Tourists flock to little-known free Aussie campsite for 'magical' reason: 'Beyond incredible'

Catching a glimpse of some of Australia's incredible wildlife is a major reason why both domestic and international tourists hit the road in cars, caravans and campervans to explore our vast country. And while it's common to see a kangaroo from the side of the road, other animals are far harder to spot.

British backpacker Caitlin told Yahoo Lifestyle that after months of travelling and camping along the east coast of Australia, there was one adorable Aussie marsupial she had yet to tick off her bucket list. "I’ve seen hundreds of kangaroos and [even] had a koala cross the road in front of us [but] I hadn’t seen a wombat yet," she said.

So when a friend told her about a little-known campsite where they can not only be spotted but wild wombats are a feature of the campgrounds that is just two hours south of Sydney in the Kangaroo Valley, she was "really excited".

Free campsite with epic wildlife stuns travellers

Bendeela Recreation Area is technically a free campground, but Caitlin explained there is a $6 online booking fee to help maintain the campsite — something she believes is absolutely worth it.

"When you arrive, there are wombat holes everywhere, which they marked off, and you can park wherever you like," she said.

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The rustic camping ground and picnic area is surrounded by bushland and is close to the banks of the Kangaroo River. While there is no power to the campgrounds, there are toilets and drinking water for visitors to use.

Caitlin, whose dream it was to travel around Australia since she was a young girl, said she couldn't believe it when at 5pm, a wombat emerged from a warren just metres from where they had parked their car.

"I was so excited, they are much bigger than I expected and so cute," she said.

As amazing as it was, Caitlin added that the campground is clear that they are wild animals and they are not to be touched.

Families make 'core memories' at campground

It wasn't just Caitlin and her boyfriend enjoying the wombats, she said that young families were experiencing the wonder together.

"As it started to get darker, they were everywhere and it felt really magical," she said. "Families were grabbing their flashlights to take the kids wombat spotting, definitely a core memory for those families!

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Along with spotting wildlife, campers can also enjoy fishing, swimming, bushwalking and canoeing in the area.

Caitlin believes that Bendeela Recreation Area competes as one of the "best" free campgrounds in Australia. Her favourite, however, is East Bay Campsite at Betty's Beach in WA.

"It's also beyond incredible as you can park up right near the sand and bright blue waters - I couldn’t believe it was an actual campsite when I arrived."

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