How to plan a thrifty romantic getaway that embraces our best camping spots

With Valentine's Day fast approaching there's never been a better time to start planning your next getaway.

It's no secret Aussies love to travel and two-thirds say they would prefer to travel domestically, according to Tourism and Transport Forum Australia.

Kamala Mansfield, 25, from Sydney, said she and her partner like to take their romantic holidays in nature, getting off the beaten track and minimising distractions.

They particularly like camping and glamping because it's low-key and doesn't break the bank.

"Less is more sometimes," Ms Mansfield said.

"With Valentine's Day and these kinds of popularised holidays, we tend to think we need to do something big and romantic and crazy, but I find sometimes just getting out in nature together with your partner and spending some time where you're really focused and present can be really amazing for the connection."

Nature-based travel is trending in 2025 with more couples choosing to spend their precious time off in the great outdoors.

Camping, glamping and caravanning are increasingly popular and these holidays are also generally cheaper.

Tourism Research Australia data shows camping and caravanning trips rose 40 per cent from 2014 to 2023 and nature-based activities rose almost 50 per cent.

Booking your camping or glamping trip doesn't have to be stressful - it can be part of the fun, Reflections Holidays chief marketing officer Peter Chapman said.

The first thing you should do is decide where you want to go. Are you wanting to fall asleep by a beach campsite, or do you want to unwind and unplug in the middle of nowhere?

"Think about what kind of experience you're after - do you want some quiet time to recharge, or are you up for an adventure with hiking and exploring?" Mr Chapman said.

Choosing your accommodation style is also important. Decide whether you want to take a rustic, traditional camping holiday, or if something more luxe is your style, in which case glamping or hiring a cabin might be the go.

If you're looking for a camping or glamping holiday with a coastal vibe as well as bush surroundings, Mr Chapman recommended Jervis Bay, Nambucca Heads or Jimmys Beach in Hawks Nest.

To relax and unplug in nature, Blue Mountains, Urunga and Murramarang National Park are all good options, he said.

Victoria has some great free camping spots. Visit Victoria recommends Tidal River Campground in Wilsons Promontory National Park and Blanket Bay Campground on the eastern coast of Cape Otway if you want to be near the water.

Some of the best places in Tasmania to pitch a tent are in Freycinet National Park for beachfront camping with a mountain view, and Maria Island National Park between the World Heritage-listed Darlington convict settlement and a quiet beach, according to Discover Tasmania.