Camping over a long weekend or school holiday is one of the simplest ways to hit pause, reconnect with nature, and make memories that last.
When the intense summer heat eases and milder autumn temperatures arrive, Easter is the perfect time to plan a short getaway. Jess Olsen from Adventure Intel shares her favourite beach, bush and river campsites all within ~5 hours’ drive from the city, ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to escape without a long road trip.
⛱️Beach Camping Families Love
Green Patch & Bristol Point, NSW
Drive time: ~3 hours south of Sydney
Best for: Beach days, walking tracks, wildlife spotting
Access type: 2WD suitable
Booking demand: High over long weekends
More info / bookings: Booderee National Park Camping
Set in Booderee National Park, these campgrounds are perfect for soaking up some of Australia’s whitest sand beaches. Kids can paddle safely, explore walking tracks, and spot kangaroos or wombats nearby. Huskisson is close enough to top up supplies or grab a treat.
Above image: Murrays Beach Sea Cave, Jervis Bay in Booderee National Park.
Photo credit: Jordan Robins
Cockatoo Island, NSW
Drive time: Ferry from Sydney CBD (~30 mins)
Best for: Unique harbour camping experience
Access type: BYO tent or hire on-site
Booking demand: Very high
More info / bookings: Cockatoo Island Camping
Cockatoo Island camping at sunset
Arrive by ferry to pitch your tent or stay in a waterfront dome. The harbour views are unbeatable, and kids will love spotting ferries, bridges, and boats while you enjoy a rare urban camping escape.
Tents can be brought or hired on site, not to mention the premium waterfront package inclusive of a 4m x 4x dome tent which houses a double bed, a deck, power sources for lighting and charging devices, a welcome pack and a cockatoo plush to take home to remember the experience by!
Image: Cockatoo Island camping at sunset
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Wye River Beachfront Campground, VIC
Drive time: ~3 hours from Melbourne
Best for: Direct beach access, relaxed coastal atmosphere
Access type: General 2WD
Booking demand: Medium–high
More info / bookings: Wye River Campground
Wye River beach, Victoria
A classic Great Ocean Road stop. Kids can dig in the sand, splash in the surf, and explore nearby bush tracks, while parents can soak up the relaxed Wye vibe, and enjoy stunning beach views and family meals in the nearby Wye Beach Hotel.
Image: Wye River beach
Photo credit: Belinda VanZanen/Great Ocean Road Tourism
Inverloch Foreshore Campground, VIC
Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Melbourne
Best for: Family-friendly coastal camping
Access type: 2WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Inverloch Camping
A convenient choice for shorter breaks, this campground gives easy beach access and generally calm waters for young children.
Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, QLD
Drive time: ~2.5 hours from Brisbane
Best for: Beach camping, fishing, boating
Access type: General 2WD
Booking demand: High
More info / bookings: Inskip Penisula Camping
Aerial view of a person kayaking off Double Island Point
Stretching along sandy beaches, multiple camping zones offer the double whammy of stunning ocean views and easy access to fishing and boating. Wind can pick up quickly, so tents should be secured well.
Image: Kayaking off nearby Double Island Point
Photo credit: Reuben Nutt/Tourism and Events Queensland
Moreton Island, QLD
Drive time: Ferry from Brisbane (~75 mins)
Best for: Remote beach camping, adventure
Access type: 4WD recommended
Booking demand: Medium–high
More info / bookings: Moreton Island Camping
A small island adventure with soft sand beaches. Great for short overnight trips or long weekends.
Image: Shipwreck beach with on Moreton Island
Photo credit: Colton Jones/Unsplash
Shipwreck beach with snorkelers on Moreton Island, Australia
Bremer Bay, WA
Drive time: ~5 hours from Perth
Best for: Quiet, off-grid beach camping, fishing
Access type: 2WD/4WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Bremer Bay Camping
Bremer Bay WA, Australia
This coastal spot is ideal for space and solitude, that’ll please both the beach camping lovers and the fishing enthusiasts. You’ll find that some camp areas here are quite exposed, so wind protection is an important thing to consider prior to heading off.
Image: Bremer Bay WA
Photo credit: Zoe Cornelius/Unsplash
🛶 River & Lake Escapes
Euroka Campground, NSW
Drive time: ~90 minutes from Sydney
Best for: Riverside camping, bushwalks, paddling
Access type: 2WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Euroka campground
Hikers enjoy the view at the Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains.
