Cave camping in Australia with wildlife watching

If you love camping adventures—or road trips with a camper trailer or caravan—you’ll love every part of Australia.

96% (5598 reviews)
96% (5598 reviews)

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12 top cave campgrounds in Australia with wildlife watching

96%
(824)

Jila Camp Grounds

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Yarramundi, NSW
Come and enjoy these river side sites with over 50 acres available to camp, bush walk and mountain bike. With over 600m of river frontage you'll be sure to find a secluded spot to swim, camp and fish. Located in the Grose Vally there are some challenging walking trails adjacent to the camp grounds. Just a 10 minute drive to Richmond, a town located beside the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, it is an interesting combination of modern outer suburbia with a significant number of important historic buildings dating from the 1810s and 1820s. Bring some loose change for a donation to Beyond Blue for kayak hire or to purchase some home grown avocados when in season. Extra vehicles can be paid for as an extra, this money is donated to Beyond Blue.
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AU$85
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(467)

Pine Ridge

8 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Yahl, SA
We have 80 acres of farm, approximately 15 minutes from town. Our campsites are located in a paddock on our farm, perfect for off grid self contained campers. We are not far from The Blue Lake, The little blue is also close by, and is perfect for swimming in summer. The Umpherston Caves is literally just down the road, and is wonderful for a picnic, or on dusk feeding the possums. Sites are approx 20m x 20m, lined with trees, perfect for pitching a tent, parking a van, camper trailer, RV, or even a bus! You can even bring your boat! We are only 25 minutes away from Port MacDonnell, put your boat in, go fishing or just enjoy the beach. One van/tent per site (unless negotiated prior). Our sites are all located in a back paddock, it's quiet and peaceful. We have sites available to cater for RVs, vans and tents. Must be self-contained (no facilities provided, must dispose of waste at approved dumpsites in town), take your rubbish with you; dogs are welcome if they are friendly and well behaved.
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(1552)

Hidden Camp Pie Creek

63 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · QLD
Away from everything, close to most things. and has won and award for Runners up for best hipcamps for HipCamp Australia 2023 Our 6.5 acre property has an abundance of beautiful flora and fauna along with lots of wildlife and birds. It is the perfect destination to forget life's worries and relax in a beautiful natural environment. We are happy for you to enjoy riding push bikes on the property and to enjoy music around your campsite. Bring your kids, dogs, push bikes, or even a canoe and get back to nature! Campfires are welcome in the fire pit provided and there is plenty of firewood available. Please ensure there are no restrictions in place before lighting a fire. There is a basic camp kitchen, toilet's, camp shower and a bar setup down near the dam for your use, complete with lights, weber BBQ, microwave, 2 hot plates, a toaster, sandwich press and fridge/freezer. You can also hire out the entire property just for your group or special occasion - please see entire property listing. ALL ARRIVAL INFO AND GATE PIN CODES GET SENT TO YOUR HIPCAMP ACCOUNT 48HOURS PROIR TO CHECKIN - Please have this handy on checkin and Please don't ring us at 10pm asking for this information. We also have a mini camp shop on site that's also stocked with the hire items you will notice in the extras section(on the hipcamp app) and there are also many more items you may forget like frozen bread, milk and even ice also including but not limited to (depending on availability) - * Barista made coffees (by prior booking) * Ham & Cheese croissants (by prior booking) * Chopped Fire wood (Delivered to your camp) * Smoker Rental * Solar Panel Rental * Water Drum Rental * Camp toilet Rental *Generator Hire *Table Hire *Battery Hire *12v Fridge/freezer hire If you are requiring any of the above you can pay us in cash or you can check out these most of these options on the hipcamp app or give us a call or text to arrange. There is power down at the dam and please take your rubbish with you on departure and clean up after yourselves. Although most of all we want you to have a great time! We are 10 minutes from Gympie, 2 hours from Brisbane and an hour to the Sunshine Coast or Hervey Bay.
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AU$8
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(1208)

