Distance from Sydney: 350km/4h 15m drive
Price per night: $24 per adult, $6 per child plus $8 park entry fee per day
Can you imagine kangaroos hopping around at dusk, set against the backdrop of the ocean? At Diamond Head Campground, you’ll get to see this most days and sometimes these cuties even laze amongst the tents all day long. With 75 campsites to choose from, there are plenty of options for where to park your caravan or pitch your tent for the night. If you don’t mind a stroll, there’s a walk-in area (no cars allowed) with nine-secluded camp-sites, hidden amongst the bushes, with the beach just a few steps away. It’s an easy 100m from the carpark so it’s definitely worth carrying the tent so you can enjoy your own little paradise.
Hire a fire basket and get some firewood from the onsite office at the entry to the campground to top off your night under the stars, just don’t forget to bring marshmallows. If you need easy access to creature comforts, this campground has everything – toilets, showers, picnic tables and barbecues. Take a morning swim in the ocean and keep your eyes out for dolphins as you explore the impressive Split Rock. There are many beautiful walking tracks around the area which take you through the bush and around the headland. Mermaid Lookout is a great place to start if you’re not sure whether you want to do the whole 4.8km Diamond Head loop track. The steep incline to reach the top of the headland is worth the cardio burst, as you’ll have panoramic views of the bay and can see the rolling hills and bushland in the distance.