Ready to hit the open road but not the traffic? This summer, skip the crowded hotspots and explore Australia’s quieter side. We’ve rounded up the most peaceful drives and hidden-gem caravan parks across every state — perfect for campers chasing serenity, starry nights, and a little extra breathing room.
Most travellers hug the coast between Sydney and Wollongong — but the real magic lies just inland. Detour off the Grand Pacific Drive to explore the Illawarra Escarpment and Garawarra State Conservation Area, where shady forest trails lead to hidden lookouts and waterfalls.
Stay overnight at one of the quieter South Coast parks near Stanwell Tops or Coalcliff, where sea views meet mountain mist. Early mornings reward you with bird calls, ocean breezes, and almost no one else on the track.
For peaceful, hidden-gem parks along this route, check out Caravan & Camping NSW.
The Great Ocean Road may be one of Australia’s most iconic drives, but it’s also one of the busiest in summer. Instead, turn inland through Lavers Hill and discover the Otway Hinterland Loop, where the cool temperate rainforest hides some of the state’s best-kept secrets.
Wander through Melba Gully State Park, known for its glow-worms after dusk, or detour to Johanna Beach for a quieter stretch of coastline surrounded by rolling farmland and forest. You’ll still get the ocean views — just without the selfie sticks.
For tranquil, hidden-gem caravan parks across this region, visit Caravan Parks Victoria.
Skip the Barossa crowds and venture southeast to the Limestone Coast, where cave systems, sinkholes and beaches replace cellar doors and traffic. Take a slow drive from Naracoorte to Robe, passing through farmland, wetlands and ancient limestone formations.
Stop at Naracoorte Caves National Park, a World Heritage site that’s surprisingly serene in summer, or find solitude at Little Dip Conservation Park, where wild dunes meet empty stretches of sand.
For quieter, coastal caravan parks across this region, check out SA Parks.
When the coastal hubs of Noosa and the Gold Coast are bursting, the Blackall Range in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers cooler air and quieter roads. The winding drive between Maleny, Montville and Mapleton delivers panoramic views, rainforest walks, and charming villages filled with local produce and artisan markets.
For a truly hidden gem, base yourself at one of the peaceful caravan parks around Mapleton or Montville — the perfect spot to unwind after exploring Mapleton Falls National Park, where the lookout and walking trails showcase stunning views of the Obi Obi Valley.
For peaceful hinterland parks in this region, explore Caravanning Queensland.
Western Australia’s size is its superpower — and solitude is never far away. For a quiet summer road trip, head inland from the coast to the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail between Hyden and Norseman.
You’ll encounter giant rock formations, wildflowers, and untouched woodlands that feel a world away from the busy beaches. Or, if you’re craving adventure, explore Karijini National Park’s gorges — the further you go beyond Dales Gorge, the fewer people you’ll meet.
For peaceful inland and coastal stays, visit Caravan & Camping WA.
While many visitors flock north to Freycinet or Cradle Mountain, the island’s southern reaches are often less crowded. A scenic drive from Hobart to Hastings Caves State Reserve leads you through lush forest and ends with an otherworldly cave tour — plus the natural thermal springs where you can soak surrounded by wilderness.
Stay in Southport or Dover, two quiet seaside towns that offer perfect bases for exploring the Huon Valley and Southwest National Park.
For peaceful southern stays, explore Caravanning Tasmania.
In summer, the NT’s remote roads shimmer with humidity and solitude — perfect for those who crave real wilderness. Venture beyond the main Kakadu routes to discover lesser-known waterholes and escarpments such as Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) or Yurmikmik Walks. The NT landscape comes alive with cascading waterfalls, blossoming vegetation, and wildflowers.
Alternatively, head south along the Stuart Highway to Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park, a naturally warm waterway lined with pandanus and palms. It’s a blissfully peaceful alternative to busier Mataranka.
For quieter, hidden-gem parks across the NT, visit Caravanning NT.
Australia is full of extraordinary places that don’t make the postcards. Whether it’s a rainforest walk at dawn, a quiet gorge at sunset, or a starry sky above your campsite, the best memories are made when you leave the crowds behind.
Ready to plan your peaceful summer getaway? Find the perfect park here.
Did you know that if you take a camping holiday between October 1st and February 28th, you could win a shot at one million dollars? The further you travel, the more entries you can get! Find out more!
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