Need some campsite inspiration? Here’s your New Year guide to the best
weekend adventures! 

Words by Michael Borg Images by Camper Trailer Lifestyle

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, it’s time to pack your sense of adventure and dust off your camping gear because 2024 is the year to unleash your inner outdoorsy spirit! Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or someone who thinks roughing it involves a spotty Wi-Fi signal, there’s a camping spot out there just waiting to convert you into a truly happy camper. From breathtaking mountain vistas to serene lakeside retreats, we’ve scouted out the best places for you to kick back, relax and enjoy 2024 in style!

Bribie Island
A Queensland favourite, navigating Bribie Island via the sand can be pretty adventurous. The tides tend to creep quite high up the beach with the occasional water crossing thrown in for good measure, so keep an eye on those tides, eh?  
Oh, and if going for a nice relaxing paddle sounds like a good way to blow off some steam, there are several freshwater lagoons available, most of which offer shallow water for the kids to frolic in. Don’t forget the fishing too. You’ll find these waters can be up there with the best of them.

Myall Lakes National Park
If you’re looking for a place that will seriously suck the stress right out of you, then it’s time to pack your bags and head for the magical waters of Myall Lakes National Park. There are dozens of campsites to choose from, most of which are either right on the water or a stone’s throw away from several of the pristine beaches. Some of these campsites are only accessible by boat, which only adds to the adventure!
Mungo Brush Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds of the lot, and while you’re there, make sure you tackle the Mungo Brush Rainforest Loop. With a mesmerising mix of estuary activities, beaches to explore, and walking trails to tackle, there’s more than enough to keep the whole family entertained without busting the bank! 

Pebbly Beach, Yuraygir National Park NSW
Nestled within a nice and sheltered piece of paradise complete with its own pristine beach cove, this little cracker will drop your blood pressure right from the get-go! There are ample fishing opportunities, a few great swimming holes and even a full-length coastal walk to take a leisurely stroll. During winter, keep a close eye out for Humpback Whales just off the coast, while visiting during Spring will have you mesmerised by a vast array of colourful flowers! Don’t forget the snorkelling gear, there are plenty of beautiful places to strap on your flippers and explore.  

Farquhar Inlet, Manning River
Can’t decide between camping on the beach or by the river? Visit Farquhar Inlet and do both! Situated on the mouth of the Manning River you’ll find this little gem is what dreams are made of, especially if you’re a keen fisho. Take the tinnie for a blast up the river and wet a line and try your luck with a bit of beach fishing while you’re at it. This campsite is only accessible by driving up the beach, so bring your 4WD and a real sense of adventure. 

The Pines Campground, Olney State Forest NSW
If you’re after a wicked weekend of low-range wheeling you just can’t beat Olney State Forest and the adjoining Watagans National Park. Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the heart of Sydney, it boasts a haven of challenging 4WD tracks with an array of spectacular views and even waterfalls if you’re brave enough to explore the trails.   

Camping wise, The Pines Campground is quite a popular spot to unfold your camper trailer. It’s free, is dog friendly and it’s within arms-reach of some white-knuckled off-road tracks.   

Barrington Tops NP
For the perfect blend of old-school bush camping and natural attractions, it’s time to visit the world Heritage-listed rainforests of Barrington Tops National Park. This is the place to immerse yourself in nature, especially if you like alpine environments and using your own two feet to explore the unknown. Yep, this place is a bush walker’s paradise with more walking tracks than fur on a dog! Check out the pristine waterfalls and swimming holes during the summer, or experience one of the most colourful displays of wildflowers during Spring.

Abercrombie NP
Often forgotten yet incredibly amazing in its own right, this is the kind of place dreams are made of. The steep hills around here mean you’ll need low-range, nerves of steel and a real sense of adventure, but the rewards are nothing short of spectacular! Think incredible views, premium riverside camping and an atmosphere that really promotes that relaxed camping experience.  
To keep the youngsters occupied, bring their bicycles, a cricket set and a footy ball; there’s plenty of space to run amok!   

Bendethera, NSW
Water crossings, steep ascents and descents, and rocky terrain are just a part of this adventure, and that’s just what you’ll find on your way to camp! The perfect campsite awaits just off the Grampier Mountain Fire Trail, as you cross over a small creek in Deua National Park. The tranquillity and lush green pastures in these valleys are simply too good to be missed.  
Be sure to take the hike to the Bendethera Caves. It’s a few kilometres walk, and on your arrival, you’ll have a free run to explore the caves as you please. Don’t forget to take advantage of the multitude of views from the many trig points in the area.  

Chaffey Dam, New England
As far as water views go, you can literally cast a line from your camper trailer as you camp at this little beauty. The dam itself provides irrigation storage on the Peel River, a tributary of the Namoi, which lies around 40km from Tamworth. No power boats are allowed here, and the serenity is all the better for it. Spend your days paddling around or casting a line or pop up along the Peel River with your gold-pan for a chance to strike gold!   

Wyangala Dam, New South Wales
If water sports are your thing, you’ll love Wyangala Dam. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Cowra, the dam has several options for camping including Wyangala Waters on the western shore, and Grabine Lakes State Park around 80km from Crookwell. Fishing is a favourite past time in these parts, and while power boats populate the open waters, paddlers can enjoy the heavily timbered shore along the backwaters. 

Georges Junction

Every now and then we stumble across a place that makes you realise just how much you love to go camping, Georges Junction is definitely one such place. There’s just something about taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Macleay River on a warm afternoon. Steep scenic mountains make you feel like you’re in a totally different country and billions of smooth river rocks are pretty much the ultimate setting for a relaxing weekend away, but then you go and add in a great little low range track that follows the river along with a dozen other cracking little swimming spots along the way, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a weekender! 
You’ll find this little gem is nestled nice and close to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, but there’s also a bunch of other beer related attractions close-by too, and a counter lunch at Bellbrook Hotel is definitely a welcome gesture. Being built way back in 1913, you could probably even pass your visit as a history lesson or something like that eh?