If you’re planning on travelling this winter and exploring some of the best off-road camping destinations, look no further. Here we have three must see locations around Australia for your winter off road adventures.

NSW - Cathedral Ferns Reserve, Mt Wilson

Only two hours away from Sydney, this location is perfect for those looking to get away, but not go too far from home. It is suitable for both caravans and tents and is free with no booking required.

The amenities are few:

• Drop toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Fire pits (firewood is not provided)
• Tank water (not safe for drinking)
• Bins

Some important things to note:

• Dogs are allowed in the camping area, but not allowed in the national park
• You need to bring your own drinking water

Things to do:

• Giant Tree Walk, a 500-metre loop which starts and finishes at the campground
• Bird watching, with many rare or unique birds making the national park their home
• Turkish Bath Museum 
• Mount Wilson Waterfall Walk, 1km circuit through the rainforest and waterfalls. Go at night to see the glow worms!
• Canyoning training and exploration, (at your own risk!)

Have a look at the best camping sites near Sydney for more structured get away options.

QLD – Bowra Wildlife Sanctury, Cunnamulla

Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary is 807km west of Brisbane city with both powered and unpowered sites on offer. The unpowered sites are $15 a night and the powered sites are $25, with both costing an extra $10 per additional adult. Campers can arrive between 2 and 5pm and must leave by 10am – however an early bird and late departure may be purchased for $15. 

The amenities:

• Toilets 
• 240-volt power
• Hot showers

Important things to keep in mind:

• Fires are prohibited 
• Bookings may close due to weather and the road quality
• 2wd are not suitable for the tracks
• The reserve is home to a lot of emus – make sure not to get close or feed them.

Things to do:

• Explore the Weir River
• Go to the Cunnamulla Hot Springs
• Bird watching
• Walking track

If you’re looking for other places near Brisbane to caravan, we've got you covered.

WA – Lake Navarino, Waroona Dam

The Lake Navarino campsites are an hour and twenty minutes from Perth. There are a range of caravan sites with various locations and amenities and different prices per night for two people.

• Powered caravan site - $45  
• Powered tent site - $38

                - Powered sites come with 15amp power, water, camp kitchen, toilets, and hot showers.

• Unpowered tent site - $35
• Unpowered bush site - $35

                - Access to camp kitchen, toilets, and hot showers

Key notes about the campsite:

• To drive up to the water’s edge, you will need a 4WD
• Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times

Things to do:

• Freshwater fishing 
• Bush walks through the native jarrah forest
• Mountain bike tracks (dirt bikes not allowed)
• Dwellingup Treetop Adventures

See more places in Perth to caravan here.

Being Properly Equipped

Camping off-road can often mean being a fair distance from shops, so it is key to be stocked up on water, to manage your fuel, plan meals accordingly, and have the essentials for first aid on hand. Know the capabilities of your caravan and the conditions of the road before driving into unfamiliar territory. It is also incredibly important not to feed the wildlife or leave rubbish behind.