The most beautiful nature destinations for outdoor family getaways

Byron Bay offers families the best of both worlds, with lush hinterland and sandy beaches prime for exploring. Sandwiched in the middle of it all, and only two kilometres from the town centre is Discovery Parks - Byron Bay, prime for surfing, horse riding on the beach, dolphin and whale spotting from kayaks, and bushwalks. If you’re camping, opt for a Powered or Unpowered Site, otherwise there are serene Lakeside Cabins and Deluxe Safari Tents on offer too. The park has uber-cool electric bikes so mum and dad are only a couple of pedals away from zipping into town to grab supplies.

The Lakeside and Riverside Cabins at charming Nagambie Lakes are a water lover’s dream. Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes is bordered by stunning wineries and waterways, the latter of which you can explore via the park’s own charter vessel, the Goulburn Explorer. Or, if it pleases you, bring your own boat. With its own boat ramp, this park is your gateway to fishing and cruising galore. The Standard Two Bedroom Cabins sleep up to seven people, so the whole family can spend quality time together, including your doggo.

It’s your launchpad to the Great Barrier Reef, sandwiched between rainforests and waterfalls. Could you ask for much more natural beauty than what Airlie Beach has on offer? Discovery Parks - Airlie Beach is close to Conway National Park, plus snorkelling, diving and boating tours around the Whitsundays. In-house, there are daily bird feedings, a waterpark and a bike station to keep the fun going. Recharge in Villas and Cabins or Powered and Unpowered Sites, all surrounded by lush tropical rainforest making this park your go-to tranquil offering in Airlie Beach.

Katherine has some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, explorable all in a nifty four-wheel drive. Let the shady Powered Sites at Discovery Parks - Katherine be your base for hiking the Jatbula Trail, exploring the Cutta Cutta Caves, kayaking through Nitmiluk Gorge and soaking in Katherine Hot Springs. If you want a little more glamp than camp, look at the brand-new Deluxe Two Bedroom Cabins that overlook the park’s newly built resort-style swimming pool.

Does it get much more nature-immersive than being beachfront, plus having kangaroos roaming around in your backyard? Discovery Parks - Pambula Beach gives direct access to a stunning stretch of sand on the Sapphire Coast. Soak it all in on gorgeous green Powered and Unpowered Camping Sites. For the beachgoers, there are fishing charters, whale watching in nearby Merimbula, and beautiful picnic opportunities at Haycock Beach. For the local bush attractions, don’t miss out on the furry friends at Potoroo Palace Native Wildlife Park, diving in at Watson’s Waterhole Panboola and strolling along Beowa National Park’s cliff faces.

Escape to Victoria’s High Country for the ultimate appointment with Mother Nature. Discovery Parks - Mount Buffalo has plenty of Powered Sites, from lush grassed spots to prime riverfront locations while the charming cabins sleep up to six people, including some pup-friendly options too. The park is the starting point for hiking or mountain biking on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Take in those Victorian Alp panoramas, they're pretty spectacular. Once you’re back at the park, there’s a pump track so you can keep the fun going.

If you play your cards right (and Mother Nature is on your side) you’ll find yourself in Broome for the Staircase to the Moon. There’s no better place to situate yourself for the main event than Discovery Parks - Broome. It’s a natural phenomenon where the moon illuminates the water in March to October. Discovery Parks is the only beachfront park in Broome with views of Roebuck Bay where the magic happens, and to top it all off you can soak it all in while you soak in the park’s pool overlooking the bay. In fact, you can also take in ocean views from your very own newly built Deluxe Two Bedroom Cabin. For year-round fun, visit pearl farms or the Crocodile Park Animal Refuge and explore the span of Cable Beach with a camel ride.

On Kangaroo Island, the wildlife roams free, just as nature intended. A spot at Discovery Parks - Kangaroo Island will give you front-row seats to kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, geese and seals. They’re particularly abundant at Flinders Chase National Park, which is just next door, alongside the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. With 24/7 fuel and a grocery shop available at the park, you’ll have everything you need to charge up for your daily adventures. We recommend making a pit stop at the beautiful Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.