One of the best things about owning a teardrop camper is how many places it can take you. A large caravan limits you to big, open sites with drive-through access; a compact teardrop opens up a whole world of campgrounds — from secluded bush clearings to tight coastal spots nestled right behind the dunes. In Victoria and New South Wales, there's no shortage of brilliant places to park up, and a lightweight, self-sufficient rig is exactly the right tool for reaching the good ones.
This is our field guide to fourteen campgrounds across both states that are genuinely well-suited to teardrop campers — each with the practical detail that actually decides whether a trip runs smoothly: an indicative nightly fee, a rough site count, the booking system, access-road condition, facilities, seasonal timing and how long you can realistically stay off-grid. If you're still choosing a camper, start with our guide to the best teardrop campers in Australia.
Short answer: The best teardrop-camper campgrounds in Victoria are Tidal River (Wilsons Promontory), Johanna Beach, Aire River, Lake Elizabeth, Halls Gap (Grampians), Point Hicks (Thurra River), Cape Conran and Sheepyard Flat. In NSW, the standouts are Depot Beach and Pebbly Beach (Murramarang), Bents Basin, Wombeyan Caves, Myall Lakes (Mungo Brush) and Diamond Head (Crowdy Bay).
Most national-park sites — Tidal River, Depot Beach, Diamond Head — need advance bookings through Parks Victoria or NSW National Parks and cost roughly $20–58 a site (NSW parks add about $8 per vehicle a day for park entry). Sheepyard Flat in the Howqua Hills is free and first-come; Johanna Beach takes a small per-site fee. Most have sealed access; a few have well-graded gravel a lightweight teardrop handles easily, and autumn and spring are the sweet spot for weather, crowds and fire risk. All fees below are indicative — confirm current rates and booking systems before you go.
Best teardrop campgrounds in Victoria & NSW at a glance
Here's the whole list in one place. Use it to shortlist by state, access road and booking system, then read the full write-up below for facilities, seasonal timing and why each one suits a small rig.
| Campground | State / region | Access road | Bookings | Stands out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory | VIC · South Gippsland | Sealed | Parks Victoria (essential) | Granite peaks and world-class beaches |
| Johanna Beach, Great Ocean Road | VIC · Otways coast | Sealed | Parks Victoria (small fee) | A low-cost Great Ocean Road beach camp |
| Aire River, Great Otway | VIC · Otways coast | Sealed + gravel | Parks Victoria (essential) | Open riverside-and-coast camping |
| Lake Elizabeth, Otway Ranges | VIC · Otway hinterland | Narrow forest track | Parks Victoria (essential) | Platypus at dawn and dusk |
| Halls Gap Lakeside, Grampians | VIC · Grampians | Sealed | Book direct (recommended) | Comforts plus direct trail access |
| Point Hicks / Thurra River, Croajingolong | VIC · Far East Gippsland | Sealed + gravel | Parks Victoria | Remote wild coast, no crowds |
| Cape Conran, East Gippsland | VIC · East Gippsland | Sealed | Parks Victoria (peak) | Sheltered banksia coastal sites |
| Sheepyard Flat, Howqua Hills | VIC · High Country | Gravel sections | Free, no bookings | No-frills riverside bush camp |
| Depot Beach, Murramarang | NSW · South Coast | Sealed | NSW NPWS (essential) | Kangaroos on a sandy beach |
| Pebbly Beach, Murramarang | NSW · South Coast | Sealed | NSW NPWS | Quiet, rustic, resident roos |
| Bents Basin | NSW · near Sydney | Sealed | NSW NPWS | Under an hour from the CBD |
| Wombeyan Caves | NSW · Southern Highlands | Sealed via Taralga | NSW NPWS (recommended) | Cave tours and dark skies |
| Myall Lakes (Mungo Brush) | NSW · Mid-North Coast | Sealed + gravel spurs | NSW NPWS | Lake and ocean camping in one park |
| Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay | NSW · Mid-North Coast | Mostly sealed | NSW NPWS (essential) | Kangaroos on grassy headland sites |
What makes a campground teardrop-friendly
A great teardrop campground rewards the three things a teardrop does best: fitting into small sites, going where big rigs can't, and staying self-sufficient. Before we get to the list, it's worth knowing what to look for.
