The 22 best caravan parks in Australia

We’re calling it. This might just be the big kahuna of family caravan parks down under. It isn’t called an adventure resort for nothing; we’re talking a waterpark with 13 waterslides, a 3.5-acre farm animal park, mini golf, an outdoor cinema and a kids club. All those things we just listed? They’re absolutely free for park guests. Your accommodation is just a few minutes' drive away from Airlie Beach’s tropical stretches of sand and countless day trip tours to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and Whitsunday Islands.

Erase every preconception you have when a caravan park comes to mind. At this cracking spot in Cradle Mountain, you won’t find a square metre of astroturf, no rickety shacks and certainly no ugly concrete paths. Instead, revel in the tranquillity of quaint mountain cabins, snow-capped mountains and more trees than you can see neighbours. The park is situated on the border of the World Heritage-listed Lake St Clair National Park, and marks the beginning of the Overland Walking Track that sees thousands of hiking boots potter on by each year.

Monkey Mia is a magical conservation park area located in the world-heritage-listed Shark Bay. What makes the rusty red dunes and crystal waters so magical? Aside from the stunning colour contrast, Monkey Mia regularly sees the return of wild dolphins (daily, to be exact). The only accommodation option in the vicinity just so happens to be a beautiful resort and caravan park with beachfront access. Whether opting for a bed on wheels or in-cabin, enjoy watching the sunset over the water. Make sure you hold on to your entry ticket to the park – when you arrive, a small fee is charged to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, which includes a pass to see the dolphin feeding right on the shore each morning.

Apollo Bay just about sums up what it means to be a quaint Australian beach town. It’s got friendly wildlife, even friendlier locals, and an awesome 1.5km bike and pedestrian track that runs from the town centre and along the marvellous stretch of coastline. It’s a stop right on the Great Australian Road, so if you find yourself cruising on one of Australia’s most popular road trip routes, this caravan park is a scenic and very practical, stop; it’s just moments away from the Twelve Apostles, the Great Otway National Park and Cape Otway Lighthouse.

For decades, this gem of a town on the very south coast of New South Wales has enchanted visitors and kept families coming back time and time again. Hurry up and buckle up, because the kayaks at Mitchies Jetty won't paddle themselves. Once you've tired yourself out cruising the idyllic waters, kick back and slurp on some specialty Lake Merimbula oysters. The NRMA park sits on a headland that gives 270-degree views of the pretty damn spectacular coastline. There are brand new e-bikes and e-mountain bikes to hire from the park to explore the area, or you can settle in for the evening at the resort-style pool and get the woodfire pizza oven cranking.

This Discovery Park in Barossa Valley will become your temporary home among the gum trees. Of course, it isn’t a trip to wine country without sampling some seriously good drops, so it’s convenient that this park is just a few minute's drive from a multitude of wineries in the area (or if you’re game, and a couple of glasses of vino down, only a few kilometres walk). If you’re really looking to spice it up, Discovery Parks specialises in a fancy glamping option called the ‘Deluxe Safari Tent’. The eco-friendly accommodation is in a private section of the park with exclusive access to a firepit, barbecues, outdoor lounges and a swimming pool.

You’ll need a good night’s sleep after your Crocodile Dundee escapades in the Northern Territory and this lodge located in Kakadu National Park where the Australian cult classic was filmed is just the place to do it. Aside from a couple of hundred camping sites at your disposal, travellers rave about the caravan park’s chilly lagoon-style pool surrounded by lush greenery that is the perfect refuge from NT’s no-joke heat. If you’re sick of food on the road, the park bistro’s specialty is wild Arnhemland barramundi caught fresh from the surrounding billabongs and rivers. Now that's what we’re talking about.

It’s a common misconception that travelling anywhere with tropical waters and palm tree-lined beaches has to be expensive. This holiday park, where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing just metres away, will only set you back as little as $31 a night (or even cheaper if you’re an NRMA customer). When we say no frills – we mean it. The only accommodation options at the park are sites for your tent or caravan. It’s all about connecting with nature and being ridiculously close to pristine beaches and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

This one kind of counts?! On a city rooftop in Melbourne, you'll find six vintage 1970s Airstream caravans – each fitted with queen beds, a rainfall showerhead, luxe bath products and the biggest perk of all: a free mini-bar, stocked with local Victorian drinks and snacks. While they're pretty spenny to rent, you're only ten minutes from Federation Square and will have a secret entrance accessible via a speakeasy. 

Situated on the shores of the pristine Pumicestone Passage, just opposite the beautiful Bribie Island, Big4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort is your slice of paradise without the long-haul flights. This dreamy resort offers a range of accommodation options, from overwater villas floating above a three-metre-deep swimming hole to spacious poolside retreats for families of up to ten. You can also kick back in more casual comfort with safari tents, glamping and beachside caravan sites. With the beach just a stone’s throw away, you can also dive into endless fun with a massive waterpark, jumping pillow, arcade room, and expansive heated pools and spa, all complemented by cosy cabanas.

Big4 Beacon Resort offers everything from powered camping and caravan sites to three-bedroom villas. What’s more is the holiday park has its own day spa plus a 24/7 fitness centre. The resort is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the beach but we recommend hiring a bike from reception and cycling over – the path along the beach is every bit your sea-change dreams. If you’ve got kiddlywinks in tow the park has lots to keep them busy. Big4 Beacon Resort boasts free children’s activities 364 days a year. There are also indoor and outdoor playgrounds, an indoor pool, a tennis court, pedal-powered go-karts and yes, one of those amazing rainbow-coloured jumping pillows.

Just like the name suggests, this holiday park is a treasure trove of adventures for both the young and young at heart. You won’t ever actually need to leave the village, with four resort-style swimming pools, heated spas for unwinding and a tennis court to unleash your inner Lleyton Hewitt. The little ones will be in their element with a giant jumping pillow, a pirate-themed mini-golf course, go-kart hire, and an outdoor cinema for magical movie nights under the stars. When hunger strikes, the onsite Galleons Bistro serves up delicious meals from breakfast to dinner, making it the perfect spot to refuel between adventures. And the best bit? You’re just a stone’s throw away from the iconic beaches and top attractions that make the Gold Coast a world-famous destination. 

This breezy oceanfront holiday park hugs the entire expanse of Easts Beach, offering a huge range of retreats, spa villas, cabins and lofts. Feel the retro vibe as you spend your days oscillating between chilling outside your van or cabin and surfing the waves. Big4 Easts Beach also boasts a big pool complex, aquaventure park, jumping pillow, games room, playground and on-site café. Plus, the kids will be happily occupied for days with school holiday activities and movie nights.