as you travel along this route.
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