Wild camping is one of the cheapest ways to explore Australia, especially the East Coast. However, potential campers need to note that wild camping is technically prohibited throughout the entire country which can make finding spots tricky.
This post lists four wild camping spots on the East Coast of Australia that you shouldn’t miss. The fifth one is not a wild camping spot but more so a free campground that was one of my favourites during my time in Australia. You will find it on apps such as CamperMate but I really wanted to include it because it is quite unconventional.
If you’re roadtripping the East Coast of Australia you have to visit this bucketlist of best beaches and stop by Byron Bay for camping or a glamping getaway.
DO I RECOMMEND WILD CAMPING IN AUSTRALIA EVEN THOUGH IT’S ILLEGAL?
This is a tricky subject. Obviously, since I’m publishing this list I am in a way promoting an illegal activity that can get you in a lot of trouble. Wild camping isn’t legal in Australia, which means that you risk receiving a fine of more than 5,000 AUD if you’re caught sleeping in a car, tent or really anywhere that isn’t a house, hotel or hostel.
If you’re not willing to risk this then you’ll be able to find thousands of free campsites (such as number four on this list) on apps like CamperMate or Wikicamps. However, these can be few and far between and if you’re travelling on a budget you might not be able to spend money on accommodation every night.
It’s up to you whether you choose to try wild camping in Australia. However, if you do make sure to always be respectful. Do not leave any trash or disturb people living close by.
Even still you need to be aware that what you’re doing is illegal and you could be caught at any time. Decrease the likeliness of this happening by following a few simple rules and hacks for wild camping in Australia. I wish I’d read some of these before I tried wild camping. No one wants to get in trouble with the law during their time abroad.
Don’t forget to check out these free camping spots in Tasmania, including the Bay of Fires while you’re there.
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5 WILD CAMPING SPOTS ON THE EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA
REDHEAD BEACH
Readhead beach is located about 17 kilometres south of Newcastle. It might just be one of my favourite beaches in all of Australia. There are seemingly endless sand dunes that give the illusion of a desert when the weather is right. The beach is very large so you’ll be guaranteed to find a quiet spot even during high season. The best experience, however, will be the early morning after you’ve just woken up. A sunrise at Redhead Beach is spectacular.
This is a great beach for surfing so bring your board if you have one or rent one at the Lifesaving Club.
CHANCES OF BEING CAUGHT
Unfortunately, these are quite high. There are “no-camping” signs at the main parking lot of the beach. I wouldn’t risk parking here overnight. But if you drive down to the second more sandy parking lot you could be undisturbed. It’s highly important that you arrive late and leave early here to avoid being spotted. Don’t set up a tent or camping chairs.
AMENITIES
There is a large lifesaving club next to the parking lot which offers free showers, toilets and even wifi. You can also buy some small snacks here. The beach has lifesavers on duty which makes it a great spot to go for a swim. You can also rent an ATV or participate in other action sports.
HOW TO GET THERE
From the A34 take a turn onto Wommara Avenue at Belmont North. Then take Kalaroo Road until Redhead. From here you can take little side streets through a residential area until you reach Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club.
Address: Beach Rd, Redhead NSW 2290, Australia
2. KILLICK BEACH
Killick Beach might just be the best wild camping spot on this list. It lies between Hat Head and Crescent Head and you can camp right by the beach. It’s a tiny parking area with car access to the beach for anyone with a 4 wheel drive. If you’re afraid of getting stuck in the sand you can park your car close to the beach with an amazing view of the sunrise.
The beach is usually quite empty with just a handful of surfers there in the evening and early morning. It’s very large so you won’t have any trouble finding some peace and quiet.
CHANCES OF BEING CAUGHT
Low. The little camp spot is quite remote and a bit tricky to access. You will probably be undisturbed here all night. It might not be the best camp spot if you’re travelling alone though since it’s so far away from any type of civilisation. Always make sure you’re safe.
AMENITIES
There is nothing here so make sure you’re bringing everything you need. You’ll find an official campsite a few kilometres up the road (24 AUD/night). It’s operated out of someone’s back yard and far away from the beach. There are just makeshift toilets so I do not think it’s worth the money.
The road to the beach is a dirt road and can be slightly tricky if you’re not driving a 4-wheel-drive. Make sure you’re taking it slow.
