Set up camp at these comfy Bathurst caravan parks

Jessica Humphries Jessica Humphries
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Whether you’re a seasoned caravanner or looking for a budget-friendly place to park up, there’s are Bathurst’s best caravan parks.

If you’re seeking a cheap and cheerful way to experience Bathurst and need somewhere to rest your home on wheels, the town’s caravan parks offer a cosy and comfortable base from which to discover the city.

BIG4 – NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park

Where: Right in town

A good option for families, NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park boasts a camp kitchen, pool, games room and other family-friendly activities. The only caravan park in town with cabins on offer, options include powered sites, tents and numerous humble but clean cabins (including one that is pet-friendly).

It’s a little dated but has a certain 90s charm that invites a sense of nostalgia, especially when travelling with kids. The name is a little misleading, as it’s located in the centre of town, about a ten-minute drive from Mount Panorama. But you’ll be close to the town’s best restaurants and charming cafes, so you win some you lose some!

Bathurst Showground

Where: Right in town 

The Bathurst Showground is a great place to set up camp if you’re looking for convenience and proximity to town. Located on the main road, you can park your caravan or set up a tent and take an easy walk to the CBD.

The showground welcomes your furry friends, the toilets and showers are basic but clean, the staff are friendly, and there are powered and unpowered sites. Be prepared for some traffic noise through the night – its a small price to pay to be so close to town.

an aerial view of Bathurst Showground
There are plenty of powered and unpowered sites to choose from.

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Jenolan Holiday Park, Oberon

Where: 30 to 40-minutes drive southeast of Bathurst

While Oberon is certainly not the most bustling of towns, it does offer the quaint Jenolan Holiday Park if you’re looking for something close to Bathurst but away from the hustle and bustle. Facilities include bathrooms, a camp kitchen, barbeques and laundry.

Accommodation options include powered or unpowered sites and a hodgepodge of modern and dated but cosy cabins nestled in the manicured grass under shady trees. Pets are welcome with campers and caravanners and the area attracts some lovely birdlife.

Camping in Sofala

Where: 40-minute drive from Bathurst

Around 40 minutes north of Bathurst, you’ll find the tiny town of Sofala, a small, historic village with a population of just 200. If you’re caravanning or camping around the area and looking for a humble spot to set up, there are a handful of free camping options for lovers of peace and quiet.

an aerial view of Sofala
Soak up scenic views at Sofala. (Image: Destination NSW)
If you’re looking for more luxurious accommodation options with all the bells and whistles, Bathurst offers some gorgeous hotels and motels with everything you need for a warm and comfortable stay.

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Jessica Humphries
Jessica Humphries is a travel and wellbeing writer, with a passion for slow travel, nature, and exploring the world mindfully. Formerly the editor of Australian Yoga Journal and a current contributor to a number of well-being publications, Jessica's writing is inspired by her love for yoga, wellness and sustainable living. Her work is a celebration of the beauty of the world and the joys of gentle travel. She is based in the Northern Rivers of NSW and loves to explore her local area too!
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.