CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY IN OUR ONLINE MAGAZINE From ginormous rocks to breathtaking beaches, we tell you where to park your caravan to see some awesome tourist attractions WORDS JANIE MEDBURY 1) We Love North Coast Holiday…
From ginormous rocks to breathtaking beaches, we tell you where to park your caravan to see some awesome tourist attractions
WORDS JANIE MEDBURY
1) We Love
North Coast Holiday Parks, Seal Rocks
If you’re travelling up the mid-north coast of NSW, make this holiday park at Seal Rocks one of your destinations.
Nestled between a vibrant green forest and the appropriately named Number One beach, this holiday park is just a 45-minute drive from Forster, making it a great base for exploring the lakes region.
Wade, surf or fish in the teal waters off Number One Beach, take a hike to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse or discover the area’s mountain bike tracks. Tents, caravans and large rigs will all fit nicely on the many larger-than-usual flat grassy sites, which are all powered. The recently revamped facilities will make your stay a comfy one.
We’re sure that you’ll love your time here, whether you want to chill out on the beach or explore the Great Lakes Hinterland.
2) We Love
Cockatoo Downs Farmstay, SA
Anyone who likes the idea of swapping fast-paced suburban life for a calming country retreat should check out Cockatoo Downs Farmstay.
Sprawled over 500 hectares in the Tatiara District, it’s just 1.5km off the Dukes Highway between Keith and Bordertown – less than three hours’ drive from Adelaide. You’ll find 20 spacious powered camping sites shaded by gum trees, and plenty of room for non-powered camping if you really want to reconnect with nature.
There are several designated campfire spots where wood is provided daily (season permitting). For just $20 you can enjoy the farm tour, where you’ll get to feed the goats, emus, kangaroos, deer, water buffalo, Camilla the Camel and more.
The farmstay has a lake where you can canoe (canoes and life jackets provided at no extra cost), as well as a basketball court, volleyball net and archery. Challenge yourself to the hay bale maze or simply sit back and be entertained as you watch others attempt it.
3) We Love
Bruce Rock Caravan Park, WA
Bruce Rock is a thriving agricultural town with plenty of rural charm, located in the heart of the Wheatbelt. The caravan park, within walking distance of the main street, is an ideal place to rest for a night or two if you’re making the Perth to Kalgoorlie journey. And by going this way, you’ll also bypass the traffic and see some lovely scenery.
The friendly and peaceful park has 20 powered sites for $30 per night, a recently upgraded amenities block and camp kitchen, as well as town water, laundry facilities and gas barbecues. It’s right next door to an aquatic centre if you fancy a swim, and just a few minutes’ drive from a recreation centre where you can use the playground and sports facilities.
The local Kokerbin Rock is a must-see – it’s the third largest rock in Australia, covering nine hectares and towering at 122 metres. Fuel up on lunch under the sheltered picnic areas before starting the relatively easy climb to the top of the rock for a seriously impressive view.
1)We Long For
Aireys Inlet Holiday Park, Vic
Get the best of both bush and beach at Aireys Inlet Holiday Park, located along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. It’s a mere stroll away from the beach, a restaurant, café, general store and post office, and you’ll be perfectly situated to enjoy a range of activities: horse riding, mountain biking, bushwalking, surfing, fishing, swimming, and hang gliding/parasailing.
The 12 Apostles or Otway Fly treetop walk makes for a perfect day trip or if you want to stay closer to base you can do a tour of the Split Point Lighthouse.
This park goes above and beyond the basics with a TV/rec lounge, free WiFi, free sheltered barbecues, a solar-heated pool and even a spa in addition to toilets, hot showers, laundry and camp kitchen.
There are four ensuite sites, 22 powered sites with individual sullage, tap and electricity, and 12 unpowered grassy camping sites overlooking the mountains. Pets welcome in off-peak season.
2)We Long For
Brisbane Gateway Resort, Qld
If you’re planning a trip to Brisbane, why not set your van up at a 4.5 star resort? Brisbane Gateway Resort is in a great location – it’s close to the city and a short drive away to some of the sunshine state’s best tourist attractions: Gold Coast theme parks, Australia Zoo and Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk, to name just a few.
When you’re not out adventuring, kick back and relax at the resort among the beautifully landscaped gardens. Have a splash in the salt water swimming pool or sweat it out in a game of tennis, and don’t worry about the kids – they’ll have a ball on the adventure playground or playing Xbox in the rec room.
They have powered sites that cater for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and camper-trailers; each site has water and waste-water services, free WiFi, and is close to modern, clean amenities, including a campers kitchenette, laundry, and covered barbecue areas. No pets allowed.
3)We Long For
Barilla Holiday Park, Tas
Just 15 minutes’ drive from Hobart CBD, Barilla Holiday Park is the perfect place to plant yourself if you’re wanting to explore all that Hobart has to offer. At this family-friendly park, you’ll be surrounded by a bunch of tourist attractions, like beaches, golf courses, the Coal Valley wineries and a nearby oyster farm that’s said to harvest some of the best in the world. You could stroll around Salamanca Market, or visit the quaint town of Richmond where you can check out the oldest bridge and Catholic Church in Tassie. And why not treat the kids with a trip to ZooDoo
Wildlife Park?
At Barilla, you’ll be able to play mini golf, relax in the hot pool and indulge in delicious pasta and wood-fire pizza at Nate’s Gourmet Restaurant. This park offers both powered and unpowered sites, with access to laundry and bathroom facilities, a children’s play area, sheltered barbecue area, camp kitchen with TV, free WiFi and gas refills.
