Are you ready for a beach adventure in Australia? Get ready to discover some of the most beautiful beaches for camping. With over 10,000 beaches in total along its 47,000 kilometres of coastline and 12,000 lakes to explore, you can swim, fish, and paddle to your heart’s content any time of the year.
Top Beaches for Camping
Australian beaches stay beautiful in part due to everyone cleaning up after themselves. Make sure to only camp in authorized areas, pick up all your litter, dispose of your waste properly, and be courteous to other campers as well as police and rangers you encounter. Check to see if there is a fire ban in place before you start any campfires. Bushfires are a huge risk when the weather gets warmer and drier. It’s important to use properly constructed fireplaces with adequate trenches and cleared areas and properly watch and maintain your fire or barbeque once lit. Most beach locations will allow only tent camping due to size limitations, but some of the coastlines offer powered sites, cabin rentals, and caravan locations. More about caravanning in Australia read here.
If falling asleep to the rhythms of crashing waves sounds good, we’ve got you covered with some of the best and most beautiful Australian beaches for camping.
Noah Beach
A mix of beach and rainforest, Noah Beach is perfect for travelers looking to go off the grid. Just 50 metres from the beach, the facilities are basic—limited to tap water and composting toilets and virtually no mobile coverage—but the views more than make up for it. You can truly disconnect and revel in the reef and never-ending tree canopies that make up the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll get your fill of fauna as the 1,200 square metres contains over 90 percent of the world’s butterfly and bat species, over 7 percent of the world’s bird species, and 3 percent of the frog and crocodile population in the world. Make sure to book ahead as there are only 15 campsites available.
Jervis Bay
Are you a fan of aquatic life? Look no further than Jervis Bay. Part of the Booderee National Park and just two hundred kilometres south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is home to bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and even penguins! The Green Patch is ideal for water lovers, while the Caves Beach is ideal for surfers. Filipinos who love El Nido’s white sandy beaches will feel right at home visiting Jervis Bay.
Tidal River Campground
Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the Tidal River flowing near your campsite, surrounded by lush greenery and the fresh ocean breeze from Norman Beach. This can be your daily reality if you snag one of the 480+ coveted campsites. Campers flock here for the walking tracks and wildlife spotting. The iconic open-air cinema has been entertaining crowds since the 1960s. Plus, with motorised TrailRiders and beach wheelchairs available for free rental from the Visitor Centre, even those with mobility challenges can join in on the beach fun.
Halifax Holiday Park
Located in the heart of Port Stephens and set in natural bushland surrounded by two calm water beaches, you have all you need for a fabulous getaway at Halifax Holiday Park. Little Beach and Shoal Bay beaches boast clear water with white sandy shores and gentle waves. Boating enthusiasts will love that there is a deep water boat ramp and a marina close by. Dogs are welcome during non-peak times when staying in your own tent or van. Accommodation types range from cabins to large motorhome sites.
Reflections Moonee Beach Holiday Park
Dog lovers rejoice! This holiday park in New South Wales is perfect for you and your pup. There are many options for beachside camping, including soft grassy sites perfect for your pup to romp and play. The park is about 10 minutes away from Coffs Harbour, which is known for its staggering sunsets, mangrove mud flats, and quality fishing spots. Sandbars and rockpools make low tide a fun adventure for the whole family. The estuary inlet is perfect for swimming and water sports. Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and kayak rentals are available. And if you’re looking to disconnect, you can try the solitary island walk.
What to Pack for Camping at the Beach
- Pack a sturdy tent able to withstand the elements. Make sure to check tent certifications or limitations prior to purchasing. Additionally, check the sizing limitations of the campsite you’re planning to camp at.
- Bring enough food and water. Beach camping sometimes doesn’t have a ton of options for fresh water (especially sites without full facilities), so be sure to pack enough drinking water, including a few days extra in case of emergency.
- Bring fun activities. The beach in itself is fun, but bring some cards, games, and other activities for when you’re not out exploring.
- Pack your camera. A lot of these locations are off the beaten path and you’re likely to find some fabulous photo-worthy views you’ll want to capture either on your phone or SLR camera.
- Remember sun protection. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are especially important when you’re out on the coast. Protect your eyes and skin to keep a sunburn from ruining your plans. Pack after-sun care products as well to soothe any burns.
Sending Money from Australia
If you regularly send money from Australia to family overseas, don’t worry. You can easily send money while traveling with the Western Union app. In fact, you can quickly and reliably transfer funds anytime with the mobile app, online, or by visiting any location worldwide. So, pack your bags, plan your trip and get ready to enjoy Australia’s beaches.
