Free camping on East Coast Australia from Sydney to Cairns guide
Here is our free camping on East Coast Australia guide from Travelwheels Campervans.
Travelwheels has bought, sold, and traded campervans and used 4x4s with roof tents in Sydney for international customers for over 25 years.
Over the years, many of our previous customers have shared loads of tips and hints on where to camp for free in Australia by campervan. As a result, we have created this giant list of free campsites along the East Coast of Australia to save you money on your travels!
Free camping on East Coast Australia guide by Travelwheels Campervans
One of the most frequently asked questions from customers who bought a used campervan or a Roof tent 4×4 from Travelwheels is: “How can I save money while travelling around Australia?“
People planning an East Coast campervan holiday often ask the following questions:
- How much does a campsite cost in Australia?
- Are there any free campsites in Australia?
- Where do I find free camping in Australia?
- Are there any free campervan stops on the East Coast?
How much does a campsite cost in Australia?
Average campsite prices for two people in 2026
Campsite prices depend on the location, facilities and type of campground. As a general guide, two people staying for one night in 2026 can expect to pay:
- Free campsite: $0 per night
- National park campsite: approximately $20 per night
- Basic unpowered campsite: approximately $40 per night
- Powered holiday-park site: approximately $55 per night
These are average guide prices. Popular coastal locations and campsites with more facilities may cost considerably more.
What facilities do you get?
National park campsites usually provide only basic facilities. You may find picnic tables, barbecues and an outdoor eco toilet, commonly called a “dunny” in Australia. Drinking water is not always available, so carry enough water in your campervan.
Basic unpowered campsites normally provide toilets, showers and shared facilities without an electricity connection. Powered holiday-park sites may also include electricity, laundry rooms, camp kitchens, entertainment areas and swimming pools.
How to save money on campsites
Free camping on East Coast Australia can save two travellers about $40 to $55 per night compared with a commercial campsite. Over a long campervan trip, those savings can make a considerable difference to your travel budget.
Some roadside rest areas permit overnight rest and can help travellers save money. However, rest areas are not automatically free campgrounds.
Always check the signs and local council rules before staying overnight.
Where do I find free camping on East Coast Australia?
Free campsites can save you loads of money on a long campervan trip, but they aren’t available everywhere. Fortunately, useful apps and printed guides can help you find free camping on East Coast Australia.
Find campsites with WikiCamps Australia
Travelwheels staff recommend WikiCamps Australia for finding free and low-cost camping areas.
The app costs approximately $9.99 as a one-off purchase for either iOS or Android, with no ongoing subscription fees.
WikiCamps Australia lists more than 65,000 locations, including free campsites, caravan parks, rest areas, showers, water points and dump stations.
You can check recent reviews, photographs and facilities from other travellers or download maps for use without phone reception.
Prefer a printed camping guide?
If you do not want to rely entirely on your phone, we recommend the Camps Australia Wide guidebook.
The current Camps 13 edition includes thousands of verified free and budget campsites, facilities, water points, dump stations and maps for travelling throughout Australia.
Free camping on East Coast Australia from Sydney to Cairns
Now let’s explore the free campsites between Sydney and Cairns.
This is one of Australia’s most popular campervan routes, so free and low-cost campsites can fill up quickly. Planning your overnight stops in advance can make the journey much easier.
Free camping in Sydney for campervans
This is the million-dollar question: Where can I find free camping in Sydney? It is impossible to find a free campground in the centre of the city. However, we have found a few nice rest areas and campsites in the surrounding area.
NOTE: Things change all the time, so always check current signs, local council information and official park websites before you travel. Local councils can quickly change or close free and low-cost camping areas on the East Coast of Australia, so it’s best to do your research in advance.
Wheeny Creek
Wheeny Creek, 1121 Comoleroy Road in Kurrajong offers low-cost camping on East Coast Australia near Sydney.
The facilities are basic; however, the area is nice for small hikes, and the campground is only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Sydney. NSW National Parks currently charges no camping fee, but a $6 booking fee applies, and bookings are required. Bring your own drinking and cooking water.
Swallow Rock Reach Walking Trail – stay at Ebenezer Church
Ebenezer Church, 115 Coromandel Road, Ebenezer. Close to a beautiful hiking trail and next to the oldest church in Australia, Ebenezer Church, there is a free option to park your campervan and stay the night. Hopefully, you will not be afraid of ghosts, because the cemetery of Ebenezer Church is just around the corner.
Partridge VC Rest Area
Directly on the Hume Motorway in Menangle is a car park you can use as a campground. Access is only available when driving from north to south. Toilets are available, but not the cleanest. From here, you only need an hour to the centre of Sydney.
