Best family-friendly camping spots In Australia

Australia is known for its glorious landscapes and natural treasures, making family-friendly camping one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Australia with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a beachside escape, rural retreat or lakeside getaway, here are some of the best family camping spots in Australia.

Family fun at holiday parks

When planning your family camping trip, holiday parks are a preferred choice for many Australian families. Offering various accommodation types, amenities like hot showers and laundry facilities, plus plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

With numerous tourist and holiday park options in Australia, you’ll be spoilt for choice for your next family trip. Ingenia Holiday Parks have over 39 parks situated along the East Coast, offering enjoyable activities like playgrounds, splash parks and jumping cushions for hours of kid-ready entertainment. If your journey takes you to WA or SA, Summerstar Tourist Parks delivers family-owned and operated holiday and caravan park options along the stunning coastline, from Broome to Esperance to Ceduna.

Pet-friendly accommodation options ensure that your four-legged family members can come too! For Victorian adventures, Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, nestled near Grampians National Park, boasts breathtaking views and a wide range of accommodations perfect for family camping.

Off the beaten path

Australia’s beautiful National Parks will provide you with a family camping trip to remember, with countless stunning locations to pitch your tent and reconnect with nature. Glenworth Valley in NSW is a standout family camping destination, known for its various child-friendly adventures and accessibility. Offering scenic horseback rides, kayaking, safe abseiling experiences and events tailored for families, Glenworth Valley grants a comfortable and engaging experience for all ages.

For some of the best camping in Queensland, head to the Sunshine Coast, a beloved family camping paradise. Conondale National Park provides secluded camping amidst picturesque views, great for camping with kids. Booloumba Falls bush walk is ideal for families who love a splash of adventure in the great outdoors. Among the top activities for kids to enjoy on the Sunshine Coast, the walk will find you all absorbing the beauty of waterfalls, creek cascades, tall eucalypt forests and spectacular boulders.

For more adventure and high-energy activities such as abseiling and mountain biking, the Glass House Mountains offers endless family-friendly options, with nearby camping at Beerwah State Forest.

Beach bliss

Beach camping is a favourite Australian pastime, with family campsites dotted along the shoreline as campers enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean. From the pristine shores of North Stradbroke Island to the rugged beauty of Western Australia's Cape Range National Park, there’s no shortage of family-friendly camping sites along the coast.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay in New South Wales for snorkelling adventures or relax on the golden sands of Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park. Our beaches offer some of the best camping sites in Australia, so unpack the sandcastle-making kit and fill your days with swimming, surfing, bushwalking and family bonding.

Cosy cabins and glamping getaways

For families seeking a more refined camping experience, cabin and glamping options can present comfortable alternatives. For some of us, hot showers are non-negotiable! Nestled among the trees, Noosa Rural Retreat offers three snug cabins with open communal spaces for children to play.

Family-friendly glamping is also becoming a popular choice among parents, with many destinations embracing kid-friendly options. In WA, Discovery Rottnest Island now offers low-impact glamping with kids. The glamping tents can comfortably sleep five and are set up behind the dunes of Pinky Beach on Rottnest Nestled.

Festival fun

If festival camping sounds like your jam, Australia hosts a variety of family-friendly music and arts festivals ideal for family camping. The Byron Bay Blues Festival is a popular all-ages music festival, with an exclusive area for kids and a range of activities for the whole family. In SA, the iconic open-air festival WOMADelaide caters for children with a dedicated space called the KidZone, where children can enjoy nature-play activities, stories, singing, dancing and educational entertainment.

For a New Year’s camping treat, take the family to The Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, boasting its own Children's Festival within the event, delighting young festival-goers with puppet shows, crafts and games.

Eco-friendly escapes

For environmentally conscious families, opting for an eco-friendly camping spot might be appealing as a way to enjoy nature while minimising your ecological footprint. According to the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, 97% of campers believe that camping can help educate children on sustainability and the environment.

The Mindful Earth Regenerative Farm in Forest Grove National Park, WA is part regenerative eco-farm, part animal rescue home. You’ll need to carry your drinking water and bring a camp shower, but belle tents are available if you don’t have your own gear. In Tasmania, you can explore Freycinet National Park, where you can hike to Wineglass Bay and camp in designated low-impact campsites.

Wherever you venture, as an eco-conscious camper, follow Leave No Trace principles, minimise waste and opt for reusable camping gear.

This article was originally published on 16 July 2024 and has been updated with new information.