Adventurers Diary

Our 29 Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia

Accommodation when traveling around Australia comes in many forms and you will find many free or low cost campgrounds. Caravan Parks, Showgrounds, Campgrounds, Station Stays, Pubs and Free Camps are all options for somewhere to stay overnight and depending on many circumstances our needs will vary. For those set up and comfortable with Free and Low Cost camping when traveling, we have put together our 21 Best Free or Low Cost Campgrounds highlighting our favourite places so far to stay in Australia.

In the heat of the Top End we would usually opt for powered options however the bottom half of Oz opened up many places to stay that don’t have to cost much at all.

We will continue to update this list as we keep finding more places to add.

Find videos and information about every Campground, Free Camp, Caravan Park, Station Stay and RV Stops all around Australia here

Read all about Our Best Free camps in Australia here

# Nov 2017 update.
With the recent closure of our previous Number 1 campground “Uluru by Sunrise” we have updated this list. We have also introduced 2 new campgrounds, Sandstone Park at #4 and Lara Wetlands at #12 and increased it from our Best 20 to 21. Hope you enjoy our list.

#July 2019 update
We have completely changed this Article having added a number of new Campgrounds, taken out the Free ones as you’ll find them in our Best Free Camps here and increased our list from 21 to Our 29 Best Campgrounds in Australia.

View to the Stanley Nut from our camp site, Tasmania

Our 29 Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia

29. Stanley Tasmania

Location: At Stanley in the North West of Tasmania

About: Located at the entrance to the Golf Course and looking out over the ocean, this is a fabulous campground in a beautiful location.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/stanley-rv-and-caravan-campground-stanley-tasmania/

Cost: $8 per night

Max nights stay: 7 nights

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No but there is one very close by.

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Mount Gambier Showgrounds, SA

28. Mt Gambier Showgrounds

Location: Mt Gambier, South Australia

About: The Mt Gambier Showgrounds are located on the edge of the city and provides good grassed sites and full amenities. It is also walking distance to the Umpherstone Sinkhole.
$20 deposit for Key to amenities block.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/mount-gambier-showgrounds-mount-gambier-south-australia/

Cost: $22 powered, $15 unpowered, $3 extra adult

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes, cost $5 if not staying at the showgrounds

Powered sites: Yes

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Hobart from atop Mount Wellington

27. Hobart Showgrounds

Location: Hobart, Tasmania

About: Approx 15 minutes drive from the city of Hobart, there are various sites, some grassed and other on stones. Can get very busy in peak times. Call to book during peak season.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/hobart-showgrounds-hobart-tasmania/

Cost: $25 powered site or $21 for CMCA members, $20 unpowered

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes, $1 for 5 minutes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: Yes

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: Yes, we were close to Bunnings and were able to tap into their free Wifi although it was slow

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Beachside sites at Carmila Beach Campground

26. Carmila Beach Campground, Queensland

Location: Carmila Beach is 6kms from the small town of Carmila on the Bruce Highway and 101kms south of Mackay.

About: The Carmila Beach Campground is a great beachfront location with several campsites available. Once you go past the first campsites you will need 4wd to access through the soft sand.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/carmila-beach-carmila-queensland/

Cost: $10 per vehicle per night

Max nights stay: 14 nights

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Barely

Fires allowed: Yes

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Chapman River at Ante Chamber Bay Campground, Kangaroo Island SA

25. Ante Chamber Bay Campground

Location: Kangaroo Island, South Australia

About: A beautiful river front campground. Access is by a dirt road which was reasonable condition when we were there.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/ante-chamber-bay-kangaroo-island-south-australia/

Cost: $15 per night

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes, only just

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Gordon Recreation Reserve, Tasmania

24. Gordon Recreational Reserve

Location: Three Hut Point, Gordon Tasmania

About: Whilst we didn’t stay here it looked such a perfect location we did stop to take a look around. This would make a great place to stop for a few nights.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/gordon-recreation-reserve-three-hut-point-tasmania/

Cost: $5 per night honest box

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Quite a gathering at the Kingston S.E. RV Campground

23. Kingston SE RV Campground

Location: Kingston SE, South Australia

About:. A fantastic and great value RV stay in the Limestone Coast of South Australia. Home of the Big Lobster, there’s also lots of options for eating out and all you will need in town within walking distance. Opposite the campground is the beach and long jetty.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/kingston-se-rv-campground-kingston-se-sa/

