There is no time like the present to get back to nature! What could be better than pitching a tent (or parking your fancy van) in the bush, by the river, or at the beach? We’re spoilt for choice with stunning spots to camp in the Southern Trove, so we’ve put together a short list to take out the guesswork.
If you’re camping in a national park, remember to grab a Parks Pass. As this is Tasmania, it’s best to be prepared for all weather. Show your appreciation for mother nature by taking all rubbish with you and leaving the site more beautiful than you found it.
Grab your mates/family/significant other, pack your gear, and be off on your adventure now.
The Channel
The d’Entrecasteaux Channel is a short, very pretty drive from Hobart. There’s lots to explore, with beautiful eateries, stunning walks, lovely local markets, delightful beaches, and a fascinating history. The longer you stay, the more charmedyou’ll be.
Snug Beach Cabin & Caravan Park offers beachfront beachfront accommodation at Snug, overlooking beautiful North West Bay. Choose from self-contained cabins, powered or unpowered campsites (tip: go for one of the level, grassed campsites with beach frontage). The park has a well-equipped amenities block, coin operated laundromat, and camp kitchen with undercover barbecues. Snug is a great spot for a family holiday, with a general store, tavern, beach tennis court, and playground all within walking distance. Unwind with a nice swim and spot of fishing, launch your boat at Snug Beach, or catch the ferry across to Bruny Island.
Image: @irishfossil/Instagram
Bruny Island
Bruny holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Camping is a wonderful way to stay awhile and enjoy the island’s natural beauty. There’s so much to do, with swimming and surfing, boating, birdwatching, bushwalking, and attractions such as the Cape Bruny Lighthouse and The Neck. The local produce is incredible, so be sure to visit the island’s cafes, restaurants, wineries, farms, and eateries to fuel your exploring.
Cloudy Bay is located in the beautiful South Bruny National Park (entry fees apply). There are two secluded camping areas: The Pines campsite and Cloudy Corner campground. Cloudy Corner, at the southern end of Cloudy Bay Beach, is 4WD access only, as access involves driving 3km along the beach at low tide. Both campsites have pit toilets, limited water and fireplaces (BYO firewood or use a fuel stove). This stunning spot is popular with visitors keen on fishing, surfing, enjoying the beach, and leaving the rat race for a while.
Image: @zestyjen/Instagram
Access to the Jetty Beach campsite at Cape Bruny is off Lighthouse Road, in the South Bruny National Park (parks pass required). The campground amongst the trees is suitable for campervans. Facilities include pit toilets, limited water supply, picnic area, and tables. The pristine beach offers a sheltered spot to swim, snorkel and fish.
Image: @gab.day.off/Instagram
The Neck is one of Bruny’s must-dos – climb all the steps up to the Truganini Lookout for sensational 360 degree views of the Neck and beyond. Behind the dunes in the Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve, you’ll find a small, protected campsite. The site is well sheltered, right on the Neck and only 20 metres from the beautiful Neck Beach. Caravan and motorhome access is available. The site has pit toilets and limited water, as well as sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables adjacent to the carpark.
Image: @aaronchingaling/Instagram
Adventure Bay is a great base for exploring the sights and attractions of Bruny Island. The Captain Cook Holiday Park is located opposite the beach, and resident wildlife includes Bruny’s famous white wallabies. The park offers a variety of accommodation options, with cabins, villas, and powered and unpowered sites. The powered sites overlook the bay or the river area, while the unpowered sites include large grassy areas with views of Adventure Bay. Sites are close to amenities and the camp kitchen.
Image: @prone_to_roam/Instagram
The Huon Valley
There’s a lot more than apples in the Huon Valley! The towns of the Huon are home to lovely shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. You’ll find award-winning wineries, cider houses, farms and orchards nestled amongst the rolling hills and paddocks. The scenery is stunning, with mountains, rivers and forests to explore. Adventure awaits in the Hartz Mountains National Park and the Tahune Forest.
Pitch your tent at Cygnet Holiday Park and discover the delightfully quirky, artistic town of Cygnet. The park has good amenities, with 20 campsites and 14 powered sites, a well-maintained amenities block, and camp kitchen. There is even a creek with platypus running through the property! The park is located on Mary Street behind the RSL club, near the recreation ground, and is central to everything Cygnet has to offer.
Image: @the_marshall_mathers.mp/Instagram
The Huon Valley Caravan Park is situated on the junction of the Mountain River and Huon River, in a unique farm setting 1.5km from Huonville. The park offers large powered sites, premium river sites, ensuite suites and unpowered sites. There are well-maintained amenities, with a laundry, large camp kitchen, pizza oven and barbecue. A dump point is located within the park. Experience a taste of farm life, try your luck at trout fishing, or kayak the Huon River.
Image: @travel_baby90/Instagram
For the ultimate blissful nature experience, head to Huon Bush Retreats. Choose from contemporary self-contained cabins, deluxe teepees, and private campsites, all in individual settings nestled amongst Tasmanian native forests. Explore 5km of interpreted walking tracks through rainforest, discover a hidden waterfall, or climb a mountain. Feel the stress melt away at the extensive private habitat reserve in the Huon Valley. Keep an eye out for friendly wildlife!
Image: @run_jen/Instagram
Relax at a tranquil campsite, lined with trees, on the banks of the Russell River at Lonnavale. Rivers Edge Wilderness Camping is caravan and campervan friendly, with flat and spacious sites. The campground is situated on the lovely Russell Forest scenic drive. There are wood-fired campsites next to the river, communal shelter, great trout fishing, a deep swimming hole, fresh drinking water, and toilet facilities.
Image: @jak_golf/Instagram
Far South Tasmania
The Far South has a bounty of gems to discover, including the Hastings Caves State Reserve and thermal springs, and the wild and rugged Southwest National Park. The scenery at the bottom of the country has to be seen to be believed, from the pristine beaches to the rugged mountaintops.
Image: @ladyjoadams/Instagram
The sleepy town of Southport is a top spot for a beachside holiday. Southport Hotel and Caravan Park sits on 12 acres of native bushland, with a range of accommodation options including self-contained units, comfortable cabins, and powered and unpowered campsites. There are powered sites for caravans and motorhomes, with some offering drive through access and concrete slabs. Amenities include a camp kitchen with electric barbecue, bathroom and laundry. Set along a small creek, the unpowered campsites enjoy a natural bush setting.
Image: @donny_strange/Instagram
Cockle Creek sits on pristine Recherche Bay, on the edge of the wild and untouched Southwest National Park. At Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area, you’ll find several campgrounds with pit toilets. Sites are mostly large open areas that can accommodate 10 to 15 tents and caravans, however a few smaller sites also exist closer to the national park. Untreated tank water is available. The road down to Cockle Creek is rough in places, but caravan access is possible with care. There are no camping fees, but a parks pass is required if you go past the bridge over Cockle Creek.
Image: @_just.a.girl.and.her.camera_/Instagram
Related posts:
Coastal Paradise: Ten Beaches of the Trove
Markets of the Trove: Treasure Hunting Guide
Hidden Gems: Seven Stunning Walks in the Channel
Header image:
Cloudy Bay, @juliocabaleiro/Instagram
Words:
Isabel Galloway
