UPDATED MAY 11
Camping is in the Australian culture of braving the elements, seeing wildlife, having a few drinks with friends and enjoying a nice camp fire. However, every aspect of our lives have been affected with the recent COVID19 pandemic.
Popular areas to camp were closed on 26 March 2020 and all camping bookings starting before or on May 31st were cancelled. Refunds of 4WD permits and camping permits were allowed and can still be done through Queensland National Parks Booking Service.
Bookings that were due to begin on the 1st of June are still valid at this time, however no new camping requests are being accepted which means you may have to wait another month to pitch a tent.
With social distancing and self-isolation Aussies are now itching to get back to the Great Outdoors and head to the coast. Because isolation rules and regulations are decided by each individual State, we will try to keep this page up to date with the latest information as it becomes available.
As of May 8th you are still only allowed to drive within 50km to access a camp site, keep the amount of people to minimum and it’s unadvisable to touch hand rails or use public picnic tables and seating.
EDIT: Australia begins to ease camping restrictions in light of Australia “flattening the curve”
Table of Contents
National Parks and Camping Restrictions in QLD
The Department of Environment and Science have begun re-opening camping and other recreational areas from May 1st as Queensland begins to ease the COVID-19 restrictions.
Some camp sites and areas have been re-opened but with some specific areas still remaining closed and off limits.
Access to camp sites as of May 8th is still limited to those within 50km of your home.
Open Camp Sites and Parks in Queensland
Below is a list of Open Camp Sites in Queensland and will be kept updated as the Corona Virus restrictions ease up and allow us to enjoy the great camping and nature that our country has to offer.
| Camp Site / Park | Camping | Day Use Areas | Closed Areas | Park Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beerwah State Forest | Yes | Yes | Click Here | |
| Crows Nest National Park | No | Yes | Rockpools | Click Here |
| Danbualla National Park | No | Yes | Click Here | |
| Glass House Mountains National Park | Yes | Yes | Click Here | |
| Great Sandy Marine Park | No | Yes | Request to access Fraser Island K'gari via Mariners | Click Here |
| Hinchinbrook Island National Park | No | Yes | Click Here | |
| Kondalilla National Park | No | Yes | Click Here | |
| Main Range National Park | Yes | Yes | Click Here | |
| Mapletone Falls National Park | No | Yes | Click Here | |
| Mt Barney National Park | No | Yes | Click Here | |
| Moogerah Peaks National Park | No | Yes | Click Here | |
| Mount Coolum National Park | No | Yes | Click Here | |
| Noosa National Park | No | Yes | Car park closed | Click Here |
| Paluma Range National Park | No | Yes | Big Crystal Creek and Little Crystal Creek swimming areas are closed | Click Here |
| Springbrook National Park | No | Yes | Gwongorella, Purlingbrook Falls and Tallanbana trail are closed | Click Here |
| Tamborine National Park | No | Yes | Cedar Creek Falls is closed | Click Here |
| Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre | No | Yes | DiscoveryCentre, Enoggera Dam and SEQWater Trails Closed | Click Here |
| Wooroonooran | Yes | Yes | Josephine Falls is closed | Click Here |
Camping Restrictions in NSW
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has put out information that was updated on 11 May.
On March 26 the NPWS body declared that no camping is permitted in national parks and all of their cabins, cottages and other accomdation will be closed as well as most of their visitor centres.
On March 30th the Ministor for Health and Medical Research signed the Public Health (COVID-19) Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020.
As well as hiking tracks and grounds, the BBQ, toilets, picic tables and other public facilities such as look out points are also closed.
Below are some frequently asked questions about the restriction of camping sites and national parks in New South Wales.
