The best 4WD camping spots in Australia

If you believe the journey is just as important as the destination, Australia is home to some truly incredible remote camping spots – many of them requiring a proper 4WD to get there. 

Secluded spots are (unsurprisingly) dotted around Australia’s expansive landscape: in each state and territory, deep in the scrub or out near the salt plains. 

Here’s our top handful. As always, try the NRMA Trip Planner when tackling or even contemplating any big journey ahead! 

New South Wales 

NSW offers some memorable secluded camping spots, and the good news is you don’t have to go too far to find some of them. 

Uloola Falls Campground 

Right on Sydney’s doorstep, the Uloola Falls campground in the Royal National Park offers a small waterfall and lush bushland. It’s a hidden spot only accessible by mountain bike or on foot. Bring your own supplies, but take consolation in the fact there are toilets onsite. 

Nearby Heathcote National Park offers similar experiences, with strictly walk-in access weeding out those less interested. These include Kingfisher Pool campground, Lake Eckersley campground, and Mirang Pool campground. Food and water supplies are necessary! 

Marramarra National Park Hawkesbury 

Further north in the beautiful Hawkesbury region, the Marramarra National Park offers the kind of isolation some campers dream about. Your best bet is the Gentlemans Halt campground, accessible only via a 10km trail or paddle by kayak. 

Sturt National Park 

If you want to go truly remote, Outback NSW is where it’s at. The Sturt National Park, located on the very edge of NSW, offers secluded spots like the red sands of Olive Downs, Fort Grey or Dead Horse Gully. 

Queensland 

With more than 500 different camping spots dotted around the Sunshine State, there is no shortage of options – some much more remote than the others. 

Middle Rock campground, Deepwater National Park 

Situated about 100m from a 4WD track that runs through Agnes Waters in the Deepwater National Park, is Middle Rock campground. 

Accessed only by 4WD, this camping spot offers uninterrupted coastal views and is brimming with sea life and bird life. Camping sites are quite limited, so always be sure to book ahead. 

Hunters Gorge, Diamantina National Park 

Located 400km northeast of Birdsville, Hunters Gorge is home to some pretty gnarly country – but thankfully for campers, this secluded site offers flat ground, a drop toilet and some fireplaces. Just what the doctor ordered! 

Expansive views over the large billabong, not to mention umpteen birdlife, are reasons alone to circle this one on your outback map. 

Morton Island 

Only a 90-minute ferry ride from Brisbane, Moreton Island straddles that fine line between being remote enough to feel as though you’re on the edge of the earth, yet still close enough to tackle as a weekend destination. 

If you feel camping isn’t complete without a fire, stay at the Comboyuro Point, Ben-Ewa or Blue Lagoon campground, as they all have pre-existing fireplaces or fire pits (you’re not allowed to light a fire anywhere else on the island, including on the beach). 

Victoria 

Home to the Grampians National Park, Great Otway National Park, Dandenong Ranges National Park and so many others, Victoria offers some of the most diverse camping experiences around the country. And there are no shortage of secluded locations. 

Haunted Stream, Victorian High Country 

If you like a river crossing, you’ll love the journey to the Haunted Stream campground, located between Dargo and Ensay in the Victorian High Country. 

Finding this small clearing, which has only a humble shelter and picnic table, isn’t all that remarkable; however, what is memorable are the 40-odd crossings and 17km worth of off-roading required to get you there! 

Known as the Haunted Stream Track, this passage is strictly limited to high-clearance 4WD vehicles and isn’t for the faint-hearted (be prepared for pin-striping on your paint, several recoveries and some occasional expletives). 

Jacksons Crossing, Buchan 

The Gippsland region of Victoria offers some of south-east Australia’s most iconic camping spots and destinations.  

Some are well-known, but Jacksons Crossing north-east of Buchan, less so. Here, guests have a choice of riverside camping by the fast-flowing Snowy River or a separate clearing to the north side of the river, which is larger and offers fireplaces. 

Expect some steep, snotty climbs on the drive in – which mandates the use of a proper four-wheel drive – but it is all worth it as you put your feet up in isolation, sharing the views with nothing but the local wildlife. 

South Australia 

From plunging coastline to the outback, South Australia is home to some truly magnificent camping locations. It too has its share of isolated spots for those really seeking an escape. 

Lake Gairdner salt flats 

West of Port Augusta, the Lake Gairdner salt flats are home to some of the most extraordinary views in this great country of ours. But did you know there are camping spots available? 

Australia’s third-largest salt lake perfectly juxtaposes the perfectly white salt flats with surround red foothills. There are camping sites dotted throughout, but taking advantage of the site on the western side of the lake (just off Kingoonya Rd) ensures ample shade and nearby firewood. 

The annual Speed Week dry lake races are a major drawcard, hosted in February/March and bringing thousands of rev heads from around the country.  

Unsurprisingly, camping facilities here are relatively sparse, but the views make it totally worth it – especially at night. 

Davenport Creek campsite 

Situated to the west of Ceduna, this isolated campsite finds itself between the sand dunes and Denial Bay. The mangrove-lined campsite – located on Davenport Creek itself – offers still waters at your doorstep and no shortage of sand. Or you can venture a few hundred metres away to find the untamed swell of the Southern Ocean. 

A four-wheel drive is a necessity on this adventure, as is a tyre pump and gauge (to drop tyre pressures). Those feeling super adventurous can take on the challenge of driving to the tip of Point Peter. 

Though not the most isolated campsite in this list, you’ll need food, water and firewood (though there is an eco-toilet located nearby). 

Western Australia 

A list of isolated camping spots around Australia wouldn’t be complete without WA. 

Mary Pool, Gascoyne River South Branch Camping Area, or the West Peawah Rest Area are all great free camping options. The Warren National Park in the Southwest also offers secluded camping.  

Roads including the Great Central Road and Sandy Blight Junction Road are also great opportunities to experience some of the most isolated stretches of our beautiful country. 

The best part about Western Australia is there are free camping sites dotted around the state. Just make sure it’s designated as such (there are about 1000 in total). Many of these are without facilities, so as always, make sure you have adequate food, water and emergency supplies. 

Tasmania 

Tassie is home to some incredible remote camping spots, with the most well-known being Cockle Creek at the southernmost point of the country, or South Bruny National Park. 

Deep Creek campsite, Mount William National Park 

Situated about one hour northeast of Launceston, past the community of Gladstone and towards Ansons Bay and Eddystone Lighthouse, Deep Creek campsite is home to about half a dozen sites and gorgeous views of Deep Creek, which runs into the Tasman Sea. 

Northern Territory 

The Northern Territory is teeming with remote camping opportunities, ranging from designated campsites within national parks to more secluded bush camping spots. Popular options include campgrounds in Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, as well as the Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve.  

As with other states and territories, always check for restrictions and potential permits, carry relevant food, water and supplies, and be prepared.