Best beachside caravan parks in Australia: 12 waterfront stays worth towing to
Looking for a caravan park by the beach? These are 12 of Australia's best beachside caravan parks, with ocean views and beachfront access.
Published on: 12 June 2026
There is something special about waking up just metres from the ocean. Whether it’s the sound of waves rolling onto the shore, salty sea breezes drifting through the awning or watching the sunrise over the water with a coffee in hand, beachside camping has a way of slowing life down.
Fortunately, Australia is home to some incredible beachfront caravan parks. From the surf beaches of Queensland and New South Wales to the rugged coastlines of Western Australia, these parks combine easy beach access with caravan-friendly facilities and some seriously impressive views.
If you’re planning your next coastal getaway, here are 12 of the best beachside caravan parks in Australia.
Best beachside caravan parks in Australia at a glance
| Caravan park | State | Beach | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach | NSW | Merry Beach | Families and beachfront sites |
| NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort | NSW | Corrigans Beach | Family holidays |
| Ingenia Holidays Eden Beachfront | NSW | Legges Beach | Fishing and whale watching |
| Panorama Caravan Park | WA | Shoal Bay | Pet-friendly coastal escapes |
| Coolum Beach Holiday Park | QLD | Coolum Beach | Surf beach access |
| Turtle Sands Nature Resort | QLD | Mon Repos Beach | Turtle encounters |
| BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park | VIC | Apollo Bay | Great Ocean Road trips |
| NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort | NSW | Merimbula Beach | South Coast getaways |
| NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park | QLD | Agnes Water Main Beach | Southern Great Barrier Reef |
| Reflections Seal Rocks Holiday Park | NSW | Number One Beach | Coastal seclusion |
| BIG4 Dongara Denison Beach Holiday Park | WA | Port Denison | Coral Coast touring |
| BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park | SA | Horseshoe Bay | Fleurieu Peninsula adventures |
Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach, NSW
Best for: Absolute beachfront camping
Located on the South Coast of New South Wales, Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach is one of those caravan parks where the ocean becomes part of the experience. Absolute beachfront sites put you just metres from the sand, while beach view sites still offer fantastic coastal outlooks.
Powered, unpowered and ensuite sites are available alongside cabins, villas and a beach house for travellers wanting a little extra comfort. Facilities include a swimming pool, jump pad, bike pump track, camp kitchen, playground and pet-friendly accommodation year-round.
One of the biggest drawcards is the location beside Murramarang National Park, where kangaroos are often seen grazing throughout the park. If you’re planning a stay, book beachfront sites well in advance as they are among the most sought-after spots in the park.
NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort, NSW
Best for: Family-friendly beach holidays
Set beside Corrigans Beach, NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort combines waterfront camping with enough family entertainment to keep everyone happy.
Accommodation ranges from powered and unpowered sites through to ensuite sites, glamping tents, cabins and villas. The park features a swimming pool, mini golf course, outdoor cinema, tennis court, playground and pedal karts.
Direct access to Corrigans Beach makes it easy to spend the day by the water, while nearby Clyde River National Park offers opportunities for exploring the wider region. For families looking for a beachside caravan park with plenty of activities, this one is hard to beat.
Ingenia Holidays Eden Beachfront, NSW
Best for: Fishing and whale watching
Situated on Twofold Bay with direct access to Legges Beach, Ingenia Holidays Eden Beachfront offers one of the most scenic coastal camping experiences on the NSW Sapphire Coast.
Powered, unpowered, ensuite and beachfront sites are available alongside cabins and villas. On-site facilities include a jump pad, playground, communal fire pit, tennis and basketball courts, boat ramp access and fishing facilities.
The surrounding area is packed with attractions, including the Killer Whale Museum, local mountain bike trails and some of Australia’s best game fishing. During migration season, whale watching opportunities are an added bonus.
Panorama Caravan Park, WA
Best for: A quieter coastal escape
Overlooking Shoal Bay in Albany, Panorama Caravan Park offers a more laid-back beachside camping experience than some of the larger holiday parks on this list.
Powered and unpowered sites are available, along with easy access to the shoreline. Facilities include a camp kitchen, BBQ areas, laundry facilities and pet-friendly camping.
The location is ideal for exploring Albany and nearby Torndirrup National Park, home to attractions such as The Gap and Natural Bridge. If you’re looking for ocean views without the crowds, Panorama Caravan Park is worth considering.
Coolum Beach Holiday Park, QLD
Best for: Direct access to a surf beach
Positioned directly behind one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular beaches, Coolum Beach Holiday Park offers unbeatable access to the sand.
Powered sites and villas cater to a variety of travellers, while facilities include free Wi-Fi, modern amenities, laundry facilities, family-friendly amenities and direct access to the patrolled surf beach.
Unlike many beachfront parks, you’re also within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and shops, making it easy to leave the car parked while you enjoy everything Coolum has to offer.
Turtle Sands Nature Resort, QLD
Best for: Unique wildlife experiences
Located beside Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg, Turtle Sands Nature Resort offers one of Australia’s most unique beachfront camping experiences.
Powered sites, beachfront sites, villas and glamping tents are available, while facilities include a swimming pool, beach access, EV charging, e-bike hire and an on-site cafe.