Cost: $10

Max nights stay: 48 hours

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes nearby in town

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: No

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Banka Banka Station, NT

22. Banka Banka Station

Location: North of the Three Ways in Northern Territory

About: Great overnight stay as you head north from the Three Ways to Darwin. There’s Donkeys and Camels, a unique bar, fire pit which the owner fires up each night. Yarns are told, marshmallows burnt and in the morning a stunning sunrise to the East.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/banka-banka-station-northern-territory/

Cost: $20 per night for 2 adults unpowered

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: No

Fires allowed: Camp hosts have a big fire pit each day and marshmallows

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Congo Campground

21. Congo Campground

Location: Congo NSW

About: The Congo Campground is approx. 10kms south from Batemans Bay, located directly at the beach. It is located in National Park.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/congo-campground-nsw/

Cost: $12 per person per night

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: No

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: No

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Aerial view of Midskinrick Lodge and Camping

20. Midskinrick Lodge and Camping

Location: Rosedale Qld

About: Located between Bundaberg and Gladstone, this is a brilliant stay right on Baffle Creek with excellent fishing. It is a huge place with heaps of space and fire pits scattered throughout the park area.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/midskinrick-lodge-camping-rosedale/

Cost: $7.50 per person per night unpowered, extra $5 per night powered or $10 if you use air conditioning.

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Powered sites: Yes

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: Yes

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Looking down on Whalebone Bay and Campground

19. Whalebone Campground Shark Bay, Western Australia

Location: 15 kms south of Denham

About: I loved our time here at Whalebone Campground. A 24 hour stay, they allowed us to extend for a second night but not beyond. We were able to leave for a short time and then come back for another 48 hours. Caught Squire at night from the beach.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/3003-2/

Cost: $15 per night

Max nights stay: 1 night, but if you ask they’ll likely allow a second night, no more.

Toilets: No

Showers: No

Potable water: No, there is a water station in Denham

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No, there is one on left hand side as you arrive at Denham

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes but very limited

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Beautiful Lotus Flowers at Wilton Park

18. Wilton Park NSW

Location: Cuttagee, NSW

About: A fabulous stay on private property just 5mins south of Bermagui in NSW. There are limited facilities but everything you will need isn’t far away in town. This was one of those places that become very social and relaxing with a fire at night and drinks with new friends.

Video: Coming soon

Cost: $10 donation

Max nights stay: 7 nights

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: Yes

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Aerial shot of Pretty Beach and the Campground

17. Pretty Beach Campground NSW

Location: Pretty Beach, NSW

About: Just north of Batemans Bay is this great campground located a very short distance from a beautiful bay and ocean beach. It is located in the Murramarang National Park.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/pretty-beach-campground/

Cost: $34.84 for two people powered, $24.60 for two people unpowered. Extra adult is $12 per night, children 5-15yo $6 per night.

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: No

Powered sites: Yes

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: Yes

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Perfect location right beside the Beach!

16. Cassowary Coast Regional Council Campground Mission Beach

Location: Mission Beach, North Queensland

About: Located directly beside the beach, Powered and unpowered sites, old amenities. Al about location.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/mission-beach-camping/

Cost: $21 per night unpowered, $25 powered, $3 for extra adult

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Powered sites: Yes

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Read all about Our 22 Best Free Camps in Australia

Amazing Agnes Water and 1770, Qld

15. Workmans Campground

Location: Agnes Water near 1770 in Queensland.

About: A great campground close to the beach and town of Agnes Water. A short stroll to stunning Workmans Beach or take an oceanfront walk for a few kms to nearby beaches and bays. Great value and the best Rangers looking after the campground.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/workmans-campground-agnes-water/

Cost: $9 per person per night

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes, cold outdoor shower

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Lara Wetlands, Qld

14. Lara Wetlands, Patrick Qld

Location: Lara Wetlands is a cattle station approx 30kms south of Barcaldine and 80kms north of Blackall in Queensland.

About: Lara Wetlands is a beautiful, relaxing waterhole on a cattle station just 30kms south of Barcaldine in Qld.