- Site size and shape. Many of the most beautiful national-park sites are compact and tucked between trees — awkward for a caravan, perfect for a single-axle teardrop. Because both Hip models are under most parks' trailer-length limits, you get first pick of the intimate sites, not the leftover overflow paddock.
- Access road. Sealed roads suit any tow vehicle; well-graded gravel suits a lightweight teardrop on standard suspension; only a handful of tracks in this guide call for a bit more clearance. We've rated every campground below so there are no surprises.
- Self-sufficiency. The best camps are often the most basic — no power, sometimes no water. That's where an onboard 12V power system and water tank turn a one-night stopover into a comfortable multi-night stay. Our picks lean heavily toward camps where being self-contained genuinely pays off.
Both the Hip Summit and Hip Companion are built for exactly this: a 700–750 kg tare, a 1,500 kg ATM, electric brakes and a hot-dip galvanised chassis as standard, plus a self-contained system of 100W solar, a 120Ah LiFePO4 battery, an 80L fresh-water tank with instant hot water, a full stainless-steel galley and an outdoor shower. That combination is what lets these campgrounds work as destinations rather than quick overnight stops. Here's a fuller breakdown of what's included as standard.
Victoria
Victoria packs an enormous range of camping into a few hours' drive of Melbourne — alpine forest, wild coast, granite ranges and quiet riverbanks. These eight are our favourites for a teardrop, each with the numbers you actually need to plan. For shorter loops closer to home, see our best weekend camper trips from Melbourne.
1. Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park
If you had to pick one campground in Victoria, this would be a strong contender. Tidal River sits at the bottom of Wilsons Promontory, surrounded by granite peaks, rainforest and some of the most spectacular beaches in the state. It's Victoria's largest campground — and despite the size, many sites are well-spaced and flat enough for a comfortable setup.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | ~$35–58 unpowered, ~$60+ powered, per site — varies by season |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | ~480 — Victoria's largest campground; powered, unpowered and roofed |
| Bookings | Parks Victoria online, essential; summer and Easter peak allocated by ballot |
| Best season | Autumn (Mar–May) and spring (Sep–Nov); summer books out months ahead |
| Facilities / access | Flush toilets, hot showers, general store, cafe; sealed the whole way (~3 hrs from Melbourne) |
Why it suits a teardrop: some of the best sites are compact and tucked between the tea-tree — awkward for big vans, ideal for a single-axle teardrop.
2. Johanna Beach, Great Ocean Road
Johanna Beach is one of those quietly brilliant campgrounds that many people drive straight past on their way along the Great Ocean Road. It sits in open farmland just behind the beach, with views across to the ocean. It's basic — rain-fed water tanks and drop toilets, no showers — but the location more than makes up for it, and the per-site fee is one of the lowest on this list.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | Low — around $16 per site |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Open, unmarked grassland behind the dunes — room for dozens of parties |
| Bookings | Booked/confirmed via Parks Victoria; management transitions to the Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority from 1 July 2026 — check the current system |
| Best season | Autumn and spring shoulder; exposed to Southern Ocean weather |
| Facilities / access | Unpowered sites, rain-fed tanks, drop toilets, no showers; sealed to the turn-off |
Why it suits a teardrop: the open, grassy sites are flat and easy to access, and a self-sufficient rig with solar, a lithium battery and water tanks lets you camp comfortably for days without leaving.
3. Aire River, Great Otway National Park
A little further along the Otways coast, the Aire River campgrounds sit where the river meets the sea below the ranges — open, grassy, and often dotted with kangaroos at dusk. There are two: a large, open West camp on the western bank and a smaller East camp opposite. It's a superb self-contained base for the western Great Ocean Road, within walking distance of a wild beach and the river mouth.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | ~$34–38 per site (up to 6 people), seasonal |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Large open West camp on the river; smaller East camp opposite |
| Bookings | Essential via Parks Victoria |
| Best season | Spring–autumn; Aire River East closes 29 May–25 Sep 2026 for winter — use the West camp |
| Facilities / access | Toilets, open riverside/coastal setting; sealed with a short gravel run in |
Why it suits a teardrop: flat, open riverside sites make setup easy, and the coastal position rewards a rig that can stay off-grid for a few nights.
