There’s no shortage of awe-inspiring getaway destinations in Australia. One of our favourite ways to explore our sunburnt country is a classic Aussie stay at a caravan park, and we’ve rounded up ten of the best Discovery Parks to get you inspired.

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

 

10 Best Discovery Parks in Australia

Discovery Parks is the largest owner and operator of holiday parks in Aus with more than 80 spots around the country. These are some of our favourites!

Nothing says ‘classic Aussie adventure’ quite like a stay at a holiday park. While we love exploring off the well-worn path, sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) we love to have all of life’s best inventions within arm’s reach – a toilet, a shower, a BBQ – ya know, the good stuff.

Discovery Parks in particular don’t just have the good stuff, they have the best stuff. With unique accommodation options and resort-style properties (hello pool and tennis court), a stay at a Discovery Park is the ultimate way to reconnect with nature, with yourself and decompress from the busyness of life.

So, doctor’s orders are to get yourself to one of these top ten best Discovery Parks in Australia ASAP. We’ve got the lowdown on options from across the country, so all you have to do is find one near you and book it in before someone else does!

And remember: We love our wild and precious places so, as always, leave no trace, respect the local flora and fauna and tread lightly.

1. Pambula Beach, Sapphire Coast, NSW

Location: Sapphire Coast, NSW
Time from Canberra: 3 hours

Discovery Parks – Pambula Beach sits right on the NSW Sapphire Coast. A one minute walk from the glistening Pambula Beach, there’s no beating this beautiful oceanside getaway location with easy access to 45 kilometres of rugged coastline.

This caravan park is tucked into the northern tip of the popular Ben Boyd National Park, so there are plenty of hikes you can try before cooling off in the water. Keep your eyes peeled for Pambula Beach’s resident kangaroos!

 

 

If you’re keen to stay close to camp, you’ll find an activity room for kids and kidults alike, a bouncing pillow, kiosk, playground, spa, swimming pool and even an on-site waterpark. How good!?

2. Cradle Mountain, TAS

Location: Cradle Mountain
Time from Hobart: 4 hours

Cradle Mountain is one of the most epic places in Australia, if not the world, and Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain is quite literally perched on the edge of the  World-Heritage listed Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. How much closer to the action can you get, hmmm?

 

 

An epic wilderness adventure awaits you from the doorstep of your tent, cabin or caravan – all you have to do is choose your path. You can’t miss the famous Overland Track, or a summit of Cradle Mountain’s rugged peak. There’s also canoe tours, horseback trails and helicopter flights too if you’re feeling like a splurge.

With a kiosk, BBQ, camp kitchen and laundry, you’ve got everything you need to make your stay homey and comfy when you’re finished adventuring for the day.

3. Busselton, WA

Location: South West WA
Time from Perth: 2 hours and 30 minutes

For some West Coast exploration, set up shop at Discovery Parks – Busselton. Busselton is one helluva spot with plenty to see and do; experience next-level beaches, prime fishing, world-class wineries, and stupidly good restaurants.

Busselton is the gateway to the Margaret River wine region, so it’s the ideal location if you plan on doing a bit of winery hopping, or are wanting to visit the famous Origins Market – a vibrant community hub showcasing WA creatives, growers and artisans. Or, if you’re craving some beach time, Discovery Parks – Busselton has direct beach access to the sparkling Geographe Bay.

From powered sites, glamping tents, and cabins, there’s plenty to keep the whole family comfortable, fed and entertained (indoor heated pool anyone?) The best part? The whole family can join in – including your favourite four-legged child.

4. Jindabyne, NSW

Location: Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains
Time from Canberra: 2 hours and 15 minutes

For the best year-round adventure destination, there’s no place quite like Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains – and where better to stay than right on the doorstep of Lake Jindabyne at Discovery Parks – Jindabyne with its cool cabins and amenities?

Note: Campsites are normally available but high lake levels mean that they’re currently closed.

Of course we know Jindy has some epic ski fields, but even in the warmer months there’s plenty to see and do, including exploring Mount Kosciuszko National Park by foot, horseback, canoe, car, or mountain bike.

For one of the best hikes in NSW, the 18.6km Mt Kosciuszko summit walk is truly magical. You can head to Lake Eucumbene or Lake Jindabyne for fishing, canoeing, kayaking or water skiing, or marvel at the 440 million year old stalagmites and stalactites of Yarrangobilly Caves before taking a dip in the thermal pool.

 

5. Kings Canyon, NT

Location: Watarrka National Park, Red Centre
Time from Alice Springs: 3 hours and 15 minutes (4WD required), 5 hours (sealed road)

A three hour outback car trip from Alice Springs and you’ll find yourself in the mesmerising Kings Canyon and easily one of the most picturesque campgrounds in all of Aus.

