From the beach to the outback, it’s surprising where a relatively secluded spot for a swim, a walk or a wildlife watch can be found.
Devils Marbles Campground, NT
The Devils Marbles campground is located about a kay off the Stuart Highway and is in an ideal spot right next to the famous rock formations. The Devils Marbles are huge granite boulders scattered across a wide, shallow valley, 100km south of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
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There are no official walks at the Devils Marbles, just a network of informal self-guided tracks on the eastern side of the reserve. Just follow the network of walkways and you will learn how this geological marvel was formed. It’s amazing how every marble looks completely different.
No generators are allowed at Devils Marbles campground and you have to bring your own firewood and water. There is very little shade either so an awning will really help, but don’t forget your camera as sunset and sunrise make these rocks illuminate with colour.
Note: Dogs are only permitted in the campground, not on walking tracks and do not leave anything out at night due to roaming dingoes.
Cost: $3.30 per person/night
Address: Stuart Highway, Wauchope NT
GPS: 20°34’03.6”S 134°15’51.1”E
Toilets: Composting type
Showers: No
Camp Fires: Yes, BYO wood
Road Access: Good/Sealed
Water: No
Number of Sites: 40+
Power Available: No
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Suitable for Big Rigs: Yes
Baird Bay, SA
Baird Bay is a small fishing village about 50km South of Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. It is a sheltered inlet lined by cliffs and beaches, situated on the shallow western arm of Anxious Bay. This site is a semi-secluded nature-based camping area on the edge of Baird Bay township, really close to the foreshore. However, the nearest town for supplies is Streaky Bay.
Although the township is small, the Baird Bay sea lion and dolphin swim is a once in a lifetime experience that you cannot miss. At Baird Bay campground there are toilets, gas barbecue and seating under shelter with limited bore water. There is also a wood barbecue for use only when fire restrictions allow. If you want to have a wood barbecue you will have to bring your own timber.
Cost: $10/night (honesty box)
Address: Baird Bay Rd, Baird Bay SA
GPS: 33°08’37.7”S 134°21’45.7”E
Toilets: Yes
Showers: No
Camp Fires: Yes
Max Stay: 7 days
Road Access: Good
Water: Yes (Bore water)
Number of Sites: 10+
Power Available: No
Dog Friendly: Yes
Suitable for Big Rigs: Yes
Wuruma Dam, QLD
The Wuruma Dam Fish Restocking Association stock fish including barramundi, Australian bass, golden perch and silver perch making it a popular weekend spot for the locals with fishing, skiing, canoeing and sailing. There are several areas to camp so if the prime areas are full it may mean parking away from the water’s edge for a day or two and then moving closer to the waterfront position when people head home. Facilities include rubbish bins, flushing toilets, picnic tables and shelters.
As the dam is stocked with silver and golden perch, barramundi and bass a fishing licence is required. Inspectors do visit here so make sure you have your licence on hand to avoid a fine.
Closest shopping is at Monto or Eidsvold towns which are about 40km away so stock up first. Phone and internet coverage is very limited, making it nice and peaceful.
Cost: FREE
Address: Wuruma Dam Log Hut Road
GPS: 25°10’53.0”S 150°59’11.4”E
Toilets: Yes
Showers: No
Camp Fires: Yes
Max Stay: No limit
Road Access: 1km dirt
Water: Not potable
Number of Sites: 50+
Power Available: No
Dog Friendly: Yes
Suitable for Big Rigs: Yes
Mambi Island Camping Area, WA
Settled on the banks of the Ord River, Mambi Island Camping Area is an excellent place to get away from it all. It is located 46km north west of Kununurra via the Victoria Highway, then you turn off on to Parry Creek Road.
Mambi Island Camping Area has plenty of room, with sites set among the trees near the boat ramp. This popular fishing spot has toilets but you will need to bring your own firewood and drinking water, there is non-potable water available. And campfires are allowed, so you’ll be able to cook your catch!
Please be aware of salties (crocodiles) in the Lower Ord River.
Cost: FREE
Address: Parry Creek Road, Lake Argyle WA
GPS: 15°20’44.9”S 128°16’56.6”E
Toilets: Yes
Showers: No
Camp Fires: Yes
Max Stay: Unlimited
Road Access: Steep dirt road.
Water: Yes, not potable
Number of Sites: 20+
Power Available: No
Dog Friendly: Yes
Suitable for Big Rigs: Yes
Gum Bend Lake Campground, NSW
Located 4km west of Condobolin on Gum Bend Road, Gum Bend Lake Campground is a free campsite set in beautiful surroundings.
The lake is a man-made lake and when full is 1.75 metres deep. Gum Bend Lake is ideal for water skiing and also proves popular with bird watchers and for fishing on the nearby Lachlan River. It is surrounded by 40ha of landscaped grounds and there are free picnic and camping facilities including barbecues, hot showers and flushing toilets.
Gum Bend Lake and its peaceful surroundings make it the perfect place to relax for a few days and let the world go by. Town is just a 30 minute walk away and has a great bakery in the main street.
Cost: FREE
Address: Gum Bend Rd, Condobolin NSW
GPS: 33°04’41.0”S 147°06’00.0”E
Toilets: Yes
Showers: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes
Max Stay: Unlimited
Road Access: Good/Sealed
Water: Yes, in BBQ areas
Number of Sites: 50+
Power Available: No
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Suitable for Big Rigs: Yes