4. Lake Elizabeth, Otway Ranges
Lake Elizabeth is a hidden gem in the Otway hinterland, about two hours southwest of Melbourne near Forrest. The lake is famous for platypus sightings at dawn and dusk, and the surrounding forest is tall, lush and utterly peaceful. The campground is small and geared to tents and the most compact rigs, so it's worth confirming your trailer will fit the site when you book.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | Small per-site fee (Parks Victoria unpowered rate) |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | 20 compact unpowered sites — tent and small-rig focused |
| Bookings | Essential via Parks Victoria |
| Best season | Cool and green year-round; the access track is better in dry weather |
| Facilities / access | Non-flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, dogs on lead; narrow forest road in |
Why it suits a teardrop: the narrow forest access and tight sites favour a compact rig where a caravan simply won't fit — fill your water tank before you arrive.
5. Halls Gap Lakeside, Grampians (Gariwerd)
If you prefer a campground with a few more creature comforts, Halls Gap Lakeside is a reliable choice in the heart of the Grampians. It's a well-run private holiday park — powered and unpowered sites, a camp kitchen, clean amenities and direct access to walking trails — and the town of Halls Gap is a short stroll away for supplies and coffee. It makes an easy, comfortable base for exploring Gariwerd.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | ~$40–60 per site (powered dearer than unpowered), seasonal |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Large park — powered and unpowered sites plus cabins |
| Bookings | Booked direct with the park; recommended in peak season and on long weekends |
| Best season | Spring for wildflowers; a good year-round base |
| Facilities / access | Camp kitchen, amenities, laundry, lake and trail access; fully sealed |
Why it suits a teardrop: compact sites suit smaller rigs, and it's an easy base for exploring the Grampians without packing up and moving each day.
6. Point Hicks (Thurra River), Croajingolong National Park
Point Hicks is remote, wild and absolutely worth the drive. Tucked into the far east of Victoria's coastline, camping here is at the large Thurra River Campground, set among stately eucalypts a short walk from a rugged, empty stretch of coast. You won't find crowds here, even in peak summer. Note that the historic lightstation cottages have been closed since the 2019–20 bushfires and the nearby Mueller Inlet campground remains closed — Thurra River is the campground to book.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | Modest per-site fee (Parks Victoria remote rate) |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Large campground in eucalypt surrounds by the Thurra River |
| Bookings | Essential via Parks Victoria |
| Best season | Summer and autumn; check road conditions after rain |
| Facilities / access | Basic (pit toilets, no power or showers); sealed then well-graded gravel |
Why it suits a teardrop: compact sites and off-grid capability let you settle into the solitude — if you're weighing your tow vehicle for the gravel, our RAV4 towing guide is a useful reference.
7. Cape Conran Coastal Park, East Gippsland
Cape Conran is one of East Gippsland's best-kept secrets — banksia woodland, rocky headlands and sheltered beaches along a gorgeous stretch of coast. The main Banksia Bluff campground offers well-defined sites nestled among the banksias, a brilliant spot for a few nights of coastal camping. Do check ahead before you plan around it, though: Banksia Bluff is closed for essential infrastructure works into late 2026.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | Modest per-site fee (Parks Victoria coastal rate) |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Well-defined wooded sites among gum and banksia at Banksia Bluff |
| Bookings | Essential via Parks Victoria in peak periods |
| Best season | Summer for swimming; quieter and lovely in the shoulder — but note the 2026 closure |
| Facilities / access | Toilets and bush showers; sealed access. Banksia Bluff closed for works ~May–end October 2026 — confirm with Parks Victoria. |
Why it suits a teardrop: many sites are sheltered and compact among the banksias, and the five-hour drive from Melbourne makes it a genuine settle-in-and-stay getaway.