It has many features including a hot artesian spa, kayaks for use on the wetland and fire pits on each site. Lara Wetlands is where you go to relax and do very little except read a book and chill with an amazing scenery and spectacular sunrise and sunset each day.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/lara-wetlands-patrick-queensland/

Cost: $10 per person per night

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: No phone coverage

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Kev making hay while the sun shines at Little Roper Stockcamp

13. Little Roper Stockcamp

Location: Mataranka NT

About: Des and Telka are the owners of Little Roper Stockcamp and will welcome you to there fabulous stay. They have a range of animals that kids and parents will enjoy interacting with. This one is brilliant, make sure you watch the video.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/little-roper-stockcamp-mataranka-northern-territory/

Cost: $20 unpowered, 30 powered

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No, but one is nearby at Mataranka

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: Camp hosts Des and Telka have a big fire pit they light up each day

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Right on the beach at Coledale

12. Coledale Camping Reserve NSW

Location: Coledale NSW

About: About an hour south of Sydney is the fantastic beachfront camping reserve. It is also only 10 mins from the amazing Sea Cliff Bridge.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/coledale-camping-reserve/

Cost: $25 unpowered, 35 powered

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: Yes, limited

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: No

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Sandy Cape overlooking the campground

11. Sandy Cape Campground

Location: 10 kms north of Jurien Bay, Western Australia

About:This place is Fun, Fun, Fun. Grab a sand board and race down the dunes. Fishing, swimming, boating, so much fun to be had. There are BBQ’s available and the sky at night lights up with the stars.
While we were there a great coffee can was available making Burgers, Hot Dogs, Coffees, shakes and more.

Watch the hilarious footage of Adele sand boarding here – https://youtu.be/BcilkWaEAsU

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/sandy-cape-campground-jurien-bay-wa/

Cost: $15 per night

Max nights stay: No Limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: No, unless you climb up onto the dunes.

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Sandstone Park Campground, Carnarvon Gorge Qld

10. Sandstone Park, Carnarvon Gorge Qld

Location: Carnarvon Gorge is located in the Carnarvon National Park approx. 600kms north west of Brisbane and 200kms south of Emerald.

About: This is a new campground which only opened in 2017 and fast became extremely popular with the travelling public. It’s astounding 360 degree views are incredible. The facilities are fantastic and the sites are big. There’s plenty of access to firewood and did I mention the incredible views!!

Do yourself an enormous favour and make sure you visit Sandstone Park at Carnarvon Gorge

Watch this video of Kevin with Olivia, the owner of Sandstone Park Campground, as they trek their way up Boolimba Bluff. – https://youtu.be/wRVMIbOSL8w

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/sandstone-park-campground-carnarvon-gorge-queensland/

Cost: $20 per night

Max nights stay: No Limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: No phone coverage. Some Wifi available at Info centre café.

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Noosa North Shore Campground

9. Noosa North Shore Campground

Location: Noosa North Shore, Queensland

About: Noosa North Shore is surrounded by the Cooloola National Park and has absolute beachfront location. You will need a vehicle permit to drive the beach. Access is via the Tewantin Ferry. The campground is currently closed for renovations at time of writing and is expected to re-open in December 2019.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/noosa-northshore-beachfront-campground-noosa/

Cost: $29 unpowered, $36 powered (very limited)

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: Yes, very limited

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: No

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Drone view of Dalmeny Campground

8. Dalmeny Campground NSW

Location: Dalmeny, NSW

About: Dalmeny is just 5 mins north of Narooma, a beautiful beachside location. There’s an IGA opposite with fuel and a fish and chip shop nearby too. Most sites are sloping, expect to need to level up.

Video: Coming soon

Cost: $33 per night powered, $30 unpowered

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: Yes

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: Yes

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Beach at Osprey

7. Osprey Campground

Location: Cape Range National Park, near Exmouth Western Australia

About: We weren’t able to stay here as we had our dog with us but we took a look around and the location is incredible. Very clean and tidy.

