The ultimate guide to caravan parks in Wagga Wagga and surrounds

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RV-friendly and filled with cafe culture, history and nature trails, it’s worth setting up camp in Wagga Wagga and staying a while.

There are several caravan parks to choose from in Wagga Wagga, and all offer something a little different. Whether you’re bringing along the kids (and the dog) or just want to relax under some shady gum trees before exploring the city, there is a park that’ll both fit your vehicle and cater to your needs.

Big4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga Caravan Park

Big4 are renowned in the RV world for their clean, spacious parks and top-notch facilities, and its Wagga Wagga  caravan park is no exception.

a kids' playground at Big4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga Caravan Park
The kids’ amenities are next-level good.

Nestled on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and just two kilometres from the town centre and its wealth of fine dining restaurants, this park has it all – a pool for swimming in on hot days, a modern playground for the kids, and a massive camp kitchen and BBQ space.

a camp kitchen and BBQ space at Big4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga Caravan Park
Embrace the nomad life in the camp kitchen.

You can pick from grass, gravel and ensuite sites, plus powered and unpowered tent sites. There is also a range of cabins, and the park is pet friendly upon the manager’s approval, including some cabin accommodation.

a pet-friendly accommodation at Big4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga Caravan Park
You’ll find some pet-friendly accommodation onsite. (Image: Big4 Ingenia Holidays Wagga Wagga Caravan Park)

Address: 93 Hammond Ave, East Wagga Wagga NSW

Carinya Caravan Park

Adjacent to Charles Sturt University is Carinya Caravan Park , a boutique rural offering with cabins and RV sites. A little more no-frills than some of the bigger parks in Wagga Wagga, Carinya makes up for the lack of bells and whistles with friendly service and heart – you’ll find many reviews that praise owners Andrew and Fiona for their hospitality.

Carinya Caravan Park is pet friendly (including cabins), and they also offer long-term stays. However, it’s worth noting that it is one of the furthest caravan parks from the Wagga Wagga CBD, so if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in town or aren’t coming by car, this might not be the right pick.

the exterior of Carinya Caravan Park, Wagga Wagga
Carinya Caravan Park offers cabins and RV sites to book.

Address: 449 Pine Gully Rd, Wagga Wagga NSW

Wagga Wagga Tourist Park

Further out near the airport, you’ll find Wagga Wagga Tourist Park . While this Wagga Wagga caravan park involves a short drive to the town centre for those cafe breakfasts, it has competitive pricing and spacious drive-thru sites, plus plenty of cabin accommodation including self-contained villas and pet-friendly options.

a cabin-type accommodation at Wagga Wagga Tourist Park
There are plenty of cabins to choose from.

Being a little outside of town, this isn’t our top pick for Wagga Wagga caravan parks, but if you don’t mind a commute, the low prices might appeal.

a cosy bedroom inside one of the cabins at Wagga Wagga Tourist Park
Rest in the cosy bed.

Address: 16 Allonby Ave, Forest Hill NSW

Horseshoe Tourist Park

One for those looking for peaceful accommodation, Horseshoe Tourist Park  doesn’t cater to children or pets to the degree of other parks in the area, so makes for a good choice if you want a quieter caravan park to unwind at.

The deluxe accommodation is modern and self-contained, and the park has powered and unpowered sites for all sizes of caravans, including big rigs – making this the best choice if you have a large caravan in tow.

a kitchen and dining area inside the deluxe room at Horseshoe Tourist Park
The deluxe accommodation comes with modern amenities.

There is also a swimming pool, free wi-fi, laundry facilities and even a coffee machine. This is our pick for older travellers wanting to get away from the fast pace of kid-friendly caravan parks.

an aerial shot of Horseshoe Tourist Park in Wagga Wagga
Soak up nature views at Horseshoe Tourist Park.

Address: 23 Horseshoe Rd, Cartwrights Hill NSW

Airport Tourist Park

Also situated near the airport is Airport Tourist Park , another competitively priced caravan park. You won’t find all the mod cons here, but accommodation and sites are affordable, and the park is pet friendly.

Facilities include a playground for the kids, washers/dryers, a camp kitchen and BBQs. However, reviews are relatively poor and call out the rundown nature of the park and the lack of facilities.

Address: 36 Allonby Ave, Forest Hill NSW

Wilks Park

This free camping area in Wagga Wagga has great reviews thanks to its clean facilities and proximity to the Murrumbidgee River, plus an on-site dump point and fresh drinking water.

The camping area is in Wagga Wagga North, and has grassy, shady spots for pulling up your caravan – unfortunately, no tents are allowed. Stays are restricted to 72 hours and this spot is also dog friendly. Spaces can fit RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.

the spacious grounds of Wilks Park, Wagga Wagga
You can stroll around with your furry friends at Wilks Park.

Address: Cnr Hampden Ave and Wall St, Wagga Wagga North NSW

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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.