8. Sheepyard Flat, Howqua Hills Historic Area
Sheepyard Flat is a free bush campground on the Howqua River in the Howqua Hills Historic Area near Mansfield, about three hours northeast of Melbourne. It's a favourite among campers who prefer a no-frills setup in a beautiful bushland setting — one of nine grassy riverside flats where you'll often share the space with kangaroos and wombats at dusk. There's no water and no booking system, so this is self-sufficiency country.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | Free |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Nine unmarked riverside flats (Sheepyard North and South, and others) |
| Bookings | None required (except horse yards) — first come, first served |
| Best season | Spring to autumn; can be cold at night |
| Facilities / access | Pit toilets only, no water — carry your own; 2WD-accessible gravel sections |
Why it suits a teardrop: flat riverside sites make setup easy, but with no water on tap, an onboard tank, solar and a lithium battery are exactly what earn their keep here.
Tip: For free camps and basic bush campgrounds, self-sufficiency makes all the difference. A teardrop with solar, a lithium battery, water tanks and a well-equipped galley lets you camp comfortably for days without chasing a powered site. It also shapes your running costs — here's what to expect from camper-trailer ownership costs once you factor in free camping.
How long can you stay off-grid?
Power is rarely what ends an off-grid stay at these campgrounds — water is. That's the single most useful thing to understand before you plan a multi-night trip to a no-facilities camp. The standard Hip system is designed so the battery is a buffer rather than a countdown, while the 80L fresh tank is the real clock you're watching.
| Resource | Standard Hip spec | Typical daily use (2 people) | Realistic window before a top-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V power | 120Ah LiFePO4 + 100W solar + 2000W inverter | ~30–50Ah (lights, fridge, water pump, device charging) | Effectively open-ended in good sun; the battery is a 2–3 day buffer for cloudy stretches |
| Fresh water | 80L tank + instant hot water | ~15–25L (drinking, cooking, washing up) | ~3–4 nights; about 2 if you shower daily |
| Hot outdoor shower | Runs off the same 80L tank | Water — not power — is the limiter | Carry a jerry can for stays beyond 3–4 nights at no-water camps |
The takeaway: at powered or water-supplied camps like Tidal River and Halls Gap you can settle in indefinitely, and at dry camps like Sheepyard Flat or Johanna Beach the practical limit is your water rather than your battery. If you want to understand the electrical side in more depth, our guides to LiFePO4 vs AGM batteries and off-grid solar, water and power break down exactly how the system behaves in the field.
New South Wales
NSW rewards a teardrop with a different flavour of camping — kangaroo-dotted beaches on the South Coast, a swimming hole an hour from Sydney, cave country in the highlands and vast coastal parks up north. These six are our picks. Note that NSW national parks charge a park-entry fee of about $8 per vehicle per day on top of camping fees at most of these.
9. Depot Beach, Murramarang National Park
Depot Beach is a standout on the NSW South Coast, about four hours south of Sydney. The campground sits in coastal forest right behind a beautiful sandy beach, and it's common to wake up to kangaroos and rosellas wandering through your site. The facilities are excellent for a national park, and the swimming is superb.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | ~$20 per site (2 people) unpowered, ~$10 per extra adult; plus $8/vehicle/day park entry |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | 59 sites (some powered) |
| Bookings | Essential via NSW National Parks — very popular |
| Best season | Summer for the beach (book well ahead); lovely in the shoulder |
| Facilities / access | Strong NP facilities, hot showers; sealed access behind the beach |
Why it suits a teardrop: some sites are on the smaller side, which works in your favour with a compact rig — a brilliant spot for a week-long coastal escape.
10. Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park
Just down the road from Depot Beach, Pebbly Beach is famous for its resident kangaroos that lounge on the sand. The campground is smaller and more rustic than Depot Beach, which gives it a quieter, more intimate feel. Sites are spread through the bush behind the beach, and the setting is genuinely special.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | ~$20 per site (2 people) unpowered; plus $8/vehicle/day park entry |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Small and rustic — bush-enclosed sites behind the beach |
| Bookings | Required via NSW National Parks |
| Best season | Spring and autumn are lovely and quieter |
| Facilities / access | Basic facilities; resident kangaroos on the sand; sealed access |
Why it suits a teardrop: the tighter, bush-enclosed sites are tailor-made for small rigs — larger vans and motorhomes struggle here, which keeps the campground peaceful.
