The best secluded camping sites in Australia

Remote escapes, reduced crowds and open spaces are becoming more appealing than ever. Eliza Velk uncovers some of Australia’s most secluded camping spots to set up camp and enjoy the serenity.

There’s something invigorating about waking up somewhere completely remote. Luckily, with Australia being as vast as it is, there is no shortage of secluded camping sites to escape the daily grind, disconnect from it all and spend time with family amid nature. From outback glamping to rainforest retreats and holiday parks in rugged bays, here are some of the more alluring secluded stays to add to your bucket list.

Karijini Eco Retreat, WA

Karijini Eco Retreat is nestled in the pristine bushland at Joffre Gorge. This environmentally friendly retreat offers unique outback glamping in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Ancient red cliffs, waterfalls and gorges, and emerald green water holes are just some of the beautiful scenes you’ll find here. This is real secluded camping with the closest town 80 kilometres away.

Guests can park their caravan or pitch a tent on the unpowered campsites. There are flushing toilets and solar hot water showers. Or, stay in one of the eco-tents or cabins for a touch of luxury among the rugged surroundings. On site there is also an alfresco restaurant, bar and kiosk where guests can purchase a packed picnic lunch before setting off on an adventure.

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Wilpena Pound Resort, SA

Wilpena Pound is one of Australia’s lesser-known outback glories. The resort is 430 kilometres north of Adelaide, in the depths of the rugged Flinders Ranges.

There’s no better place to soak up the grandeur of this 800-million-year-old mountain range than Wilpena Pound Resort – the only accommodation within Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Make home on one of their powered or unpowered campsites, or stay in the family safari tents complete with a private deck and fire pit.

Guided Aboriginal cultural tours are available to help you navigate the gorges during the day. Then as evening hits, gather by the fire to witness the mesmerising moment the mountain range changes colour at sunset.

Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park VIC

Get away from it all in style at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. The park offers spacious camping, glamping and cabin sites at the foot of the Grampians. It was also voted one of the Best Holiday Parks in Victoria by our readers.

Here, it’s the little touches that guests appreciate. Guests return from a day of hiking mountain ranges to a wood-fire heated pool, modern and clean facilities, and a camp lounge around an open fire.

The kids will be enthralled by the roaming wildlife – kangaroos, echidnas, emus, cockatoos and kookaburras are all local residents. There is also a playground with swings and eight trampolines that are suitable for adults, too. On a hot summer’s day, the nearby Lake Bellfield is a great place to cool down.

Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park, WA

There’s no better place to admire the rugged beauty of Lake Argyle in the remote East Kimberley region than from the idyllic infinity pool at Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park – dubbed one of the most spectacular pools in Australia.

Situated 35 kilometres off the Victoria Highway at the end of a sealed road, the park’s isolated setting, covering more than five hectares, is the perfect place to escape to nature.

Accommodation ranges from camping sites and powered caravan sites to cabins and lake-view villas. Everything needed to complete your stay is on site, including a restaurant and bar, shop with fuel, and an information office offering plenty of tours and tips to explore the area.

O’Reilly’s Campground, QLD

O’Reilly’s Campground is set high among the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. This eco-friendly campground is ideal for nature-loving families.

Secluded camping sites cater to all types of campers. Choose from 17 family-size safari tents, 24 campsites and 21 campervan/camper trailer sites with powered options available.

At the heart of the camp is an open-space communal kitchen with stunning views overlooking the McPherson Range. The amenities building and meeting area is known as ‘The Hub’ is perfect for watching the sunset by the fire. Once you’ve settled in, pull on your hiking shoes or gumboots and set off on a rainforest walking adventure seeking out waterfalls, gorges, picnic areas and local wildlife.

Turon Gates Mountain Retreat, NSW

While most travellers flock to the Blue Mountains or the wine region of Mudgee, few are familiar with the beautiful hideaway that lies in between. Sprawled across 2,430 hectares along the Turon River, Turon Gates offers an unspoilt bush setting that, despite only being 2.5 hours from Sydney, feels a world away.

Campsites are unpowered and unallocated, but hot showers and amenities are available. Alternatively, find comfort in the rustic log cabins or glamping tents by the river, or admire the view from the mountain cottages higher up. Fill your days with biking, bushwalking, birdwatching, river swimming, horse riding, marshmallow roasting and stargazing – or simply enjoy the luxury of lazing around.

This article originally appeared in Caravan & Camping with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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