Escape to an Australian country town at these five rural holiday parks

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city living, it’s time to pack up the car or campervan and head to one of Australia’s picture-perfect country towns. With so many idyllic places to choose from, Andrew Woodward shares his picks of the best holiday parks for families seeking a tree change.

BIG4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park, Cowaramup, WA

For: A taste of the farm life

Once a sleepy and relatively undiscovered town in the heart of the Margaret River region, Cowaramup has gained the attention of holidaymakers thanks to its country charm and easy access to surrounding wineries, beaches and bushland. Within this serene setting, you will find BIG4 Taunton Farm, a unique farmstay experience. The kids will love getting up close to the four-legged locals at the daily animal feeding, and there’s also go kart hire, an adventure playground and – in summer – outdoor movies. Parents will be spoilt for choice when it comes to organic wines and local produce, while kids are sure to be delighted with a visit to The Farm Cafe to sample Millers’ award-winning, handmade ice-cream.

Accommodation: One- and two-bedroom cottages, and powered sites for camping and caravans.
Highlights for kids: Living the country life with daily animal feedings.
Highlights for parents: Family-friendly wineries and heading to the coast for fishing and whale-watching experiences.

BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, Renmark, SA

For: A splash-tastic country getaway

Overlooking a stretch of the Murray River, BIG4 Renmark Riverfront is a dream destination for water-loving families. Pull up a beach chair and relax in one of the pebble beach areas surrounding the resort pool, or join the kids in the water park. When you dry off, head for the games room for a round of pool or table tennis, or swing by the adventure playground where a giant jumping pillow will have the kids bouncing for joy. The park is an ideal base to discover the Riverland region. Dive into the Murray River’s rich history by hopping aboard historic paddle steamer PS Industry, which offers cruises on the first Sunday of every month. Or if you want to explore at your own pace, hire a kayak or canoe and discover the winding backwaters.

Accommodation: Two- and three-bedroom cabins and villas, and powered and unpowered sites.
Highlights for kids: The water park and splash play area is bound to be a hit.
Highlights for parents: Take a houseboat cruise or unwind with some Murray River fishing.

Country Style Caravan Park, Stanthorpe, QLD

For: Fresh country air

Located in the heart of the Granite Belt Wine Country, this caravan park sits just a few minutes south of spectacular Stanthorpe. At 800 metres’ elevation, you’ll get a healthy dose of fresh air and beautiful blue skies. The large caravan park backs onto the serene Severn River, where you can sit among the eucalyptus trees and stretch out by the campfire. For more active holidaygoers, it’s only a short drive to Girraween, Bald Rock and Sundown national parks, where you can hike till you drop and reap the rewards of breathtaking countryside views. The campsite itself offers fully enclosed and kitted out cabins to fit the whole family, as well as riverside space for caravans and tents. Plus, the covered outdoor picnic and barbecue areas are perfect for family cook-ups.

Accommodation: Self-contained cabins with or without ensuite, and powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites.
Highlights for kids: Exploring Girraween National Park and strawberry picking.
Highlights for parents: The food, markets and wine tasting in Stanthorpe.

Armidale Tourist Park, Armidale, NSW

For: Chasing waterfalls

Known for its World Heritage national parks, amazing art galleries and world-class wine tasting experiences, Armidale should be on everyone’s must-visit list. And with cabins and camping facilities for every kind of traveller, from budget studios to new four-star accommodation, it’s hard to go past award-winning Armidale Tourist Park. Boasting a jumping pillow, pool, tennis court and recreation room, the kids are sure to be thrilled with your choice. With dedicated pet-friendly accommodation as well, you won’t have to worry about leaving the family pooch behind. Whether you’re up for a trek to Australia’s secondhighest waterfall or keen for a stroll into town for a meal at one of the chic eateries, there’s so much to see and do nearby.

Accommodation: Standard and superior cabins, pet-friendly accommodation and powered and unpowered sites.
Highlights for kids: Jumping pillow and playground.
Highlights for parents: Indulging in a food and wine experiences with Wayward Trails.

BIG4 Bright Holiday Park, Bright, VIC

For: Autumn nature

A beautiful location to visit at any time of year, but particularly in autumn when the leaves of the poplar, maple, birch and oak trees turn fiery shades of red and orange, Bright is what country holiday dreams are made of. Once you’ve checked out the hiking and cycling trails on offer, why not try something different, such as a visit to the Red Stag Deer Farm or kick back and watch a film at the Cloud9 Cinema? BIG4 Bright is the ideal base to return to after a full day of sightseeing. Located among gardens a short walk from the shops and cafes of the township, the park has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from wellmaintained camping and caravan sites with access to all the facilities you’ll need, all the way to beautiful self-contained villas to make your stay extra special.

Accommodation: Self-contained villas, cabins and studios, and camping and caravan sites.

Highlights for kids: Getting up close and personal with the wildlife at Red Stag Deer Farm, or throwing a line in at Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm.

Highlights for parents: Getting that adrenaline pumping with River to Ridge Adventure Tours.

This article originally appeared in Caravan & Camping with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.

Main image: Stanthorpe © Tourism and Events Queensland

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Australian holiday parks