 

 

From lodge rooms to camping and caravanning, whichever way you choose to stay in Discovery Parks – Kings Canyon will be a trip for the memory bank. With undisturbed views of the rugged Aussie outback and facilities like toilets, showers and a BBQ for a starry night cook-up, it doesn’t get much better.

 

 

Don’t skip out on the guided or self-guided Kings Canyon rim walk – a 6km circuit descending into the Garden of Eden and back to the top to marvel at 360-degree views. Head to Lurjita Lookout for insane views of the Red Centre, or see it all from above in a helicopter.

6. Fraser Street, Hervey Bay, QLD

Location: Hervey Bay
Time from Brisbane: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Set on eight acres of subtropical gardens, Discovery Parks – Fraser Street, Hervey Bay is your gateway to the world’s largest sand island K’gari (Fraser Island).

 

 

You hardly need to leave the park with adventures galore awaiting your swag-door, from tennis courts to playgrounds, a huge bouncing pillow, and an excellent camp kitchen (culinary adventures amirite?).

 

 

However, when you do get out and about there are countless things to do in Hervey Bay, like a day-trip to K’gari for an epic 4WD journey, feeding the lorikeets in the botanical gardens, fishing, surfing, swimming in the turquoise waters, and just generally having a good ol’ time.

7. Goolwa, SA

Location: Goolwa
Time from Adelaide: 1 hour and 15 minutes

For a South Australian coastal getaway, pin Discovery Parks – Goolwa in your Google Maps. It’s the ideal home base as you explore the magical Fleurieu Peninsula. From family villas to drive thru sites, there’s a spot for everyone to rest their head, whether you’re a family, camper, or solo adventurer.

If you’ve got a 4WD, lucky you – head onto Goolwa Beach for a day of beach driving and fun in the sun. Or, if you’re keen to get your hiking boots on, Goolwa is a popular gateway to the Coorong National Park and you can head all the way up to the Murray Mouth where the mighty Murray River meets the Southern Ocean.

Back in the Discovery Park you’ll have everything you need, from a pool to playground, bouncing pillow and camp kitchen to cook up a big feed after a huge day of adventuring.

8. Mount Buffalo, VIC

Location: Mount Buffalo National Park
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Kick back, relax and rejuvenate in the heart of the Victorian Alps at Discovery Parks – Mount Buffalo. Nestled in the foothills of one of Victoria’s best national parks, you’ll be close to all the action including the lovely Porepunkah Swimming Reserve and some local shops.

Close to the caravan park is the town of Bright, and the starting point for the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Not for the faint of heart, this bike trail (you can hire a bike from the caravan park too) will see you meander up to 100km of hiking and cycling path that traverses across the best scenery in Victoria’s famous High Country, and passes plenty of local food and wine growers along the way.

When it’s time to get some much needed rest, choose from a range of accommodation options, from shaded campsites to luxury glamping tents on the water’s edge, to deluxe cabins with private balconies.

 

9. Streaky Bay Foreshore, SA

Location: Streaky Bay
Time from Adelaide: 7 hours and 30 minutes

Setting off on an adventure across the Nullarbor Plain? A stop-in at Discovery Parks – Streaky Bay Foreshore in South Australia is a must. In fact, it’s one of SA’s most popular beaches and a true slice of paradise (especially if you’re a keen fisherman, with King George whiting, salmon and flounder commonly found in the area).

For something a little more heart-stopping, kids and big kids alike will love boarding down the massive white sand dunes at Yanerbie Beach, or marvelling at Australia’s only permanent sea lion colony at Point Labatt.

At the end of the day of your Eyre Peninsula adventure, grab a bevvie or two, get comfy in your camp chair and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful waterside setting of Discovery Parks – Streaky Bay Foreshore.

Read more: Explore the Eyre Peninsula

10. Harrington Beach, NSW

Location: Harrington
Time from Sydney: 3 hours and 45 minutes

For a coastal getaway near Diamond Head don’t miss out on a stop at Discovery Parks – Harrington Beach. So close to the water you can feel the salt in the air, this caravan park is the ideal spot for surfers, fishers and adventurers keen on exploring Crowdy Bay National Park by foot.

Cattai Wetlands is a must-visit just ten minutes from the park and ripe for exploring. A beautiful coastal wetland, this hidden gem provides a sanctuary for over 180 different species of birds, kangaroos, wallabies, and goannas.

Whether you want to try a gorgeous safari tent or a deluxe cabin for something a little more lush, Harrington Beach has something for everyone.

Read more: Explore Crowdy Bay National Park

Don’t Sleep on Discovery Parks

Life’s all about the little luxuries, and that’s why we love exploring our beautiful, yet sometimes harsh country from the comforts of caravan park camping.

With a range of affordable accommodation options from camping to treetop spa camping,  everyone – and we mean everyone – suits the Discovery Parks lifestyle.

Learn more and book your stay at one of the best Discovery Parks in Australia.

 

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