Pheasants Nest Service Centre
Also located on the Hume Highway, you will find a service station in Pheasants Nest. This rest area is slightly further south than Partridge VC Rest Area, but still close to Sydney.
Free campsites in Port Stephens and surroundings
On the way north from Sydney towards Port Stephens, you can find some free camping on East Coast Australia along the highway. The area is very nice, and we recommend exploring the coast.
In Port Stephens, it is worth taking a multi-day stop. Here you can ride camels through the desert, slide down giant dunes on a sandboard, and go on a boat trip to visit the capital of dolphins. Over 140 dolphins live in the bay!
Rest area at the river – Karuah
446A Tarean Road in Karuah sits right on the river next to a bridge. The beach shower is public and free, and during the day you can see lots of pelicans. From here you can easily get to Hawks Nest and Nelson Bay.
Bulahdelah Lions Park & Bulahdelah Golf Club
Bulahdelah Lions Park allows fully self-contained recreational vehicles to stay for up to 72 hours. There is no camping charge, although the Lions Club has a donation box if you would like to contribute. Public toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, a boat ramp and river access are available. If the campsite is fully occupied, the Bulahdelah Golf Club is just around the corner on Recovery Road. You can also get a hot shower there for $5.
Samurai Beach Campground – Port Stephens
If you are travelling north from the Gold Coast towards Brisbane in search of free camping on East Coast Australia, Tully Memorial Park at Beryl Parade in North Maclean has an overnight area for self-contained campervans and caravans. You may stay up to 3 nights in a 30-day period, and tents are not permitted. Toilets are available. Here is the link to Tully Memorial Park.
Access to the campground is by 4WD only, which makes this one particularly relevant for travellers using a Travelwheels 4×4 with a roof tent. Camp only in the designated camping area behind the dunes. Samurai Beach itself is clothing optional.
Glenthorne Truck Stop
Keep your eyes open on the Old Pacific Highway and stop at the Glenthorne Truck Stop when searching for free camping on East Coast Australia. Free hot showers, clean toilets and free wifi at McDonald’s! Just what you need when you are trying to save money on your holiday.
Free camping on East Coast Australia from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Port Macquarie is the perfect place to watch koalas at Australia’s oldest koala hospital. We also recommend exploring the rainforest treetops at the Sea Acres Nature Reserve. Further north, Coffs Harbour is famous for the “Big Banana”, one of Australia’s famous giant statues.
Here is a link to the “Big Things of Australia” page, written by our customers who sent us photos of most of the big things along the East Coast Australia road trip.
Telegraph Point Rest Area on the Pacific Highway
Telegraph Point Rest Area on the Pacific Highway. Next to the Pacific Highway in a town called Telegraph Point, another free campsite is available. This rest area is located next to a river and is an ideal starting point for a kayak trip upriver. There is no shower; however, the toilets are clean, and the surroundings are nice.
Willawarrin Campdraft & Recreation Reserve
A little further inland, on Main Street in Willawarrin, you will find a very quiet campsite. The signposting is not optimal, but if you see the Carlton Draught Hotel, you will find a small dirt road on the opposite side. There, you’ll reach a large grassy area next to a rodeo facility, where you can find 3 sites with power supply. Toilets are clean and also provide power to recharge your electrical appliances.
Burdett Park – football field
The football field at Waterfall Way in Fernmont is a great area for a quiet night. The park is nice, the locals are friendly, and the toilets are clean. A small donation of $2 is requested for free camping on East Coast Australia at Burdett Park.
Designated RV camping in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour also has designated free RV camping spaces in Elizabeth Street near the Greyhound bus stop for self-contained vehicles.
This can be a useful option if you want to stop close to Coffs Harbour itself rather than continue along the highway.
Check the current signs and local rules when you arrive, as camping outside designated areas around Coffs Harbour can be restricted.
Free camping on East Coast Australia between Coffs Harbour and Ballina
On the route from Coffs Harbour towards the Gold Coast, you will find free camping on East Coast Australia along the highway. We have found the only one with a shower for you:
Halfway Creek Shell Roadhouse
This pitch is at 4974 Pacific Highway in Halfway Creek. The petrol station is open 24 hours a day and offers a shower for $4.
Free camping on East Coast Australia Byron Bay and surroundings
Byron Bay is known for some of the best surf spots in the world. Parachuting jumps are also one of the most popular activities in the region! Make sure you have a little extra time to get the most out of your stay!
Please be careful in and around Byron Bay when looking for free camping on East Coast Australia parking spots. The local council are ferocious when it comes to handing out parking tickets for illegal campervan parking!