The major attraction is the neighbouring Mon Repos turtle rookery. During turtle season, visitors can join ranger-guided tours to watch turtles nesting or hatchlings make their way to the ocean. It’s an unforgettable wildlife experience and one of the most unique beachside caravan park stays in Australia.
BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park, VIC
Best for: Great Ocean Road adventures
Located opposite Apollo Bay Beach on Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road, BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park is perfectly positioned for a coastal road trip.
Powered sites, ensuite sites and cabins are available, while facilities include a heated pool, water playground, pump track, jumping pillow, games room and seasonal kids’ activities.
Whether you’re exploring the Twelve Apostles, walking nearby coastal trails or simply relaxing by the beach, this holiday park makes an excellent base for discovering one of Australia’s most iconic touring routes.
NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort, NSW
Best for: South Coast getaways
Set directly opposite Merimbula Beach, this popular holiday park offers the sort of location that encourages you to spend most of your holiday barefoot.
Powered and unpowered sites, ensuite sites, safari tents, villas and cabins provide plenty of accommodation options. Facilities include a swimming pool, playground, camp kitchen, boat ramp access and direct beach access.
The combination of coastal scenery, fishing opportunities and family-friendly facilities makes it one of the standout caravan parks on the NSW South Coast.
NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park, QLD
Best for: Exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Located directly opposite Agnes Water Main Beach, NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere and easy access to one of Queensland’s most underrated beach destinations.
Powered sites, safari tents and villas are available, along with beach access, camp kitchen facilities, BBQ areas and a kiosk.
The location is particularly appealing for travellers wanting to explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with Lady Musgrave Island and other reef experiences located nearby.
Reflections Seal Rocks Holiday Park, NSW
Best for: Coastal seclusion
Tucked between coastal rainforest and the aptly named Number One Beach, Reflections Seal Rocks Holiday Park feels wonderfully removed from the modern world.
Powered sites, glamping tents and villas are available, while facilities include seasonal fire pits, playgrounds, giant chess and direct beach access.
The surrounding area offers stunning beaches, coastal walks and excellent fishing opportunities, making it a favourite among travellers looking for a quieter beachside caravan park experience.
BIG4 Dongara Denison Beach Holiday Park, WA
Best for: Coral Coast road trips
Situated in Port Denison on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, BIG4 Dongara Denison Beach Holiday Park combines ocean views with easy access to one of the state’s most scenic touring regions.
Powered and ensuite sites are available alongside cabins. Facilities include beach access, fishing, nature walks, camp kitchens, playgrounds and free Wi-Fi.
The area is known as the Lobster Capital of Western Australia and from June to October bursts into colour during wildflower season, making it a great stop for travellers heading north or south along the coast.
BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park, SA
Best for: Fleurieu Peninsula escapes
Overlooking the iconic Horseshoe Bay, BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park enjoys one of the most picturesque waterfront locations in South Australia.
Powered, unpowered and beachfront sites are available alongside cabins and villas. Facilities include a jumping pillow, playground, pedal karts, camp kitchen and year-round pet-friendly camping.
The combination of beachfront camping, historic coastal charm and easy access to the rest of the Fleurieu Peninsula makes this a favourite among caravan travellers.
What makes a great beachside caravan park?
Not all coastal caravan parks are created equal. The best beachside caravan parks offer more than just a glimpse of the ocean from the camp kitchen. Direct beach access, beachfront caravan sites, family-friendly facilities, nearby attractions and plenty of space to relax all help turn a good stay into a memorable one.
The parks above were selected for their waterfront locations, caravan-friendly facilities and the unique experiences they offer travellers.
Best beachside caravan park for families
If you’re travelling with kids, NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort and BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park stand out thanks to their extensive family facilities. Pools, playgrounds, mini golf, outdoor cinemas and kids’ activities mean there’s always something to do when you’re not at the beach.
Best beachside caravan park for couples
For couples looking to slow down and unwind, Reflections Seal Rocks Holiday Park and Panorama Caravan Park offer quieter coastal settings, beautiful scenery and easy access to peaceful beaches.
Best beachside caravan park for wildlife lovers
Turtle Sands Nature Resort takes this category comfortably. The opportunity to witness nesting turtles and hatchlings at neighbouring Mon Repos is a bucket-list experience few caravan parks can match.
The bottom line
Whether you’re chasing surf beaches on the Sunshine Coast, wildlife encounters at Mon Repos or coastal road trips along the Great Ocean Road, there’s no shortage of incredible beachside caravan parks around Australia. The hardest part is deciding which one to visit first.
FAQs
What is the best beachside caravan park in Australia?
There is no single answer, but favourites among caravan travellers include Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach, Coolum Beach Holiday Park and Turtle Sands Nature Resort thanks to their beachfront locations and direct beach access.
Are there caravan parks with sites right on the beach?
Yes. Several parks on this list offer absolute beachfront caravan sites located just metres from the sand, including Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach, Turtle Sands Nature Resort and BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park.
Which state has the best beachside caravan parks?
Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia all have outstanding beachside caravan parks. The best choice depends on whether you’re looking for surfing beaches, family facilities, fishing opportunities or remote coastal scenery.
Are beachfront caravan sites more expensive?
Generally, yes. Absolute beachfront sites usually attract premium pricing due to their views and proximity to the water. They also tend to book out well in advance during peak travel periods.
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