When’s the Best Time to Go Camping with Kids in Australia?

Author: Cameron Brewer  Date Posted:29 July 2025 

 

Camping with the kids is one of the best ways to unplug, explore, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. But let’s be real, timing is everything. Pitch the tent at the wrong time of year and you’ll be battling mozzies, heatwaves, or wet socks and grumpy little campers.

So, when is the best time to go camping with kids? Let’s break it down by seasons, school holidays, and what makes each time of year shine for family adventures.

Two children sit in front of a canvas tent at a campsite—one playing a ukulele, the other reading a “Scout Field Book.” Camping gear and trees surround them in a grassy outdoor setting. Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/kids-hanging-out-in-backyard-10045743/

Autumn (March–May): The Family Favourite

If we had to pick one season, autumn wins hands down.

  • Mild temps and fewer bugs
  • Cool nights, perfect for firepits and stories
  • National parks are quieter post summer
  • Great fishing and walking weather

This is the golden window for campfire meals, bushwalks, and letting the kids explore without overheating. Pack the marshmallows and a warm jumper, this is prime family camping season.

Summer (December–February): Great… If You’re Near Water

Kids are off school, days are long, and the beach is calling. But summer camping with little ones can be hot, crowded, and sunburn-prone, unless you plan it right.

Best options:

Two kids lie on a picnic blanket outdoors, looking at a large map together. They’re surrounded by dry grass and trees, enjoying a relaxed summer camping moment. Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-kids-lying-down-on-picnic-blanket-while-looking-at-a-map-8083401/

  • Beachside or riverside camping spots
  • Shaded campgrounds with swimming access
  • Early starts and lazy afternoons
  • Portable shade and loads of sunscreen

If you're geared up with a good esky, hats, and water-friendly activities, summer can be an absolute blast. Just skip the inland, no-shade setups, trust us.

Spring (September–November): Nature Comes Alive

Spring is a great shoulder season, cool mornings, wildflowers in bloom, and more daylight hours. Perfect for teaching the kids about wildlife, nature, and how to set up a tent (without frostbitten fingers).

What to love:

  • Great for national parks and hikes
  • Not too hot, not too cold
  • Good weather for BBQs and exploring

Just keep an eye on hay fever if anyone in the family’s sensitive to pollen. And as the season goes on, mozzies can start to wake up.

Winter (June–August): For the Brave and Bundled Up

Cold mornings, early sunsets… and zero crowds. Winter camping is best for older kids or adventurous families who don’t mind layering up and leaning into the chill.

Colourful tents are scattered across a snowy landscape in a forested area, showing a busy winter camping scene with people walking around and gathering near tents.

Why winter might be your vibe:

  • Great campfire cooking (think stews, roasts, and baked damper)
  • Peace and quiet in popular spots
  • Perfect for destinations like the Flinders, Snowy Mountains, or the NT

Just make sure you've got warm sleeping bags, thermal layers, and plenty of firewood. And maybe leave the toddler trip for another time…

Bonus Tip: Match It to the School Holidays

School holidays make planning easier, but they also mean busier campsites. If you can swing a midweek or off peak trip, you'll score the same benefits without the queues for the loos.

  • Autumn holidays (Easter) – Top pick for family-friendly weather
  • Spring holidays – Great for coastal escapes and wildlife watching
  • Summer holidays – Ideal for beach trips, but book early
  • Winter holidays – Perfect for short local getaways near home

Final Thoughts

The best time to go camping with kids in Australia depends on where you’re going, what gear you’ve got, and how your crew handles the elements. But for most families, autumn and spring offer the perfect balance of fun, comfort, and low stress.

A spit roast setup with meat grilling over an open campfire surrounded by rocks, using an Auspit rotisserie system. A blue tent and camping chair sit nearby beside a river in a rugged, twilight outdoor setting.

Plan ahead, pack smart, and remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about letting the kids run wild (safely), eating marshmallows for dinner, and telling the same story by the fire three nights in a row.

Because those are the memories they’ll never forget.

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