Watch out for signs banning overnight camping within the city limits. As a rule, Byron Bay itself is one place where we do not suggest looking for free camping on East Coast Australia.
Wardell Truck Stop & Rest Area
This simple rest area sits right on the Pacific Highway in Wardell. Toilets are available, and with Telstra you should also have a good mobile reception.
Truck Rest Area
Spacious rest areas with clean toilets aren’t rare in Australia. As you travel north, you will find another free camping on East Coast Australia spot on the Pacific Highway in West Ballina.
Yelgun Rest Area
This is one of the places we recommend to our customers looking for free camping on East Coast Australia. Yelgun Rest Area is at Brunswick Valley Way in Ocean Shores.
It has clean toilets and barbecues, and the rest area is bigger than you might expect. Arrive early in the afternoon to still snag a seat, as this is a popular free camping spot on the East Coast near Byron.
Free camping on East Coast Australia in the Brisbane area
If you need a free campground for your campervan in Brisbane, the search is usually a bit harder. We recommend sleeping outside the city, then spending the day exploring Brisbane’s city centre.
Hugh Muntz Park
At Reisers Road in Beenleigh is another free camping space for your campervan for up to 72 hours. The supermarket, Woolworths, is less than 2 minutes away. A quick stop here for the ingredients needed for a perfect BBQ. It should also be noted that this is the first free camping on East Coast Australia after Surfers Paradise. There are no free campsites near the Gold Coast.
Tully Memorial Park
If you are travelling north from the Gold Coast towards Brisbane in search of free camping on East Coast Australia, Tully Memorial Park at Beryl Parade in North Maclean has an overnight area for self-contained campervans and caravans. You may stay up to 3 nights in a 30-day period, and tents are not permitted. Toilets are available. Here is the link to Tully Memorial Park.
Wyllie Park
North of Brisbane, at 10 Gympie Road in Petrie, you can find Wyllie Park. Toilets, drinking water, BBQ stands and mobile phone reception are available. However, you may not stay more than 48 hours. This is a good and, more importantly, free camping spot on the East Coast of Australia, relatively close to Brisbane.
Free camping on East Coast Australia at the Sunshine Coast
North of the Sunshine Coast, you will find lots of opportunities for free camping on East Coast Australia. Near the main attractions, it can be harder to find free camping and places to park your campervan.
However, some camping grounds are located farther from the East Coast’s main attractions. For the Sunshine Coast, we recommend a multi-day stay. Be smart and plan where you want to stay in advance. This way you can put your valuable time to good use exploring Australia instead of looking for last-minute campsites.
Jowarra Park Area
The “Jowarra Park Area” is probably the closest free camping on East Coast Australia to the Sunshine Coast, and unfortunately can get overcrowded. You will find the rest area 500 meters after the Landsborough Exit on the highway. There are no showers or drinking water here, so please dispose of your own rubbish correctly. The green park is ideal for a night out in the open air in your Travelwheels Campervan.
Puma Kybong Rest Area & Information Center
This free camping on East Coast Australia spot is adjacent to the Bruce Highway in Kybong and is located right at the information center. It’s ideal for bird lovers, and you can also visit the mascot Matilda, a huge kangaroo. Showers cost $3, and toilets are clean and free.
Ross Creek Store
Ross Creek Store at 1460 Tin Can Bay Road in Groomboorian is the best place for local pies and fresh eggs!
You can get free camping on East Coast Australia here and park your campervan on a beautiful grassy area. Then jump out of your Travelwheels campervan and go straight to the big chicken stall to watch the happy hens! You can buy some of their eggs for a delicious breakfast. Toilets are available; unfortunately, there are no showers.
Another plus point for this free campervan-friendly campsite is that for a fee of just $1 you get a power socket for an hour to charge 4 devices at the same time.
Free camping on East Coast Australia from Hervey Bay to Rockhampton
Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island!
As you continue north towards Rockhampton, there are several free camping on East Coast Australia stops along the way. Rockhampton is also a useful place to stock up with supplies for your campervan trip and visit the Tropic of Capricorn, which cuts through the city.
Free camping on East Coast Australia – Apple Tree Creek Rest Area
26-34 Drummond Street in Apple Tree Creek.
This is a free camping on East Coast Australia stop with a toilet near Hervey Bay and the ferry to Fraser Island. Since it’s right on the road, traffic can be a bit noisy at times, but the toilets should be clean.
These small stops are classic places for anybody driving along the East Coast of Australia on a tight budget. It may not be the most beautiful free camping area, but it is a useful rest stop for campervans. The current maximum stay is 20 hours, so check the signs when you arrive.
