If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly place to stay by the beach, you can’t go wrong with Strahan Beach Tourist Park on the West Coast of Tassie. Park your van on a large, well-maintained site; all sites are pet-friendly and close to amenities. There is a toilet and shower block with decent-sized showers and free hot water, as well as a laundry with three coin-operated washing machines, two dryers, two clotheslines and even an ironing board and iron! Not to mention the new playground, camp kitchen and undercover barbecue area…
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area. Journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway to experience the majestic river and rainforest views; get up close to the world’s smallest penguins on the Bonnet Island Penguin Tour; and explore the Henty Dunes via ATV with Strahan ATV Adventures – bucket loads of fun guaranteed! Click here for more.
If you want to be waterside but beach camping isn’t really your thing, Milang Lakeside Caravan Park offers a tranquil spot to stay right by the shores of Lake Alexandria, where you can enjoy sailing, power boating, windsurfing, kite sailing and fishing – or simply relax by the water. Located on the Fleurieu Peninsula just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Milang is a peaceful town surrounded by wine-growing regions.
If you explore the area, you will find the Port Milang Historic Railway Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Milang’s history. You will also come across a hotel that prides itself on great meals, and a country bakery. The park provides powered sites with sullage, unpowered sites and sites for large rigs, with access to clean amenities, laundry, camp kitchen, dump point and firepits. Click here for more.
This water wonderland will put a big grin on everyone’s face. Not only will you be close to the beach and other tourist attractions in the lovely South West Rocks area, but within the park, the kids will have endless fun on the giant jumping pillow, mini-golf course, swimming pool, toddlers’ playground, water park and waterslide. The year-round free Kids Club on Monday and Friday mornings means you can drop the kids off for an hour of games while you go off to relax.
Pick from powered grass or slab sites, ensuite sites and unpowered sites at the BIG4 Sunshine Resort. The staff offer friendly, 5-star service to ensure you have the best holiday possible. The on-site restaurant, The Full Circle Eatery, offers an unmissable dining experience, serving delicious fresh local seafood, great coffee and mouth-watering sweet treats. There are even friendly ‘roos in the park! Click here for more.
If you want to feel the sea breeze through your caravan windows and hear the waves lap at the shore, but minus the summer crowds that flood to the beaches, look no further than Emu Park, Queensland.
This small, coastal town is 21km south of Yeppoon on the breathtaking Capricorn Coast, with two amazing beaches – Fisherman’s Beach and Emu Park Beach – that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and yes, you guessed it, fishing.
You will have everything you need at Fisherman’s Beach Caravan Park, including three amenity blocks, two laundries, a well-equipped camp kitchen, two sheltered outdoor eating areas, free electric barbecues, two dump points, and even a life-sized chessboard to play with! The beach is a stone’s throw from the park, as is Emu Park Town Centre with its cafes, supermarkets, a pub, library, bottle shop and more. The staff at the park are said to go above and beyond to ensure their guests are happy throughout their stay. Click here for more.
Discovery Parks Barossa Valley boasts one of the biggest water parks within a caravan park in Australia, with five splash zones, two slides, a giant tipping bucket and hundreds of jets and sprays. It’s the perfect place to create those great summer memories with the family! Park your van on a shady powered or unpowered site, where you will have access to the nearby camp kitchen, activity room, barbecue, kiosk, playground, and dump point.
This one’s not just for water lovers though – wine lovers will also perk up at the thought of sampling the wines in Australia’s best-known wine region. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy though, there are also historic buildings (think Lutheran churches with their square spires), museums and art galleries to explore, as well as bush walks and scenic tours that allow you to soak in the views of the surrounding vine-covered plains and hills. Click here for more.
The scenic Great Ocean Road is something every Aussie should experience at least once in their lifetime; the ocean views are simply unrivalled. Before you pack the van or trailer up and head out though, book a few nights at the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park in the lovely coastal town of Lorne, located along the Great Ocean Road and just a stone’s throw from the beach. It’s also a short stroll to the shopping promenade and the beautiful sights of the Great Otway National Park. Conveniently, there’s even a supermarket right by the park.
There are five parks to choose from within the Lorne Foreshore, including Erskine River, Kia Ora, Ocean Road, Top Bank and Queens Park, each with facilities to keep you comfortable while you stay. Whether you are keen on fishing, bushwalking, 4WDing, surfing or just wining and dining, everyone will find something they enjoy here. For more click here.
As with any travel plans at the moment please ensure you comply with national or state advice and make contact with a caravan park prior to travel. Keep an eye out for more caravan parks in 3 we love, 3 we long for.
Words Janie Medbury.
