The Best Caravan Parks In Australia By State

Many of today’s caravan parks are eco-friendly, plonked on some of the best coastal or inland real estate in the country, and offer facilities bordering on resort-level quality.

As an option for travellers on a budget, they are not to be mocked. Here’s AT’s pick of the parks that are doing it properly.

New South Wales

Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Yamba

Yamba, known to most as a quaint fishing village and surf spot, is becoming famous for its caravan park.

Yamba’s dramatic position on the Pacific coast offers up awesome views

Topping most travellers’ lists as the ultimate caravan park to spend a family holiday, the Blue Dolphin combines three important features: location, relaxing atmosphere and activities to entertain the kids.

Located at the mouth of the mighty Clarence River, the park is set among 15 acres of tropical gardens and is close to seven nearby surfing beaches, an 18-hole golf course, and a bowling club – all of which bask in the sun of northern NSW year round.

Don’t miss: Sampling a Yamba Prawn.

Details: From $30/night, Yamba Rd, Yamba (02) 6646 2194.

First Sun Caravan Park, Byron Bay

Cape Byron is the most easterly point of Australia’s mainland, and so, situated right on the foreshore of Byron’s main beach, this holiday park really does enjoy views of the first sun each day.

Bluewater on the Beach Belongil Beach Byron Bay — Bluewater on the Beach, Belongil Beach, Byron Bay.

There’s not much to obstruct its guests views, either; the sites are located right on the main beach foreshore. Over the years, Byron has become a Mecca for groovy lovers of fun, sun and all things alternative.

This park is located just a short walk from all major attractions so you won’t miss a beat.

Don’t miss: A leisurely stroll to the Lighthouse and its stunning views of the South Pacific Ocean.

Details: From $50/night, Lawson St, Byron Bay, www.bshp.com.au/first, (02) 6685 6544.

Huskisson Beach Tourist Resort, Jervis Bay

An easy two hours south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is the perfect place to spend the weekend or an extended break.

One of the many beautiful white sand coves at Jervis Bay

Far enough away to relax, this park boasts spotless facilities and stunning surrounds. But if you tire of lazing in the crystal clear waters or wandering through parklands, you do have other options: just walking distance from the town of “Husky", this caravan park is close to specialty stores, restaurants, cafes, the local pub and much, much more.

Don’t miss: A visit to Hyams Beach, reputed to have the whitest sand in the world.

Details: From $35/night, Beach St, Huskisson, 1300 733 027.

Western Australia

Esperance Seafront Caravan Park

Home to some of Australia’s most stunning coastline, Esperance’s beaches are considered among the best in the world.

Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA. — The perfection of Lucky Bay, Esperance.

The Esperance Seafront Caravan Park is right on the seafront of Esperance Bay just 50m from a safe swimming beach (so all the sites have ocean views) and two klicks from the town centre. Perfect for exploring the rugged national parks of Cape Le Grand, the nearby pink lake and the cobalt blue water of the Bay of Isles.

Don’t Miss: The resident sea lion that lives under the nearby fishing jetty.

Details: From $26/night, Goldfields Road, Esperance, (08) 9071 1251.

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Camping

On everyone’s to-do list is swimming with dolphins.

Monkey Mia is one of those rare places in Australia where dolphin visitation is daily, rather than seasonal, and the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers a human-dolphin interaction program for free. This absolute beachfront camping resort is in the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

Don’t miss: Snorkelling or boating in crystal clear waters, a camel ride or an Aboriginal Cultural Walk.

Details: From $31/night, (08) 9948 1320.

Peoples Park Caravan Village, Coral Bay

If you’re planning a trip out of season but still want to bathe in warm ocean waters without getting attacked by stingers, head to Peoples Park Caravan Village, Coral Bay.

The magnificent waters of Coral Bay, WA (photo: Elspeth Velten).

It’s blessed with perfect weather year round and is situated at the southern end of the stunning Ningaloo reef.