Natural Bridge Retreat

44 sites · RVs, Tents135 acres · Natural Bridge, QLD
A special camping experience can be enjoyed at this spectacular location in QLD close to the NSW border for ADULTS ONLY i.e. 18 years and older and able bodied. Lamington National Park adjoins this outrageously beautiful property that features the waterfall made famous by actress Laura Dern in the iconic Sunsilk shampoo commercial filmed here in 1998. (LGBT welcome). PLEASE NOTE: The Hipcamp service fee varies according to the amount of the booking. For one guest for one night the service fee is 18% approx. of the camp site fee. Bookings at Natural Bridge Retreat have to be for a minimum of two nights. As most bookings are for two or more people for two or more nights, the service fee is generally 11.2%. A beautiful creek descends through the 135 acres which includes rainforest that is listed as State significant vegetation. There is a deep swimming hole at the waterfall and other swimming areas up and down the creeks. You can hike to the upper plateaus that feature two ancient Strangler Figs with ocean views and a view of Mt.Warning as well as to the Bushranger Caves and lookouts higher up on the Lamington Plateau. Natural beauty is everywhere you look with mountain views, volcanic boulders and rock formations, Upland Rainforest and lots of wildlife. This is a property for nature lovers. Mobile reception (Telstra works the best), flushing toilets (ladies & gents), hot shower and campfires are permitted in designated locations - sorry no pets. We will e-mail further details upon receiving your booking including a link to a Release and Indemnity form that must be completed prior to entering the property and a link to a form to advise your vehicle type and camping mode. *All bookings must be for 2 nights minimum and in the peak periods/long weekends 3 nights minimum and 4 nights for the Easter holidays.
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AU$38
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(970)

Coober Pedy Views

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Coober Pedy, SA
Coober Pedy Views is located on the fringe of Coober Pedy and offers a unique outback camping experience for guests who are more adventurous and prefer privacy and a secure location. New Driveway is completed.... In 2019 I was sitting in my Alfresco Area feeling that the beauty offered in front of my property should be shared to people I thought might appreciate a different aspect to Coober. Since that time I have probably had 600+ guests enjoy what Coober Pedy Views has to offer. Whilst it remains a rustic type setting, with campers needing to be SELF SUFFICIENT (NO PUBLIC AMMENITIES AVAILABLE) I can offer Power (subject to availability) to 6/8 sites. Digging anywhere on the property is forbidden, there are no Opals on CPVs evident when the 3 large garages were dug. Digging softens the ground making it dangerous for avalanches on the embankments and walls especially after rain that creates washouts as you can see on the front embankments and the ugliness makes me sad to see. Our Public Noodling Area is the only place in Coober safe to dig freely. Bookings can be made via Hipcamp.com and more information via WikiCamp.com
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from 
AU$10
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(190)

Barkala farmstay

72 sites · RVs, Tents13000 acres · Coonabarabran, NSW
Barkala Farmstay is a self-sustaining farm located off the grid, supplying our own water and solar electricity. The Farm is a grazing property situated on 13,000 acres surrounded by the tranquil Pilliga Forest. Only access is a 10km dirt road of the Newell Highway, north of Coonabarabran (follow directions below). As well as farm animals, the farm hosts a thriving community of birds and well- designed bush tracks where you can discover local wildlife, plants, Aboriginal artifacts, great lookouts, sandstone cliffs and caves all in the midst of the Pilliga Forrest. Barkala Farmstay is also home to Pilliga Pottery and the Blue Wren Bush Cafe (closed Wednesdays), offering pottery demonstrations and workshops, traditional European inspired fresh foods with ingredients from our organic green house and homemade Gelato. The property offers two camp sites, Goanna and Kellies Campground, which are freely available to anyone who books a camping stay with us. There are no allocated camping spots in either campground, thus it is first come, first serve. We offer large camping spots with no campground boundaries hence there is space for vehicles of any size. Both camping sites offer compost toilets and showers (although we encourage short showers due to our off-grid, self-sustaining farm). You are welcome to stop by the reception upon check-in to hear more about our campgrounds and we can help you find the perfect camp spot and tell you more about what we have to offer. Campers are welcome to enjoy feeding of our farm animals, our saltwater pool and campfires. Firewood can be collected on the property by yourself, or you can visit the reception to buy firewood. There is no phone reception close to any buildings but free limited Wi-Fi in the cafe area.
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AU$14
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(182)

Monastery of 11 Strings

13 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Wombeyan Caves, NSW
Lovingly developed for 15 years as a mindful refuge & wildlife corridor by Victoria, a filmmaker/permaculture designer, the property was completely destroyed in 2018. Thus the mega bushfire cycle began impacting forever most of NSW's flora, fauna & people. Nature ultimately prevails & slowly the untamed terrain is healing. After studying at RMIT School of Architecture & Design for three years with the intention to design tiny living house systems better suited for harsh environments, Victoria has returned. Slowly she rebuilds a humble off-grid existence from the burnt-out bus fusing knowledge of building design with her food forests/aquaponics passion, keen to create an environmentally connected experience to share with like-minded others. By staying you are helping her & all the wild things emerge from the ashes. Thank you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No flies on us this winter... Book a stay until the end of July 2023 & get 25% off! Use the code EDMVEXWK when booking.
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AU$29.70
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(572)

