The 8 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 astro turf, 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.

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.

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.

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.