Yandaran Hotel – near Bundaberg rum factory
The Yandaran Hotel is near Bundaberg, at 23 Main Street in Yandaran.
You can park your campervan for free and spend the night here if you spend a little something in the restaurant. Showers are available and cost between $2.50 and $5. You can also explore Bundaberg and its famous rum distillery.
Boyne River Rest Area
The Boyne River Rest Area at 48746 Bruce Highway in Benaraby.
This free camping on East Coast Australia site is located just off the road and can get quite crowded at times.
It is a useful free campground on the Sydney to Cairns route, with toilets and showers available. You can also explore Gladstone, which is right beside a lovely river.
The main attractions are Auckland Hill, The Round Hill Lookout and the beautiful Mount Larcom. You can also visit the village of Seventeen Seventy, a hidden gem among the Australian highlights.
Calliope River Rest Area
Calliope River Rest Area is on the Old Bruce Highway in River Ranch.
You can access the campsite from both sides of the river, and it offers beautiful views and a great starting point for visiting Gladstone. Gladstone Regional Council currently allows a maximum stay of 48 hours.
Futter Creek Camping Reserve
Futter Creek Camping Reserve is another genuine free camping option in the Gladstone region. It is on Gladstone-Monto Road at Boynedale, about 20 km south of Calliope.
There is no charge to stay. Facilities include composting toilets and picnic tables, and the maximum stay is 72 hours. There is no chemical toilet dump point at the reserve, so use a designated dump point.
Kabra Hotel
If you are looking for another free camping on East Coast Australia stop, why not park your campervan at Kabra Hotel?
You can spend the night at the Kabra Hotel campsite, 1232 Capricorn Hwy in Kabra, for free, but they kindly ask you to buy something from the pub. The showers cost $2.50, making this a cheap place to stop with your campervan.
Free camping on East Coast Australia near Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays are a very popular destination in Australia. Cheap or free campsites for your campervan are rare around here! Nevertheless, we have found a few possibilities for a cheap place to park your campervan:
The Leap Hotel
The Leap Hotel, located at 1959 Bruce Highway, is another option for anybody looking for free camping on East Coast Australia.
It is close to Mackay, another stop on the journey north. The campsite is small, and they appreciate it if you buy a “thank you” beer or a meal at the pub. The showers cost $2.50 and are apparently very clean and well maintained.
BP Petrol Station in Bloomsbury
This place is located on the Bruce Highway in Bloomsbury, about an hour south of Airlie Beach. You can stay here for free. Showers cost only $1 for 2 minutes, so be quick!
Free camping on East Coast Australia near Townsville
Continuing north towards Townsville and then Ingham, you can find several places to stay for free with your campervan. Here are some of the options:
Home Hill Comfort Stop
This is a free camping on East Coast Australia stop before you reach Townsville, with toilet and shower facilities and a camp kitchen. Visitors can currently stay for a maximum of 2 nights in a 14-day period. Tents are not permitted.
A 90-minute recharge for electrical appliances costs $2, and using the washer and dryer costs $4 each. While you are waiting, you can even get a cheap drink for a gold coin. You can find the Home Hill Comfort Stop at Eighth Ave in Home Hill.
Free camping on East Coast Australia – BP Gas Station in Townsville
Those looking for free camping on East Coast Australia can also check out the BP gas station in Townsville. The rest area is free, and showers are available for $5. They also have free WiFi at the petrol station. This gives you another free place to park your campervan before continuing north with a full tank and new supplies.
Saunders Beach
Saunders Beach Campsite at 2 Reef Street in Saunders Beach is located right on the beach.
The warm shower is surpassed only by the magnificent views. A great option for anybody looking for free camping on East Coast Australia. The maximum stay is 48 hours within a 7-day period, helping to keep spaces available for other travellers. Townsville City Council uses an online booking system for its designated free camping areas, so check availability before arriving.
Balgal Beach North
Hot showers, drinking water, a free BBQ, and a beautiful beach! You’ll find all this at the Balgal Beach North campsite.
This free camping on East Coast Australia site is located on the bank of Balgal Beach, about 5 km off the Bruce Highway near the town of Rollingstone. We recommend checking the Townsville City Council booking system before arriving. The maximum stay at designated council camping areas is 48 hours within a 7-day period.
Crystal Creek Huts and Camping
Crystal Creek Huts and Camping (Barrligie Road in Mutarnee), north of Townsville, has shady pitches near the beach. It also offers great access to the wetlands around Crystal Creek. A nice place to stay as you continue north towards Mission Beach. This is an official Queensland Parks campground, not a free rest area. Camping fees and a permit apply, so check current park information and book before you arrive.
