The 20 best city camping escapes near Australian major cities

Bronwyn Eley suggests 20 city camping escapes to shake up your weekends.

Do you reach Friday afternoons with bush withdrawal symptoms, needing to get out of the big smoke and breathe some fresh air? Want a quick escape to get your camping fix without the three-hour drive? Check out these city-friendly camping spots and you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature in a flash, all within cooee of home.

Sydney

Bush camping

Bonnie Vale Campground
Distance from CBD: 52km via Princes Hwy
Choose from tent, trailer and caravan sites at this waterfront campground in the Royal National Park. There’s no need to rough it with toilets, hot showers and drinking water. Stay entertained with barbecues and nearby.

Brents Basin Campground
Distance from CBD: 70km via M4 Motorway
With sites for camper trailers, caravans and camping, in addition to picnic tables, an amenities block, barbecues and showers and toilets, Bents Basin Campground is as convenient as it is tranquil. Book in advance to secure your own patch.

Upper Colo Reserve
Distance from CBD: 90-100km via M4 Motorway
The Colo River north west of Sydney flows down from the Wollemi National Park and is reputed to be one of the last pristine river systems left in Australia. It’s a fantastic place for camping too, with the Hawkesbury Council-run Upper Colo Reserve having plenty of open grassy campsites perfect for tents, camper trailers and caravans. No power is available but there is a brick amenities block with flushing toilets and cold showers. There is a tank for water though it is not suitable for drinking, and while campfires are allowed, be sure to bring your own firewood as collecting within the park is prohibited. The best feature at Upper Colo Reserve is the shallow river and white sandy beaches. Kids and parents will both love relaxing in this beautiful environment less than two hour’s drive from Sydney.

Holiday Parks

Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Distance from CBD: 15km via M1 and M2 Hills Motorway
A cross between a holiday park and a bush campground with panoramic views of Lane Cove Valley as your weekend backdrop, you’ll ease into weekend-mode the minute you arrive. Make use of the recreation room, swimming pool and paddling pool before exploring the surrounding bush of Lane Cove National Park.

NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
Distance from CBD: 29km via Wakehurst Pkwy
Affordable holiday park accommodation is just a quick drive from Sydney, with camp kitchens, barbecues, amenity blocks and laundries adding to the convenience that comes with a stay at NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park. For the kids, there’s a playground and water park.

Melbourne

Bush camping

Nioka Bush Camp
Distance from CBD: 28km via State Route 46 and Plenty Rd
Less than an hour from the city, set up camp in this peaceful retreat perfect for fishing, walking or simply unwinding after a long week. The simple pleasures in life are not forgotten, with a camp kitchen, hot showers, drinking water and toilets, as well as a campfire ring (BYO firewood) to cosy up to at night.

Kurth Kiln Camping Area, Kurth Kiln Regional Park
Distance from CBD: 78km via M1 and Wellington Rd
The picturesque forest at this park sets the scene for picnics, camping, walking, cycling and horse riding. With fireplaces, toilets and a pet-friendly environment, this free camp ground is great for a no-hassle getaway.

O’Briens Crossing
Distance from CBD: 80km via Calder Freeway
If you are looking for an escape from Melbourne, head out to O’Briens Crossing in the Lerderderg State Park, just 1.5-hour drive from the city. Here you can camp by the Lerderderg River which has cut a deep gorge through the surrounding sandstone, creating a beautiful environment with abundant vegetation and wildlife. Campfires are permitted, but only in fireplaces provided by the park. There are a number of fantastic walking tracks in the area as well as some interesting relics from the goldmining days but facilities are limited to just toilets. One great thing, being a state park, pets are allowed so don’t forget to bring Rover.

Holiday parks

Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park 
Distance from CBD: 9km via Lygon St
A mere nine kilometres from Melbourne’s bustling CBD, this BIG4 offers a solar heated pool, spa, free barbecues, TV rooms, camp kitchen, Wi-Fi and free inhouse movies. The kids’ playground is a popular attraction, however, if you want to venture out of the park, you can experience walking tracks, lakes, the drive-in theatre and world-class shopping nearby.

Discovery Parks – Melbourne
Distance from CBD: 12km via State Route 32
Kids will have trouble tearing themselves away from the playground, pool, games room, Wi-Fi and tennis court at the Discovery Parks – Melbourne, while the adults will appreciate the sauna, spa and adjacent supermarket. Accommodation ranges from sites to Deluxe Villas.

Perth

Bush camping

Walyunga National Park
Distance from CBD: 38km via National Highway 95
Perfect for a day trip or an over-nighter, Walyunga National Park offers gorgeous views of Swan River (the ultimate canoeing location) and tree-filled valleys, all less than an hour from Perth. Time your visit for spring and wildflowers will blanket the woodland understorey, making for a picturesque walk.

