I'm a solo female who was a late starter getting my car license about 12 years ago. Since getting "the card to independence" I get away whenever time and budget allow. In the first few newbie years I did use caravan parks but now avoid them like the plague. I use Camps 7 now and then and have researched free or cheap camps and have found a good website www.youcamp.com started by a couple called james and prue.  Its an online "community of private landholders across Australia that welcome responsible visitors." Fees start from FREE to $$$ for the upmarket retreats. I've tried a few and each has been ok to great, all better than a caravan park (and cheaper!).  I don't think I would have found any of them without the site.  Showgrounds are good too though local authorities are closing a few of these (probably under pressure from caravan park owners!). It might be worth having a look at the youcamp site to expand your camping options. Will try and put a few pics up when I master the procedure!