The largest unspoiled wilderness of Australia lies on the Cape York Peninsula. While camping here on your Big Lap, you will learn about living in unity with nature and how to obtain tranquility. Waterfalls, creeks, grassy areas reserved for cattle, and palm trees here provide shade on the sandy beaches. The best of all – the most splendid campgrounds on your way to the Tip of Australia are free!
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- Cape York Free Camping Area
- Clearing Next To Creek
- Freshwater Beach
- Upper Dempsey Cove
- Area Between River And Ocean Injinoo
- Turtle Breeding Area
- Jardine River Mouth
- Southern Ussher Point Beach Camp
- Large Deep Ford Crossing
- Canal Creek Campground
- Sailor Creek
- Bertie Creek Crossing
- Archer River Bush Camp
- Brons Block
- Didgeriblue’s Great Sunrise And Sunset Mountaintop
- Bypass/Tele Track Junction
- Sam Creek
- Mistake Creek
- Cockatoo Creek Crossing
Cape York Free Camping Area
An unofficial camping area near the bucket list-worthy Tip of Australia. Right off the Tip, reachable by following a secluded 4WD track. Perfect for self-contained campers that don’t mind getting in touch with the wilderness. A family of friendly wild pigs roaming around, a cool sight!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans.
Phone Service: Yes
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: 4WD Tracks; Beach; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Clearing Next To Creek
A flat camping area near a creek just off Pusand Bay Road. Ideal for unwinding, dipping your feet in the cool creek after a day of exploring. The camp is a popular weekend relaxation spot among locals but never overcrowded. No facilities just nature and calmness.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly.
Time Limit: None.
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Freshwater Beach
Spacious camping area with fresh spring water flowing onto the beach. Many camp spots to choose from and a sheltered place to the south side of the camp. Great fishing spots, right off the rocks. Very secluded and unnoticeable, so you’ll be guaranteed privacy anytime you visit!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking water; Fishing; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Upper Dempsey Cove
A small beachfront campground that can accommodate up to 3 campers at a time. Sheltered from the winds, shades all around, and lovely powdery sand. No facilities, so bring everything you need and don’t leave a trace behind.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Open Fire Pits; Fishing; 4WD Tracks.
Time Limit: None.
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Area Between River And Ocean Injinoo
A picturesque flat camp area right on the beach with great facilities. Nestled on the shore where Cowal Creek meets the ocean, near Injinoo. The appearance of strong winds is expected at all times, so look for a more secluded camp spot. Crocodile warnings, beware if you decide to go into the water.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and hot showers.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking water; BBQ area; Fishing; Boat Ramp.
Time Limit: None.
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Turtle Breeding Area
Fantastic beach camp area with turtle nests all around so be careful when driving in. Turtles nest on the beach from July to October, so please don’t disturb them or drive on the beach. Position yourself under the cashew trees if you prefer a shaded spot. If you’re lucky you can spot some baby turtles rushing to the water right after hatching!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wildlife; Open Fire Pits; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
Related: 19 Unusual Animal Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss On Your Big Lap
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Jardine River Mouth
Lower your tire pressure and drive your 4WD up the sandy track to this magnificent, secluded, bush camp on the mouth of Jardine River. Far from the crowd with great fishing spots, turtles, and a huge crocodile hanging around in the river at night. Fresh water is available for your basic necessities.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; Non-drinking water; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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Southern Ussher Point Beach Camp
An isolated spot on Ussher Point, nestled between the beach and the cliffs. You can enjoy the beauty of Ussher Point without paying for a permit to camp near the national park. It’s a bush camp so remember to bring everything you need and don’t leave a trace behind.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Fishing; 4WD tracks; Open Fire Pits.
Time Limit: None.
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Large Deep Ford Crossing
Suppose you’re in search of an excellent adrenaline spike camp out near this deep crossing. Positioned right beside the Old Telegraph Track, this place is quiet and not usually frequented by travelers. If you’re part of the Big Lappers who love a genuine 4WD challenge, this is the place for you!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; 4WD tracks; Open Fire Pits.
Time Limit: None.
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Canal Creek Campground
One of the top-rated, spacious campgrounds on the Old Telegraph Track. Beautiful scenery, a crystal clear creek to dive in, and a small fall right beside the camp. Great location to set up and go exploring the surrounding falls. Even though it’s close to the main road, the camp’s track is bumpy, so a 4WD is a must.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; 4WD tracks.
Time Limit: None.
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Sailor Creek
Unofficial campground on the north side of the Sailor Creek crossing. The crossing is easy to do via the chicken track, don’t use the crumbling little bridge. Camp area is flat, spacious and close to the main road but very well hidden.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking water; 4WD Tracks; Open Fire Pits.
Time Limit: None.
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Bertie Creek Crossing
Camping grounds on the river bank right after an easy rock-based crossing. The waters are encouraging you to take a relaxing swim or try fishing. It’s an overall lovely spot, best for a short stay on your way to the tip.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; 4WD Tracks; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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Archer River Bush Camp
A picturesque location right on the river with a large, clean camping area. Perfect for those traveling with kids hence the shallow waters and grassy area around. Plenty of firewood you can gather for the open fire pits. Archer River Roadhouse is nearby if you decide to enjoy a meal. The place is popular with locals, so don’t be surprised if it gets packed on the weekends.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Swimming; Fishing; Wildlife; Open Fire Pits.
Time Limit: None.
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Brons Block
Get a much-needed quiet night right off the Port Stewart Road in Brons Block campground. Even though the creek is dried out most of the time, it still makes for a great camp area to get you back in touch with nature. Some excellent shady spots and a lot of firewood around.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators allowed; Wildlife; Swimming;
Time Limit: None.
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Didgeriblue’s Great Sunrise And Sunset Mountaintop
Off the beaten path, a great stop to rest and reset. Even if you decide on a quick stop you’ll be intrigued to stay more and enjoy at least one sunset and a sunrise. No facilities on site, so best choice for self-contained travelers.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wildlife; 4WD Tracks.
Time Limit: None.
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Bypass/Tele Track Junction
A great base camp where you can leave your van and go exploring the tracks. Small, secluded, easy to access, and calm even though it’s so close to the highway. Scenic views, serenity, and great location. Since it’s a small flat area it can accommodate up to 3 vans, but it’s not a famous spot – you might have it all for yourselves!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Sam Creek
Camping area next to a small creek with a private beach, a hidden waterfall you can jump right off in a water hole, and to top it all, it’s free! Safe for kids, very entertaining for adults. One of the top-rated spots to stay at on the Old Telegraph Track on your way to the Tip.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Hiking Tracks; Open Fire Pits; 4WD Tracks; Swimming.
Time Limit: None.
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Mistake Creek
Great overnight camp with a moderately challenging crossing. A crystal clear creek and camp spots on a hill where you can get a mildly refreshing breeze – perfect if you’re traveling during a boiling hot Australian summer.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking water; Wildlife; Open Fire Pits; 4WD Tracks; Swimming.
Time Limit: None.
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Cockatoo Creek Crossing
Large camping area leveled and spread out, granting privacy and serenity. The creek is easy to cross, perfect for swimming, and the surroundings provide a pleasant stay. You can catch a glimpse of a crocodile at night!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Open Fire Pits; Picnic Tables; 4WD Tracks; Swimming; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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