With winter coming to an end, it’s time to decide on your spring holiday destination … here are some great selections to get you on your way Bargara Beach Caravan Park, Qld Itching to escape to the beach? We’ve got…
Itching to escape to the beach? We’ve got the perfect place for you: picture a tropical holiday park nestled on the shores of Bargara Beach in south-east Queensland, with sunny skies and a fresh sea breeze. At Bargara Beach Caravan Park, you will be close to the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, and just minutes from trendy cafes, restaurants, and some of the best fishing and surfing spots. While you’re in the area, make sure you see go and see the world famous Mon Repos, the largest loggerhead turtle nesting site on the east coast.
The park has spacious sites to choose from that will comfortably fit anything from big caravans to tents, whether you want powered or unpowered, shade or sun, grassed or concrete slab. There is a camp kitchen complete with a fridge, microwave, cook tops, barbecues and washing-up facilities. The park is family and pet friendly, so bring everyone along!
The Dubbo Discovery Park is a great stay, particularly for families with young kids. It has plenty of features to keep the kids entertained, including an activity room, a jumping pillow, a playground, swimming pool and a water park.
There is also a kiosk, barbecues, camp kitchen, dump point, family bathroom and laundry, so feel free to travel lightly, as you will find almost everything you could need right here at the park. There are ensuite, powered and unpowered sites available from $34-$51.
There are plenty of interesting things to see and do around Dubbo during your stay. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is just 2km from the park, and makes a great family day out. The Old Dubbo Gaol is close to the park too, if you’re keen on learning how punishment was dished out in the old days (unruly children, take note). And if you want to see the night sky in all its glory, the Dubbo Observatory is 6km away.
If ‘beach’ and ‘wine’ sounds like a good pairing to you, you will want to make Busselton, in the Margaret River Wine Region in Western Australia, your next holiday destination. If you stay at the BIG4 Beachlands, you will be surrounded by wineries, and only 3.5km from the Busselton jetty and town centre, where you can visit seaside cafes, restaurants and pubs … not to mention historic lighthouses, art galleries, and, of course, beaches.
There are grass sites for campers, drive-through ensuite sites, and medium-size slab sites for ’vanners. Sites are shady and contain power outlets, a water tap, sullage and WiFi. There is an amenities block, clothesline, laundries, camp kitchen, bike hire and more. Kids will love the giant bouncy pillow, splash ‘n’ play zone, pedal carts and heated swimming pool. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to come along on your stay.
If the beach isn’t your scene, how about a riverside retreat? Cumberland River Holiday Park can be found just off the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, along the banks of the Cumberland River, which is framed by lush green grass and craggy cliffs; it’s a scene that can only be described as majestic.
The river is the perfect setting for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, and offers some delicious salmon for anglers. There’s a popular swimming hole if you want to take a dip, or you can wander down to the private beach.
The holiday park has some of the lushest lawns in the country, and is just 7km south west of popular tourist town Lorne. There are over 80 grassy, flat, unpowered camping sites and six “limited power” van sites. There are hot showers charged at 20 cents for five minutes. There is also a well-stocked kiosk, washing machine and dryer, children’s playground, undercover barbecue areas and wash-up sinks.
A riverfront holiday park that’s just a 10-minute walk to town? Sounds pretty good to us. Berri Riverside Holiday Park is set on a sprawling eight hectares across from the Murray River, in the gorgeous town of Berri, 238km north-east of Adelaide. Within the park is a large beach pool, a giant jumping pillow, a large undercover playground and barbecue areas, tennis, amenities blocks, camp kitchen and WiFi.
With pedal go-karts available for hire, giant kids’ games, and the river, marina and boat ramp a mere 250 metres away, no one will be complaining of boredom on this holiday. The park even runs fun kids’ programs during the school holidays and long weekends. There are bike tracks and walking trails close by, so don’t forget the push bike and sneakers. Just park your van up on one of the 95 large and level powered sites.
Another great riverside holiday destination, this one situated on the banks of the Macquarie River in Longford, Tassie. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Launceston, and even less from the airport, conveniently located within strolling distance of public transport, shops and places to eat. You’ll also be well-positioned for day trips to the northern region, Tamar Valley, and some of Tassie’s excellent wineries.
You can select from 78 powered sites (all with sullage and water) and 50 unpowered sites, some of which are right by the river. There are two amenities blocks, a well-equipped laundry, camp kitchen and large covered barbecue area. Stroll down to the river’s edge for some fishing, or to enjoy the peace and natural scenery. A half an hour drive will take you past some of Tassie’s best-preserved historic homes, including Entally House, Clarendon House and Franklin House, while Mole Creek caves and Liffy Falls are under an hour away.