11. Bents Basin, near Sydney
If you're based in Sydney and want a quick escape without driving half the day, Bents Basin State Conservation Area is hard to beat. It's less than an hour from the CBD, set along the Nepean River with a natural swimming hole that's popular with families. The campground has good facilities and a relaxed, semi-rural feel despite its proximity to the city.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | Low per-site camping fee; plus $8/vehicle/day park entry (Park'nPay) |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Riverside family campground — sites for tents, trailers and caravans |
| Bookings | Required via NSW National Parks |
| Best season | Summer for the swimming hole; pleasant most of the year |
| Facilities / access | Good amenities, natural swimming hole on the Nepean; sealed and easy |
Why it suits a teardrop: easy access, close to Sydney and compact sites — ideal for a one- or two-night shakedown to test your setup, checklist in hand (our camping checklist helps).
12. Wombeyan Caves, Southern Highlands
Wombeyan Caves is about three hours southwest of Sydney, nestled in a limestone valley surrounded by bushland. The campground is surprisingly well-equipped for such a remote-feeling location — the cave tours are genuinely impressive, and the night sky is spectacular away from the city lights.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | Cheaper end of the NSW NP scale; powered sites cost a little more |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | ~60 sites (49 marked + 12 unmarked), plus 17 powered |
| Bookings | Recommended via NSW National Parks |
| Best season | Spring to autumn; cold at night in winter |
| Facilities / access | Hot showers, flush toilets, communal kitchen; approach via Taralga is sealed (the Mittagong road is narrow and unsealed) |
Why it suits a teardrop: a mix of site sizes, with unpowered sites tucked back in the bush that are lovely with a small rig — a good option for combining camping with a bit of sightseeing.
13. Myall Lakes (Mungo Brush), Mid-North Coast
Myall Lakes, about three hours north of Sydney, offers some of the best coastal camping in NSW. Multiple campgrounds are spread across the park — Mungo Brush is the most popular, with sites backing onto the lake and easy beach access. The park is vast and varied, with lakes, ocean beaches and coastal rainforest all within reach.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | Low-to-mid per-site fee; plus $8/vehicle/day park entry (pay machine / Park'nPay) |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | Large lake-side campground at Mungo Brush; more campgrounds across the park |
| Bookings | Required via NSW National Parks |
| Best season | Summer and shoulder seasons; the park rewards longer stays |
| Facilities / access | Lake frontage and beach access; sealed to Mungo Brush, some park spurs gravel |
Why it suits a teardrop: compact sites at Mungo Brush are ideal, and self-sufficiency is a real advantage across the park's more remote corners.
14. Diamond Head, Crowdy Bay National Park
Diamond Head, on the mid-north coast between Forster and Port Macquarie, is one of the great kangaroo-and-beach campgrounds in NSW. Eastern grey kangaroos laze on the grassy flats among the sites most of the day, the headland walk is superb, and the swimming and fishing are excellent. It's a bigger campground that still manages to feel spacious and relaxed.
| Nightly fee (indicative) | ~$23 per site (2 people), ~$11.50 per extra adult; plus $8/vehicle/day park entry |
|---|---|
| Sites (approx) | 75 sites, plus a nine-site walk-in area (no cars) |
| Bookings | Essential via NSW National Parks |
| Best season | Spring and autumn; summer is busy but glorious for the beach |
| Facilities / access | Grassy sites, toilets, headland walking track; mostly sealed with some gravel |
Why it suits a teardrop: grassy, level sites and a relaxed layout make setup easy, and the resident roos make it a memorable, family-friendly base for a mid-north-coast run.
Booking tip: National-park campgrounds in both states fill up fast during school holidays and long weekends. For the most popular spots like Tidal River and Depot Beach, book as soon as bookings open — sometimes months in advance. Shoulder seasons (March–May and September–November) offer beautiful conditions with far fewer crowds.