Free camping on East Coast Australia close to Mission Beach
Mission Beach is one of the highlights during a trip through tropical North Queensland. A skydive from this location offers excellent views over the Great Barrier Reef and includes a landing on Mission Beach’s soft sand!
There are several campsites in the area, but if you are searching for free camping on East Coast Australia it can be difficult close to Mission Beach. Here are a few free campervan parking possibilities in the surrounding area:
Ashton Hotel
The Ashton Hotel at 9 Haberman Road in Long Pocket is close to Hinchinbrook Island and is also a useful base for exploring the surrounding area. Visit nearby Wallaman Falls and its spectacular lookout.
Before you park at the Ashton Hotel and make yourself comfortable, please register in the restaurant. This is a great free camping on East Coast Australia stop, but it is appreciated if you support the local pub by buying a cold beer or a meal.
Bilyana Rest Area
The Bilyana Rest Area is located on the Bruce Highway, around 40 minutes south of Mission Beach. Some travellers report that from time to time a local farmer has stopped by with fresh fruit and vegetables. This is a classic example of the experiences you can sometimes find while free camping on East Coast Australia.
Mena Creek Hotel
Mena Creek Hotel is located around a 15-minute drive from Innisfail and 45 minutes from Mission Beach. This is another useful stop as you continue north towards Cairns. The campground behind the pub is a good place for some free camping on East Coast Australia as long as you spend some money in the hotel.
Free camping on East Coast Australia near Cairns
Free camping near Cairns can be limited because of its popular location close to the Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation. However, we have found some useful places to stay that can help you save money.
Free camping in Cairns itself is limited, and overnight camping is not permitted in public car parks, on roadsides or on other undesignated public land.
Fortunately, several free and low-cost places are available outside the city. These are useful camping options as you reach the Cairns end of our free camping on East Coast Australia route from Sydney.
Rifle Creek Rest Area near Port Douglas
Rifle Creek Rest Area is located at Mount Molloy, approximately one hour from Port Douglas.
Travellers can stay for up to 48 hours for a gold-coin donation. Check the signs on arrival for current facilities and camping conditions.
Babinda Rotary Park
Babinda Rotary Park offers free camping approximately 60 kilometres south of Cairns.
The maximum stay is 72 hours, and campers cannot return to the same campground within 14 days. No advance booking is required.
Babinda Boulders Campground
Babinda Boulders Campground is another free option with basic amenities, rainforest walks, and nearby swimming areas.
Camping is limited to 72 hours. The nearest RV dump point is at Babinda Rotary Park.
Goldsborough Valley camping area
Goldsborough Valley camping area is beside the Mulgrave River, approximately 46 kilometres southwest of Cairns.
This low-cost national park campground has toilets, barbecues and fire rings. Bookings are essential, and Queensland camping fees apply.
Lower Davies Creek camping area
Lower Davies Creek camping area offers low-cost creekside camping approximately 53 kilometres from Cairns.
Facilities are limited, so bring drinking water and supplies. A camping permit and advance booking are required. The camping area is primarily suited to tent camping, with a short walk from the vehicle, and the access road is not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes.
Check the camping rules before arriving
Prices, facilities and maximum stays can change. Always check the official website, current park alerts and signs before using any free camping on East Coast Australia location.
While visiting the Tablelands, see our guide to things to do in the Atherton Tablelands.
Continue Planning Your Australian Road Trip
Reaching Cairns does not have to be the end of your Australian road trip.
Explore more Travelwheels guides recommended by our customers:
- Continue north and explore Tropical North Queensland with our Cairns Road Trip Planner.
- Plan the return journey with our Cairns to Sydney Route Planner.
- Travel between two of Australia’s largest cities with our Melbourne to Sydney road trip guide.
- Explore one of Australia’s most famous coastal drives with our Great Ocean Road Campervan Road Trip.
- See the penguins on our Melbourne to Phillip Island road trip.
- Discover beaches, wildlife and walking trails in our Wilsons Promontory National Park guide.
Travelwheels has been helping travellers for over 25 years in Sydney
Contact Travelwheels campervan and 4×4 sales in Sydney if you have any questions about planning your free camping on East Coast Australia road trip.
Travelwheels has helped international travellers plan campervan and 4×4 adventures around Australia for more than 25 years.
You can call or WhatsApp the Travelwheels team on 0412 766 616.
You can also email us at [email protected] and request a free PDF copy of our Sydney to Cairns Route Planner.
Our team can help in English or German.
