WHEN YOU HAVE A LUXURY HOME ON WHEELS IN THE EXPLORE BY GEMLIFE MOTORHOMES, WHY PAY FOR ACCOMMODATION? WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME GREAT FREE AND LOW-COST CAMPING AREAS AROUND AUSTRALIA.
Rocky Creek War Memorial, North Queensland
Cost: $5 per night
Camp facilities: Toilets, non-potable water, barbecue and picnic tables.
This council-run camp site is located 23km south of Mareeba and 12km north of Atherton on the Kennedy Highway. Created during World War Two, this location was part of the largest military base in Australia.
The modest site fee helps fund the cost of facilities and support the memorial. Dogs are also welcome. Campers are limited to a 72-hour stay.
Reasons to go: The camp site will put you central to lots of gorgeous natural scenery including the Millaa Millaa Falls, Granite Gorge National Park, and The Crystal Caves. While you’re in the area, ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway that runs over the Barron Gorge National Park.
Gum Bend Lake, Condobolin, New South Wales
Cost: Free, but donations welcome
Camp facilities: Toilets and showers, potable water, barbecues and a man-made lake suitable for swimming.
Gum Bend Lake is a highly regarded camp site, maintained by the local council which makes it the perfect place to break up your travel around Central West New South Wales. Leashed dogs are also welcome at this location.
Reasons to go: This camp site is three minutes from the township of Condobolin which has a railway museum and a heritage display in its community centre. You’ll find Gum Bend Creek just an hour west of Parkes, which is home to the Parkes Radio Telescope Visitors Centre.
Alford Free Campground, Alford, South Australia
Cost: Free, but donations welcome
Camp facilities: Toilets, potable water, barbecues.
Just two hours from Adelaide, Alford is the gateway to the beautiful York Peninsula, or use this stop to break up your journey into the north if venturing to Port Augusta and the Flinders Ranges.
Reasons to go: York Peninsula is a coastal paradise filled with beautiful nature spots to explore. Book fishing charters, explore wineries, and take in the view from the Cape Spencer Lighthouse.
Scotts Beach Camping Area, Cobram, Victoria
Cost: Free
Camp facilities: Nil
This camp site, on the sandy banks of the Murray River, is ideal for swimming and fishing with the surrounding native bushland delighting hikers and birdwatchers alike. You will need to be fully self-sufficient to camp at this location, however the town of Cobram is only a few minutes away. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Reasons to go: Discover Australia’s indigenous and pioneering past by taking the Murray Valley Highway and stopping at many of the beautiful historic towns including the Port of Echuca, Jindera, Swan Hill, Mildura and more.
Galena Bridge Rest Area, Ajana, Western Australia
Cost: Free
Camp facilities: Toilets, campfire places.
Located about 90 minutes north of Geraldton and nearly four hours south of Carnarvon, this popular camp spot fills up quickly, so you need to be early to take advantage of one of the riverside camp sites.
Reasons to go: Head up to Carnarvon to visit the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, the Carnarvon Blowholes and the Kennedy Range National Park. Or head south to Geraldton to enjoy chartered fishing tours, museums and the Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park.