That's probably the best way I can describe bootleg camping. I did it in Florida to be able to see spring training and I did it again to save a few dollars after Melbourne in a pretty little tourist town called Lakes Entrance. After inquiring at the Visitre Centre about tent camping I found a nice wooded area that wasn't visible to anyone and quite convenient to town and presto-chango, free lodging for a few days.
Lakes Entrance is pretty touristy but its small, pretty and easily walkable. A nice place to relax for a few days before the final stretch into Canberra and Sydney.