Top spots to go camping in Tasmania

Tasmania may be a small island, but there is plenty to please and excite both camping and caravanning enthusiasts.

 

Be aware, however, that the roads throughout the island state are often narrow and winding – and maps can be misleading. It will almost always take longer to get to your destination than you first estimate. Also allow plenty of time to stop at roadside stalls and pick up gourmet goodies ranging from fee-range eggs to fresh berries. Now let’s get stuck in – here are some top spots for camping in Tasmania.

 

Camping in Southern Tasmania

The Mount Field Campground is situated inside the Mount Field National Park main entrance, adjacent to the visitor centre. In the forest next to the Tyenna River, you’ll find 14 powered sites; plus plenty of unpowered ones. The Mount Field Campground has facilities including a toilet and shower block with coin-operated washing machines and clothes driers. There’s also a communal cooking shelter with free electric barbecues and sink with hot water.

Truffle Lodge, on the banks of the River Derwent in the Derwent Valley, offers luxury “glamping” experiences during the summer months. the styling and design resembles a bush camp. Created in one of Australia’s first truffle orchards, Truffle Lodge boasts absolute river frontage and views to the mountains. It reopens at the end of October for the summer season.

 

 

Closed for winter, but opening for spring,  The Huon Valley Caravan Park is in a quiet, level area around a kilometre from the biggest town in the Huon; a twin-tailed valley that is rapidly building a reputation for its cool-climate wines and artisan ciders. It has powered and unpowered sites on the banks of the Mountain River. It’s part of a working farm and is dog-friendly, but they must be on a leash at all times.

Large motor homes can be accommodated and five en-suite sites are also available. Explore pretty nearby villages like Franklin and Geeveston and explore as far south as Cockle Creek.

Rivers Edge Wilderness Camping, on the banks of the Russell River at Lonnavale, is remote and rustic; and popular with trout fishermen. It has over a kilometre of river frontage, a natural swimming holes and quiet fishing spots. Though the landscape is wild, there are flat spots suitable for tents, recreational vehicles and caravans.

Close to the state capital, Adventure Parks has fully equipped sites in the Hobart suburbs of Risdon Vale and Mornington.

 

 

Campsites in North and north-west Tasmania

Big 4 Launceston Holiday Park has a range of accommodation varying from villas and cabins to powered and unpowered camping sites. There is a brand-new amenities block, children’s playground including a giant jumping pillow, barbecues, and a camp kitchen.

Burnie Holiday Caravan Park has a quiet location with a backdrop of bush land with a beautiful beach opposite. It offers powered sites, tent sites by the creek, family cabins, two-bedroom deluxe cabins and a backpacker bunkhouse. There are free barbecues, wifi and a camp kitchen.

 

 

Greens Beach Caravan Park is among the best spots for exploring the Tamar Valley wine region. It is dog-friendly and located right on a popular swimming beach. There is a golf course next door.

Free camping in Tasmania is common in places like Gravelly Beach Rose Bay Park Camp Site, Swan Point Paper Beach Free Camp and Beaconsfield Showground. Keep in mind, they do limit stays to 24 hours.

Read more about exploring Burnie and Tassie’s north-west here.

 

Camping on Tasmania’s East Coast

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is located at the Southern entrance to the Bay of Fires, two minutes’ drive to the township of Binalong Bay, and 10 minutes from St Helens. To the north, you’ll find iconic white sand beaches, crystal blue water and the orange-hued granite boulders the Bay of Fires is famous for. Head south to a lagoon that serves as the perfect location for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

 

 

The Retreat offers three main accommodation options: bell tents, a bunk house, and a king room (for couples). All guests have access to an amenities block and bedding and towels are provided with all options.

The Freycinet National Park is around a 2-½-hour drive from both Hobart and Launceston. It’s famous for its granite peaks and spectacular beaches. Camping inside the Freycinet National Park is extremely popular in summer and autumn and spaces are allocated by ballot in August each year.

Set up among sand dunes mere metres from the ocean and explore the beautiful bays like Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay and Wineglass Bay. Some sites are available all year and others only over summer and the Easter holidays. Only the main site at Richardson’s Beach has powered sites.

Swansea, Coles Bay and Bicheno all have a wide range of accommodation, from rental shacks to camp sites.

 

Camping on the Tasman Peninsula near Port Arthur

Set on the Tasman Peninsula, NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park can be found one hour and 20 minutes from Hobart and is central to the region’s major attractions, including the Port Arthur Historic Site.

 

 

Guests can choose between studios, one and two-bedroom cabins, safari tents and caravan and campsites. Facilities include a wood-fired pizza oven, children’s playground, camp kitchen, barbecue areas, kiosk and free wifi.

Port Arthur Holiday Park sits on 40 acres of lush grounds and accommodation options include water-view cabins and en-suite sites. Caravan and camping sites are private, each with wood barbecues.

 

Looking for more places to pitch a tent around Australia? Check this out.