As autumn settles in across Australia, crisp evenings and cooler nights make for the perfect campfire season. There’s nothing better than gathering around a warm fire, enjoying good company, and cooking up delicious meals under the stars. However, not all caravan parks and campgrounds allow campfires, so knowing where to go is key to planning your ultimate autumn caravan getaway.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best campsites in Australia that allow campfires and some easy autumn-inspired campfire recipes to enjoy on your next trip.
Best Campsites for a Campfire in Australia
1. Cathedral Range State Park, VIC
If you’re looking for a scenic autumn escape near Melbourne, Cathedral Range State Park is a fantastic choice. It offers rugged landscapes, excellent hiking trails, and designated campfire areas where you can enjoy an evening by the fire.
🔥 Campfire Rules: Only in designated fire pits, check for seasonal fire bans.
🚐 Best Caravan Park Nearby: Taggerty Big4 Holiday Park – Just 10 minutes away, offering caravan-friendly sites with fire pits.
🏕️ What to Do: Enjoy stunning autumn foliage, tackle the Razorback Ridge hike, or try wildlife spotting.
🚐 Best Caravan Park Nearby: Taggerty Big4 Holiday Park – Just 10 minutes away, offering caravan-friendly sites with fire pits.
🏕️ What to Do: Enjoy stunning autumn foliage, tackle the Razorback Ridge hike, or try wildlife spotting.
2. Bendeela Recreation Area, NSW
Nestled in the Kangaroo Valley, this free camping area is perfect for caravanners wanting a true bush escape. The site offers plenty of space, fire pits, and opportunities to spot wombats at dusk!
🔥 Campfire Rules: Allowed in designated fire pits (firewood must be brought in).
🚐 Caravan Access: Suitable for all van sizes, but arrive early as sites are unallocated.
🏕️ What to Do: Kayak along the Shoalhaven River, explore Fitzroy Falls, or unwind by the fire.
🚐 Caravan Access: Suitable for all van sizes, but arrive early as sites are unallocated.
🏕️ What to Do: Kayak along the Shoalhaven River, explore Fitzroy Falls, or unwind by the fire.
3. Lake St Clair Campground, TAS
Autumn in Tasmania means golden leaves and crisp mountain air—ideal for a campfire experience. Lake St Clair offers waterfront views, hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere.
🔥 Campfire Rules: Allowed in provided fireplaces; BYO firewood.
🚐 Best Caravan Park Nearby: Lake St Clair Tourist Park – Offers powered sites with easy access to the national park.
🏕️ What to Do: Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, take a boat cruise, or relax by the lake.
🚐 Best Caravan Park Nearby: Lake St Clair Tourist Park – Offers powered sites with easy access to the national park.
🏕️ What to Do: Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, take a boat cruise, or relax by the lake.
4. Girraween National Park, QLD
Located in Queensland’s Granite Belt region, Girraween National Park is known for its unique rock formations and cool autumn temperatures—perfect for a campfire night.
🔥 Campfire Rules: Fires allowed at Castle Rock Campground and Bald Rock Creek Campground in designated fire pits.
🚐 Caravan Access: Sealed roads, suitable for caravans.
🏕️ What to Do: Hike to The Pyramid for panoramic views, enjoy wine tasting at nearby Stanthorpe, or go stargazing.
🚐 Caravan Access: Sealed roads, suitable for caravans.
🏕️ What to Do: Hike to The Pyramid for panoramic views, enjoy wine tasting at nearby Stanthorpe, or go stargazing.
5. Dwellingup Caravan Park, WA
Western Australia’s Dwellingup region is a hidden gem for autumn campers, offering lush forests, scenic rivers, and campfire-friendly caravan parks.
🔥 Campfire Rules: Allowed in designated fire pits (firewood available for purchase).
🚐 Best Caravan Park: Lane Poole Reserve – Offers bush camping with fire pits and stunning river views.
🏕️ What to Do: Explore the Murray River, go bushwalking, or relax in nature.
🚐 Best Caravan Park: Lane Poole Reserve – Offers bush camping with fire pits and stunning river views.
🏕️ What to Do: Explore the Murray River, go bushwalking, or relax in nature.
Easy Autumn-Inspired Campfire Recipes
Once you’ve found the perfect campfire-friendly campsite, it’s time to cook! These easy autumn campfire recipes are perfect for warming up after a day of adventure.
1. Campfire Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup
A hearty and warming soup that’s easy to make over a fire.
Ingredients:
- 1 small pumpkin, diced
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Wrap pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and onion in foil and roast them in the campfire coals for 30-40 minutes.
- Mash them together and stir in vegetable stock over a campfire pot.
- Simmer for 10 minutes and enjoy!
2. Classic Campfire Damper with Golden Syrup
Nothing beats the smell of fresh damper baking over an open flame.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp butter
- Golden syrup for serving
Instructions:
- Mix flour, salt, and butter until crumbly. Slowly add water and knead into a dough.
- Wrap in foil and bake in the campfire coals for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve with golden syrup and butter.
3. Aussie Campfire Jaffles (Toasted Sandwiches)
A simple, delicious treat that’s a campfire favourite.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread per jaffle
- Cheese, tomato, ham, or your favourite fillings
- Butter for spreading
Instructions:
- Butter the outside of the bread and fill with your favourite ingredients.
- Place in a jaffle iron and cook over hot coals for 5-7 minutes.
- Enjoy hot and toasty by the fire!
FAQ: Campfires and Caravanning
Q: Can I have a campfire anywhere in Australia?
A: No, campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and seasonal fire bans may apply. Always check local regulations before lighting a fire.
Q: Where can I buy firewood for my campfire?
A: Many caravan parks sell firewood, but it’s best to bring your own as collecting wood from national parks is often prohibited.
Q: What safety precautions should I take when having a campfire?
A: Always keep a bucket of water nearby, never leave the fire unattended, and fully extinguish it before going to bed.
Conclusion
Autumn in Australia is the perfect time to enjoy a campfire under the stars, and with these best campsites for a campfire, you’ll be set for an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re roasting damper in Victoria, making jaffles in Queensland, or sipping pumpkin soup in Tasmania, caravanning with a campfire is the best way to embrace the season.
So, grab your caravan, pack some firewood, and get ready for a cosy autumn adventure!
Ready for Your Next Campfire Adventure?
Looking for the perfect caravan to take on your autumn road trip? Book a call with us today, and let’s help you find the ideal van for your next cosy campfire getaway! 🚐🔥
