Australia's east coast is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches, making it a paradise for camping enthusiasts. From Queensland's tropical beaches to New South Wales's picturesque shorelines, there are countless sweet spots to explore. Here are some of the best coastal camping grounds on the east coast of Australia that promise comfort, beauty, and tranquillity.
Cape Hillsborough National Park, Queensland
Cape Hillsborough National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a unique camping experience. Located north of Mackay, this park is famous for its early morning kangaroo sightings on the beach. The campground offers basic facilities and is nestled in a lush rainforest setting, providing easy access to walking trails, fishing spots, and the beautiful Casuarina Beach.
Noosa North Shore, Queensland
Just a short ferry ride from Noosa, Noosa North Shore is a favourite among campers for its expansive sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The North Shore offers several camping options, including powered and unpowered sites, with the area offering the perfect setup for beach fishing, 4WD-ing, and exploring the nearby Great Sandy National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident dolphins and migrating humpbacks between July-November.
Diamond Head Campground, New South Wales
Located within Crowdy Bay National Park, Diamond Head Campground is a rugged gem on the New South Wales coast. This campground offers stunning ocean vistas, grassy campsites, and excellent facilities, including showers plus BBQ and picnic areas. The scenic 4.8km Diamond Head Loop trail offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting from Indian Head, with its panoramic county-to-coast views, while the nearby beaches are ideal for swimming and surfing.
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Seal Rocks, New South Wales
Seal Rocks is a small, secluded village known for its pristine beaches and unspoiled natural beauty. Though ominously named, the Treachery Camp area offers a range of sites in a tranquil bush setting, just a short walk from the beach. Seal Rocks is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, with activities such as snorkelling, diving, and exploring the historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse all on offer.
Broken Head Holiday Park, New South Wales
Just a short drive from Byron Bay, Broken Head Holiday Park offers beachfront camping with modern amenities. The lush campground provides direct access to the stunning Broken Head Beach, where a bevy of surfing, fishing, and whale watching opportunities abound. The nearby headland boasts sensational views and excellent walking trails.
Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Jervis Bay is renowned for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. Booderee National Park offers several camping options, including the popular Green Patch and Bristol Point campgrounds. These sites are well-equipped with facilities and provide easy access to the bay's beautiful beaches, where no shortage of activities await, from swimming to snorkelling to kayaking.
Pebbly Beach, New South Wales
Situated within Murramarang National Park, Pebbly Beach is famous for its resident kangaroos that often graze along the shore and have even been known to ‘surf’! This campground offers basic facilities and is surrounded by lush forest, making it a great spot for nature lovers and bushwalking enthusiasts. Lined by banksias, coastal rosemary and lomada, Pebbly Beach is great for swimming, surfing, and dolphin spotting.
Stradbroke Island, Queensland
"Straddie” as it's affectionately known, offers a range of camping options from beachside sites to more developed campgrounds with full facilities. The island is famous for its surf beaches, freshwater lakes, and diverse wildlife. Popular activities include sandboarding, fishing, and whale watching.
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