Avon Valley National Park
Distance from CBD: 70km via State Routes 50 and 51
Panoramic views over the Avon Valley await your family at this bushland national park. Positioned between the jarrah forest of the south and the dry northern country, Avon Valley is ideal for campers wanting an authentic wilderness experience with perks like wood barbecues and picnic tables.

Holiday parks

Discovery Parks – Woodman Point
Distance from CBD: 30km via Kwinana Fwy/State Route 2
Check out nearby Fremantle and Perth for an exciting day out and upon your return to Woodman, take advantage of the onsite facilities including a baby bath, games room, giant chess board, inhouse movies, kids’ playground and kids’ club. There is also a convenience store for any essentials.

Perth Central Caravan Park 
Distance from CBD: 11km via State Route 5 and National Highway 94 
A stone’s throw from the city and with easy-to-access public transport that operates every 30 minutes, this park is an ideal escape for those wanting to explore the best of Perth. Parents may want to explore the nearby Swan Valley Wine Region, while the pool, fishing and a picnic dinner on Swan River are perfect for the whole family.

Adelaide

Bush camping

Deep Creek Conservation Park
Distance from CBD: 102km via Main S Rd
Walking trails revealing stunning bushland scenery and rugged terrain abound at Deep Creek Conservation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The park is the largest remaining block of wildlife habitat on the Peninsula, with kangaroos, echidnas and hundreds of bird species keeping you company.

Newland Head Conservation Park
Distance from CBD: 98km via A13
The southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula is still an easy drive from central Adelaide, with scenery that generously rewards visitors. The Newland Head Conservation Park is a great spot for surfers and fishing fanatics (although not suitable for swimming), with the park protecting Waitpinga and Parsons beaches. There are still plenty of walking trails for the rest of the family to enjoy as well.

Stringybark Campground
Distance from CBD: 100 km
Known to be the largest campground in the Deep Creek Conservation Park, Stringybark Campground is set among a beautiful forest and is the ideal summer escape. This campsite brings a little bit of the glamorous to camping, with hot showers at the ready for guests, as well as flushing toilet facilities and a dishwashing area. The campsite is shaded by large stringybark trees that will be sure to keep the area cool in summer, however, there are also shelters for added comfort. There is limited tank water on site suitable for drinking, so it is recommended that you bring your own water. Campfires are permitted, but not during peak bushfire season from November to April.

Holiday parks

Belair National Park Caravan Park
Distance from CBD: 11km via Unley Rd
Visit South Australia’s oldest national park to see Old Government House and enjoy free gas barbecues, cycling and horse riding trails, bush tennis courts, picnic facilities and a playground.

Adelaide Caravan Park
Distance from CBD: 4km via City Ring Rte/A21
Spend your days visiting Adelaide’s best attractions, including Adelaide Zoo, the Botanic Garden and Central Market. Then drive just four kilometres back to Adelaide Caravan Park with its swimming pool, Wi-Fi, camp kitchen and barbecue facilities.

Brisbane

Bush camping

D’Aguilar National Park
Distance from CBD: 13km via State Route 31
A stay here promises a stunning display of native landscapes, from rainforest to eucalypt woodland and views of Moreton Bay. There are picnic areas, barbecues and easy walks for the kids. With a quick drive you’ll find yourself in Brisbane’s CBD.

Nerum Creek Bush Retreat
Distance from CBD: 89km via M1 and D’Aguilar Hwy/State Route 85
Located just 10 minutes from Lake Somerset and the Stanley River, you’ll want to make sure you pack swimmers and bring the canoe for a weekend of fun in the Brisbane sun. The city is less than 75 minutes away, while nearby towns cater for your every need.

Charlie Morland Campground
Distance from CBD: 150km
Less than two hours drive north-west of Brisbane lies Imbil State Forest and Charlie Morland Campground. Set next to the beautiful Little Yabba Creek, there are grassed campsites with plenty of shady trees and some great little bushwalks. Campfires are allowed and there is water available but it is not suitable for drinking, being pumped straight from the creek. Wheel chair accessible toilets are located on site.

Holiday parks

Brisbane Holiday Village
Distance from CBD: 15km via Pacific Motorway
Visit this fun-tastic haven for kids on your next spare weekend, featuring an 18-hole mini-golf course, swimming lagoons, sports field, tennis courts and more. Try the onsite Lagoona Resort Restaurant or drive just 15 minutes to the CBD for a variety of options.

Brisbane Gateway Resort
Distance from CBD: 18km via Pacific Motorway
While it certainly is the ‘gateway’ to Brisbane, this park also offers plenty on site to entertain, with an adventure playground, swimming pool, day and night tennis court, video games, TV room and free Wi-Fi.

Keep reading:

• Tips, products and advice on caravan, camping and holiday parks
• 20 awesome campsites to stay at
• Best family holiday parks in South Australia