Revealed: Queensland’s best caravan parks
The Courier-Mail has identified some of the state’s most amazing holiday parks from hidden gems to family-friendly mini cities with entertainment galore. CHECK OUT OUR BUMPER LIST
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For generations they’ve been part of the quintessential Queensland summer holiday.
From the remote corners of the state’s far north and outback to the gentle ripples of Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast, hundreds of holiday parks across Queensland are bursting at the seams as millions of travellers enjoy a summer holiday in an estimated $1 billion bonanza for the state’s tourism industry.
With the help of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland, The Courier-Mail has identified some of the state’s most amazing holiday parks, from hidden gems snuggled in quiet bushland to the family-friendly mini cities with enough entertainment to give even the theme parks a run for their money.
Caravan Parks Association of Queensland CEO Michelle Weston said the diversity of options and locations for camping and caravanning holidays in the state left travellers spoiled for choice.
“We are lucky to be able to explore world class destinations by hopping in the car and hitting the road, not even having to leave the state,” she said.
“Right across Queensland there are fabulous caravan parks and campgrounds, each offering something special – from a laid back beach holiday through to an educational experience in the outback, from bush camping through to resort style park where the family can keep themselves entertained without leaving the park.
“Over the past few years we have seen parks invest in new facilities including some unique accommodation options which have to be seen to be believed.”
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort took out the gold medal as best caravan and holiday park at the recent Queensland Tourism Awards in a hotly-contested category.
Fellow BIG4 park Sandstone Point has also had a big year, ranked No. 1 among the brand’s 200-odd parks nationally for guest satisfaction.
Sandstone Point general manager Julie Daniel said amazing facilities, which includes the recent addition of a swim-up pool bar, and friendly staff, were among the reasons keeping guests coming back for more.
Cotton Tree Holiday Park at Maroochydore is another standout, with the venue booked solid until after Australia Day.
Park manager Trent Hammill said the location – bordered by beach and the Maroochy River, was a major selling point.
“It’s pretty unique,” he said.
A different kind of unique is luring crowds out west to the Julia Creek Caravan park, where guests can soak in an Artesian bath housed in old water tanks under a blanket of incredible outback stars.
It’s one of dozens of hidden gems across Queensland, like the tranquil Esk Caravan Park nestled in Brisbane Valley between Wivenhoe and Somerset dams.
While it caters for all crowds, plenty of guests find relaxation in “The Sanctuary”, a kid-free oasis featuring its own swimming pool.
BEST CARAVAN PARKS
QUEENSLAND’S TOP 5 CARAVAN PARKS
•BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Gold winner of the Caravan & Holiday category at the Queensland Tourism Awards and a fabulous park which has seen a huge level of reinvestment in recent times.
•Cotton Tree Holiday Park, Maroochydore
A Sunshine Coast gem with an unbeatable location next to both river and beach and perfect for families.
•Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, Gold Coast
Books out a year in advance during peak periods and with good reason. On the banks of beautiful Tallebudgera Creek and walking distance to the spectacular Burleigh Headland.
• BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort
Ranked No. 1 nationally for guest satisfaction among BIG4 parks, Sandstone Point has something for everyone. Recent additions include villas, a pump track and swim-up bar.
•Julia Creek Caravan Park, outback Queensland
A unique experience where guests can book into an Artesian Bath housed in old water tanks which open out to an incredible view of the outback.
TOP 5 FAMILY PARKS
•BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
Sprawling space with a huge resort pool, water park, licensed cafe and some dog friendly cabins.
•Nobby Beach Holiday Village, Gold Coast
Nobby Beach blends a village atmosphere with affordable accommodation and amazing park facilities including a new ninja playground, games room, heated pools and mega water slide.
•NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort, Gold Coast
A fantastic range of facilities including resort pools and splash park, on-site bistro, year-round kids club, jumping pillow, minigolf and more.
•Discovery Parks – Coolwaters Yeppoon
Tropical bushland, a calm lake and beachfront surround you on your holiday on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef.
•BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut
Few holiday parks compare in popularity to the award-winning BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut which has water slides, a huge pool and all the ingredients for a perfect family getaway.
TOP 5 PET-FRIENDLY PARKS
•Kirra Beach Tourist Park, Gold Coast
Pet-friendly cabins, self-service dog wash, pet friendly water fountain and a nearby dog park.
•Poona Palms Holiday Park, Poona
Dog wash, a dog park and agility equipment, pet-friendly sites and cabins, all overlooking Fraser Island/K’gari.
•Coral Coast Tourist Park, Townsville
Just 10 minutes from The Strand in Townsville, this park offers cabins designed for travellers holidaying with their pampered furry friends.
•Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park
Your pooch will love the enclosed balcony where they can roam in the fresh air and watch the world go by in a relaxed lakefront setting.
•Bailey Bar Caravan Park, Charleville
Pets get a souvenir dog tag for their stay at this popular TripAdvisor award winner.
TOP 5 HIDDEN GEMS
•Esk Caravan Park and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel, Esk
A picturesque piece of paradise nestled in Brisbane Valley between Wivenhoe and Somerset dams and only an hour northwest of Brisbane.
•Trinity Islands Holiday Park, Fraser Coast
Set on the Burrum River near Fraser Island/K’gari, guests can choose from three islands set on a massive lake.
•Cape Palmerston Holiday Park, north Queensland
Just a short drive off the Bruce Highway near Sarina, this park is close to a secluded beach and national park.
•BIG4 Conway Beach Tourist Park, Whitsunday Coast
Welcome to Conway Beach, population 80. Relax in peace and quiet on a spectacular stretch of Queensland coast.
•Fishery Falls Holiday Park, far north Queensland
Surrounded by rainforest and tropical gardens with a freshwater creek and waterfall, this oasis makes an ideal base to explore Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
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