We list Australia’s best locations for a caravan getaway
Traditional caravan parks have evolved into destination resorts offering Maldives-style experiences, yet some sites still cost as little as $50 a night.
Caravan parks with new, luxury facilities and views to die – at a “great value” of $50-$60 a night – are feeding a thirst for caravan roadies or cabin holidays.
Caravanners and campers spent more than 57 million nights on sites in 2024, according to Tourism Research Australia, with their getaways worth a combined 13.99 billion.
“There’s been a lot of movement into resort-style campgrounds and holiday parks, offering a full range of facilities and activities for families to do,” the Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW’s Kylie Robertson said.
“They’ve become the destination rather than just an accommodation option … complete with pools, conference centres, bowling greens and golf courses, they cater for all interests, budgets and styles. There’s even facilities for dogs like agility courses.”
BIG4 Holiday Parks CEO Sean Jenner agreed.
“We have seen a significant evolution of what’s available with amenities. The parks many older people grew up with were fairly basic operations but over time there has been a real desire to upgrade,” Mr Jenner said.
“Some (parks) have built over water villas that surround a swimmable dam … you think you’re more likely in the Maldives than a holiday park.”
“They are in amazing locations on beaches, rivers, lakes, in beautiful parts of the country,”
“It is some of the best real estate in Australia yet you can still get a site for $50 or $60 a night. It is a great value proposition.”
While some are a long way from yesteryear’s patch of dirt, dunny block and communal BBQ sites, there’s still plenty of love for simplistic sites too.
Simone and Luke Skinner of Sydney are on a 12 month caravanning lap of Australia with sons Louis, 10 and Beau, 8, “escaping the rat race to spend quality family time together”.
“You sort of crisscross paths with families which is great when you meet them in caravan parks and have a catch up,” Mrs Skinner said.
They nominated the beachfront Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks in Adelaide as one of the best, with great amenities and activities for children.
We’ve analysed Australia’s best caravan site options, from attraction-laden holiday parks to the quiet, free off-grid spots.
These are the cream of the crop of our nation’s best caravanning spots.
BEST POOL:
BIG4 Saltwater Yamba Holiday Park, NSW: With the largest pool in the BIG4 network, complete with a spa, pool bar, water slide, and sun lounges, the park also boasts a water park with slides, water cannons, and a splash pad.
Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park, WA: With a communal swimming pool and a children’s pool, this park also offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from the poolside.
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, QLD: Home to a 32-metre lagoon-style heated pool with water slides and mushroom fountains, this resort also has a water park with 13 slides.
NRMA Mildura Riverside Holiday Park, VIC: This park offers a heated outdoor pool with water slides and a splash pad, as well as a children’s pool.
Discovery Parks Renmark Riverfront, SA: Features a “resort pool,” a water park, and a splash play area.
Oasis Tourist Park, Darwin NT: This park has a temperature-controlled magnesium swimming pool, surrounded by lush, tropical plants.
Capital Country Holiday Park, ACT: This park’s sparkling outdoor pool is complemented by other activities like minigolf and a jumping pillow.
Richmond Caravan Park, TAS: With pools in chilly Tassie few and far between, this indoor, solar-heated pool is available for use during summer.
BEST FREE VIEW:
Swimcart Beach, Bay of Fires, TAS: Beachfront with expansive views of crystal-clear waters and white sands, with many parking spots providing direct access to the beach.
Bunda Cliffs, SA: Panoramic views of the cliffs and the Great Australian Bight. These sites are perfect for caravanners to enjoy sunsets, sunrises, and even whale watching during migration season.
Beauchamp Falls, Beechforest, VIC: This lush rainforest site offers serene views of towering mountain ash trees and thick ferns, and is a short walk away from the 20-metre-high Beauchamp Falls.
Albert Tognolini Rest Area, Pilbara, WA: This rest area boasts magnificent views of the Munjina East Gorge, with its dramatic rocky landscapes and vibrant colours.
Sunburnt Beach, NSW: Picturesque views of Crampton Island and the coastline from within Meroo National Park. It’s free, but a $6 booking fee applies.
Little Yabba Creek, Kenilworth, QLD: Scenic views of a crystal-clear creek surrounded by lush greenery, flat, grassy campsites with nearby walking tracks.
Robin Falls, NT: Picturesque views of a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by tropical forest. Caravanners can park near the creek and take a short walk to enjoy the cascading falls.
Coree Campground, Brindabella National Park, ACT: Set in a tall eucalypt forest, nearby Mount Coree offers spectacular panoramic views of the Brindabella Ranges, Canberra, and the Australian Alps.
MOST LUXURIOUS:
North Star Holiday Resort, NSW: Caravanners can relax at the Seascape Leisure Centre with a lap pool, spas, sauna, and gym, or the waterpark. There’s also onsite dining and massage or hairdressing services.
Big 4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, QLD: Features a heated pool with a swim-up bar, jacuzzi spa, and water park, cafe or restaurant dining, a gym and outdoor games like minigolf and bocce.
Mataranka Homestead, NT: Caravan guests can relax in the on-site Mataranka thermal pools and enjoy live entertainment at the onsite bar.
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, WA: Hosts a daily dolphin feeding experience, kayak hire, sunset cruises and a waterfront bar, as well as tennis courts, two restaurants and two pools.
Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, VIC: Ensuite bathrooms have heated floors and camp kitchens with ovens and dishwashers, with wine and in-tasting events hosted during peak times and tram villas with hot tubs to stay in too.
Crestview Tourist Park, ACT: There’s free coffee every morning, and travellers can preorder frozen meals from the on-site chef with a drink and dessert at dinnertime.
Rawnsley Park, SA: Has its own licensed shop, offers dog minding services and hosts takeaway or sit-in service from its onsite restaurant. Guests can also book helicopter flights which depart from the site.
Scamander Sanctuary, TAS: There’s a bathhouse onsite, ensuite style amenities block for caravan sites and glamping available.
BEST IN STATE:
Nobby Beach Holiday Village, QLD: Offers heated pools, a 35-metre water slide, a ninja playground, a games room, and family-focused events like movie nights and live music. Accommodation includes powered caravan sites and deluxe poolside penthouses, with a camp kitchen and BBQ area.
Alivio Tourist Park Canberra, ACT: Features a water play park, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, bike hire, and a variety of accommodation options, including caravan sites.
BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, TAS: Provides glamping tents, ensuite sites, powered caravan spots, a jumping pillow, games room, indoor and outdoor camp kitchens, and a play area. The park is also pet-friendly.
Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks, SA: Includes a heated lagoon pool, splash zone, jumping pillow, games room, bike hire, fire-pit deck, and communal kitchen. Activities include outdoor movie nights, an activity program, and access to extensive family-friendly facilities.
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort, NT: Offers a pool, jumping cushion, playground, BBQ facilities, camp kitchen, and an onsite restaurant and bar. Accommodation options include caravan sites and cabins, and the park is dog-friendly.
Holiday Haven Lake Conjola, NSW: Features waterfront powered sites, a waterpark, playground, and activities like kayaking, fishing, and surfing. Guests can enjoy serene lake views and a range of accommodation options.
Mandalay Holiday Resort, WA: Boasts three pools (one indoor heated), a water slide, adventure playgrounds, a jumping cushion, lush gardens, and a variety of accommodation, including powered caravan sites and luxury villas.
Valley View Caravan Park, VIC: Offers powered sites, deluxe cabins, a camp kitchen, picnic spots, and cycling amenities like e-bike hire, a bike wash, and secure storage, all complemented by a relaxed atmosphere.