Don’t miss: Swimming with whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks and loggerhead turtles.

Details: From $32/night, Lot 11, Robinson St, Coral Bay, (08) 9942 5933.

Queensland

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

This multi-award winning BIG4 camping resort is a parents’ dream.

It has so many activities to keep the kids entertained, you’ll hardly see them.

Even though this resort is just seven minutes from the town centre, you won’t want to leave as all the activities are free and include three swimming pools, tennis courts, 18-hole minigolf, volleyball, badminton, basketball, huge adventure playground and enormous jumping pillow and outdoor movies (to name a few).

Don’t miss: A stroll through the 28acres of immaculate grounds, rainforest areas and tropical gardens.

Details: From $36/night, Corner of Bruce Hwy and Anderson Rd, Cairns, (07) 4054 6644.

Dalrymple Tourist Van Park, Charters Towers

Less than two kilometres outside of the historic mining centre of Charters Towers , you’re in for country hospitality and first-class (clean) facilities – the Park’s award-winning point of difference.

Owners Gayle and Don Peters really do go the extra mile to make guests feel at home. Whether this is by providing info about the sites around Charters Towers or by placing freshly picked flowers in the ladies toilets, their service is tip-top.

Don’t miss: Toasting marshmallows at Dalrymple’s campfire – a great spot to meet fellow travellers.

Details: From $25/night, 24 Dalrymple Rd, Charters Towers, (07) 4787 1121.

1770 Camping Ground

This little gem is filled with happy campers that call out “another day in paradise!" as they pass one another at the shower block.

The stunning coastline around Sunrise at 1770.

Guests can catch their own mud crabs and fish for dinner, and what it lacks in facilities it more than makes up for in natural attractions, allowing campers to relax and reflect.

But make sure you call early to reserve an absolute beachfront site as these book up quickly.

Don’t miss: A day-trip out to Lady Musgrave Island.

Details: From $27/night, 641 Captain Cook Drive, Agnes Water, (07) 4974 9286.

Noosa Tewantin Caravan Park

Noosa was established as a hippy commune in the ‘60s but now, unlike Byron Bay, the hippies have been totally replaced by yuppies.

Although Noosa’s laidback atmosphere has remained the same, its prices have sky rocketed. This Park provides travellers with an inexpensive place to stay just a stone’s throw away from the centre of town.

Don’t miss: A trip to the Eumundi Markets and a stroll among the beautiful people along Hastings St.

Details: From $28/night, 143 Moorindil Street, Tewantin, (07) 5449 8060.

Northern Territory

Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park

Whether you visit Kakadu in the wet or the dry, its natural beauty is unrivaled as a wilderness destination.

Kakadu National Park northern territory — The wild and untouched beauty of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory.

So, when exploring this World Heritage-Listed area, why not stay right in the thick of it? On the fringe of Jabiru Township, Kakadu Lodge is just three hours west of Darwin and perfect for accessing the entire park.

When you return to the park after a day of touring, you can relax by the lagoon-style pool (no crocs!) or at the Poolside Bar and Bistro, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

Don’t miss: A tour of Ubirr for some of Kakadu’s awe-inspiring rock art galleries.

Details: From $32/night, Jabiru Drive, Kakadu, (08) 8979 2422.

Batchelor Resort, Rum Jungle

For lovers of natural beauty who don’t wish to hike endless kilometres in search of the best waterfall or rock formation, Litchfield National Park is the place for you.

Tolmer Falls, Litchfield National Park, NT.

Batchelor Resort is the perfect stepping-off point from which to explore this unspoilt landscape (one of the oldest in the world).

Just 15min from Litchfield, this park makes caravanning easy; not only is there a mini-mart and fuel pump on-site (unleaded and diesel), but the park can organise for tour companies to collect guests from the front of the park and return them at the end of the day.