Cost: $10 per adult per night

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No, water available at Info Centre a few kms away

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: No, one is just a few kms up the road at Info Centre

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: N0

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Stunning Sunset at Honeymoon Bay

6. Honeymoon Bay NSW

Location: Beecroft Weapons Range, Jervis Bay NSW

About: Located in the Jervis Bay National Park region it is only open from Friday at 1pm to Sunday and 8pm. Watch the video for all the details of this magnificent weekend campground.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/honeymoon-bay-campground-jervis-bay/

Cost: $15 per site per night, Extra adults $5 per night, children 15 and under free

Max nights stay: Open Friday to Sunday only

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: No

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

Fires allowed: No

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Barn Hill Station

5. Barn Hill Station

Location: approx. 1 hour drive south of Broome, Western Australia

About: Fabulous Campground on a Cattle Station with 200 sites is the Best Low Cost Campground in WA. 10kms of dirt road to access but easily done even in our Motorhome. They even have a lawn bowls green. It has a very rustic charm, the stars shine bright at night and they make 8 loaves of bread, home made sausage rolls and lamingtons each day for purchase. It is very busy in peak times of June and July.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/barn-hill-station/

Cost: $25 unpowered for 2 adults or $32 powered

Max nights stay: Nil

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: Yes but power can be limited source, comes from solar

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Happy Hour at Quobba, WA

4. Quobba Campground

Location: approx. 50kms north of Carnarvon, Western Australia

About: Located around the corner from the Quobba Blowholes, the campground offers some of Australia’s best snorkeling. The coral is amazing and there’s lots of fish of many species, Turtles, Rays and Reef Sharks. We also enjoyed fresh oysters directly from the rocks at low tide.

The campground is right on the beach, some with views and others protected by the dunes.

Cost: $11 per person per night, kids under 16 free

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: No

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: No

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Lucky Bay Campground, just amazing!!

3. Lucky Bay Campground

Location: Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia

About: Located in the incredible Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia, this is a very special place where the kangaroos come into your site or meet you on the beach to say hello. The views are scintillating and the experience is not to be missed.

Our Tip, select site number 12.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/lucky-bay-campground-cape-le-grand-national-park-wa/

Cost: $10 per Adult per night, children over 6 are $2.20. Seniors $6.60 per night

Max nights stay: No limit

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: No

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: No

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Rapid Bay Campground, originally our No. 1 out of the 29 Best Campgrounds in Australia

2. Rapid Bay Campground

Location: 1.5 hours south of Adelaide

About: As Darryl Kernigan’s bumbling Lawyer once said, “it’s the vibe” and Rapid Bay gives great vibes.

Voted our Best Free or Low Cost Campground in Australia! This is a fantastic campground, so peaceful, so stunning and a great place to relax, swim, snorkel and go fishing. It gets very busy at peak times.
The original Jetty here was destroyed in a storm and a new Jetty costing $3.8m was recently built to replace it.
Divers come from afar to dive here looking for a rare Sea Dragon, only found in these waters.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/rapid-bay-campground-rapid-bay-south-australia/

Cost: $7 per person per night

Max nights stay: Nil

Toilets: Yes

Showers: No

Potable water: Yes, sign says it’s not but it’s trucked in from Adelaide

Pet Friendly: Yes

Dump point: No. Yankalilla is 24kms away and has dump point, fuel, groceries, gas etc.

Powered sites: No

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: N0

Telstra coverage: Yes

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Trial Bay Gaol Campground. our new No. 1 from our 29 Best Campgrounds in Australia

1. Trial Bay Gaol Campground NSW

Location: South West Rocks, Arakoon National Park NSW

About: We were so lucky to have the opportunity to stay in the overflow section and it was just perfect for us. The campsites overlooking the Bay are also sensational. South West Rocks is amazing, watch the video and see why this is our #1 Campground in Australia.

Video: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/trial-bay-gaol/

Cost: $31 unpowered, $36 powered

Max nights stay: N/A

Toilets: Yes

Showers: Yes

Potable water: Yes

Pet Friendly: No

Dump point: Yes

Powered sites: Yes

Unpowered sites: Yes

Free Wifi: No

Telstra coverage: Yes

These are just our 29 Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia. We know we haven’t seen them all, tell us about your favourite Low Cost Campground?

