Here are some top summer destinations and great places to consider pulling up and staying for the hot weather.
POINT PLOMER
Limeburners Creek National Park, NSW
Point Plomer is an 80km drive north of Port Macquarie, via the Pacific Highway and Crescent Head. This large, spacious, grassy campground is family-friendly and offers the perfect summer getaway with spectacular ocean views. Set directly behind the beautiful beach, there are endless opportunities for swimming, bushwalking, surfing, fishing and boating here. And when you need to relax after an active day in the sun, wander over the headland for happy hour with a sunset view.
The campground has easy access to the water and a boat ramp, though facilities are limited to cold showers, toilets and picnic tables. However, Crescent Head is only 25 minutes away and ice and firewood are available from a small shop at the campground.
Camping fees are payable on arrival (no pre-bookings) for $24 per site per night for two people and national park entry fees also apply.
JOHANNA BEACH
Great Otway National Park, Vic
The Great Ocean Road is probably Victoria’s most popular and well-known summer playground but, head a little further west along the winding coastal road, and you’ll happen across quieter Johanna Beach.
Johanna, past Cape Otway and delightful Apollo Bay, is reached through rolling paddocks dotted with cows along the Old Coach Road - unless, of course, you come on foot. Johanna Beach, situated on a long, wild stretch of coast with gnarly surf, is a stop-off on the popular Great Ocean Walk which traverses the area.
The campground, which is nestled in the sand dunes behind the beach, is spacious but facilities are limited to toilets only. It is particularly popular with surfers, hikers and fishermen
Johanna Beach Campground is 45km west of Apollo Bay and campsites must be booked online in advance and cost $26.80 per site, per night.
PEBBLY BEACH
Yuraygir National Park, NSW
Pebbly Beach, located around 50km north of Coffs Harbour, is accessible only by those with 4WD-based motorhomes and campers, so is a little more difficult to reach. Access is via unsealed roads, sandy tracks, open beach, and an estuary crossing, so it requires some effort. Once you’re there, however, you’re rewarded with an absolute gem of a campground. Just come prepared; it’s pretty remote!
Nestled behind sand dunes on the edge of a small bay, Pebbly Beach is surrounded by beautiful beaches, rockpools, the estuary and a beautiful headland.
Camping costs $12 per adult, per night. Sites cannot be booked in advance, so it’s best to arrive early, particularly in summer. Camping fees are collected on site. Park entry fees also apply and facilities are limited to non-flush toilets.
PONDALOWIE BAY
Innes National Park, SA
Perched on the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula, tiny Innes National Park offers great camping, fishing, swimming and walking, all easily accessible by 2WD motorhomes.
Long, sweeping beaches where you can fish for Australian salmon and a selection of motorhome-friendly campsites with an access track to Pondalowie Bay add to the appeal. After a day of exploring the park, find yourself a quiet spot on the sand by the bay to kick back and relax. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins frolicking in the cruisy waves aside the surfers on the reef break at Pondalowie.
Pondalowie Bay is on the Yorke Peninsula, around 300km from Adelaide via Port Wakefield and Ardrossan.
Campsites are $15 per site, per night and can be booked online in advance.
Campground facilities include toilets and a barbecue.
BARMAH LAKES
Barmah National Park, Vic
Barmah National Park, on the banks of the Murray River, offers motorhomers a summer camping destination away from the crowded coastline. Camp among (but not under) the majestic river red gums and enjoy the spoils of the Murray, which is the lifeblood of this area.
Fishing, canoeing and birdwatching are popular pastimes here, all supported by the mighty Murray.
There’s a pleasant camping and day use area at Barmah Lakes, or you can opt to explore further afield and find your own peaceful patch of riverfront to set up camp.
Barmah Lakes is about 70km north of Shepparton. Access the campground via the park entrance near the town of Barmah. Camping is free and no bookings required.
The Barmah Lakes camping area has toilets, fireplaces and tables. There are no facilities if you opt to camp along the riverfront.
SUMMER SAVIOURS
Research first and book early - summer camps fill up fast
Camp in the shade - it provides shelter and keeps your motorhome out of the sun making it easier (and cheaper!) to cool
Grab your toys - water-based activities are best enjoyed in summer so don’t forget your surfboard, snorkel, kayak, or fishing gear
Pack the repellent - insects are more prolific during summer, so pack clothes that allow you to cover up, keep insect screens closed, and don’t forget the repellent.