When to go: Victoria & NSW camping seasons
The shoulder seasons win for most trips. Autumn and spring give you mild days, cool nights, fewer bugs and lower fire risk — and far smaller crowds than the summer coastal rush. Here's how the year shapes up across both states.
| Season | Conditions | Crowds | Fire risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Hot; coastal camps at their best | Peak — book months ahead | High; Total Fire Bans common | Depot Beach, Diamond Head, Myall Lakes |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Mild, stable, fewer insects | Quiet after Easter | Falling | Shoulder-season sweet spot statewide |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Cold nights, crisp clear days | Very quiet | Low | Grampians walks, forest and river camps |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Wildflowers; warming up | Building toward holidays | Rising late in the season | Croajingolong, Otways, Murramarang |
Winter camping is genuinely rewarding in a teardrop if you pack for it — the LiFePO4 battery holds up in the cold and instant hot water is a luxury on a frosty morning. If you're planning a cold-season trip, read our winter camping guide first. And whatever the season, always check CFA fire restrictions in Victoria and the NSW RFS fire danger and Total Fire Ban pages before you light anything — on a Total Fire Ban day, open fires and portable fuel cookers are prohibited.
Access roads and what your teardrop needs
Most of these campgrounds are reachable by any SUV towing a lightweight teardrop — the road, not the rig, is usually the deciding factor. Here's how the access types on this list map to what your camper and tow vehicle need.
| Access type | Campgrounds (examples) | What it means for a teardrop | Tow-vehicle note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully sealed | Tidal River, Halls Gap, Depot Beach, Bents Basin | Any SUV or capable wagon is fine; standard leaf-spring suspension handles it easily | Match the vehicle's braked towing capacity to the 1,500 kg ATM |
| Well-graded gravel | Point Hicks (final stretch), Sheepyard Flat, Myall Lakes spurs | Comfortable at moderate speed; drop tyre pressures a little on corrugations | Reasonable ground clearance; electric brakes (standard) shorten stopping on loose surfaces |
| Narrow forest track | Lake Elizabeth area | Compact rigs are a genuine advantage where vans simply can't fit | Independent suspension (a paid upgrade) adds comfort on rough tracks |
Two points worth underlining. First, brakes are not optional: any trailer over 750 kg GTM legally needs braking in Australia, and at 1,380 kg GTM both Hip models require it — so electric brakes are standard, and you'll need a compatible controller in your tow vehicle. Our electric brakes guide explains the law and the controller side. Second, if you're towing with an EV, the extra weight affects range on longer drives to the far-flung camps — our EV towing guide covers what to expect. Wondering whether a teardrop or a caravan suits your travel style overall? Our teardrop vs caravan comparison lays it out.
Tips for camping with a teardrop
A few practical habits make the most of every campground on this list.
- Arrive early for first-come sites. Popular free camps like Sheepyard Flat and Johanna Beach fill quickly on weekends. Arriving by midday Friday gives you the best pick of sites.
- Carry extra water. Heading to a camp with no water supply? Top up your 80L tank and carry a spare jerry can — that buys you an extra night or two of comfortable use, especially if you shower daily.
- Check fire restrictions. Total Fire Bans are common across both states in summer. Check the CFA (Victoria) and NSW RFS websites before lighting anything, including portable fuel cookers, which are also banned on Total Fire Ban days.
- Pack for self-sufficiency. The best campgrounds here are often the most basic. Solar, a lithium battery and a well-equipped galley mean you can enjoy them without compromise. Run through our camping checklist before you leave.
- Know your vehicle. Most of these camps are reachable by any SUV towing a lightweight teardrop. For the few with unsealed access, a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance is all you need — the RAV4 towing guide is a handy reference.
- Do a shakedown run first. A close, easy camp like Bents Basin or Halls Gap is the perfect place to test your setup before committing to a remote spot like Point Hicks.
Which Hip model for these trips?
Either model does all fourteen campgrounds — they share the same chassis, weights, off-grid system and stainless galley, so capability isn't the deciding factor. The Hip Summit adds a skylight and sleeps two adults plus one child, which makes it the pick for a small family or anyone who wants extra light and headroom. The Hip Companion has a side window and sleeps two — the natural choice for couples who want the same reach in a slightly simpler layout.
Both are finished and inspected in Melbourne, Victoria and certified for Australian roads through the RAV (ROVER) scheme, and you register yours in your own state. You can spec colours, the galley layout and options like independent suspension in our 3D configurator, or see what's currently in stock.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book campgrounds in Victoria and NSW in advance?
It depends on the campground. National park campgrounds such as Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory, Depot Beach in Murramarang and Diamond Head in Crowdy Bay require advance bookings through Parks Victoria or NSW National Parks, especially during school holidays and long weekends. Free bush camps like Sheepyard Flat in the Howqua Hills are first come, first served with no bookings, while low-cost sites such as Johanna Beach take a small per-site fee booked or confirmed through Parks Victoria.