Closed Camp Sites and National Parks in NSW
The NPWS keeps an updated list of sites that are closed. To find out more head here: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/popular-sites-closed-covid
Below is a list of which sites are closed:
Sydney and surrounds
- Blue Mountains National Park: Grand Canyon track, Govetts Leap, Evans lookout, Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Giant Stairs, Wentworth Falls picnic area, National Pass, Ruined Castle walking track, Golden Stairs, Tarros Ladders, and Mount Solitary walking tracks
- Berowra Valley National Park: Barnetts Picnic area and playground
- Bouddi National Park: no vehicle access to Putty Beach
- Brisbane Water National Park: Somersby Falls picnic area, and Girrakool picnic area
- Georges River National Park: pedestrian access only
- Kamay Botany Bay National Park: Kurnell Visitor Centre
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: Bobbin Head Information Centre, Kalkari Discovery Centre, Barrenjoey headland and Lighthouse, Berowra Track (between Apple Tree Bay and intersection of Mount Ku-ring-gai Track), the Basin track and picnic area
- Lane Cove National Park: Tunks Ridge rest area, Riverside walking track, Lane Cove Boatshed, Haynes Flat and Carter Creek toilets
- Munmorah State Conservation Area: all access roads, car parks, and picnic areas closed to vehicles
- Royal National Park: Bonnie Vale beach and picnic area, Garawarra Farm carpark (Figure 8 Pools access), Garie Beach and precinct (with no lifeguard patrols present), Royal National Park Visitor Centre, and Wattamolla beach, carpark, lagoon and picnic area
- Sydney Harbour National Park: Fort Denison, Collins Beach
- Wollemi National Park: Glow Worm Tunnel walking track
- Wyrrabalong National Park: Crackneck lookout car park
North Coast
- Arakoon National Park: Trial Bay Gaol
- Cape Byron State Conservation Area: Cape Byron lighthouse, Cape Byron Information Centre
- Nightcap National Park: entire park closed
- Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: East Kunderang Homestead and Green Gully track
- Sea Acres National Park: Sea Acres Rainforest Centre and Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk
- Tomaree National Park: Tomaree Head and beach vehicle access to Samurai Beach
- Wollumbin National Park: entire park closed
- Worimi Conservation Park: no beach vehicle access to Worimi Conservation Lands
South Coast
- Ben Boyd National Park – North (Green Cape Area): Boyds Tower walking track, Light to Light walk, Green Cape lighthouse precinct, Saltwater Creek picnic area, Bittangabee Bay picnic area.
- Biamanga National Park: entire park closed.
- Bomaderry Creek Regional Park: all picnic areas, barbecues and toilet facilities.
- Budderoo National Park: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre and Carrington Falls precinct.
- Bungonia National Park: entire park closed
- Dharawal National Park: Victoria Road precinct including: O’Hares Creek Lookout, Minerva Pool, Maddens Falls viewing platform and walking track
- Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve: entire reserve closed
- Deua National Park: entire park closed
- Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area: Sublime Point walking track, Byarong Park, Robertson’s lookout and picnic area
- Jervis Bay National Park: all picnic areas, barbecues and toilet facilities
- Meroo National Park: entire park closed
- Monga National Park: entire park closed
- Montague Nature Reserve: entire reserve closed
- Morton National Park: Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre including East Rim and West Rim walking tracks, Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track, Wog Wog and the Castle Walk, Belmore Falls picnic area and walking track, Wildflower walking tracks and Bundanoon precinct, including Gambles rest picnic area, Echo Point lookout and Erith coal mine walking track
- Seven Mile Beach National Park: all picnic areas, barbecues and toilet facilities
Snowy Mountains
- Kosciuszko National Park: Yarrangobilly Caves, Buddong Falls walking track, and Ogilvies Creek picnic area
Country NSW
- Cathedral Rock National Park: entire park closed
- Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve: entire park closed
Murray-Riverina
- Mungo National Park: Mungo Visitor Centre and Mungo Shearers’ Quarters
The NPWS has decided to make this decision on a case-by-case basis.
Head to the alerts list to check the current status: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list
If you booked through the NPWS and the area is currently closed then you will be getting contacted by the NPWS which will issue a refund.
If you are booked through a different body, then you will have to contact the mfor more information.
Camping Restrictions in VIC
The Victorian Government is also enforcing restrictions on camping and asking the locals to stay home and not head out to during the COVID-19 epidemic.
An update was released on May 11 the Premier Daniel Andrews announced that while restrictions are easing in Victoria, camping is still currently not permitted.
National Parks, beaches and hiking trails are open.
Here is the quote by the Premier:
In terms of travel, state parks will reopen, and Victorians can drive to the beach for a surf or to trails for hikes, but camping won’t be permitted.
Closed Camp Sites and National Parks in VIC
This is the current list of closed campgrounds and parks in Victoria as of 11 May.
- 1000 steps/Kokoda Memorial Walk and Lyrebird Track in the Dandenong Ranges National Park have been closed until further notice.
- Alpine National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Andersons Mill – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Barmah National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Bay of Islands Coastal Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Baw Baw National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Buchan Caves Reserve – whole reserve is closed and tours are suspended until further notice.
- Cathedral Range State Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Coolart Homestead – the Homestead is closed until further notice. The surrounding gardens and wetlands remain open to visitors.
- Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and William Ricketts Sanctuary – closed until further notice.
- Days Mill Historic Area – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Discovery Bay Coastal Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Eldorado Dredge – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Ferntree Gully Education Centre – this building in the Dandenong Ranges National Park is closed until further notice.
- Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park – entire site is closed until further notice, except for local community members to exercise only.
- Grampians National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Great Otway National Park – entire site is closed until further notice, except for local community members to exercise only.
- Gunbower National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Hattah-Kulkyne National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Kurth Kiln – buildings are closed until further notice.
- Lake Eildon National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Lighthouses – all lighthouses, lighthouse complexes and associated buildings are closed until further notice.