Hopevale Adventure Camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents113 acres · Widgee, QLD
The Cooke Family welcomes you to “Hopevale”. A beautiful 113 acre property bordered by Wrattens National Park at the edge of the world in the peaceful Widgee district of greater Gympie. Jason, a landscaper by trade, and Jacinta a teacher by profession, met many years ago at a national Christian youth conference. Four beautiful children later and many years down the track, they bought Hopevale as a blank cattle fattening property in 2018. After much hard work, they have made it what it is today, with plans to continually improve. We have different camp options available, one of which is set up for those guests also wanting to stay with horses or just have a larger group booking. Guests will have access to a toilet and shower throughout their stay which is within walking distance from each of the campsites. Campfires and pets are welcome. The property has only had 4 farming owners in its 110 odd years since it was first surveyed and selected in 1915. The Hillcoats, Bishops, Cotters, and now the Cooke’s. The families over the years have used the property for timber getting, dairy, beef and small cropping. The property is geologically rich with volcanic soils, sandstone escarpments full of caves and overhangs. The mighty Wrattens Falls sits to the back of the property in the National Park and is a sight to behold in full flow. It feeds the head waters of the western branch of Widgee Creek which meanders through the property. The subtropical dry rainforest clad mountains are dominated by the majestic Bunya and Hoop pines and are a testament to what once was covering the entire property before being cleared for farming. Remnant riparian creek lines are botanically rich and diverse holding Red and White Cedar, Teak, Silky oak and many other coveted timber trees harvested back in the day. There are many species of animals and birds that call Hopevale home. From water dragons, frogs and fish in the creeks, monitors, wallabies, deer, koalas, possums and phascogales in the eucalypts. Red-back wrens, pardalotes, rainbow bee-eaters, finches and quail call the open grasses home while whip birds give their iconic call in the forest. Above, birds of prey ride the thermals of the valley looking for their next meal. “We have been blessed beyond measure with a small slice of God’s wonderful creation that we would love to share with you.”
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AU$16.20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(19)

The Stockyard Experience

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4000 acres · Mumbil, NSW
Stockyard Farm is a working farm that was established in 1858. Our 4,000 acre undulating property is an area that lots of animals also call home such as kangaroos, deers, wombats, goannas, echidnas, goats, sheep and cattle. Looking for some fun activities during your stay. We are located 5 minutes from the Burrendong Arboretum, only 7 minutes from Lake Burrendong where you can try your hand at activiites such as fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and much more. If you book one of our bell tent sites you can select to get a free access card to Lake Burrendong which lets you enter the Park as many times as you like totally free. If you don't mind a little drive we are only 1/2 an hour from the iconic Wellington Caves, 1 hour from Dubbo and Orange where you can visit wonderful attractions such as the Dubbo Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, Orange Ophir Gold Mine, 1.5 hours from beautiful Mudgee wineries and much much more. There are plenty of tourist activities which surround our beautiful property that you can visit, that is if you wish to leave the serenity of Stockyard.
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AU$27
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(253)

Wanderlust Retreat

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents222 acres · Putty, NSW
We looked for alternative ways of living 6 years ago so we purchased 220 acres to build an off grid camping/eco resort. The property consists of a straw bale house, Tipis, Cottages, 5 stars shared facilities (hot showers, flushing toilets - disable toilet ), outdoor kitchen (gas bbq, pizza oven, all kitchen utensils, pots ), solar system and worm farm septic system. The facilities of the camping are quite luxurious some guests labelling them "better than at home" so you can enjoy the bush experience & still have the comfort of a home. Here you can discover amazing wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, cockatoos, lyre birds and a lot of other birds (designated bird drinking stations through a WIRES program which has a lot of success.) Bring a camera and take in the incredible sights such as wildlife, cliffs, caves, and a magical view of Mount Yengo and Moruben from the top of the property. They are designated walking tracks around the property with all variable lengths & difficulties. Pets friendly Access all-wheel drive Events possible Please enjoy some of the reviews our previous guests have left for us: "Wanderlust has a beautiful hidden valley and thanks for sharing with us. We bush walked and climbed mountains (it felt like it). Back at our camp; delicious dinner, some nice reds and a beautifully relaxing camp fire. A great little getaway. " - Michelle and Paul. "Great location, quiet and private, basic accommodation, plenty of space! Great for a group getaway!!" "Absolute gen of a property and such humble owners. Thanks for all your time and effort to make our weekend away so accommodating!"
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AU$24.80
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(120)

