Adventures of Delvy : Freedom camping around Australia

I confess, my husband and I are in love with our motorhome, or more accurately, what our motorhome enables us to do. Since we first had her fitted out in Tasmania in 2012, Delvy, as she is fondly called, has given us the freedom to go where we want when we want. And what we love the most is freedom camping in a variety of places - it’s all part of the adventure.

Freedom camping, Candelo NSW

Here’s where we mainly freedom camp:

1. Roadside rest areas

Some are more scenic than others, and better equipped – from shady areas, picnic tables and toilets to just a flat bit of dirt to park on. Either way they are a convenient place to, well, rest really. Usually there is a time limit, under 20 hours, but you wouldn’t want to linger any longer as there are a lot of comings and goings. Excellent for people watching though.

Granite Creek Rest Area, Bruce Highway south of Miriam Vale

Lake Macleod rest area, WA

On the side of the road at Colona, Nullarbor Plain. Sometimes you just have to pull over and camp anywhere when the light starts fading.

Day Rest Area, Ewan Maddock Dam, Sunshine Coast

2. Local council freedom camping sites

To encourage visitation to less frequented localities, many inland local councils offer free or low-cost alternatives for self-contained vehicles (much to the chagrin of local caravan parks). Community showgrounds, sporting grounds, and even carparks are some of the different places we have camped. It’s a great way to spend time in a rural town and contribute to the local economy. Look for the RV Friendly Town or Destination signage, and you’ll be made welcome.

Derrinallum Recreation Reserve

Charlton council camp site - this one even had a herb garden!

Taralga Showgrounds

Wallabadah - next door to First Fleet Memorial Gardens - small fee required

3. National Parks and State Forests

To really get amongst nature then these spots are great value. Grant it we do it in style in Delvy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Each State/Territory has its own guidelines regarding camping and fees, so check out the relevant authority online, and make sure you check the road conditions before setting out.

Gillards Beach, Mimosa National Park

Bodalla Forest Park Overnight Rest Area

4. Friends and family

What better way to visit people you know than to bring your own accommodation - it saves them having to wash the sheets. Although some driveways are more large-vehicle friendly than others so it pays to check with your hosts prior to arrival. If there’s kids around, expect to give them a tour of your motorhome– they’ll think it’s amazing.