With beaches, forests, reef and islands, Australia’s East Coast is a camping nirvana, says Jennifer Ennion. Here’s where you should go.
You can get the best of the sun, sand and sea just a stone’s throw from BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Park‘s stylishly appointed villas with a stay on the shores of Pumicestone Passage. With a ginormous swimming pool and its very own water park complete with an 800-litre tipping bucket, the park provides entertainment in spades. Bring your own tent and make the most of the barbecues and fire pit, or enjoy a little bit of luxe on your stay in the family safari tent complete with private alfresco dining area.
Drop by … Bribie Island for secluded beaches, lush national parks and a paddleboat trip made extra special by the pods of dolphins that often pass by.
Beachfront at Agnes Water, you won’t find a better location than this. Wake up to the sound of the waves, go for a surf, pop into town for a bite to eat and take the kids to the nearby playground to make new friends.
Make time … to snorkel with turtles at Lady Musgrave Island on the always colourful Great Barrier Reef.
A splash park, giant jumping pillows, mini-golf, playground, indoor play centre, multiple pools, trikes, an outdoor cinema, restaurant and gym make Cairns Coconut easily one of the best holiday parks for families not only on the East Coast but also in Australia.
Make time … for a day on the Great Barrier Reef with family-friendly Sunlover Reef Cruises.
A holiday park with a bush vibe, Habitat Noosa offers families a great mix between comfort and wilderness. There are glamping tents and grass sites on the large property, and mobs of kangaroos welcome you in the mornings.
Drop by … Noosa for a surf, swim and stroll down the boutique- and cafe-lined Hastings Street.
This back-to-basics but perfectly poised campground is a few footsteps from one of Australia’s best stretches of sand: Mission Beach. Replete with Instagrammable palm trees, you’ll undoubtedly park your ‘van and never want to leave.
Drop by … the Rotary Splash Pad at Wongaling Beach. It’s perfect for tiny tots and little ones.
Skip Byron Bay and come to this happening seaside hamlet instead. You’ll still be able to get your sticky chai and organic veggies, but you won’t have to compete with the crowds. The holiday park is opposite the famous Seven Mile Beach and Lake Ainsworth, perfect for water-loving families.
Drop by … Seed and Husk, a wholefoods cafe and eco-conscious store where you can grab a cuppa and get a few extra caravan supplies.
The pirate-themed Shipwreck Island water park, with it slides and climbing net, is the big selling point at this South West Rocks holiday park, but there are plenty of other reasons to stay, too. The on-site cafe, games room, kids’ club, putt putt, go-kart hire and stunning two-storey lodges will also impress
Drop by … the fun Horseshoe Bay Reserve Playground near the surf club in town.
One of the most idyllic towns on the East Coast is Tathra, with its gentle beach, main street of shops and foreshore park and playground. Stay in a luxury spa villa or park the camper on a manicured grass site, and spend your days hopping between pool, beach, playground and kids’ club.
Drop by … Tathra Wharf to cast a fishing line into the sea or grab a coffee at The Wharf Local.
Ideally located on Terranora Creek, this holiday park is the perfect place to stay for water sports. You can kayak on the saltwater lagoon, fish from the shoreline or launch your boat from the private in-park boat ramp. As an added bonus, their Banksia Cabins have been recently renovated with new interiors and outside decking areas, ideal for a relaxing getaway.
Drop by … Coolangatta Beach for a world-class surf break, taking a seat at Snapper Rocks to watch the annual pro surfing events.
Not far from the NSW border, this campground is surrounded by lush national park, making it feel like a world away. Come here to escape the crowds, immerse yourself in nature and explore the waterways.
Make time … for fishing, whale watching, bushwalking and birdwatching in Croajingolong National Park.
It may be small but once you check out this park’s location you’ll understand why it’s on our list. Situated in the fishingobsessed town of Lakes Entrance, campers are surrounded by waterways ideal for boating, swimming and jetskiing. The park even has a jetty, plus fish cleaning and freezing facilities.
Make time … for a fishing charter or wildlife cruise.
You can roll out of bed and dive straight in (literally) to all things Anglesea at this oceanfront holiday park. Spend the afternoon lazing around the outdoor heated pool or testing your swing at the on-site mini-golf course. If you’re bringing the whole tribe, there are spacious accommodation options that sleep up to six, while four-legged friends can also enjoy a coastal escape in cabins that sleep four. Not to mention, surfing, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding are all right on your doorstep.
Make time … to watch the pros Hang 10 at Bells Beach, the famous surf break just 15 minutes’ drive from the park
This secluded beachfront campground rounds out our top 13 due to its proximity to Wilsons Promontory National Park. It’s only about 25 minutes to the entrance, and is pet-friendly.
Make time … to explore the national park on foot by taking the kids on the Prom Wildlife Walk, an easy 2.3-kilometre (return) trail, to see kangaroos, wallabies and wombats.
This article originally appeared in Caravan & Camping with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.
Which park is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.
Main image: Boiling Pot Lookout, Noosa © Queensland Tourism & Events
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