Don’t miss: The Lost City rock formations, the termite mounds and Florence Falls.

Details: From $30/night, Rum Jungle Rd, Batchelor, (08) 8976 0123.

Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine

Characterised by cascading waterfalls, soaring red cliffs and quirky boabs, Katherine and surrounds is a must-see for any traveller – and Knotts Crossing Resort is at the heart of it all, set among acres of tropical gardens and just a two-minute walk from the Katherine River.

Don’t miss: Where do we start: canoe the Katherine River; cruise along Katherine Gorge; explore the Cutta Cutta caves; or bathe in nearby hot springs.

Details: From $30/night, corner of Giles & Cameron St, Katherine, (08) 8972 2511.

Victoria

Best Friend Holiday Retreat, Yarram

Introducing Australia’s first tourist park specifically designed for people travelling with their four-legged best friends! The park includes fenced areas for dogs to exercise off-leash, a hydro-bath hut, luxury day-use kennels and a dog-friendly playground.

But when you do want to leave your dog behind to sample some of the areas highlights, you can, since all caravan sites are individually fenced. The park managers also organise a range of dog competitions to keep you and your pooch entertained throughout your stay.

Don’t miss: A trip to the local waterfall and a swim in the natural rock-formed swimming pool.

Details: From $35/night, Tarra Valley Rd, Tarra Valley, Yarram, Vic, (03) 5186 1216.

Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park

The Great Ocean Road is synonymous with leisurely driving holidays.

Views of southwest Victoria’s crumbling coastline captivate travellers, as do the historic towns that they pass. Situated smack bang on this historic road is the Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park , nestled among bushland and fronting both the beach and the river.

Bush walks and mountain bike tracks are on hand, as is the famous Bells Beach just around the corner.

Don’t miss: A round of golf at the Anglesea Golf Course where you can gaze out to sea between strokes and even pat a kangaroo.

Details: From $32/night, 35 Cameron Rd, Anglesea, (03) 5263 1583.

Phillip Island Caravan Park

Home to the famous Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island heritage farm and Nobbies Centre, it’s no surprise Phillip Island has been named one of Australia’s top tourist destinations.

The nightly penguin parade on Phillip Island, Victoria.

Set right on the beachfront and wallowing in nature (wildlife, penguins, seals, koalas, mutton birds) with spotless facilities and shady sites, staff at this BIG4 caravan park make it easy for guests to enjoy their stay.

Don’t miss: The Penguin Parade; each night at sunset the world’s smallest penguins, the Little Penguins, come ashore after a day’s fishing at sea.

Details: From $28/night, 24 Old Bridge Rd, Newhaven, (03) 59567227.

South Australia

Arkaroola Tourist Resort, Flinders Ranges

The rugged mountains that rise above grassy plains to form the Flinders Ranges are more than 600 million years old.

Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary in the Flinders Ranges, SA

Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that tell the tale of how this area was created have been passed down for more than 40, 000 years. In the Northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola Tourist Resort contains some of Australia’s most spectacular mountain views and offers numerous eco-tourism-accredited guided tours.

As it’s a wilderness sanctuary, whether you love bird watching, bushwalking, geology, wildlife spotting or 4WD adventures, this park offers a multitude of activities (they even have three fully equipped observatories).

Don’t miss: Banquet in the Bush – a five-course meal held at an open-air dining area on the banks of Wywhyana Creek and Wilpena Pound.

Details: From $20/night, Northern Flinders Ranges, (08) 8648 4848.

Tanunda Caravan and Tourist Park, Barossa Valley

Some of the best wines in the world come from the Barossa: Penfold’s, Seppelt, Jacobs Creek and Wolf Blass to name a few.

The good old Barossa for Quentin and Nigel's loved ones — The good old Barossa

Tucked away just over an hour from Adelaide, this park is minutes from pretty Tanunda at the heart of the Barossa. Guests can hire bikes and take in the vine-clad hills, rustic buildings, Lutheran churches and grand wineries distinct to the area.

