Ever marvelled at pictures of the country’s serene waterfalls and dreamed of camping with them in your backyard? Here we share our top five campsites to enjoy the beauty of the countries free flowing streams on your next Australian adventure.
Wangi Falls Campground, Litchfield National Park – Northen Territory
$6.60/adult, $3.30/child (5-15 years), $15.40/family (2 adults and 4 children)
Litchfield National Park is only 100 km south-west of Darwin and in our opinion hosts falls equally, if not more spectacular than the popular Kakadu National Park. Litchfield boats spring-fed waterfalls that create beautiful, crocodile-free swimming holes, and plains dotted with massive termite mounds. Wangi Falls campground is 2WD accessible, with affordable caravan campsites hosting toilet and shower facilities.From the campsite it’s only a short walk to Wangi Falls, where large grassy areas entice picnics, and lazy afternoons spent dipping in and out of the water.
Garradunga Hotel, Josephine Falls – Queensland
Free camping, with a meal and/or drink at the hotel
Located 20kms south-east from Josephine Falls, camping on the grounds of the Garradunga Hotel makes for a quintessential Aussie experience. Enjoy a bar meal, drink and chat with the publican before heading off for a day out at Josephine Falls. From the car park, wander along the walking track through lush tropical rainforest to viewing decks overlooking Josephine Creek and falls which are fed by rain falling on Queensland’s highest peak, Bartle Frere.
Ravenshoe Railway Caravan Park, Millstream Falls – Queensland
$15 powered, $10 unpowered – pet friendly
Only a four minute drive from nearby Millstream Falls, the widest waterfall in Australia, Ravenshoe Railway Caravan park is situated in the heart of Ravenshoe, a country town full of charm. Also only a short drive is the Millaa Millaa Falls circuit an enjoyable day trip through the rolling hills passing Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls.
Eliot Falls Campground, Eliot and Twin Falls – Queensland
$5.90 per person per night unpowered
Eliot Falls Campground along the Cape York Peninsula is one of the most popular campsites en-route to the tip of Australia as it is home to not one but two waterfalls; Twin and Eliot Falls. Campsites are available for tents, campervans or camper trailers and pre-booking is required. Drinking water, hybrid toilets, picnic tables and individual fire rings are provided. The camping area can only be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-road campervans and camper trailers. It is not accessible for caravans or conventional buses.
Dales Gorge Campground, Karijini National Park – Western Australia
$10 adult per night, $6.60 concession card holder per night, $2.20 child per night (over 5 and under 16 years). Within easy reach of Dales Gorge day use area, Dales Campground is the perfect spot to explore Fortesque Falls and Circular Pool, two of the major drawcards to the eastern end of Western Australia’s second largest national park.
Dales Gorge camping area has basic facilities, with bush toilets, picnic tables and gas barbeques. As the roads surrounding the campgrounds are unpaved and corrugated it is necessary to take suitable driving precautions, especially when towing.
Whatever state you choose to travel, you’re sure to enjoy your next camping adventure surrounded by some of Australia’s most serene and awe inspiring waterfalls.
Drew and Court are a Melbourne couple who are travelling around Australia for 10 months. They’re writing about their experiences for Without a Hitch, giving us the real story of life on the road.
The adventures that are to be had around this country are truly endless and this list is just a tiny selection of the places and experiences we could recommend!
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