5 Alternative Camping Experiences For Your Next Getaway

Forget ghost stories by fire light, these campsites offer a different type of thrill.

There’s nothing better than escaping the city rush and heading off the beaten track. When it comes to getting away from it all, we’re pretty spoilt for choice – with an almost endless list of stunning natural sites, national parks and beaches. We also have quite a few spots to pique a traveller’s curious side. Add these unusual and alternative camping experiences to your next travel itinerary.

1) Australia’s friendliest (and furriest) locals - WA

You can expect a few visits from the (very cute) locals of Rottnest Island. Famously known for its furry marsupial, the Quokka, this island experience lands you right amongst the wildlife. Camping is available at The Basin, which is also a stone's throw away from the crystal clear waters of Basin Beach.

2) Experience the world’s oldest form of life - WA

Time to churn up some sand and go 4WDing to any of the five beachfront camping sites along Shark Bay, where wild dolphins swim at your feet in the shallows at Monkey Mia. Here you can camp at Bottle Bay, Gregories, South Gregories and more, and for the natural history buffs, you’ll also be able to experience the oldest living organism on earth at Hamelin Pool – stromatolites, which are believed to be 3.5 billion years old.

Image via @stellarfraserphotography

3) Life beneath the surface - SA

You won’t need to bring your tent along for this unique camping experience. South Australia’s famous mining town, Coober Pedy, is also known for its locals’ practical approach to the harsh desert conditions. Here, at Rubi’s Underground Camping, experience life in “dug outs” and Coober Pedy’s famous opal and mining culture.

4) A desert transformed to wild blooms - WA

From June to November, parts of Western Australia transform into a blooming array of spectacular wild flowers. The six month flowering season sees over 8000 unique varieties of native Australian flora, and one of the best places to experience this colourful natural phenomenon is along the Margaret River Region. Be careful to only look and not touch though, as picking wild flowers can mean a fine up to $2000.

Image via @robmulally

5) Nature’s very own light show - NSW

Located just a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney, Newnes Campground is a short walk away from a very unexpected natural light show. The Newnes Glow Worm Tunnel is a 400m long tunnel originally built as part of a railway for a booming mining industry. After it was abandoned, it was quickly taken over by thousands of glow worms. As you enter the tunnel, remain quiet, switch off your torch, and wait to be astonished by the tiny blue pinpricks of light.

Hero images via @chrishemsworth