Thanks
Kevin & Adele
Indefinite Leave

Readers who liked this Article also read:
The Best of Broome
Our Favourite Experiences Traveling Australia
Who to Choose for Caravan and Motorhome RV Insurance
Finding Water as you Travel
Things to See and Do in Margaret River
How much does it cost to Travel to Kangaroo Island

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Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2upyEfM – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2GoBt37 – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RL7CY7 This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/2ve3w2Z This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/37pCAM9 – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2RpOJed – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/37oKkhb This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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12 Comments

Ian
June 9, 2017 at 10:22 pm
We need this type of info for NSW please
Reply
- Indefinite Leave
  June 10, 2017 at 9:43 pm
  Hi Ian, thank you for your feedback. NSW is the only state we haven’t been to yet on our travels and we can’t wait until we do very soon. We will be going south through country NSW before coming back up again along the coastline. We are really excited about this part of our trip over the next 12 months and will most certianly be blogging a lot about it and providing updates and reviews on everywhere we stay.
  Thanks again, stay with us and we look forward to providing details soon. 🙂
  Reply
  - Anne Maher
    July 8, 2019 at 5:00 pm
    If you get a chance come to Youcamp Bluelilies at Upper Colo NSW. We are new to Wiki and haven’t had any Wiki campers yet but would love to host some
    Google Youcamp Bluelilies for a peek at our farm. Cheers Anne
    Reply
    - Indefinite Leave
      July 8, 2019 at 5:10 pm
      Hello Anne, thank you for the invite. We sure will if we come by your way 🙂
      Reply
Miriam
June 14, 2017 at 7:55 am
Fantastic info. We’re just about to head up to the NT and Red Centre in under two weeks so this sort of info is brilliant and invaluable. Great site! Happy travels.
Reply
- Indefinite Leave
  June 21, 2017 at 7:31 pm
  Thank you Miriam. Really glad our site is helping you. 🙂
  Reply
Betty
August 30, 2017 at 8:10 am
We are planning on going around our beautiful country in a normal van 😳. I have my doubts but hubby is keen. An Rv is my preferred transport but will see how we go. Thank you for sharing it allows me to collect ideas and info of where to go. Do you have a list of must haves to take and how much clothing wise do you really need? Thanks again Betty
Reply
- Indefinite Leave
  August 30, 2017 at 3:44 pm
  Hi Betty. Thank you for your message. Let me just answer your question with a lot lot less than you think lol. We have sent “stuff” back 6 times in our first 18 months on the road and we are about to take even more back. It’s amazing what you Don’t need!!
  My advice is take the bare minimum and anything you don’t use for 6 months goes back. Safe travels.
  Reply
Denise breen
November 3, 2017 at 10:27 pm
Hi just let you know that Cliff head now has two Lots of toilets on the grounds, very clean I was there two weeks ago
Reply
- Indefinite Leave
  November 8, 2017 at 7:42 pm
  Thank you Denise. You are certainly correct, you will see the toilets in the video. That’s an error I’ll correct now. Thanks for letting me know, safe travels. 🙂
  Reply
John
November 4, 2017 at 11:09 am
Great report, though you did mention that there were no toilets at Cliff Head, WA, there has been drop toilets there for years and they have just recently upgraded them to enviro type, a lot nicer.
Reply
- Indefinite Leave
  November 8, 2017 at 7:44 pm
  Hello John, yes you are correct, you will see the toilets in the video. I’ll correct that now. The new toilets were only installed just before we arrived there 🙂
  Safe travels.
  Reply

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Adventurers Diary

How to save money on Alcohol

Our very first night on the road, I got pissed!! I wasn’t looking to save money on alcohol that night.

The whole saga of packing up our house and the nightmare of reducing our lives to what we could fit in a Motorhome was horrific and our first night on the road was huge. Our new neighbours were awesome and I went hard. From what I remember and what I was told, it was a lot of fun.

Whilst that hasn’t happened since, what has been a constant is Happy Hour. Every day back at camp there’s Happy Hour happening and we’re often front and centre. If there’s not a community one then we will have our own.

A few drinks each afternoon have been a part of the social life living on the road as we travel Australia.

Without the budget we had at home when working we don’t have the funds like we used to. Our favourite drops of Small Batch Bundy and $30 bottles of Sparkling have been reigned in significantly and we have mastered a few skills at reducing our costs on joyous festivities.

Our Tips on How to Save Money on Alcohol

Let’s look at our Best tips to saving money on the turps!!

Give up the Grog!!

Ohhh who are we kidding!!

Not going to happen is it! We do have one friend who actually did give up all alcohol whilst doing the lap.

