12 of Australia’s best holiday parks with campfires

Nothing says quality family time quite like gathering around a glowing campfire. Just don’t forget to pack the marshmallows!

There’s nothing better than huddling up around a fire during the winter months, sharing stories and making lasting memories. More than 40 BIG4 parks across Australia offer communal or personal fire pits, fire drums or allow campfires in designated areas. And, of course, they’re packed with year-round activities and amenities for the ultimate toasty winter escape.

BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park, NSW

Just 15 minutes north of Batemans Bay, BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park is surrounded by the Murramarang National Park. Relax in cosy accommodation just metres from the beach, and enjoy spotting wildlife on the grounds. Families are particularly well-equipped with the park’s heated pool, jumping castles, buggy rides and kayak hire. Spend an evening warming up by the campfire, then challenge the kids to a karaoke sing-off.

BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park, NSW

Family favourite BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park has fire pits along the riverbank and enough space for little ones to burn off some energy. Its tranquil waterfront location makes BIG4 Deniliquin the perfect spot for some serious R&R – if only while the kids are occupied by the mini-golf and giant chess! Hire a pontoon boat to cruise along the picturesque Edward River or test your patience by fishing on the boat ramp.

BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park, NSW

You’re guaranteed an action-packed riverfront escape at BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park. The onsite water park is popular in the warmer months, but there are playgrounds, a jumping pillow, a bike track, kayaks, pedal carts and more to keep families racing from one adventure to the next, even during winter. That’s not even mentioning the seasonal kids’ clubs, scavenger hunts and outdoor movies! Larger groups can spread out between the campfire,  four barbecue areas and two camp kitchens.

BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, QLD

Just a short drive from Brisbane, BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort is bursting at the seams with entertainment for families. The communal campfire is the place to while away winter evenings – with a hot chocolate from the onsite cafe, of course. Be sure to check out the action-packed games room. Once the kids go in, you can bet they won’t be coming out anytime soon. While you wait, make use of the poolside restaurant and bar.

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BIG4 Cape Jervis Accommodation & Caravan Park, SA

BIG4 Cape Jervis offers a delightful mix of modern features in an authentic country atmosphere, just a short ferry ride from Kangaroo Island. Stay in the lovingly restored Settlers Cottage, Shearers Quarters or Homestead for a good old-fashioned family holiday. Stargaze beside the park campfire or enjoy Devonshire Tea in the Pear Tree Coffee Shop. The kids will love the daily animal feeding and nature playground.

BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park, SA

A glass of wine is the ideal accompaniment to a roaring campfire. At BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park, you can enjoy both amid shady bushland in the heart of the famous South Australian wine region. The park is surrounded by walking and cycling trails, and is just a stone’s throw from cafes, shops and some of Australia’s best cellar doors. The kids can toast s’mores by the campfire while you sip winter-warming reds.

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, VIC

This stellar holiday park is a destination in and of itself. Kids will have a blast hanging out at the communal fire pit, exploring walking trails, and rock-hopping at the onsite Badger Creek. Talk about being spoilt for choice! Expect a jump pad, games room – complete with pool table – and tennis courts, plus a coffee bar and licensed kiosk.  Take your accommodation to the next level with a stay in the Glamping Pods and Family Belle Tents.

BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park, VIC

Rent your own fire drum at BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park, in Victoria’s High Country, for back-to-nature bliss. The Acheron River runs straight through the serene holiday park. Between the mini-golf, fishing, fossil dig, heated games room and park activities like The Amazing Race, there’s never a dull moment. But the fun doesn’t end there – Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is just 40 minutes away, making this a great base for a family snow holiday.

BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park, VIC

The communal fire pit at BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park is sure to send sparks flying. Sheltered within a stone hut, the pit comes complete with an Argentinian-style grill for a truly next-level sausage sizzle. For chilly days there are also DVDs to rent, a games room and a heated pool. The town centre is just a short beachfront bike ride away.  The Great Ocean Road location also offers easy access to the Great Otway National Park, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Otway Fly Treetop Walk and the Twelve Apostles.

BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park, VIC

With its technicolour cabins and five-star facilities, the campfire at BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park is not the only thing to be excited about. Enjoy year-round fun at the park’s indoor play centre or cook up a feast on the sheltered barbecues. Kids will love the pedal go-karts, and splashing in the pool and spa (even in the middle of winter). Just 10 minutes from Bendigo CBD and boasting an onsite convenience store, you trip will be a breeze.

BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River, WA

BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River is not your average holiday park. This unique farm stay offers a number of great winter activities with a side of rustic country charm. Highlights include daily animal feeding sessions and wildflower walks where littlies will love spotting colourful orchids. In the evenings, gather around the barn-style camp kitchen to warm up by the crackling wood fire. For a bonus treat, the Margaret River Chocolate Company factory is just minutes away

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, TAS

This holiday park is the perfect place to base yourself for a few days to explore the Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, St Columba Waterfalls and Wineglass Bay. Enjoy winter strolls through the surrounding bushland, as well as kayaking and fishing in St Helens. Tourist attractions and wineries are all within a short drive. The park features a woodfired pizza oven and unique chain fire-pit surrounded by seating, making it perfect for families and friends to gather.

Campfire safety

Keep in mind that the use of campfires and fire pits is subject to weather conditions, seasonal fire bans and each holiday park management’s discretion.

BIG4 Holiday Parks that permit campfires

Campfires in NSW

BIG4 Bays Holiday Park, Port Stephens

BIG4 Colonial Holiday Park, Harrington

BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park

BIG4 Forbes Holiday Park

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Conjola

BIG4 Moruya Heads East’s Dolphin Beach Holiday Park

BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park

BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park, Batemans Bay

BIG4 Opal Holiday Park, Lightning Ridge

BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park

BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park, Batemans Bay

BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park, Bermagui

NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort

Campfires in QLD

BIG4 Aussie Outback Oasis Holiday Park, Charters Towers

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Rainbow Beach

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Cania Gorge

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Carnarvon

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

BIG4 Maroochy River, Maroochydore

BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort

Kingaroy Holiday Park

Campfires in VIC

BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park

BIG4 Bendigo Ascot Holiday Park

BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park

BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park

BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park

BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park, Bright

BIG4 Swan Hill

BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park

BIG4 Warrnambool Figtree Holiday Park

BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park

Campfires in SA

BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park

BIG4 Cape Jervis Accommodation & Caravan Park

BIG4 Loxton Riverfront Holiday Park

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Port Hughes

BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park, Tailem Bend

BIG4 West Beach Parks (gas fire pit only)

Waikerie Holiday Park

Campfires in TAS

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park

BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat

BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park

Low Head Tourist Park

Campfires in WA

BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park

BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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