Our tip: Are you hesitant to camp somewhere without proper amenities? This guide on the 13 most common reasons why people hate camping and how to fix them might help.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Smithtown follow Belmore River Right Bank Road along the Belmore River. Turn onto Loftus Road and watch out for a little dirt road (Richardsons Crossing) leading down to the beach.
Address: Richardson Crossing on Loftus Road
3. BROADWATER BEACH PICNIC AREA
Broadwater Beach Picnic Area might seem like the sort of spot that would have a “no-camping” sign. It’s right by the beach and even has toilet facilities. It lies at the edge of Broadwater National Park which usually makes it risky to camp there.
We did not have any trouble though and can recommend the spot (at your own risk). The beach is beautiful and once again nearly empty. You’ll find plenty of kangaroos and wallabies to keep you company for the night. A perfect wild camping spot on the East Coast of Australia.
CHANCES OF BEING CAUGHT
Relatively low. Maybe we were just lucky that no one came by to check for campers. We did ask some of the local residents a few hundred metres up the road and they assured us that camping would be no problem.
Keep in mind that this is not something you can rely on 100% though. Even if locals give you permission to camp there is still a chance of being fined unless you’re parking on their private property.
If you’re feeling too exposed at the picnic area you can always drive up to the more residential area which has a little parking lot at Broadwater Beach Lookout. Make sure to ask some of the residents for permission if you plan to camp here as it is very close to houses.
AMENITIES
A toilet as well as some picnic tables (at Broadwater Beach Picnic Area).
HOW TO GET THERE
Follow Broadwater Evans Head Road north out of Evans Head. After a few kilometres turn right onto Broadwater Beach Road until you reach a crossing. Turn left onto Finns Trail and you’ll find the picnic area. If you turn right you’ll reach the residential area with a great view (Broadwater Beach Lookout).
The two points on the map show the Picnic Area and also Lookout Point
Address 1: LOT 374 Ocean Dr, Broadwater NSW 2472, Australia
Address 2: 2 Sea View, Broadwater NSW 2472, Australia
4. ROSS CREEK STORE REST AREA
This is a little free campsite (so no chance of getting a fine) between Gympie and Rainbow Beach. It’s a cross between a gas station, convenience store, restaurant, Minigolf lawn and a backyard. There are chickens everywhere.
You can camp there for free and use their bathroom. The owners are quite nice and don’t pay too much attention to the campers. You’re allowed to camp anywhere behind the gas station on a nice grassy area.
CHANCES OF BEING CAUGHT
None. This is an official free camping spot so you are allowed to camp here. There is a fee if you plan to stay more than a few nights.
AMENITIES
Bathrooms and sinks are free to use. No showers though. There is a place to charge your phone or any electronics you might have for 1 AUD/hour. You can get a hot meal in the tiny restaurant as well as fresh fruit and any small items you might need. There is also a gas station.
HOW TO GET THERE
This camp spot lies right on Tin Can Bay Road and is hard to miss (see map below).
Address: 1460 Tin Can Bay Rd, Goomboorian QLD 4570, Australia
5. 1770 AIR SEA RESCUE PARK
Seven kilometres outside of Agnes Water lies Seventeen Seventy, a tiny town made mostly of holiday homes. This is supposedly where Captain Cook first reached Australia in 1770.
The little bay is beautiful when its sandbanks begin to emerge during low tide. You can camp right in front of the Tree Bar and Restaurant if you’re discreet. The view is stunning.
CHANCES OF BEING CAUGHT
Medium. You need to be careful that you’re arriving late at night and leaving early in the morning. There’s an official campsite close to this spot which makes it a bit risky.
You can also try the 1770 marina which is just a few hundred metres down the road. There are almost always cars there overnight which makes it slightly safer to camp.
AMENITIES
You can rent stand-up paddles and kayaks here during the day or just swim and enjoy the beautiful view. Free toilets and beach showers are available close by.
HOW TO GET THERE
Seventeen Seventy is tiny so this spot is hard to miss. Take the only road that leads to Seventeen Seventy and park opposite the Tree Restaurant. Be careful that no one sees you and wait until the restaurant is closed to park here overnight.
Address: 576 Captain Cook Dr, Seventeen Seventy QLD 4677, Australia
Check out our guide to wild camping in Australia for more information on how risky it is to try wild camping on the East Coast.
Exploring more of Australia? Check out our guides to free and wild camping in Perlubie Beach and Bremer Bay.
Did we miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post please leave a comment below or contact us.
