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.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

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