An essential Canberra caravan park and camping guide

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Heading to town with the RV in tow? There are plenty of caravan parks in Canberra catering to all types of travellers.

Whether you’re a road-tripper looking for a tranquil riverside retreat or an active family needing plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, Canberra’s caravan parks are plentiful and diverse.

When it comes to camping, there are a lot of free campsites around the city’s outskirts. However, prices for caravan parks in Canberra are competitive, and there are several options for all travels, from budget to comfortable. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best of Canberra’s caravan parks and campsites.

1. Alivio Tourist Park

Offering a mix of caravan and RV sites, cabins and stylish villas, Alivio Tourist Park  is all about proximity – just four kilometres from Canberra’s city centre, keen walkers won’t even need to take the car.

The park has everything you’ll need, with an onsite restaurant, clean camp kitchen, full amenities and water park. There’s even an outdoor cinema for cosy movie nights with the family. Due to all the creature comforts, prices are a little higher than usual, but definitely worth it.

an aerial view of Alivio Tourist Park
Alivio Tourist Park offers great family-friendly facilities.

Address: 20 Kunzea Street, O’Connor ACT

2. Capital Country Holiday Park

A little further out, you’ll find Capital Country Holiday Park , which caters to everyone from tent campers to larger groups. Still close to Canberra’s attractions (a 20-minute drive at most), this holiday park has unpowered and powered sites, en suite sites, cabins and lodges.

Set on 15 hectares, this is also a dog-friendly caravan park, so your furry friend can come on holiday too. There are two bungalows that accept pets, plus four ‘dog freedom’ sites that feature full fencing around your RV or caravan.

Address: 47 Bidges Road, Sutton NSW

3. Canberra Park

The modern, recently developed Canberra Park might be the most stylish caravan park in the region. The state-of-the-art camp kitchen is definitely a highlight, with large, modern fridges, cooking facilities and ample space to sit and enjoy a meal.

Prices are still on the reasonable end, too. However, we wouldn’t recommend this tourist park for those with active little ones looking for entertainment – it is more of an accommodation-focused caravan park suited for couples or families with older children.

a modern kitchen at Canberra Caravan Park
Find a well-equipped communal camp kitchen for use.

Address: 26 Old Well Station Road, Gungahlin ACT

4. Southside Village

Conveniently situated on the outskirts of Narrabundah close to Canberra’s CBD, Southside Village is a popular Canberra caravan park with powered and unpowered sites, plus a range of cabins for those travelling without an RV.

Prices are competitive and affordable, but this is definitely no-frills, budget accommodation – reviews mention sites are on the smaller side and cabin interiors are a little dated. Still, small dogs are allowed in the park, and reviews rave about the friendly staff and clean amenities.

Address: 250 Canberra Avenue, Symonston ACT

5. Crestview Tourist Park

Situated at the south end of Canberra near Queanbeyan, Crestview Tourist Park is a great option if you’re less interested in being close to action and more looking for a relaxing holiday with proximity to some great Canberra restaurants.

Powered sites are priced reasonably, and the park also offers self-contained accommodation in the form of villas and budget-friendly cabins. There is a lovely swimming pool onsite, as well as free coffee at reception, a playground for little ones and wi-fi throughout the park.

a two-bedroom villa at Crestview Tourist Park
Opt for a stay in one of the park’s deluxe villas.

Address: 81 Donald Road, Karabar NSW

6. Eaglehawk Park

Outside town, you’ll find Eaglehawk Park , which offers some of the cheapest accommodation near Canberra for those travelling with caravans and RVs. This doesn’t mean you’ll skip out on style and comfort though.

The park has all kinds of properties, including powered and en suite sites, budget-friendly cabins, cosy cottages and fully furnished villas. there is also an outdoor pool, playground, barbecue area and plenty of green space.

Address: 1246 Federal Highway Service Road, Sutton NSW

7. Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park

Staying at Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park is a good option if you’re arriving with a caravan in tow, although the distance from the CBD will mean ideally, you have a car you can detach for getting around in. A real plus are the riverside caravan sites, which sit on the banks of the Queanbeyan River for an idyllic spot to set up.

All sites have access to power and water, including the designated camping spots. There’s a well-appointed camp kitchen and clean toilets, as well as laundry and drying facilities. The park is also pet-friendly and close to Queanbeyan shops and cafes.

Queanbeyan Riverside Holiday Caravan Park
Views don’t get more serene than this.

Address: 41A Morisset Street, Queanbeyan NSW

8. Exhibition Park

Canberra’s showground, Exhibition Park (or EPIC), offers caravan sites on a sprawling 75-hectare lot just eight minutes from the CBD. The pet-friendly park is a great option for families, with a local farmers market held every Saturday morning on the grounds.

The prices may be considered a little steep, but you’ll be in the centre of town, plus the park has full amenities including toilets, showers and laundry facilities. Bookings are essential.

Exhibition Park campground
Exhibition Park is a central place to camp or caravan in Canberra.

Address: Corner Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell ACT

9. Cotter Campground

Just 25 minutes outside of Canberra, you’ll find Cotter Campground , set on the tranquil Cotter River. With hot showers, potable water, flushing toilets, barbecues and dishwashing facilities, its a Canberra camping spot that can’t be beaten.

If you’re looking for nature experiences, Brindabella Range and Namadgi National Park, are nearby, plus there are walking tracks, fishing and kayaking opportunities within the campground itself. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a platypus splashing about in the river. No dogs allowed.

the signage of Cotter Campground
Escape from the city noise at Cotter Campground.

