Pitch a tent for charity this summer

SPEND a night under the stars to raise money for good causes this summer at various holiday parks across Australia.

camping 11 escape

THERE are two old sayings - charity begins at home and a change is as good as a holiday - and it's that time of the year when BIG4 combines the two and invites Australians to have a little holiday, contribute to charity and, at the same time, make positive change to worthy community causes.

Each year, the BIG4 Camp and Care event inspires thousands of people around the country to spend a night under the stars.

They can rest in the knowledge that the $20 they paid to secure a campsite goes to local charities such as the Country Fire Authority and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

BIG4 general manager of marketing Rachel Pugh says the camp-out not only raises money for charity but also creates a warm community spirit among Aussies.

"It gives people a chance to give back to the community, but it also reintroduces people to the classic Aussie tradition of camping," she says.

This year, Camp and Care with BIG4 will be held on Friday, with more than 100 participating parks from which to choose.

Here are five great options of parks taking part, and you can find more at big4.com.au 

-- BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park

- Kiama, NSW

Imagine emerging from your tent, having a stretch and standing in a valley with a mountain backdrop and beach frontage?

Say hello to Easts Beach in Kiama, which combines the fun of the beach, wineries and local markets with a sense of history from neighbouring towns such as Minnamurra, Jamberoo, Gerringong and Gerroa.

With 4WD beach access and a jetty, as well as a resort pool and two play areas to keep the youngsters happy, one thing is certain you can count on a good night's sleep.

Want a great side-trip?

Take the family to the nearby Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk. The 500m elevated walkway takes visitors to the edge of the forest fall line and offers valley views to Lake Illawarra and the South Pacific Ocean. More views can also be seen from the crest of the walkway's spiralling tower, 45m above the forest floor. 

- More: easts-beach-holiday-park.nsw.big4.com.au

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-- BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park

- Queensland

If you like the idea of seeing forests from above, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is great fun and makes an ideal day trip from Crystal Cascades. Relax in the quiet of the park's rainforest environment, take advantage of the saltwater pool and spa, or the local creeks and waterfalls, or raise the adrenalin levels with some whitewater rafting and bungy jumping. Now that's a camping experience with a capital "A" for adventure.

After the pulse stops racing, lay the foundations of a sound night's sleep with a meal around the camp kitchen and barbecue.

More: cairns-crystal-cascades-holiday-park.qld.big4.com.au

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-- Discovery Holiday Parks

- Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Mother Nature fairly bear-hugs campers in this neck of the woods. Nature walks and wildlife tours offer an up close and personal encounter with Tassie's unique animals, or you can get a bird's-eye view on a helicopter tour of Cradle Mountain.

After a big day out in the fresh air, a large open fire in the communal camp kitchen is a good place to wind down and discuss the day's adventures with family, friends or other campers. 

- More: cradle-mountain.tas .big4.com.au

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-- BIG4 Emerald Beach

- Coffs Harbour, NSW

Adults with fond childhood memories of camping usually can't wait to get their own kids hooked on the great outdoors.

Head for the Emerald Beach park for a classic modern-day camping experience beach frontage, with go-karts, a giant jumping pillow, tennis court, heated swimming pool, playground and volleyball court all close to each site.

Nearby attractions include the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, home to about 12,000 muttonbirds, and, of course, the famous Big Banana. 

More: emerald-beach-holiday-park.nsw.big4.com.au

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-- BIG4 Phillip Island

- Victoria

From big bananas to tiny penguins, Australia's camping facilities offer people a way to "log out" from modern-day stresses. Phillip Island has been a camping haven for years.

Rugging up and settling in to watch the fairy penguin parade is a tradition in the area, which is also known for its frequent sightings of seals and koalas, and great surfing.

The BIG4 park has all the usual camping features and conveniences, adjoins the beach and is within 500m of restaurants, cafes and shops. Get yourself lost at the very cool A Maze'N Things activity centre.

More: philip-island-caravan-park.vic.big4.com.au