- Lower Glenelg National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians National Park – closed for the duration of term two school holiday period (28 March – 13 April 2020).
- Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park – entire site is closed until further notice, except for local community members to exercise only.
- Mount Buffalo National Park – entire site is closed until further notice, including the Mount Buffalo Chalet.
- Mount Donna Buang – entire site is closed until further notice
- Howqua Hills Historic Area – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Murray-Sunset National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Point Nepean National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Port Campbell National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Redwood Forest visitor site in the Yarra Ranges National Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Serendip Sanctuary – the entire site is closed until further notice.
- St Kilda Pier – the pier remains open however, the penguin viewing platform is closed until further notice. Fencing is now in place along the breakwater preventing access to the penguin viewing platform.
- State Coal Mine – whole reserve is closed and tours are suspended until further notice.
- Steiglitz Historic Area – buildings are closed until further notice.
- Sugarloaf Reservoir Parks – whole park is closed until further notice.
- Toorourrong Reservoir Park – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and lookouts – closed until further notice. The carpark and toilets at the Visitor Centre will remain open. Access to the Great Ocean Road and other visitor attractions are currently unaffected.
- Walhalla Historic Area – entire site is closed until further notice.
- Werribee Gorge State Park – whole park is closed until further notice.
- Werribee Park – the historic precinct including Mansion, historic gardens and outbuildings are closed. The Victoria State Rose Garden and public regional park will remain open to visitors.
- Wilson Promontory National Park – entire site is closed until further notice, including all camping and accommodation.
- Yan Yean Reservoir Park – whole park is closed until further notice.
- You Yangs Regional Park – whole park is closed until further notice.
Camping Restrictions in NT
The Northern Territory was subject to a lockdown of camp sites and national parks, but on Friday 1 May some sites have had their restrictions listed.
You can find updated lists and events on Northern Territory Camping Restrictions here: https://dtsc.nt.gov.au/covid-19-information-for-stakeholders/parks-and-reserves-whats-open
Closed Camp Sites and National Parks in NT
Tennant Creek and Barkly region
Open but no camping or swimming permitted
- Attack Creek Historical Reserve
- Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
- John Flynn Historical Reserve
- Karlu Karlu / Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve – No camping
- Tennant Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Central Australia region
Open but no camping or swimming permitted
- Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve –All walks and cycle trails.
- Arltunga Historical Reserve – only for those people living within this biosecurity zone
- Central Mount Stuart Historical Reserve
- Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve – only for those people living within this biosecurity zone
- Heavitree Gap Police Station Historical Reserve
- John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve
- Native Gap Conservation Reserve
- N’dhala Gorge Nature Park – only for those people living within this biosecurity zone
- Ryan Well Historical Reserve
- The Simpsons Gap area of Tjoritja National Park, including the Simpsons Gap cycle path
- Trephina Gorge Nature Park – only for those people living within this biosecurity zone
- Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gap Nature Park – only for those people living within this biosecurity zone
Open Camp Sites and National Parks in NT
Top End region
- Adelaide River Foreshore Conservation Area
- Berry Springs – picnic area only. No swimming
- Black Jungle / Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve
- Blackmore River Conservation Reserve
- Buffalo Creek Management Area
- Casuarina Coastal Reserve
- Channel Point Coastal Reserve – open, permit required to access the park. Contact the Permits branch to apply.
- Charles Darwin National Park
- Djukbinj National Park
- Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens – Open for walks. Playground and Visitor and Event Centre open. Eva’s cafe open for takeaway only.
- Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve
- Holmes Jungle Nature Park
- Howard Springs Nature Park
- Knuckey Lagoons Conservation Reserve
- Leaning Tree Lagoon Nature Park – picnic area only
- Litchfield National Park
- Buley Rockhole – swimming
- Florence Falls – swimming and camping
- Tolmer Falls
- Upper Cascades – swimming
- Walker Creek – swimming and camping
- Wangi – picnic area and campsite. No swimming
- Termite Mounds
- Table Top Swamp
- Manton Dam – open to recreation and water based sporting activities
- Mary River National Park
- Mary River Billabong
- Bird Billabong
- Cousenzs campground
- Home Billabong
- Mistake Billabong
- Jimmy’s Creek Walk
- Shady Camp campground
- Wildman Rockhole
- Oolloo Crossing Conservation Area
- Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve
- Territory Wildlife Park – for self-guided walks and picnic area
- Tree Point Conservation Area
- Window on the Wetlands visitor centre
- Umbrawarra Gorge
Katherine region
- Elsey National Park – Mataranka Thermal Pool – swimming (access via Homestead Road only)
- Judbarra / Gregory National Park
- Joe Creek
- Nawulbinbin walk
- Escarpment walk
- Gregory’s Tree