The Best Way to Camp in Australia!

Awesome for Aussies and overseas visitors seeking an alternative to overcrowded campsites...

Last school holidays, we wanted to get away and explore more of Australia. It was decided that we would head straight down the east coast from Queensland to Victoria, enjoying the beaches along the way.

I knew early on this was going to be a budget adventure and as most of you know, tight purse strings usually means camping. So imagine my disappointment when I discovered that some of the caravan and private parks along our route were charging a triple-digit number for the privilege of camping at their overcrowded campsite.

No thanks! That’s when I discovered Youcamp and never looked back.

Youcamp is a private land camping adventure, kind of like Airbnb for campers. Basically, private landowners with property to spare, rent out their land for campers to enjoy a more peaceful experience…or if you have noisy kids like me...a more peaceful experience for the rest of the campers.

Photo courtesy of YouCamp

It’s a win-win situation as it offers property owners an additional source of income and families a unique place to camp with space to breathe.

Youcamp offers authentic camping how it should be, in a group, surrounded by nature, sitting around a fire and connecting with loved ones.

How it all started …

Youcamp was born around a campfire in NSW in 2013. The first property that went ‘’live’’ belonged to the founders after they realised that opening private land up to campers could return an authentic holiday where families could choose the kind of getaway they want.

Private landowners set their own rules so families can search for a Youcamp suited to their own needs and wants.

Photo courtesy of YouCamp

You may wish to bring your pet, light a campfire, escape crowds or make a lot of noise. You may be completely self-sufficient, or you may appreciate a property that has a toilet and shower.

Either way, the properties are varied and you’re sure to find one that suits your family!

Sounds great ... How do I book?

Head on over to the Youcamp website and create an account. Verify your email address and then fill in your profile.

This is the fun part … Start searching campsites! Search a location and if you wish, refine the results even further. Make sure to read the property description, reviews and check out the photos to make an informed decision.

Photo courtesy of YouCamp

Once you have found the perfect site, select the number of adults and children and your travel dates. There are three ways to contact the host and this depends on what your host prefers. Guests can send an inquiry first, make an instant booking or send a booking request.

Any booking requests must be accepted or declined with 24 hours and you won’t be charged until the booking is confirmed.

Payment is made via credit card and your confirmed booking appears under a tab on your account called ‘’My Trips’’, which keeps track of communication with your host.

INSURANCE INCLUDED!

Every eligible Youcamp booking has $30 million host public liability insurance (subject to T&Cs)

Photo courtesy of YouCamp

Not sure where to start? ... Check out these great Youcamp sites!

Sarabah Camping in Queensland

Sarabah is located in the foothills of the Lamington National Park along the upper reaches of Canungra Creek. This 300-acre working cattle property features creekside camping with five different campsites to choose from.

Bossberries Camping in New South Wales

Bossberries is a working blueberry and cattle farm that features riverside camping. Family and friends who are not campers may be enticed by the 3-bedroom self-contained B&B up at the farm, five minutes drive from the campground.

Semaphore Farm in Tasmania

Semaphore Farm is a 400-acre property conveniently located near a beach and the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. There are walking and bike trails through the 150 acres of forest and pasture accessible to campers.

Pine Ridge in South Australia

Pine Ridge offers peaceful sites in a back paddock on 90 acres of farm. Only 15 minutes to town, this camp is not far from the popular ‘The Blue Lake’.

Kick Back & Relax in the Northern Territory

The Kick Back & Relax camp offers a beachfront bush block at Dundee Beach. They only hire out the site to one van or travelling group at any one time so you’ve got the spot all to yourself!

Bolinda Vale Farm in Western Australia

Located in the foothills of the Darling Range in Keysbrook, this is a family-run beef & sheep farm that has been in the same family since 1926. Campsites are offered on the banks of the Dirk Brook and on top of the hills .