Address: 1691 Cotter Road, Stromlo ACT

10. Woods Reserve Campground

Not too far from Cotter Campground is Woods Reserve Campground , a dog-friendly site that is also in close proximity to Namadgi. It’s a good option if you’ve brought along the furry family member, but they must remain on leash to protect native wildlife.

It may be a little less luxurious, with no drinking water and no bins, but there are toilet and shower facilities, fire pits, washing amenities and picnic tables onsite. Take a stroll to nearby Gibraltar Falls for a refreshing wild swim.

a scenic view of Woods Reserve Campground in Canberra
Embrace seclusion in the lush bushlands at Woods Reserve Campground.

Address: Corin Road, Paddys River ACT

For more recommendations on where to stay, read our guide to Canberra accommodation for everything from hotels to Airbnbs.
Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
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How to turn a summer weekend into an unforgettable cruise holiday

Why settle for another landlocked weekend away when you could spend a thrilling few days sipping cocktails poolside with friends and family, taking in a Broadway-style musical, and having once-in-a-lifetime adventures—all without leaving Australia?

Royal Caribbean’s summer 2025/26 season packs all the excitement and variety of a cruise holiday into a new lineup of weekend getaways. There’s something for everyone on board, from your mum who just wants to relax at a spa to your adrenaline-junkie mate who is keen to skydive in a simulator on the deck. With two world-class ships making debut voyages from Brisbane and Sydney, there’s never been a better time to plan the ultimate short getaway with a Royal Caribbean Australia cruise.

Why cruise?

Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruises cruising from Australia.
The ultimate adventure, close to home.

On a short cruise holiday, you’ll set sail with zero planning stress, booking drama, or traffic woes, knowing your itinerary is jam-packed with fine dining and adventure (or relaxation, if that’s more your vibe). And everyone’s needs will be catered to, from your parents to your gourmand partner to your toddler niece. All main meals* and most onboard activities are seamlessly included in your fare, from Royal Caribbean Entertainment to the Adventure Ocean® Kids’ Club.

The ship

Boy rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak on Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruises, excitement, thrills, effort, challenge, fun.
Scale new heights at sea with onboard rock climbing.

 

Sailing from Sydney for the first time, Anthem of the Seas® is an award-winning ship. It boasts 360-degree views from its thrilling North Star® observation capsule – the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship, anywhere, stretching an astonishing 91 meters above the ocean. And it offers tailored adventures for families and friend groups alike. 

Thrill-seekers can on the FlowRider® Surf Simulator, or try out the bumper cars. For those looking to chill, relax poolside at the adults-only Solarium with a cocktail in hand. Experience some culture and show-stopping entertainment with a Broadway-style production of We Will Rock You.

Or set sail aboard Voyager of the Seas® , making her debut voyages from Brisbane this summer with a turbo-charged slate of activities, including mini golf and ice skating, as well as The Perfect Storm℠ – a three-storey high-speed waterslide.

Onboard activities

meal at giovannis on a royal caribbean ship
The onboard dining scene is legendary.

Royal Caribbean’s onboard dining scene rivals what you’d find in any top global city, bringing top chefs and inventive flavours from around the world right to your ship’s deck. From Japanese sushi bars to old-world Italian joints, late-night cafes, private room service and five-course, white-tableclothed Chef’s Table culinary journeys, there’s something to suit every mood and palate.

For those craving relaxation, the Vitality℠ Spa and Fitness Centre offers a full menu of massages, facials, hair and nails, teeth whitening and even medi-spa treatments to plump skin and smooth wrinkles. Not to mention state-of-the-art gym facilities. Or take in the pristine views at the adults-only Solarium, a serene retreat space featuring tranquil pools and whirlpools.

Meanwhile, the thrill-seekers in your group can pack more adrenaline into three or four nights than most holidays do in a week. Royal Caribbean’s signature RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator* delivers the singular rush of a freefall without ever boarding a plane. And the 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator lets everyone from beginner boogie-boarders to advanced shredders catch a wave without ever leaving the deck. Launch yourself down a multi-story waterslide against a backdrop of ocean views or grab the whole crew for Battle for Planet Z℠*, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience. Top it all off with rock climbing, ice skating, pickleball, or a game of basketball on the sports court. 

When night falls, the drama amps up with a slate of award-winning shows: We Will Rock You, the Queen musical playing on board Anthem of the Seas®, or Ice Odyssey, a dazzling and futuristic spectacle performed on Voyager of the Seas® ’ very own ice rink. Or bar hop before catching some live music, a comedy show, a silent disco, an outdoor film night, and so much more.

Where can you sail?

people snorkelling on a day trip with royal caribbean cruises
Snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef.

Departing from Brisbane, take a four-night getaway to stunning Airlie Beach, Queensland on board Voyager of the Seas®. Along the way, spend time immersed in Airlie Beach, where you can take a Segway tour, hop on a glass-bottom boat and try an ocean rafting eco-adventure. Book a Shore Excursion and take a trip to the Whitsunday Islands for snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, or hike to secluded beaches in Molle National Park.

If you prefer to depart from Sydney, hop on board Anthem of the Seas® for a five-night holiday to Hobart, Tasmania. You’ll spend time docked in Hobart experiencing Tasmania’s other-worldly beauty and famous culinary scene, from hikes and horse rides on Mount Wellington to strolls through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens to winery tours in the countryside and up-close encounters with Tasmanian devils.

Days at sea are a chance to create your own adventure and savour it all, from the ships’ astonishing breadth of dining experiences and activities to the serenity of the open seas to unhurried moments with loved ones – the most memorable part of any holiday.

Book a short getaway that everyone will love (and don’t compromise on forever memories) at RoyalCaribbean.com.au.

*T&Cs apply. Specialty dining and select beverages and some activities incur an additional cost. Activities vary by ship.