Best Hammock Camping Locations Across Australia

Australia: A Hammock Camper's Paradise

Australia offers some of the world's most diverse and spectacular landscapes for hammock camping. From ancient rainforests draped in mist to sun-drenched eucalyptus woodlands, the variety of environments means you can find perfect hammock camping conditions year-round if you know where to look. This guide explores outstanding locations across the country, covering what makes each special and what you need to know before setting up.

Hammock camping in Australia does require some planning. Unlike North America or Europe, our native forests often feature different tree species with varying suitability for hammock suspension. Understanding local conditions, regulations, and seasonal factors ensures successful trips.

Queensland: Tropical Hammocking

Queensland's tropical and subtropical zones offer year-round hammock camping opportunities, though the wet season (November to April) brings challenges.

Daintree National Park:

The world's oldest tropical rainforest provides an incomparable hammock camping experience. The dense canopy keeps conditions comfortable even during warmer months, and the biodiversity—from cassowaries to tree kangaroos—makes every night memorable.

Best spots include:

• Noah Creek area for accessible forest camping
• Cape Tribulation for the iconic rainforest-meets-reef experience
• The Bloomfield Track region for more remote adventures

Considerations: Crocodiles are present in waterways—never camp near water's edge. A quality bug net is essential. Check road conditions during wet season as access can be limited.

Lamington National Park:

The subtropical rainforest of the Gold Coast hinterland offers excellent hammock camping with more moderate temperatures than the tropical north. Antarctic beech trees and towering brushbox provide excellent anchor points.

Favourite camping zones:

• Green Mountains section for established campgrounds with nearby facilities
• Binna Burra area for more adventurous options
• Border Track for experienced bushwalkers seeking remote camping

New South Wales: Diverse Landscapes

New South Wales offers remarkable variety, from coastal heathlands to alpine regions to outback scrublands.

Royal National Park:

Australia's oldest national park, just south of Sydney, offers accessible hammock camping for city dwellers. Coastal heath gives way to tall eucalyptus forest inland.

Top areas:

• Uloola Falls track campgrounds
• North Era campground for beach-adjacent bush camping
• Heathcote area for family-friendly options

Access is easy by train and foot, making this ideal for beginners or those without vehicles.

Kosciuszko National Park:

The alpine and subalpine regions of Australia's highest country offer unique hammock camping. Summer months (December to March) provide ideal conditions with mild temperatures and long daylight hours.

Recommended zones:

• Thredbo River valley for accessible camping near resort facilities
• Jagungal wilderness for experienced backcountry campers
• Western fall areas for autumn colour displays

Winter hammock camping is possible for the well-prepared, but requires specialised cold-weather gear including underquilts rated to well below freezing.

Blue Mountains National Park:

The iconic Blue Mountains provide excellent hammock camping within reach of Sydney. Sandstone cliffs and eucalyptus forest create a distinctive environment.

Prime locations:

• Grand Canyon track area
• Govetts Leap region
• Narrow Neck plateau

Victoria: Temperate Forests

Victoria's cooler climate and distinct seasons create different hammock camping experiences throughout the year.

Wilsons Promontory National Park:

"The Prom" offers some of Australia's finest coastal wilderness. Granite headlands, pristine beaches, and dense forest provide varied hammock sites.

Best camping areas:

• Tidal River for accessible options
• Waterloo Bay for overnight hike destinations
• Sealers Cove for the quintessential Prom experience

Book well ahead for peak season (December to February). The park limits visitor numbers to protect the environment.

Great Otway National Park:

The Otways offer some of Victoria's tallest trees and lushest forests. Rainfall keeps the forest green year-round but requires appropriate rain protection.

Top spots:

• Blanket Bay area
• Aire River campgrounds
• Johanna Beach surrounds

The area sees significant rainfall—a quality tarp pitched properly is essential. The trade-off is magical mist-shrouded forests and relatively uncrowded sites.

Grampians National Park:

Rugged sandstone ranges, Aboriginal rock art, and diverse ecosystems make the Grampians special. Spring wildflower season (September to November) is particularly spectacular.

Recommended locations:

• Halls Gap surrounds for convenient access
• Major Mitchell Plateau for adventurous hikers
• Victoria Valley campgrounds for quieter experiences

South Australia: Arid Beauty

South Australia's drier landscapes require different approaches to hammock camping but offer unique rewards.

Flinders Ranges National Park:

Ancient geology and dramatic desert landscapes define the Flinders. Hammock camping here differs from forested areas—you may need to use provided camping structures or portable stands due to limited tree availability.

Key areas:

• Wilpena Pound surrounds
• Bunyeroo Valley
• Brachina Gorge region

Carry extra water and plan for temperature extremes. Nights can be cold even when days are hot.

Mount Remarkable National Park:

More accessible than the Flinders and with better tree coverage, Mount Remarkable offers excellent hammock camping in the Southern Flinders Ranges.

Best zones:

• Mambray Creek area
• Alligator Gorge region
• The Battery area for more remote options

Western Australia: Wild Diversity

Western Australia's size means enormous variety in hammock camping environments.

Karijini National Park:

Spectacular gorges and waterfalls in the Pilbara region create memorable camping. The gorge environments stay cooler than surrounding desert even in summer.

Prime camping:

• Dales Gorge campground
• Karijini Eco Retreat area
• Weano Gorge access points

Dry season (April to October) provides the best conditions. Summer brings extreme heat and potential flooding.

Margaret River Region:

The jarrah and karri forests of Australia's southwest offer excellent hammock camping in a temperate climate.

Top locations:

• Boranup Forest for tall karri trees
• Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
• Warren National Park for ancient forest experience

Tasmania: Wilderness Paradise

Tasmania offers wilderness experiences unmatched elsewhere in Australia, with extensive forest cover ideal for hammock camping.

Southwest National Park:

True wilderness hammock camping for the experienced and well-prepared. Access is limited and conditions can be challenging, but the rewards are extraordinary.

The park requires:

• Complete self-sufficiency
• Navigation skills
• Emergency communication devices
• Multi-day food and fuel capacity

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park:

More accessible Tasmanian wilderness with world-class hiking. The Overland Track passes through prime hammock territory.

Best options:

• Lake St Clair end for day trips and short overnight camps
• Cradle Mountain region for established campgrounds
• Walls of Jerusalem for experienced backcountry camping

Weather changes rapidly in Tasmania. Quality rain protection is non-negotiable.

Planning Your Hammock Camping Trip

Regardless of destination, successful hammock camping in Australia requires preparation.

Research requirements:

• Check if hammock camping is permitted (some areas restrict tree attachment)
• Book required permits well in advance
• Understand fire regulations and restrictions
• Research water availability along your route

Seasonal considerations:

• Tropical north: dry season (May to October) is optimal
• Southeast: summer and autumn offer best conditions
• Tasmania: December to March is most reliable
• Arid zones: winter provides mild temperatures

Environmental responsibility:

• Use tree-friendly straps that do not damage bark
• Camp on durable surfaces
• Pack out all waste
• Respect wildlife by not feeding animals and storing food properly

Conclusion

Australia's diverse landscapes offer hammock camping experiences ranging from tropical rainforest immersion to windswept coastal camping to outback adventures. The key is matching your destination to your experience level, preparing appropriately for local conditions, and respecting the regulations designed to protect these remarkable places. With proper planning, you can find yourself suspended in some of the world's most spectacular wilderness, rocking gently to the sounds of the Australian bush.