Living proof that great views and comfortable lodgings need not cost the earth, here’s a selection of AT’s favourite holiday and caravan parks in Australia . . .
Conjola Lakeside Van Park
From the decks of brightly painted cabins, sprawling lawns extend to tree-shrouded Lake Conjola on the NSW South Coast. Self-contained cabins have TVs, DVDs and kitchen facilities, with a golf course and bowling club nearby and cattle grazing on the hills adjacent. The hosts are local, and a great source of info on the best of the region’s national parklands. From $26-$250, www.big4.com.au
Boathaven Holiday Park Albury-Wodonga
Landscaped walkways link the tennis court, resort-style pool and playground through the gardens to the shaded sites and variety of villas at this holiday park on the NSW/Vic border. Their vaulted cabins are spacious and tastefully furnished with modern necessities, all placed within ten acres of parkland. From $26-$205, www.aspenholidayparks.com.au
Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Award-winning site with native animals and eucalyptus forests only 10km from Sydney Harbour Bridge. Fully serviced cabins or campsites, this eco-friendly park features bushwalks, riverside picnic areas, four amenity blocks, sheltered BBQs and a bus service. Check out their 24hr webcam for views of wildlife and weather. From $34-$145, www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Bowen Discovery Holiday Park
Ringed by the lapping waters of the Whitsunday waterways, this award-winning holiday park in Bowen, around 40mins north of Airlie Beach, is perched right on the edge of a sandy shoreline, amid cropped grasslands dotted with palm trees. Compact villas sleep up to six with full kitchens and optional spas, or make the most of the tropical weather and camp at the powered or unpowered sites. Snorkelling, fishing, sailing and bike hire are all available for a classic holiday in the sun. From $24-$133, www.discoveryholidayparks.com
Woodman Point Holiday Park
Only 10km from the heart of bustling Fremantle, Woodman Point Holiday Park is inside a regional nature reserve. Good base to walk or bike the bushlands, or fish or swim at the beach. Several chalets, ranging from Deluxe Family with verandahs and wireless, to sheltered campsites. Also a recreation room and playground for the kids. Airport Shuttle Service available, no pets permitted. History buffs will enjoy the history of the park as a quarantine station and munitions and naval area during both world wars. From $40-$248, www.aspenholidayparks.com.au
Merimbula Beach Holiday Park
Perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean on the far south coast of NSW, this holiday park even has a Honeymoon Spa retreat, as well as a beach house that sleeps up to eight. There’s a heated pool complex, children’s wading pool, playground and a wide selection of bungalows and villas to suit all budgets, all with walking distance of the beach and lake. Perfect base for a gourmet exploration of the region’s outstanding seafood. From $25-$615, www.merimbulabeachholidaypark.com.au
Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park
In a lush, secluded setting within Qld’s Atherton Tablelands, Lake Tinaroo is one of Australia’s foremost barramundi fishing haunts. The Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park runs a range of cabins from pet-friendly budget to deluxe waterfront villas, as well as additional powered and unpowered sites. It’s a region thick with platypi and kangaroos, with the stunning Millaa Millaa falls circuit, wineries, crystal caves and walking trails nearby. From $18-$155, www.discoveryholidayparks.com
Port Rickaby Caravan Park
On SA’s Yorke Peninsula, the Port Rickaby caravans are neatly clustered by the dunes, with a jetty stretching into the sea for exceptional fishing. Dolphins swim in the bay, which is also great for snorkelling, and there’s tennis and a kiosk for food, coffees, ice, bait and fuel. Cabins have air-con, TVs and cooking facilities, and outdoors there are areas for tents and sunset campfires. Dogs welcome. From $20-$98 per night, www.portrickaby.com