Located in the lower Blue Mountains, this riverside campground also serves as a great base for bushwalks and paddling activities, making it easy to unwind and enjoy some natural calm.
Image: Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Frank Potts Reserve, SA
Drive time: ~2 hours from Adelaide
Best for: Kayaking, open grassy areas
Access type: 2WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Frank Potts Reserve Camping
A relaxed Murray River spot. Shade can be limited here, so make sure you’ve got your awning along for the adventure or another portable shade option to allow you to escape the sun.
Tumut River, NSW
Drive time: ~3 hours from Canberra
Best for: Swimming, fishing, paddling
Access type: 2WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Tumut River Camping
The riverside campgrounds along the Tumut River allow campers to swim, fish and paddle in a relaxed and peaceful setting.
🌲 Bush Camps
Tidal River Campground, VIC
Drive time: ~3.5 hours from Melbourne
Best for: Bushwalks, wildlife, national park experience
Access type: 2WD/4WD
Booking demand: High
More info / bookings: Tidal River Camping
Campsite at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Gippsland
Set within the spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park, this campground is perfect base for hikes, beaches and wildlife encounters. Advance booking is a must with sites allocated by summer ballot from Christmas through late January.
Image: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Gippsland
Photo credit: William Watt/Visit Victoria
Booloumba Creek, QLD
Drive time: ~2.5 hours from Brisbane
Best for: Rainforest retreat, creek swimming
Access type: 4WD recommended
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Boolumba Creek Camping
Booloumba Falls
Enjoy clear creek swimming, shaded sites and walking tracks. Access roads can be rough in sections, so check your vehicle suitability before you head in and make sure you’ve topped up on food supplies, as services are limited.
Image: Booloumba Falls
Photo credit: Radley White/Tourism and Events Queensland
Eyre Peninsula, SA
Drive time: 5+ hours from Adelaide
Best for: Self-sufficient campers, remote coastal views
Access type: 4WD recommended
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Eyre Peninsula Camping
A longer drive for a true outback-coastal experience with many low-cost and free camping spots that all come with spectacular ocean views. Many sites on the Eyre are remote and suited to self-sufficient campers, so if you’ve got a camper trailer or a caravan, you’re better off than if you’re headed out in your swag or tent.
Fitzgerald River National Park, WA
Drive time: ~5 hours from Perth
Best for: Hiking, wildflowers, remote bush camps
Access type: 2WD/4WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Fitzgerald River Camping
Wildflowers in season, rugged coastlines, and isolated campsites make this a rewarding bush adventure.
Mount Field National Park, TAS
Drive time: ~90 minutes from Hobart
Best for: Alpine tracks, waterfalls, bush camping
Access type: 2WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Mount Field Camping
Easter is a beautiful time for camping in Tasmania, where you’ll have the chance to embrace the cooler conditions that are conducive to hiking and cosy campfires at night. Make sure to pack your warm gear!
Namadgi National Park, ACT
Drive time: ~1 hour from Canberra
Best for: Bush camping, mountain scenery
Access type: 2WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Namadgi National Park Camping
Gibraltar Peak, Namadgi National Park
With rivers, trails, and forested campsites, Namadgi provides a quick peaceful, bush escape.
Image: Gibraltar Peak
Photo credit: VisitCanberra
Litchfield National Park, NT
Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Darwin
Best for: Waterfalls, swimming holes
Access type: 2WD/4WD
Booking demand: Medium
More info / bookings: Litchfield National Park Camping
Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park
Waterhole camping with easy walking access to Wangi and Florence Falls ensures fun, refreshing days and starry nights. Buley Rockhole is a must-visit when you’re in the park!
Image: Buley Rockhole in Litchfield National Park
Photo credit: Tourism & Events NT/Mark Fitzpatrick
Long weekend camping tips & booking advice
- Easter is one of the busiest camping periods in Australia.
- Advance booking during long weekends and holidays is highly recommended. National Park ballot systems (like Tidal River) fill up months in advance.
- Have a backup campsite in case your first choice is full.
- Allow extra travel time during busy periods.
- Pack shelter for wind or sun.
- Check seasonal access and weather conditions before travel
- Always leave your campsite as you'd love to find it
Details were correct when this article was published. Sometimes bookings, access, and opening times can change, so it’s always best to double-check before you travel.
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