Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Camping Destinations for This Easter

Discover the untold beauty of Australia’s most enchanting hidden gems, from the haunting allure of Yerranderie Ghost Town to the luxurious solitude of Faraway Domes in Glen Innes. Venture into the heart of nature with Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary’s star-studded skies, immerse yourself in the off-grid elegance of Aquila Glamping, or find serene isolation at Bruny Island Hideaway. Each destination promises a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and a deep connection with Australia’s breathtaking landscapes, offering an escape into the country’s rich history, vibrant wildlife, and pristine wilderness. Join us on a journey to explore these secluded paradises, where each location tells a story of discovery, luxury, and the great Australian outdoors.

Yerranderie Ghost Town, Yerranderie Regional Park, NSW

Travel back to the early days of Federation in the former silver mining town of Yerranderie, home to more than 2000 people at its peak in 1911. Now occupied by more kangaroos than human residents, it’s one of Australia’s best-preserved colonial ghost towns. You can spend a night here, with three of Yerranderie’s rustic buildings and two campgrounds providing accommodation just steps from the heart of the township. With just one bedroom, the tin-roofed Bank Room, still displaying its original signage, offers a particularly intimate experience. Get a sense of daily life here a century ago as you stroll main street, now littered with mining memorabilia. Take short walks in the surrounding bushland, go 4WD touring along the Oberon Colong Historic Stock Route, and peer down into the abandoned Silver Peak Mine from the bridge installed across its shaft. Getting here involves bumping along 76km (47 miles) of dirt road, which only highlights the sense of discovering this settlement that time forgot. Following the decline of the local mining industry, Yerranderie’s death knell came in the 1950s, when the establishment of the Warragamba Dam and Lake Burragorang cut off its direct access to Sydney to the northeast.

THE PITCH

• When: year-round
• Amenities: drinking water, toilets, showers, barbecues, picnic tables; toilets only at Government Town Campground
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: camping from $6
• Contact: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Faraway Domes Glen Innes, NORTHWESTERN NEW SOUTH WALES NSW

Revel in the luxury of solitude at Faraway Domes, a twin set of light-filled, geodesic domes privately situated on a 3642-hectare property around two hours west of Glen Innes. You can revel in actual luxury, too – each thoughtfully furnished, elevated dome has its own private plunge pool and outdoor bathtub as well as an ensuite. Enjoy a sleep-in before taking a leisurely bushwalk, or spend a day relaxing on your timber deck before cooking up a feast in the open-plan kitchen. Kwiambal National Park’s scenic Macintyre Falls is among a handful of attractions located within an hour’s drive, but staying put and enjoying the simple pleasure of unplugging in the countryside is difficult to resist. Made up with Egyptian cotton linen, the four-posted king bed offers a peaceful slumber after the sun finally sinks in ribbons of pastel pink. But it’s worth staying up to stargaze from your deck, or in front of the cracking fire pit just outside your dome. With no towns of size within miles, it’s a light show you won’t want to miss. Warm night? There’s air-con if you need it, with the domes engineered both to withstand the harsh landscape and maximise energy efficiency.

THE PITCH

• Feel: a million miles away from civilisation at this pair of adults-only, off-grid glamping domes, perched on a remote ridgeline overlooking the rugged countryside just south of the Queensland border.
• When: year-round
• Amenities: drinking water, private bathroom, kitchen
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: $1050 for 2pp for 2 nights
• Contact: www.farawaydomes.com

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Flinders Ranges, SA

Tucked up in the northern reaches of the rugged Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary has operated with an emphasis on science, education, and conservation for more than half a century. In 2023, this 610 sq km (235 sq miles) property, which offers powered and unpowered camping as well as bunkhouse and cottage-style accommodation, became Australia’s second internationally certified dark sky sanctuary. A dark sky sanctuary is typically situated in a very remote location; some 600km (373 miles) north of Adelaide, Arkaroola ticked the box. Here, campers can choose from a range of astronomy activities including an observatory tour and a stargazing experience. Or stump for the Ridgetop Sleepout – a hosted night under the stars, camping on one of only four sleepout decks positioned on top of a spectacular ridge. By day, there’s bushwalking, 4WD trails to explore, wildlife to spot (Arkaroola is a particularly good place to see endangered yellow-footed rock wallabies), a pool to cool off in, and a restaurant and bar to tempt you away from the camp kitchen.