Whip Stick Forest

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Eaglehawk, VIC
The Whip Stick Forest campsite is located on the outskirts of Bendigo. This is an ideal place to take a break away from it all. Peace and tranquility surrounded by nature. We are just far enough away from the town to offer the outdoors feel and close enough to town to enjoy sightseeing, and many outdoor activities and access to shops, fuel and most of the usual shopping needs. Here you will find a nice open space amongst the gum trees with drinking water, toilet, and outdoor shower. rubbish/recycling bins and access to wifi if needed. Relax under the stars with a warm fire in a secluded spot in the middle of open space and the fresh air. The property is fenced off, so you can feel safe and secure. You can relax and let the kids can run around knowing they are safe inside the camp ground. Only minutes from town where you will find supplies, close to the local swimming pool and 10 minutes from a popular watering hole. Enjoy all that Bendigo and surrounding areas have to offer, check out the historic gold mining attractions and come home to rest in a tranquil setting amongst the trees, the birds and the stars. Bendigo itself features some fantastic heritage architecture and a creative community. Be sure to check out coffee houses down little laneways and the many culinary options of the restaurants in town.
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AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(150)

Ryelands Farm & Vineyard

3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Macquarie Plains, TAS
**Please note that it's $20 per person per night. Small farm and vineyard at Macquarie Plains in the Upper Derwent Valley, southern Tasmania. The property is 380m from the junction of the Lyell Highway and the Gordon River Road. It has 450m absolute river frontage on the River Derwent (no riparian reserve). The river here is freshwater, potable and a renowned trout water, (licence required). Three kilometres from the village of Gretna. 4WD Preferred. 2WD need to assess river access. Campers need all own amenities and leave no trace. Dog friendly but please see rules, we have livestock and so dogs need to be well controlled at all times. Campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place (see rules around campfires). Due to hydro generation activity, the river may slowly rise or fall up to 1m (often without rain) so please be careful around the water.
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from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

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Cave camping in Australia with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Australia is a wild-at-heart continent, and camping is a part of its DNA thanks to Aussies who love camping holidays. It isn't hard to find a good caravan park or camping area—from five-star glamping at Uluru and family-friendly coastal holiday parks to rustic campsites at cattle stations and bush camping in national parks. Pitch your tent near the dunes and be lulled asleep by the sound of the surf, or wake up to bird calls and frog song in the rainforest. Take in the views from a country peak, or head out into the wilderness on an Outback road trip. And the best thing about camping in Australia? There's always perfect camping weather somewhere, no matter the time of year.

Where to go

New South Wales

New South Wales has a bit of everything that makes Australia such a great place to camp. Hipcampers can choose from snow-covered mountains, beaches, rainforest, and Outback plains—you can always find a good camping spot in NSW.

Queensland

Australia’s favourite place to escape the cold, the white-sand beaches north and south of Brisbane in southeast Queensland are warm enough to swim in all year-round. It may be too wet in summer to camp comfortably in the rainforest of Cairns, the Tropical North, and along the Great Barrier Reef, but winter is the best time to swim in the sea. The Outback, too, is at its best in the cooler months.

South Australia

A wild, dramatic, and mostly deserted coastline, South Australia’s rugged outback ranges and fantastic wine are just a few reasons to pitch a tent or park your caravan here. It may not always be swimming weather (the ocean waters are cold), but the beach camping here is some of the best in Australia.

Tasmania

Any time's a good time to visit Tasmania, a place that will delight intrepid Hipcampers with its wild and remote national parks and camping sites. You'll need a warm sleeping bag and good wet weather gear, as it can snow on the peaks near Hobart even in summer. But don't let a little dampness put you off, because it rains here all the time, which is why the World Heritage wilderness areas are so beautifully lush.

Victoria

Just down the road a bit from Melbourne, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is a bucket-list road trip that lives up to the hype, with some of the best coastal camping areas around. Hiking and camping in the Grampians is good year-round, although the snow-covered high country peaks and the east coast national parks are best saved for the warmer months.

Western Australia

Western Australia is huge, so don’t expect to see it all in a couple of weeks. Let the weather be your guide and explore the coastal national parks, forests, wineries, and beaches south of Perth during the hot, dry summer, then head north to Broome and the Kimberley for a 4WD camping adventure in winter, when it rarely rains.

Northern Territory

When the wintertime chills hit the south, the Northern Territory is the place to be, especially if you’re fond of campervan road trips. The deserts of the Red Centre offer warm, fly-free days and cold nights ideal for gathering around the campfire. Kakadu National Park and the Top End are hot and dry—perfect for swimming.

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.