But we can save money by ensuring we are drinking responsibly and maybe cut back on our consumption. This is probably wise given we spend a lot of time driving.

Save money on alcohol by downgrading to cheaper brands

Happy Hour at Quobba

Downgrade

As I mentioned, before we left we could afford closer to the top shelf for our drinks but now it’s all bottom shelf. Basic level spirits and wine and sparkling under $10 are our budget. Even better is when the are on special.

I’m not a beer drinker but our son even found himself buying Tun when we were traveling. A Carton of 30 cans was cheaper than a slab of any Aussie beers.

Downgrading has probably been our best way to save money on alcohol while traveling!

Uncle Dan

We find Dan Murphy’s the cheapest of the major chains and Liquorland can have some great specials too. The Cleanskin range of wines is excellent value and has a good Sparkling White for $6-7 and even a Sparkling Red. Adele likes Moscato and we buy them for $5-6 a bottle. I don’t get any headaches from this range.

They have a huge range of beers and usually at the best prices.

I enjoy ciders and buy these by the carton which also provides more savings.

Become a member for free and receive even better discounted prices.

Visiting Wineries

We have visited so many winery regions around Australia and learnt this is where we tend to over-spend our budget. Now when we visit wineries we go with a plan.

One of us has to drive so the sober one makes the buying decisions. It’s so easy to walk out with a carton of wine way over your budget after you’ve visited a winery or 3.

We only sample what we genuinely think we might buy. By reading the wine list first and working out which drinks we know we would enjoy it helps us make better buying decisions.

Drink at Camp

We don’t go out very often when traveling. We make all of our own meals and drink back at camp. This has saved money on alcohol heaps for us during our travels.

Pub Stays are Never Cheap

Early on in our trip we worked out those Free or $5 Pub spots for camping ultimately always ended up costing us the equivalent to 2-3 nights in a Caravan Park. 2 meals and a couple of drinks each and you can easily blow $100.

We rather find a Free Camp or if we ever do stay at a Pub, we go in for 1 drink and then head back to camp.

Kev couldn't go past having a rum at the Bundy Rum Factory

Bundaberg Rum

Drink Slower

The first thing we taught our sons as teenagers was to not drink too fast. Of course, when they’re young they go hard early and the next day I’d tell them all about what they missed out on.

By drinking slower not only will you wake the next day with a clear head and no embarrassing photos taken of you, it’s a lot cheaper too therefore you save money on your alcohol bill.

Set a Time

Consider setting a time of day before you allow yourself to start your first drink. I never drink before lunch time, only very occasionally in a social setting I might have a Cider with lunch, but mostly it’s at least 4pm before I’ll have my first drink of the day. There are some days where at 2 or 3pm I’m thinking I’m a bit thirsty but I check the clock and figure I’ll wait a bit longer.

I’ll have 2 drinks before dinner and then I’m done.

Stop to Eat

Start drinking as close to meal time as possible, that way you can stop while eating and if you’re anything like me, I struggle to keep drinking after I have eaten.

Dudley Wines Kangaroo Island

Don’t eat Salty Food

Put away the chips. Same goes for biscuits and dip. All those salty, fatty foods just make you thirsty and you drink faster and more.

For snacks, instead choose carrot, celery, olives and bread with a homemade pate.

Bread can also help absorb the alcohol.

Drink Water

In between drinks have water. It might be after every second or third drink. It will help you pace yourself and keep your night under control.

Wine Spritzer

Our friends love their wines and decided to mix the White Wines with some Soda Water. They’re main reason was to just dilute some of the alcohol but it also makes the wine bottle last longer. This will help to reduce the cost when drinking wine.

Others mix their wine with water or lemonade for the same effect. (I wouldn’t but apparently others do)

Of course you can add Ginger Ale or a range of juices and garnish it to make a Wine Spritzer.

Don’t Drink and Drive!!

This could be an ultimate cost from drinking. If you’ve had more than one, hand the keys to someone who hasn’t had any or arrange other transport.

Our ‘How to Save Money on Alcohol’ is just one of a series of articles we have compiled on ways to save money while traveling. You may also enjoy reading:

How to Save Money on Food and Groceries

Save Money staying at Caravan Parks

How to Save Money on Accommodation

Pin It!

Let us know if you have any other tips on how to save money on alcohol!