THE PITCH

• On: a remote private property, some 100km (62 miles) from the closest town, Australia’s newest dark sky sanctuary offers astronomy experiences including a ridgetop sleepout under the stars.
• When: year-round
• Amenities: drinking water, toilets, showers, barbecues, swimming pool, waste facilities, electricity, wi-fi, laundry, EV charger, fuel, shop
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: camping from $35
• Contact: www.arkaroola.com.au

Aquila Glamping, Richmond Tasmania

From the decks of Aquila’s glamping tent and pods, your eyes will be naturally drawn to the sky. This retreat, perched on a hillside above famously pretty Richmond and the vineyards of the Coal River Valley, is named for the endangered Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle – Aquila audax fleayi – seen so reliably in the sky. But this massive bird isn’t the only extraordinary sight at Aquila. From the tent’s deck, with its outdoor tub and Adirondack chairs, the view stretches across farmland to a sandstone cliff. This cliff was quarried in the early 19th century to build Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest stone arch bridge, just 2km (1.2 miles) from Aquila. Sheep trim the lawns around the tent and shipping-container pods (with double glazing and six-star energy ratings) set on a 20-hectare parcel of farmland. Birds are a recurring motif, from the trio of aviaries to the guinea fowl that wander the small plot of vines and the selection of metal sculptures dotted around the pods. The tent – one of Tasmania’s largest glamping tents – is the star, with its deck-top bath, king bed, wood stove, Huon pine bedhead, and built-in kitchen and bathroom, though the pods sit higher up the slopes, commanding views all the way to kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

THE PITCH

• Off-grid but accessible: farmland retreat 30 minutes from Hobart, with a glamping tent and three pods near Richmond and the Coal River Valley’s cellar doors.
• When: year-round
• Amenities: outdoor bathtub (in the tent and one pod), private bathroom with hot shower, full kitchens in pods (microwave only in tent), wood stoves
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: from $300
• Contact: www.aquilaglamping.com.au

Bruny Island Hideaway, Tasmania, ALONNAH

Connected to the Tasmanian mainland only by a ferry, Bruny Island is already delightfully removed from everyday life, but this ingeniously designed tiny house takes it a step further. The off-grid Hideaway sits encircled by bush on a sprawling property under a conservation covenant, with an angular design making clever use of its 28 sq m (300 sq ft) space. All furniture (except the low table) is built into the space, while the elevated ceiling gives the loft bedroom an unexpected roominess. The inviting feature of the long Aurora Window hints at the possibility of seeing the Aurora Australis from bed, and looks down onto marsupial-nibbled lawns – you’ll likely see dozens of wallabies or perhaps even rare Tasmanian birds such as the swift parrot and forty-spotted pardalote. With sunlight pouring through the skylight, the absence of curtains and two walls of sliding glass doors, a stay here can be near enough to living in the open air. East- and west-facing decks allow guests to revel in both sunrises and sunsets, with the Hideaway’s pièce de résistance suitably hidden within the afternoon deck – pop open a hatch and a clever sunken bathtub is revealed.

THE PITCH

• A well-named island retreat: with a neat array of tiny-house tricks, from a secret bathtub to bedside Southern Lights viewing.
• When: year-round
• Amenities: hot shower, wood heater, running water, kitchen
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: from $385 for 2 nights
• Contact: www.airbnb.com.au

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat, Tasmania, BINALONG BAY

There’s an unmistakable chef’s touch to Bay of Fires Bush Retreat – standing proud among its 10 bell tents is a large, semi-open full kitchen. Pre-prepared meals from a local chef – the likes of slow-cooked lamb ragout or harissa chicken – fill a fridge, and there’s an honesty bar brimming with Tasmanian cheeses, beers, and wines. Missing a dinner ingredient? Forage through the sizeable seasonal vegetable garden for herbs, kale, lemongrass, potatoes, or summer berries. Owned by prominent Tasmanian chef, Tom Dicker, and partner Anna Hoffmann, the retreat is just 2km (1.2 miles) from Binalong Bay, the beach town at the southern end of the Bay of Fires. Each tent contains a king bed, and the kitchen promotes a sense of communality, reinforced around the shared firepit. Amenities are also shared and semi-open – peer into the treetops as you shower – and it’s just a few minutes’ drive to some of Tasmania’s best beaches along the dazzling shores of the Bay of Fires. Turn your sights inland and there’s the rainforest-draped Blue Tier mountains, waterfalls such as 90m (295ft) St Columba Falls, one of Tasmania’s highest, and cheesy goodness at Pyengana Dairy. Or you could sip a beer with a pig at Pyengana’s quirky Pub in the Paddock, 30 minutes’ drive from the retreat.

THE PITCH

• Find: glamping with a fine-food focus at this bush-clad bell tent retreat, set on Tassie’s most beautiful string of beaches.
• When: mid-Aug–mid-Jul
• Amenities: hot showers, full kitchen, wi-fi, running water, flush toilets, firepit
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: from $220
• Contact: https://bayoffiresbushretreat.com.au

Kombi Kamp, Huon Valley, Tasmania

Few cultural icons embody the freedom of travel quite like a Kombi, and Frida wears her status well. This 1975 cyan-blue Kombi Transporter is parked beside a lovely stream running through a Huon Valley farm, within easy reach of wineries, cideries, orchards, and fine restaurants. The van is fitted out with a double bed, and on a fine night, you can throw open Frida’s tailgate, pop something soothing on the sound system, and fall asleep to views of the stars. The couples-only Kombi, which can be decorated in your choice of three themes, is parked among three rustic huts – a compost toilet, an open-air shower, and a kitchen containing a gas stove, pot belly stove, and all pots, pans, and utensils are available. Or, you might prefer to cook on the firepit. Herbs can be picked directly from the garden, and there are farm-fresh eggs among the breakfast provisions. It’s the kind of place to check into to check out from the hustle and hassles of life. Instead, chill a wine in the eddy of the creek, take a nude swim in one of its inviting waterholes, or just sit quietly and you might spy a platypus paddling past.

