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.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

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