Drink responsibly and safe travels!

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

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Photography & Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

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Where to Find Us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

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Adventurers Diary

My 15 Favourite Driving Songs as I Travel

Doing the Big Lap of Australia means a lot of hours driving our Highways. It’s a huge country and there can be long distances from one destination to another so I have my favourite driving songs as I travel.

Listening to great music helps keep me concentrating and my energy levels high.

My phone has hundreds of songs for the many times a good radio station isn’t available and I thought I’d share with you my favourite songs as I drive.

My original plan was a list of 10 but I couldn’t reduce it to just that few so it’s a Top 15. The list is not in any particular order.

These aren’t necessarily my all time favourite songs, just the ones I love most when I’m driving and in the mood to whittle away some time by belting out some tunes.

If you see me driving and singing out loud, it’s probably one of these playing 🙂

What is your favourite song when driving?

1. Way out West – James Blundell & James Reyne

At one stage over our trip, I don’t remember exactly where it was, but I mentioned the words Way out West and it reminded me of this song. I quickly jumped on and downloaded it and it’s been a favourite since.

2. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol

We were helping our friends renovate their house in Narrandera NSW before it went up for sale. I was mowing their ridiculously large backyard singing this song out loud, all the time thinking the sound of the mower was louder then me singing. Apparently not!!

Our friend Kerry said to me, “I don’t want to scare the buyers away” haha

3. Copperhead Road – Steve Earle

Just has to be on the Best driving song list!!

4. Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane

Another one where recently I commented Life is a Highway and it took me back to this song. It’s a ripper and now I can’t help but sing it out loud.

5. Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross

My mate Jason just reminded me of this one and it goes straight to the Top of the list.

6. Zombie – The Cranberries

Wow, the voice, the pain, the message, the song. The song is in memory of 2 boys killed by IRA bombs in England in 1993. She sings this with such emotion it’s so hard not to feel it and sing with her. There’s no version better than hers and losing Dolores O’Riordan recently was a sad day.

7. Radar Love – Golden Earring

Play this and not get pumped up, I dare you. You’ll be belting out the tune in no time.

8. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard

Great song that has stood the test of time. Has to be loud so you can sing loud too haha

9. Bustin Loose – Moving Pictures

Better known for their song What about Me, but for me this is my favourite song of theirs, I just love it.

10. My Immortal – Evanescence

The voice, the song. The songs writer said “My Immortal’ is a song of pain and despair caused by the loss of a family member or very close friend. We’ve all felt that pain and this song really resonates for me

11. Father & Son – Cat Stevens

This song makes me think of my sons as I travel. Cat Stevens sings the song in 2 voices, one as the Father and one as the son with a powerful message. The son wants to travel, Dad wants him to settle and think of his future. I give you the Legendary Cat Stevens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-7c4VNGOgU

12. April Sun in Cuba – Dragon

No best of list for me can be without Dragon. One of my all time fave bands, watched them play so many times. Marc Hunter, was a crazy human, but what a voice. Such a sad day when we lost this legend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHFFuukk9Y8

13. Hotel California – Eagles

How do you pick just one Eagles song?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wDfiCDoHy4

14. Fire Lake – Bob Seger

Another one who I could have picked any Bob Seger song and been happy with it. I am hoping that one day I may see him play live. Bit of a Bucket List item J

Bob Seger described the song as “The lyric is about taking risks. About risking love, chucking it all and just heading off with a bunch of wild people, whatever.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld1l4Ud7jp8&t=21s

15. Yesterdays Hero – John Paul Young

Gets me singing every time no matter my mood. We saw JPY at Wagga’s Rock at the Races and he is still as brilliant as ever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVSEiveFY7g

Favourite Driving Songs Close Contenders

These are the ones to lose out from my list.

Jukebox Hero – Foreigner

Sounds of Then – Ganggajang

Solid Rock – Goanna

Jack & Diane – John Mellencamp

The Gambler – Kenny Rogers

Straight Lines – Silverchair

Learning to Fly – Tom Petty

You ruined me – The Veronicas

Walk of Life – Dire Straights

Here I go again – Whitesnake

Imagine – John Lennon

Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

Piano Man – Billy Joel

Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty

Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down

Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin

And anything from Dr Hook, Boz Scaggs, Billy Joel, Dragon, Pink, Toto, AC/DC or The Angels could also easily have been there 🙂

What are some of your favourite driving songs?

