Tasmania, Australia’s wild and beautiful island, is a camping paradise. With its diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, it’s the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the captivating world of Tasmania’s campgrounds, with a spotlight on some of the finest sites the island has to offer.
Camping in Tasmania: A Natural Wonderland
Before we dive into the specifics of these incredible campsites, let’s set the stage. Tasmania is a place where Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show. From dense rainforests and rugged coastlines to pristine lakes and towering mountains, it’s a haven for outdoor lovers.
1. Black River Campsite (Paid)
📍Black River TAS 7321
Location: Western Tasmania
Black River Campground, nestled within Tasmania’s Peggs Beach Conservation Area, offers a serene nature getaway. The site accommodates up to six people per camp, with a fee of $13.00 for two people, and additional adults at $5.00 each. Amidst basic facilities like drop toilets, it provides an opportunity for a unique, secluded camping experience. My visit in March was enhanced by having the entire place to ourselves! To cover your camping fees, remember to bring cash and place it in an envelope (provided on site), specifying your chosen site and the number of campers, in the designated payment box on site.
While you can camp here all year, it gets crowded in the summertime. But from May to September, it’s nice and quiet. It’s close to the busy Bass Highway, and you can easily reach beautiful beaches with places to launch boats with four-wheel drive. Remember, only boats can drive on the beach. Whether you want to camp in the trees or in open spaces for caravans, Black River Campground lets you enjoy the beauty of Tasmania’s wild nature!
2. Lake Cethana Lorinna Campground (Free)
📍Lorinna Campground
F43H+JJ, Lorinna TAS 7306
Location: North-West Tasmania
Deep within Tasmania’s wild outdoors, you’ll find Lorinna Campground at Lake Cethana, a free and rustic camping spot managed by Hydro Tasmania. This place is perfect for smaller campers, but it’s not set up for caravans. Remember to bring what you need, including taking your rubbish with you.
Getting there is an adventure in itself. When I visited in November, we pretty much had the place to ourselves, which was fantastic! Just know that the drive there can be a bit tough, especially if your car isn’t very high off the ground. But the peaceful vibes by the lake make it totally worth it. This campsite offers a unique and free camping experience in the heart of Tasmania’s wild beauty.
3. Tooms Lake Campsite (Free)
📍 Tooms Lake Camping Area
Tooms Lake Road, Tooms Lake TAS 7209
Location: Central Highlands
Tooms Lake offers a free camping experience for nature enthusiasts. The campground is adjacent to a stunning lake and features a convenient boat ramp for water activities. While the natural beauty is a highlight, it’s important to keep a few details in mind:
Tooms Lake is a fantastic spot for boating and lakeside camping, but it’s important to note that the facilities are basic, with no showers available. Campers are encouraged to be self-sufficient and bring what they need. The nearest towns, Ross and Oatlands, are a bit of a drive away. Additionally, be prepared for a bit of adventure on your way in. The road to the campground is gravel, narrow in parts, and can be in poor condition, especially after rain.
It’s super nice to be able to camp right at the lake, allowing you to fully embrace the natural beauty and tranquillity of Tooms Lake. This hidden gem offers a unique lakeside camping experience in a pristine natural setting, all for free.
4. Griffin Park (Free)
📍Griffin Park
Mathinna TAS 7214
Location: Central Highlands
Griffin Park is an exceptional free camping destination that draws families during Christmas, Easter, and school holidays. It’s known for its unique feature – being one of the few areas in Tasmania where you can legally bring your trail bikes, ATV, and motorbikes for an adventurous ride. Here’s what you need to know:
Griffin Park comprises two adjacent areas that are both suitable for camping. Basic facilities include drop toilets, but it’s good to know that the drop toilet isn’t particularly “roomy,” so mind your gaze while using it! Campfires and a couple of picnic tables make for cosy gatherings, and the campsite sits right next to the river. However, be aware that there’s no phone service here.
My visit to Griffin Park during New Year’s countdown was quite an adventure. While there were many opportunities to explore the great outdoors, I encountered some weeds, so wearing slippers might not be the best idea, as they can be a bit rough on the feet. The nearby river offered a perfect spot for a refreshing swim, and I even made friends with some teenagers who were having a blast riding their motorbikes. To add to the adventure, we experienced a brief but lively burst of hail during our camping trip. It was an unforgettable way to kick off the New Year!
5. Tungatinah Lagoon
📍 Tungatinah Lagoon
Tarraleah TAS 7140
Location: Central Highlands
I went alone to Tungatinah Lagoon one Christmas for some quiet time. It’s different from other nearby lakes because it’s very sheltered from the wind and peaceful. You can camp here for free, but there are no bathrooms, so you’ll need to bring your own stuff like a fuel stove, water, and a portable toilet if you plan to stay for up to a week. You can bring your pets, park your caravan, or set up a tent. Just remember to bring everything you need like a gas or fuel stove, water, food, and wood for fires.
Visiting during the holiday season was great because it was so peaceful at Tungatinah Lagoon. The area gave me a break from the busyness of life, and the trees blocked the wind, making it even nicer. If you decide to go, be ready since there are no facilities here. It’s a hidden gem for a free and peaceful camping experience, a perfect place to relax in Tasmania’s beautiful natural surroundings.
6. Wings Wildlife Park (Paid)
📍Wings Wildlife Park
137 Winduss Road, Gunns Plains TAS 7315
Location: Northern Tasmania
Wings Wildlife Park: Nature’s Getaway
Wings Wildlife Park‘s sites provide the perfect setting for a relaxing week away, featuring flat, grassy, and drive-through locations. Embrace the serenity and enjoy a range of activities, from kayaking and fishing to leisurely strolls, cricket matches, and simply basking in the shade of trees. Your accommodation fee includes entry to the farm walk, where you can encounter a variety of animals, from buffalo and bison to camels, alpacas, and more. Entry to the main wildlife area comes at an additional charge, but it covers you for the entirety of your stay. For amenities, you’ll find toilets, showers, disabled facilities, and a laundry block just beyond the reception building. Keep in mind that mobile reception is limited here. Your stay provides access to a nearby toilet/shower block, the animal farm walk, and a dump point. All that’s left for you to bring is your food and refreshments. The check-out time for powered sites and accommodation units is 11:00 am, with a cost of $10.00 per person per night, along with an additional $10.00 for a powered site. Please be aware that no dogs or pets are allowed on the premises.
I visited Wings Wildlife Park with my roommates and found it to be a vibrant and bustling place. We took full advantage of the outdoor activities and even had a fantastic time playing mahjong, which added to the enjoyment of our stay. This park is an excellent choice for nature lovers and groups looking to bond, unwind, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the park’s surroundings and wildlife. It’s a true escape to nature’s wonders.
Conclusion: Tasmania’s Camping Treasures
The campsites we’ve explored are just a glimpse of Tasmania’s camping treasures. This island, with its remarkable natural heritage, beckons to outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re in search of the serenity of untouched wilderness, the enchantment of pristine lakes, or the thrill of wildlife encounters, Tasmania has it all.
In my personal opinion, Tasmania stands as the crown jewel of camping destinations across Australia. Its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and pristine natural beauty make it a top choice for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. From towering eucalyptus forests to serene lakesides and remote camping spots, Tasmania offers a wide array of settings to explore and savour.
If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania or interested in personalised tours that cater to your specific interests, feel free to reach out. I offer tours that can include photography services, ensuring you capture the breathtaking moments of your adventure. Tasmania is a place of wonder and exploration, and I’m here to make your experience truly unforgettable. So, pack your gear, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on a journey to discover the camping wonders of Tasmania!
Updated: 23/10/2023