Top off-road camping spots
There’s really nothing like finding a spectacular secluded camping spot away from the usual crowds. Taking on challenging tracks to get in there, you know you’re discovering somewhere special. Check out this selection of off-road camping spots around the country, and let us know if you have any to add to the list.
NSW: Pebbly Beach, Yuraygir National Park
This campground is tucked away in a small bay between Coffs Harbour and Yamba, but is secluded enough to be free of the usual tourists and travellers. Access is tidal and involves unsealed roads, dune track, beach and saltwater creek crossings, so it’s limited to only high-clearance 4WDs.
The sheltered camp ground is grassy and lined with trees, just by the shore. The calm water is safe for kids to swim and the nearby headlands can be just the place to spot migrating whales passing by. BYO water.
ACT: Flea Creek Campground, Brindabella National Park
This is a peaceful camping spot in the valley nestled next to the babbling Goodradigbee River, offering idyllic surrounds for fishing or relaxing… but there’s plenty around to keep the more adventurous camper busy. The 4WD tracks in the surrounding area range from tame to pretty darn crazy.
When you enter the Brindabella National Park, take either the Webbs Ridge trail or the Gentle Annie trail (but don’t be fooled by the name, it’s not “gentle” at all!) BYO drinking water.
QLD: Moreton Island
Often overlooked for nearby Fraser and Stradbroke Islands, Moreton still offers it all: spectacular ocean views, scenic national park, camp grounds with toilets and showers or more secluded bushland locations. Drive the picturesque beaches or traverse the island through the inland dune tracks. Visit the lighthouse on Cape Moreton, or snorkel the famous Tangalooma wrecks. All this is just an easy barge ride from Brisbane.
VIC: Snowy River National Park
Iconic Snowy River Country features towering forests, deep gorges, waterfalls and stunning river scenery. This adventure is definitely for the experienced 4WD owners, and should be taken in groups – even in dry conditions there are difficult tracks. Some roads are subject to seasonal road closures. Camping grounds at McKillops Bridge, Waratah Flat and Balley Hooley have pit toilets, picnic facilities and fireplaces. Bush camping is available at Jackson Crossing camping area – BYO supplies including water.
TAS: Mt William National Park
Nestled in the far north-east of the island state, Mt William National Park has a range of camping options available. There are four campgrounds in Stumpys Bay to the north, along with Top Camp to the far north and Deep Creek to the south. BYO drinking water. The northern end of the Bay of Fires, very popular with four wheel drivers, is within the Mt William National Park.
SA: Ngarkat Conservation Park
If desert country is more your thing, add Ngarkat National Park to your to-do list. Its 270,000 hectares are home to stunning views and wildlife, but four wheel drivers will know it for the famous Border Track, near the Victorian border. It features small camp grounds along the track, you’ll need your own drinking water. Definitely for experienced off-roaders only. Closed during Fire Danger Season (November to March).
WA: Sandy Cape Recreation Park
Ok this one is not so secluded but it’s still a must-see. About 2 and a half hours’ drive north of Perth, just past Jurien Bay, it’s renowned for turquoise ocean views and stunning white sand. The camp ground itself is family-friendly so it can get busy on long weekends and school holidays, and there are no bookings: it’s first-come, first served. But the sandy tracks in the surrounding areas are enough to challenge any avid four-wheel-driver. There are long-drop toilets but it’s BYO drinking water.
NT: Litchfield National Park
100km south-west of Darwin, Litchfield National Park features waterfalls cascading from the Tabletop Range sandstone plateau. Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek) camp ground has toilet and shower facilities. Be sure to seek current information as you explore the national park, as only some waterholes are safe to swim in. And as always, get an update on conditions before setting out, as most 4WD tracks are closed during the wet season.