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

_______________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

___________________________________________________________________________

Where to Find Us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/

Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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Adventurers Diary

Overcome the Fear and Do It Anyway

Indefinite Leave nearly never happened!! We had to overcome a lot of Fears to make it all happen and do it anyway.

I’ve never talked about this before, I’ve always just recalled how we made our decision and everything happened from there. But its actually not true!!

In a chat with Mike, another traveler, while we sat and enjoyed the view over the Murray River, I remembered the time I nearly stopped our whole trip long before it even began.

Lucky Bay

Since the moment we met a German couple who had hired a Motorhome and completed the road trip from Brisbane to Cairns and they talked about all the places they had been, we decided this was something we had to do. It was Australia Day 2015.

We spent the next 6 months researching and reading, making lists, looking at other people’s photos, following travel blogs and attending Camping Shows and it was all so exciting. Then one day I had a counter intuitive thought.

Is this really possible, is it really for us, are we making a massive horrible decision?

Weighing up the Pros and Cons

I got to a point where I wrote a long list of all the reasons why we shouldn’t leave on our trip. There were so many reasons, good reasons, and as I wrote them all down it began to make sense, there’s no way we could really leave and do this.

Once I would present them to Adele I knew what her response would be. I could hear her words already. I knew she would say “Yes I was thinking that too”!!

After all, Adele was the conservative one, I’ve always been the risk taker.

Great Ocean Road

Should we Stay or Should we Go?

Then Adele would add more reasons to the list that she had been thinking and common sense would prevail and we would get on with life as we knew it. We would stay in our comfort zone, keep the protective roof over our heads, stay financially stable and do as we had always done and not overcome the fear.

After all, it’s what everyone else does!!

I can distinctly remember the moment I brought the conversation up and it went like this –

“I’ve been thinking and there’s really a lot of reasons we shouldn’t do it”, I said.

I remember exactly Adele’s response word for word – “What you don’t want to go?”

It wasn’t just the words but the tone of mass disappointment, like I was completely letting her down. The look on her face said everything, this was not her thinking.

Qantas Museum

I quickly hid my list in my pocket and responded, “ohh yes I want to go, just checking you didn’t have second thoughts……”

Good save Kev…. Phew!!

From that moment the thought of not going never entered my mind again.

My list of Cons

I still have that long list of completely good reasons we shouldn’t go. It read:

Friends
Family
Income
Hot
Cold
Things will go wrong
MACKS
Wanderers
Miss our stuff
Cameron
Midges/ Sandflies
Restricted electricity and water
Minimising

*MACKS was our Golden Retriever

*Wanderers referred to the Australian Wanderers Cricket team. I had just been to England and enjoyed a great tour and the next one was to Barbados which I was desperate to do. In the end I did miss out but our son Cameron got to go.

*Cameron is our youngest son who had a great job and wasn’t coming with us.

Mount Kosciuszko

Stay Focused and Overcome the Fear

But we stayed focused, overcome the fear from that point and in time everything fell into place.

We felt the fear, or at least I did, and we did it anyway.

It has been the BEST decision ever!!

It’s natural for us as humans to feel fear at the things we don’t know, don’t understand and haven’t done before.

This an adventure that will challenge you but the memories, the bonds and relationships you will make and strengthen you. The moments of amazement and the thrills of adventure will be with you for your life.

You won’t regret a single minute!!

Do it and don’t doubt yourself for a moment. I did and thank God one of us remained focused or Indefinite Leave may never have happened. I can’t imagine not having had the adventures and experiences the last 4 years have brought us.

Kings Canyon

Remember:

Life is short and our Country is huge!!

Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life!!

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” Anthony Bourdain

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Neale Donald Walsch

“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing your lawn. Climb that damn mountain.” Jack Kerouac

What’s your Plans?

Are you in the planning stages of an adventure? Be sure to download a FREE copy of Your Free Road Trip Guide to Traveling Australia.

We have also compiled The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Road Trip which is available for purchase. This is the information we wish we had when we starting planning our adventure 5 years ago.

Let us know if you have overcome the fear and are going to embark on your own trip of a lifetime!

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

________________________________________________________________