Jacynth wants to explore Australia and has a camping holiday on the beach in mind. She’s asked us if it’s okay to camp on a beach and where she might be able to do that.
Q. Jacynth
I’d really like to have a camping holiday on a beach. Am I allowed to do that? I know you can stay at caravan parks that are close to the beach, but I want to camp on the beach itself. Any tips?
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A. We are all beach bums at heart, so what better way to celebrate the arrival of summer than by sleeping on the sand? Well, firstly, by sleeping on the sand in a tent.
And yes, you can actually find places that allow you to pitch a tent on the sandy shore. Here are five of the best beaches in Australia on which you can camp.
Paradise Camping Ground, Gippsland Lakes, VIC
Likely deriving its name from the fact it does indeed look like paradise, only a narrow strip of vegetation separates this East Gippsland beach from the campgrounds. With 12 unpowered campsites available, there’s no doubt you’ll smell the serenity here.
Cave Beach, Jervis Bay, ACT
Australian Geographic have named one of the best secluded camping spots in Australia and, if that’s not enough, Cave Beach features fresh water, toilets and wood barbeques. BYO snags.
Rainbow Beach, QLD
Two hours north of Brisbane, this is for those who are more inclined towards glamping as opposed to camping. With a minimum two night stay, the staff here will set your camp up for you. All you need to bring are your clothes because everything you need in order to cook, eat and sleep are provided. That includes your own private toilet and shower. That’s one camping party I’d probably want to attend!
Kooljaman, Cape Leveque, WA
For those who really want to ‘get away from it all’ Kooljaman on the Dampier Peninsula is the place to do so. With the striking background of the red dust and sparkling blue sea that is synonymous with WA, accommodation ranges from campsites with no power to beach shacks to ensuite cabins and deluxe safari tents. Sustained by solar power and local bore water, the low-impact accommodation has been designed in line with the Aboriginal values of caring for land and country.
Bruny Island, TAS
There’s multiple reasons why you’d go to Bruny Island: handmade food, fresh oysters, good wine, fur seals and fairy penguins all included. Add to that the ability to camp with your pet, and you may want to take up residence. With both beach and lagoon side options, the grounds include a communal shelter, campfire and … drumroll please … flushing toilets. Say no more.
Do you know of any other beaches you can camp on in Australia? What advice would you give to those about to embark on their first experience of beach camping?