Top Merimbula Caravan Parks For An Old-School Getaway

It’s time to literally park your travel plans with a stay in one of the following Merimbula caravan parks.

Merimbula caravan parks offer a lot more than just places to park your van. In fact, like a lot of Australia’s campgrounds and van parks, Merimbula caravan parks feature some of the best beachfront accommodation in the entire country.

According to Tourism Research Australia, caravan holidays are making a comeback after COVID-19, with spend at an all-time high of $10.5 billion in June 2022. Perhaps it’s due to #cossylivs (cost of living) pressures. Or nostalgic memories of road trips.

Whatever the reason, the excitement of sleeping in a caravan kitted out with retro vibes is real. And don’t worry. If you don’t have a caravan, motorhome or home on wheels, you can also opt to stay in a cabin. We won’t tell your righteous #vanlifer mates. Here are some of the best caravan parks and campgrounds in and around Merimbula.

1. Discovery Park Pambula

Caravan parks and campgrounds have come of age, with many batting the concept of roughing it into the long grass and gleaning loyal followers while doing so. A stay in a caravan distils a summer holiday down to the basics where clear skies and lazy days beside the beach feel like life’s greatest luxuries.

an aerial view of Discovery Park Pambula — Discovery Park Pambula is just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

Hidden away within the northern tip of Beowa National Park, guests of Discovery Parks Pambula are reminded that relaxation doesn’t need a wi-fi password. Within walking distance are secluded hiking trails, rugged bays, surf beaches and twinkling lakes. Accommodation options include deluxe and superior cabins and spacious powered and unpowered sites.

a kangaroo at Discovery Park Pambula — Meet resident kangaroos at Discovery Parks Pambula Beach.

2. NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

The NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort has broad appeal whether you’ve got a caravan in tow, want a simple grass site to camp out with the kids or prefer a swanky spa villa with ocean views. While kids will love the heated resort-style pool and water park, parents will also appreciate the food trucks serving pizzas on Friday nights.

an aerial view of NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort — Soak up tropical vibes at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort.

The holiday resort is like a mini master-planned city with million-dollar views and a range of accommodation such as the accessible clifftop cabins near some of Merimbula’s best beaches. There’s also the three-bedroom Beach House with a spa, The Escape, which has an outdoor bath and sleeps eight. And the two-bedroom ocean-view Spa Villas and new glamping tents. Hire an e-bike and head to one of Merimbula’s many marvellous bars and restaurants.

a bathtub at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort — Dip in your private outdoor tub.

3. Merimbula Lake Holiday Park

The beauty of camping or towing a caravan around the Sapphire Coast is that you can go at your own pace, as there’s a lot to see and do in and around Merimbula. You’ve got the esky packed with snacks and fizzy drinks, a couple of beach balls and a cricket bat, some fishing gear, and surfboards.

What more do you need? The pet-friendly Merimbula Lake Holiday Park has extra-large powered and unpowered sites with lots of space for guests to spread out and watch the play of light on the water. The park’s colour scheme is all blues and greens, the surrounding bush brimming with birdsong. Get amongst it. Adventure awaits. It’s one of the best Merimbula accommodation options on offer.

4. Tween Waters Merimbula

Activities are strictly optional at Tween Waters Merimbula on the Fishpen Peninsular, adjacent to Merimbula Beach. Do as much or as little as you like at the Merimbula caravan park which also has cabins, a new motel, and campsites.

While the holiday park is close to the foodie-focused town centre, just a short walk away, it also has a BBQ area, recreation room, pool and bouncing cushion to keep everyone in the family happy. Oh, and bring your doggo; the park is pet-friendly. Want to make your getaway even more off-grid? Tween Waters is renowned for being a great place to kitesurf over summer.

5. Tasman Holiday Parks Merimbula

For many of us, childhood memories revolve around camping, barefoot beach hikes, and being immersed in nature under canvas or in a camper with those we love. While Australian caravan parks these days offer more elevated accommodation options, the idea is still to keep our holidays pretty pared back.

Despite being minutes from Merimbula, Tasman Holiday Parks Merimbula feels very secluded. Camp out under the stars or stay in a family-friendly cabin, cottage, holiday unit, bungalow or villa. The park is tucked away near a pocket of pretty bushland. Not feeling all that adventurous? You can hang out in the heated indoor pool and spa. Or challenge the kids to a game of giant chess or checkers.

6. Tanja Lagoon Camp

Although Tanja Lagoon Camp is closer to Tathra than Merimbula, it’s worth the short trek. Spend the morning picking up goodies along the Gourmet Coast Trail which meanders around Merimbula, Bermagui, Narooma and Batemans Bay. Then plug Tanja Lagoon Camp into your satnav and beeline to your luxury safari tent on the edge of a wild, coastal lagoon.

guests enjoying the Tanja Lagoon Camp luxury accommodation with Navigate Expeditions — Beeline to your luxe safari tent at Tanja Lagoon Camp. (Image: Destination NSW)

Staying here is a community-minded decision as the luxury safari tent accommodation treads lightly on the earth with just four self-contained safari tents, two eco cabins, and a communal meeting place for groups.

an aerial view of Tanja Lagoon Camp, Merimbula — Stay at Tanja Lagoon Camp in the middle of an oasis. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Kangarutha Farm (Tathra)

Expect fresh white linen, and views across paddocks stubbled with native grasses and filled with kangaroos at one of the pretty bellbird glamping sites at Kangarutha Farm , just five minutes from Tathra. There are also a small number of rustic bush camps and paddock sites dotted around the farm, hidden on a sprawling property amid dense bushland.

an aerial view of Kangarutha Farm (Tathra) — Kangarutha Farm (Tathra) is dotted with rustic bush camps and paddock sites. (Image: Jessica Taunton; Navigate Tourism)

It’s all about location at the farm, which is overlooking a dam just a 20-minute drive from Merimbula. Hiking and biking are two of the most popular things to do in the area. Expect to meet some top-level Lycra-clad adventurers who come here to connect directly to the Tathra-Kalaru bike track and Tathra’s many hiking trails.

two people sitting by the bonfire and drinking wine — Sip wine by the bonfire. (Image: Jessica Taunton; Navigate Tourism)

HOT TIP: Merimbula doesn’t really have camping spots outside of the caravan parks. If you want to look further afield the best spots are all in the National Parks . Gillards, Aragannu, Bournda and Saltwater are favourites, although they are not that close to Merimbula.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

7 Merimbula caravan parks and camping spots for an old-school getaway