
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!
Peter Hancock wrote to tell us about a lovely country town and free riverside camp, west of Geelong in Victoria, Inverleigh.
Peter told us: “Inverleigh is a nice place on the Barwon/Leigh River.”
What kid doesn’t like a pedestrian suspension bridge? You know, the type that you can jump on and the bouncing freaks your brother/sister/mum out whilst they’re on it, too!
By all reports, Potters Lane, Victoria is a hidden gem. CAMPS Ambassadors, Adams Family Travels, say it is a “Good camp spot on the river.”
Pioneer Bridges free camp Victoria Pioneer Bridges is a spacious waterside free camp, conveniently close to wineries, with beautiful stands of trees. Pioneer Bridges free camp Victoria Pull into this lovely campground and you can choose from a waterside spot near the bridge, to a spot in a shady grove. There is plenty of room. In summer, I’d be cooling off with a swim under the bridge. Its the perfect spot to launch a kayak from. Any season, just pull up a chair and watch the Ovens River go by! There are toilets, as well as a firepit, lots of
A big thanks to Katrina Cragg for sending in her review and photos a beautiful free camp she found in her CAMPS book – Annya Campground, Victoria. “Hi Michelle, I have really enjoyed doing weekend trips away, exploring my own area, checking out free camps that I didn’t know existed, so thank you Michelle and Heatley, for all the work you and your team puts in to the books and the app! I love them! I receive your newsletters, which are awesome, thank you.” Regards Katrina Cragg Katrina Cragg at Annya Campground, Victoria This pretty spot is located in the south
Who else loves a free camp behind a pub? This one is located in Tarrawingee, about 14km from Wangaratta in Victoria and recommended by our CAMPS Ambassadors, Tracey and Dale from Adams Family Travels… There is plenty of room for self contained RVs with green grass and some shade. The beer garden is a great place to sit in the afternoon and enjoy a drink or two. There is also a playground for the kids and dogs are welcome on a leash. Highly recommend you book ahead as it is quite often fully booked out. When you arrive, you need
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