THE PITCH

• Live: the nostalgic Kombi dream just a short drive from Hobart, sharing a sprawling farm with its Clydesdale horses and platypuses.
• When: Sep-May
• Amenities: gas stove, pot belly stove, hot shower, compost toilet, fridge, USB ports, breakfast provisions
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: from $215 for 2 nights
• Contact: www.airbnb.com

Red Hill Boat, Mornington Peninsula, Vic

This dry-docked B&B – once a wartime rescue boat – keeps the home fires burning (in the outside firepit, that is) with a cosy mid-century feel. You’ll find wood paneling, a Formica kitchen set, 1940s radio, papers and magazines, and vintage rattan outdoor chairs setting the scene. Below deck, there are modernizing touches including wi-fi and smart TV, electric blankets for winter, a sunken shower, and an outdoor bathtub large enough for two. Red Hill is on the traditional lands of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people. Now a petite micro-region of the Mornington Peninsula, the area is an inland treasure trove of cellar doors, food stores, artisan producers, orchards, and twice-hatted dining. Plus, there are millpond-still bay beaches and roaring surf beaches nearby. To connect with nature, you can stroll through 17.5 hectares (43 acres) of remnant rainforest at Endeavour Fern Gully, or walk the 6.5km (4 mile) Red Hill Rail Trail to Merricks General Store. An afternoon soaking in the natural geothermal water at the Peninsula Hot Springs is another local highlight.

THE PITCH

• Stay: on the Mornington Peninsula at its most unusually nautical in this cosy boutique B&B (boat and breakfast) on a working farm kilometres from the sea.
• When: year-round
• Amenities: queen-size bed, kitchenette, facilities, outside bath, BBQ, smart TV, Bluetooth sound system
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: variable from $300 per night
• Contact: www.redhillboat.au

Skybarrel, Goldfields, Vic

The latest addition to an enigmatic collection of luxury and eclectic accommodation in the Ballarat region, Skybarrel has had plenty of publicity since opening in 2022. Superlatives and exclamation marks abound in the visitor reviews, and you can see why. This luxury stay, designed by local architect Robin Larsen, has been described as UFO-like. Inside, the cabin has a minimalist, industrial vibe but with soft touches like fluffy white towels, muted-tone linen bedding, and a cowhide rug. Perched on land to the side of the now-extinct 745m (2444ft) high volcano at Mt Buninyong which is part of the traditional lands of the Wathaurong nation, Skybarrel affords guests sweeping views of native bush and the plains below. Upmarket touches include a large-screen TV in the salon and another in the downstairs bedroom, but with floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs the view of the passing cloudscapes and the nighttime star show may be more entertaining. The owners are also responsible for the much-loved Clifftop Hepburn (also on Wathaurong Country), with a similar industrial style (rust exterior, glass floors, and a shipping container pool) and with a balcony to breathe in the fresh country air.

THE PITCH

• An industrial chic chalet suite inside a giant barrel by Mt Buninyong, with architectural finishes, an indoor firebox, wooden bath, and sheer vertical audacity.
• When: year-round
• Amenities: double bed, ensuite bathroom, two large-screen TVs, and petite kitchen
• Best accessed: by car
• Cost: $800 for 2 nights
• Contact: www.clifftopathepburn.com.au/skybarrel-villas

Swell Lodge, Christmas Island, WA

When the blazing sunset fades to inky black and your private chef has packed up and left for the evening, the real magic begins at Swell Lodge. The only accommodation in Christmas Island National Park, this pair of deluxe, privately situated cliff-top glamping tents on the island’s remote west coast offer the rare chance to experience this jungle wilderness at night, when its famous crabs are most active. While Christmas Island is best known for the annual migration of these vibrant red crustaceans, which can be seen year-round, the mostly nocturnal robber crabs are a similarly incredible sight to behold as they emerge to forage on the forest floor. Weighing up to 4kg, it’s impossible to miss them. Meals and daily activities are included at Swell Lodge, which was designed to create the smallest possible footprint on this primeval landscape. Power comes from the sun, air-con is provided by the sea breeze, and the evening entertainment is a thrilling choice between a self-guided spotlighting safari and stretching out on your deck, using the stargazing app on your in-tent iPad to decode the sparkling sky. From your front door, it’s an easy, 4km (2.4-mile) return walk to the beautiful Hughs Dale Waterfall, where you’re likely to spot endemic sky-blue crabs.

THE PITCH

• Wake to tropicbirds dancing above the Indian Ocean just metres from your bed at the only place to spend the night in the national park covering most of remote Christmas Island.
• When: year-round
• Amenities: drinking water, toilets, electricity, wi-fi
• Best accessed: by plane from Perth, then car
• Cost: $5385 for 2pp for 3 nights
• Contact: https://swelllodge.com

All images used from Under the Stars Camping Australia and New Zealand by Lonely Planet, $44.99 RRP.  Contact www.shop.lonelyplanet.com

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