The Best Spots In Australia For Open Fire Cooking

Australia is built for open fire cooking. From rugged coastal campsites to bushland national parks, there’s no shortage of places where you can kick back, light the fire, and spit roast a feed in the great outdoors. But not everywhere allows it, especially during fire ban season, so planning ahead is key.

This guide highlights some of the best fire-friendly spots across VIC, NSW, QLD, WA, SA, and the NT where campfires are still part of the adventure. We’ve also included practical tips on safety, park rules, and why the Auspit is the perfect tool to take on the road when you’re cooking over coals.

Campfire Cooking Is About More Than Just Food

There’s something primal about cooking over fire. The smell of smoke in the air. The sound of crackling timber. The slow spin of meat over glowing coals. If you’ve ever done it, you know it’s about more than just what’s on the spit; it’s about slowing down and getting back to basics.

That’s what inspired this list. After years of camping across Australia, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the truly memorable. We’ve roasted lamb by the ocean, spun chickens in the red dirt, and woken up to the smell of leftover smoke and good coffee. These are the places that let you do just that.

Victoria: Bushland Meets BBQ Tradition

Cathedral Range State Park
Tucked into the Great Dividing Range, this park offers designated campfire areas and rugged bushland perfect for off-grid cooking. Fires permitted in provided fireplaces outside of fire-ban periods.

Lake Eildon National Park
A popular spot for family campers and boaters alike. Most designated campgrounds have fire pits and room to set up an Auspit safely.

Tip: Always bring your own firewood or purchase locally. Cutting from the bush is a no-go.

New South Wales: Coastal Gems and Mountain Escapes

Euroka Campground – Blue Mountains National Park
Great for families and known for its kangaroo visitors. Fire rings provided and plenty of space to spit roast by the fire.

Myall Lakes National Park
Set up by the lake, drop in a line, and spin a chicken on the Auspit while you wait. Many areas still allow campfires with restrictions.

Tip: NSW Parks updates fire rules regularly therefore always check closer to your trip.

Queensland: Sunshine State Meets Charcoal Cookups

Bunya Mountains National Park
Cooler than the coast and known for its remote feel. Selected campgrounds allow fires in fireplaces. Bring your own fire drum and Auspit setup for flexibility.

Conondale National Park – Booloumba Creek
Accessible with 4WD only. Remote, beautiful, and ideal for off-grid fire cooking. Fires permitted in fire rings.

Tip: Carry a collapsible drum or tray for safer fire management on QLD soil.

Western Australia: Big Land, Big Fires

Walyunga National Park
Close to Perth but still wild enough to feel remote. Wood BBQs available and fires permitted in designated areas.

Cape Le Grand National Park
If you’ve never cooked next to a white sand beach, this is the place to do it. Be aware of changing fire rules in high-risk seasons.

Tip: In WA, portable fire pits or drums can help you stay compliant without skipping the experience.

South Australia: Underrated and Open Fire Friendly

Deep Creek Conservation Park
Only 2 hours from Adelaide, but feels like another world. Designated fire pits are provided in most campgrounds. Spit roasting with an Auspit is an ideal evening activity here.

Flinders Ranges National Park
Open landscapes, dramatic views, and plenty of space to cook over fire. Several campgrounds allow campfires in designated rings.

Tip: Check if solid fuel fires are banned before you travel, as rules vary widely in SA.

Northern Territory: Red Dirt and Real Flames

Litchfield National Park
Well-maintained campgrounds, accessible fire rings, and beautiful surroundings make this a top spot for fire cooking. Great airflow and open space mean excellent conditions for charcoal cooking.

East MacDonnell Ranges – Trephina Gorge
Remote and peaceful with designated fire areas. Excellent option if you’re taking your Auspit on a road trip across the Territory.

Tip: In the NT, always pack extra water and check on fire bans at each park entry.

Why the Auspit Works Wherever You Go

The best thing about the Auspit is how portable and compact it is. It packs small, sets up quickly, and doesn’t require a built-in fire pit or fancy BBQ station. All you need is a safe fire base, whether that’s a tray, a drum, or a designated fire ring.

That flexibility means you can use it across Australia without relying on permanent infrastructure. Add in stainless steel construction, battery-powered motors, and modular add-ons, and you’ve got the ultimate off-grid cooking tool for summer.

Fire Safety and Spit Etiquette Tips

• Always check park regulations before lighting a fire

• Stick to designated fireplaces or use a charcoal tray or drum

• Keep water or sand nearby in case you need to extinguish quickly

• Never leave a fire unattended

• Clean up all ash and waste before you leave

• Don’t cook too close to your neighbours, give everyone space to enjoy

Go Camping The Right Way

Open fire cooking is a huge part of Australian outdoor culture, and it’s never been easier to do it safely and legally with the right setup. Whether you’re in the high country, outback, or on the coast, there’s a fire-friendly spot waiting for your next Auspit meal.

Planning a trip soon? Pack your gear, check the local fire rules, and enjoy the kind of cooking that only charcoal and open skies can deliver.