So make sure you pack wine glasses when you set off on your next caravanning adventure.

Don’t miss: A trip to the farmers’ market, held at the Vintners Sheds near Angaston every Saturday morning, followed by a complimentary glass of wine at one of the countless cellar doors.

Details: From $26/night, Barossa Valley Way, Tanunda, (08) 8563 2784.

Robe Long Beach Caravan Park

Travellers in the know have long been lured to Robe’s protected beaches and fishing-village atmosphere.

And, like the township itself, the Robe Long Beach Caravan Park operates at a slower pace, allowing you to really unwind. It’s a BIG4 Holiday Park, so naturally the facilities are clean and modern with staff that provide impeccable service.

South Australian Road-trips — The red and white striped obelisk is a landmark in the seaside town of Robe (photo: Michael Wee).

The Coonawarra Wine Region, Mount Gambier or the Naracoorte Caves are just over 100km away, but if you want to stay closer to home, historic Robe has many boutique shops and eateries. If you’re interested in staying at any of the BIG4 Caravan Parks, make sure you check their website regularly (www.big4.com.au ) as they offer great regular deals and specials.

Don’t miss: Four-wheel driving on the beaches and dunes adjoining Little Dip Conservation Park.

Details: From $29/night, The Esplanade, Robe, https://www.big4.com.au/ , (08) 8768 2237.

Tasmania

Discovery Holiday Park Cradle Mountain

The only one of its kind on Cradle Mountain, this caravan park is perfectly situated on the edge of the World Heritage-Listed area, allowing guests to explore the wild landscape with ease.

You can even hire mountain and quad bikes or book horse riding trips from reception.

Breathe some of the cleanest air in the world and enjoy the rugged wilderness with the possums and kangaroos that will greet you at your caravan door of an evening.

Don’t miss: The hypnotic display of stars that light up the night sky.

Details: From $35/night, Cradle Mountain Rd, (03) 6492 1395.

White Beach Tourist Park, Nubeena South

Built by convicts, Port Arthur Historic Site is an important reminder of Australia’s past.

Its well-preserved buildings and prison facilities have made it one of Australia’s top tourism destinations. But after a long day of sightseeing, all you want to do is relax; only ten minutes from Port Arthur, this park is surrounded by white ghost gums, sandstone cliffs and the clear blue ocean.

It’s the perfect place to rest your head.

Don’t miss: A chilling ghost tour of Port Arthur.

Details: From $26/night, White Beach Rd, Nubeena South, (03) 6250 2142.

Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park

Not many people can say they’ve slept at the foot of the remains of a giant volcanic plug.

You could join this rarefied list by pulling in to Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park , right beneath the astonishing landmark known as “The Nut".

Owned and operated by helpful locals Fiona and Tim, who encourage guests to explore the area, this park is a bird-watchers delight as The Nut is a haven for migratory birds such as shearwaters, orange-bellied parrots, kestrels, falcons and fairy penguins.

Don’t miss: Take the path (or the chairlift) the 152m to the top of The Nut and enjoy views up and down the coast.

Details: From $24/night, Wharf Rd, Stanley, (03) 6458 1266.

St Helens Caravan Park

The Bay of Fires is like a well-kept secret you’re busting to tell everyone about.

Colours of Bay of Fires — A classically colourful Bay of Fire aspect.

Its white sand beaches, sparkling emerald waters and red-capped rocks come together to form a picture of coastal perfection – but without the crowds usually associated with such spots. Just 10min away is the award-winning St Helens Caravan Park.

Whether it be fishing, swimming or walking that takes your fancy, this park has it all. But hurry – it won’t be a secret for long.

Don’t miss: Lunch at Angasi Restaurant, which has magnificent views of the Bay of Fires.

Details: From $27/night, Penelope St, St Helens, (03) 6376 1290.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.