Fathers Day is just around the corner. Whether yours loves relaxing in the great outdoors or enjoying a few creature comforts, we’ve hand picked a camp from every State and Territory to inspire your next getaway… Remember to send a video or pic of Dad camping in his happy place! You could win him a $300 fuel voucher. Winner announced on Father’s Day!
Victoria
For Dads that love gold rush history, bushrangers and a good yarn, the trail along Woolshed Road meanders through the Upper Woolshed Valley and along Reedy Creek, in the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park. Once one of the region’s richest goldfields, this area is steeped in Gold Rush history and closely linked to the infamous Ned Kelly gang.
There’s so much to see and do here, from the myriad of rustic bush campsites all along this road to trying your luck at gold fossicking. Just remember you’ll need a Miner’s Right, which is easy to obtain online or from local visitor information centres.
Take the walk to Woolshed Falls, visit the Beechworth Courthouse where Ned Kelly stood trial. Explore the historic township of Eldorado and don’t miss the remarkable Eldorado Dredge. The dredge is a giant bucket that once recovered gold and tin from the valley floor. It remains one of Australia’s most impressive relics of the gold-mining era.
South Australia
Our newest listing we think is a winner, is the Lake Albert Golf Club. It’s a budget stop for self contained vehicles and only $10 per night. Dad can have a game of golf, there’s meals friday nights and best of all it’s situated along the Coorong. So lets talk 4WDing, canoeing and world-class angling, famous for its vast estuarine lagoons and surf beaches.
Tasmania
If Dad is a fly fisherman, or has always wanted to learn, then the Great Lake Hotel will be a dream Fathers Day destination. Set beside Great Lake in the Central Highlands, he can cast a line into the trout-rich waters, take one of several guided fishing tours (pictured at top) or make the most of a guided boat hire package.
While not strictly a new site for us, the Great lake Hotel makes the cut as it’s had lots of upgrades. Camp on one of the 6 powered or 20 spacious unpowered sites, and enjoy a meal at the Hotel restaurant. Stock up at the general store or refuel before exploring the spectacular Central Highlands, with its rugged mountain peaks, wide-open landscapes and crystal-clear lakes (of which there are many!)
Northern Territory
For our next pick we travel from Tasmania up to the north-eastern tip of the Northern Territory. Here the Gulf of Carpentaria meets the Arafura Sea in the region known as East Arnhem Land and we’ve arrived at the town of Nhulunbuy (pronounced Nool-un-boy).
Our choice here is Manyimi Caravan Park in the grounds of the Gove Boat Club. Managed by friendly caretakers Tony and Amanda Burvill it’s absolute beach front. The Boat Club is run by local yachty Commodore Shannon Cooper and we’ve been told first hand it’s the best food and views in Nhulunbuy.
The town has all the facilities nearby you would expect of a modern town, surf club, sport and social clubs and a golf club with an impressive nine hole course.
Fishing and sailing are the drawcards here. Whether you’re camping under canvas or pulling up in your caravan, it’s the perfect place to relax and watch another spectacular Top End sunset.
New South Wales
If you’d like a Father’s Day camping trip for a group – New Country Swamp Campground in Mummel Gulf National Park is as easy as rolling out your tent and settling in for a relaxing getaway. Just a five-minute walk from camp, the scenic Mummel Gulf lookout offers breathtaking views, with Barrington Tops visible on a clear day. Wander the Snow Gum Walk through towering eucalypt forest into open woodland, or if you’re exploring by 4WD, take the Panhandle Fire Trail for spectacular views across the Tia Valley.
Back at camp you’ll find toilets, barbecues and picnic tables, and best of all, camping is free. Group bookings are available too, making it a great choice if you want to get a bunch of dads together. Kids will love spotting wallabies and wombats, then listening for owls around the campfire after dark.
Queensland
If Dad’s idea of the perfect getaway is peace, quiet and wide-open spaces, Brooyar Station near Woolooga won’t disappoint.
Put your feet up and relax at peaceful creekside campsites, or stroll endless bush trails. Come for the cattle and countryside, stay for the peace. It’s all about the fresh air and open space here.
You’ll need to be self contained but all vehicles are welcomed here including tents. There’s swimming and fishing, a playground for the kids and stunning views. More upgrades are planned with a future camp kitchen and amenities on the cards …
ACT
Take Dad trufflin’ in our nation’s capital. Here you’ll find a camping trip with a treasure hunt built right in. The Truffle Farm on Mount Majura Road in Canberra is a rare find, tucked among 8,000 oak and hazelnut trees where black truffles grow wild underground.
Join the hunt through the forest as specially trained dogs uncover these elusive treats, then head back to the restaurant for a seven-course lunch. The chefs prepare it right in front of you, sharing their secrets for cooking with truffles at home. You’ll find all the details in our CAMPS Australia Wide App.
Western Australia
And lastly, we chose this one for the history buffs. Nangeenan Hall & Museum was built in 1912 by the founding families of the district. The area is renowned for its military history as well as a lot of early agricultural history. This community run campsite has been recently restored and offers self contained camping by donation. The bonus is the very quirky museum next door that started with some World War 2 memorabilia that has grown into a treasure trove of military and farming history.
During WW2 it was an extremely important military station with a major military hospital. It played a critical role as an Army Ordnance depot as it was deemed strategically out of range of Japanese carrier-based aircraft but readily connected to the rest of the state via the extensive rail network.
Today Nangeenan is a crossroads between Geraldton through the wildflower country on the way to Wave Rock and Hyden. It’s also centrally located for exploring places like Bullfinch where the first gold was found in lower Western Australia a rich gold reef beneath 6 feet of clay that sparked another chapter in the state’s rich history.
Every dad has his own idea of the perfect getaway. Now all that’s left to do is choose your favourite and hit the road…
With Father’s Day coming up, check out these super easy gift ideas for dad’s who love adventures!
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