From humble historical towns to some of Australia’s most beautiful holiday destinations, we show you the best places to park your caravan this season CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY IN OUR ONLINE MAGAZINE 1. we love Buckenderra Holiday Village,…
From humble historical towns to some of Australia’s most beautiful holiday destinations, we show you the best places to park your caravan this season
1. we love
Buckenderra Holiday Village, NSW
Whether you’re after a winter retreat or a summer getaway, Buckenderra Holiday Village is an ideal escape centrally located in the Snowy Mountains and set along the shore of Lake Eucumbene. It’s a short distance from Cooma and Jindabyne, and just over an hour from Selwyn Snowfields, Thredbo and Perisher Resorts, making it the perfect base for skiers and snowboarders. It’s an ideal spot to sail, water-ski, swim and fish; in fact, Lake Eucumbene offers fantastic trout and fly-fishing that’s said to be the best in the area.
There are also plenty of opportunities for nature walks, bird watching and photography. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll discover an endless list of things to see and do. You’ll have everything you need at the park, which is dog friendly and offers powered sites for $30 a night for two people, or unpowered camp sites for $20. There’s a playground, games facilities, a kiosk, barbecue, laundry, tennis court and a boat ramp.
2. we love
Kangaroo Lake Caravan Park, Vic
Just off the Murray Valley Highway and a little over three hours’ drive from Melbourne, Kangaroo Lake Caravan Park is an ideal place to set up camp for spectacular lakeside views. The large freshwater lake, surrounded by sand, native vegetation and rural villages, is popular for boating, fishing and water skiing. It’s also a safe place to swim, so don’t forget to pack your cozzies.
For (sort of) land-based activities, head over to the Lake District between Kerang and Lake Boga, a system of 22 lakes, lagoons and marshes where you might spot endangered birds like the Freckled duck, spoonbills, darters and sea eagles.
You will find everything you need at the caravan park, with both powered and unpowered sites, all green and shady with some right up by the water, available from $26 per night. All the sites are located near a well-equipped amenities block. Barbecue facilities can be provided on request, and there’s a general store where you can purchase takeaway food, ice, petrol, gas bottles and fishing supplies. Pets are permitted.
3. we love
Cudlee Creek Tavern Caravan Park, SA
Cudlee Creek is a rural township in Torrens Gorge, just 30km from Adelaide CBD via the Gorge Road – one of the most breathtaking scenic drives our country has to offer. Once you arrive, you will be surrounded by sweeping hills and rugged beauty. First settled by the Kelly family in 1838, Cudlee Creek still contains gems from its history. You can visit the Hannaford Property on Lobethal Road, one of the last original settler’s properties that is still looked after by the settler’s descendants. For a great family day out, head over to the Gorge Wildlife Park, where you can cuddle a koala!
The local tavern, family-friendly and built on old-fashioned hospitality, doubles as a 20-acre caravan park and campground, close to the River Torrens. There are a number of powered and unpowered sites, an amenities block and coin-operated laundry, as well as hot showers. They even have WiFi. There’s also a children’s playground and a small oval, so the kids will have plenty of room to run around. Pets are welcome at the park, so long as they are kept on a lead at all times.
1. we long for
Mary River Wilderness Retreat, NT
For those looking to reconnect with nature, the Mary River Wilderness Retreat is the perfect setting in which to do so. You
can set up your tent or caravan on the lush green grass of the fully irrigated campground, where you can be close to the kitchen, trees or river. You’ll have access to two luxurious swimming pools, the trendy Gecko restaurant, the laundry and camp kitchen, and even free WiFi (although in such a beautiful place, you probably won’t want to be distracted
by electronics).
Sit back and relax among nature at the retreat, or take advantage of their buggy hire and explore the wilderness at your own pace, where you can admire and photograph the array of plants, birds and wildlife. You can also hire a boat (you don’t even need a licence) and cruise along the Mary River. Adventurers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to bush walks, and cyclists will enjoy the bike tracks. Make the most of your time by talking to the tour desk to discover what self-drive and bus tours you can do.
2. we long for
Punsand Bay Camping Resort, Qld
If an adventure set among turquoise waters and golden sand appeals to you, head up north and check into Punsand Bay Resort – the perfect base from which to explore the Cape York Peninsula, undeniably one of Australia’s most beautiful holiday destinations. There’s no shortage of things to do in Cape York – helicopter rides, 4WD tracks, fishing, swimming, birdwatching and wildlife spotting – you might even run into Gary, the resident croc.
Well worth a visit is the nearby Roko Island, forming part of
Torres Strait, a family-owned pearl farm that offers tours set in a tranquil paradise.
Situated 5km west of “The Tip” of Cape York, the Punsand Bay Resort is a beachfront camping ground, accommodation, restaurant and bar all rolled into one. After a day of exploration, you can kick back and relax by the pool or at the Corrugation Bar that offers a selection of beer, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Or why not enjoy a wood-fire pizza as you watch the sun set over the Arafura Sea. If you need to top up supplies, there’s a store on the campground open seven days a week. The resort is pet friendly and starts at $17 per night per person for a beachfront unpowered site.
3. we long for
Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain, Tas
‘Majestic’ is just one of the words you could use to describe Cradle Mountain, widely considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. Surround yourself with this untamed beauty at Cradle Mountain Holiday Park, where you can choose from powered and unpowered sites with access to the camp kitchen, bathroom, hire equipment, kiosk, laundry and WiFi. Visitors from across the pond can opt to stay in a cosy cabin or cottage, depending on their needs and budget.
For a true wilderness walk, check out the Overland Track, or try the guided walk to Marion’s Lookout for breathtaking views of Dove Lake. Adventurous types will enjoy canyoning at Cradle Mountain, and those seeking relaxation can indulge in the spa treatments at Cradle Mountain Lodge or the historical Waldenheim Chalet. Be sure to visit Cradle Mountain National Park while you’re here – a pristine, wild landscape with an ancient rainforest, alpine heathlands and icy streams that flow from rugged mountains.