Are teardrop campers allowed in national park campgrounds?
Yes, teardrop campers are welcome at the vast majority of national park campgrounds in Victoria and NSW. Their compact size and lightweight build actually make them ideal for national parks, as many sites have length or size restrictions that exclude larger caravans. The Hip Summit and Hip Companion are both single-axle teardrops well under typical site limits. Always check the specific park's maximum trailer length before booking.
What are the best free campgrounds near Melbourne for a teardrop camper?
Some of the best free or low-cost campgrounds within a few hours of Melbourne include Sheepyard Flat in the Howqua Hills (free, no bookings, first come first served), Johanna Beach on the Great Ocean Road (a small per-site fee, booked through Parks Victoria) and Lake Elizabeth in the Otway Ranges (20 compact sites, a small fee, booked through Parks Victoria). All are well-suited to teardrop campers with flat, accessible sites, and all reward a self-sufficient rig with solar, a lithium battery and onboard water.
Can a teardrop camper reach campgrounds with unsealed access roads?
Yes. Most of the campgrounds in this guide are fully sealed, and the few with gravel access — such as the final stretch to Point Hicks, Sheepyard Flat and some Myall Lakes spurs — are well maintained and manageable for a lightweight teardrop behind a capable SUV. Drop your tyre pressures a little on corrugations and drive to the conditions. Independent suspension is a paid upgrade on the Hip Summit and Hip Companion that adds comfort on rougher tracks; leaf-spring suspension is standard and handles graded gravel comfortably.
How many nights can a teardrop camper stay off-grid at these campgrounds?
With the standard Hip system — 100W solar, a 120Ah LiFePO4 battery and a 2000W inverter — power is rarely the limiter, because the solar offsets much of a typical day's draw and the battery is a two-to-three-day buffer for cloudy stretches. Water is usually what ends an off-grid stay: the 80L fresh tank gives a couple roughly three to four nights, or about two if you shower daily. Carry a spare jerry can for longer stints at no-water camps like Sheepyard Flat.
What is the best time of year to camp in Victoria and NSW?
The shoulder seasons — autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) — offer the best mix of mild weather, fewer crowds and lower fire risk across both states. Summer is prime for coastal camps like Cape Conran and Depot Beach but books out months ahead and brings Total Fire Bans. Winter is quiet and beautiful for the Grampians and forest camps if you pack for cold nights. Always check CFA (Victoria) and NSW RFS fire restrictions before you light anything.
Do I need electric brakes to tow a teardrop to these campgrounds?
In Australia, any trailer over 750 kg Gross Trailer Mass legally requires brakes on at least one axle. The Hip Summit and Hip Companion sit at 1,380 kg GTM (1,500 kg ATM), so electric brakes are mandatory — and both ship with electric brakes as standard on a hot-dip galvanised chassis. You will also need a compatible brake controller fitted in your tow vehicle. Match your vehicle's braked towing capacity to the 1,500 kg ATM before you plan a trip.
Which Hip Campers model suits these campgrounds best — Summit or Companion?
Both suit every campground in this guide — they share the same chassis, weights, off-grid system and stainless galley. The Hip Summit adds a skylight and sleeps two adults plus one child, making it the pick for a small family or anyone who wants the extra light and headroom. The Hip Companion has a side window and sleeps two, and is the choice for couples who want the same capability in a slightly simpler layout. Tare is 700–750 kg on both.
Hit the road
Victoria and NSW are packed with campgrounds that suit teardrop campers perfectly. From the wild coast of Croajingolong to the kangaroo-dotted beaches of Murramarang, there's no shortage of incredible places to explore. The beauty of a compact, self-sufficient teardrop is that it gives you access to places bigger rigs simply can't reach — and that's where the best camping often is.
If you're ready to start exploring, take a look at our Hip Summit and Hip Companion teardrop campers. Both are lightweight, fully self-sufficient and built for exactly this kind of adventure. Design your own in the 3D configurator, or get in touch to arrange a viewing at our Perth display unit.
Happy camping.