The best secluded camping and caravan parks that kids love

Remote escapes, fresh air and wide open spaces are more appealing than ever. These are some of Australia’s most secluded camping spots to set up camp and enjoy the serenity.

There’s something invigorating about waking up somewhere completely remote. Luckily, with Australia being as vast as it is, there is no shortage of secluded camping sites to escape the daily grind, disconnect from it all and spend time with family amid nature. From outback glamping to rainforest retreats and holiday parks in rugged bays, here are some of the more alluring secluded stays to add to your bucket list.

Lake Argyle Caravan Park, Kununurra, WA

For an outback stay with style, head to Lake Argyle Caravan Park. Here, you can spend your afternoons in the infinity pool with a stunning view overlooking the expansive lake before retiring to your caravan, tent or deluxe cabin. There is also an onsite restaurant open seven days a week, and plenty of tours leave from the campsite.

Lake Argyle has more than 260 species of colourful birds to spot on a birdwatching charter. Look out for purple-crowned fairywrens, yellow chats and rare Gouldian finches. The lake is home to 35,000 freshies too. Or jump aboard the Lake Argyle Explorer Lunch Cruise to take in the sights, sounds and history of the region. On this full-day experience, you’ll visit Argyle Homestead Museum (a historic pastoral home), take in the stunning scenery of Ord River Gorge, and swim at a remote island beach. Beverages, morning and afternoon tea, and a delicious buffet lunch are included.

Nitmiluk Campground, Katherine, Northern Territory

Pitch your tent on grassy, shaded sites at Nitmiluk Campground. With hot showers, free barbecues and a swimming pool, it’s the perfect base to explore Katherine Gorge. Didn’t pack a tent? Stay in the pre-assembled safari tent village, caravan park or Nitmiluk cabins.

Water babies will love splashing in the peacock-blue thermal springs found around Katherine. Mataranka and Katherine Hot Springs are among the most kid-friendly, with sandy-bottomed pools. Feeling energetic? Hire kayaks and take to the water to explore the stunning and culturally significant Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

The award-winning Katherine Outback Experience is unmissable for families travelling through the NT. You’ll see how working dogs and young horses are trained and get the chance to pat farm animals including buffalo, cows and goats. Storytelling and live country music take this two-hour show to the next level.

Oasis Tourist Park, Coober Pedy, SA

A short walk from Coober Pedy’s main drag, Oasis Tourist Park lives up to its name. Catering to families, there’s a refreshing indoor pool, sheltered barbecue areas and a games room. Choose from powered and unpowered sites, ensuite cabins or a classic Coober Pedy stay in an underground dugout. On Saturday nights, grab a deck chair and head next door to enjoy movie night at the drive-in cinema.

When it comes to exploring, you’d be forgiven for thinking your family had landed on Mars at the otherworldly Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park. Take your time exploring the majestic landscape of unique rock formations and dark red soil and visit at sunset for a truly out-of-this-world experience. Then visit the kangaroo orphanage. Feeding times are at noon and 5.30pm, and kids might even get the opportunity to hold a joey.

Broken Hill Tourist Park, NSW

Broken Hill Tourist Park has families covered with its range of cabins – including the Deluxe Plus two-bedroom cabin which sleeps six – campgrounds and convenient drive-through caravan sites. Its heated pool and central location are what make this park a winner.

Family-friendly things to do in Broken hill include the John Simons Flora & Fauna Sanctuary. It is a haven for native animals such as wallaroos and red kangaroos. Pack a picnic and watch as they roam freely through the sanctuary. Or dazzle the kids with a visit to Outback Astronomy, a dark sky location 10 minutes from town.

Reflections Holiday Parks Lake Glenbawn, NSW

Reflections Holiday Parks Lake Glenbawn is a country getaway by the water.

With a reputation for some of the best freshwater fishing in NSW, Lake Glenbawn is the place to try your luck at catching a bass or two. Or ditch the serenity for waterskiing, wakeboarding and jetskiing action.

If you need a moment on dry land, take the 20-minute drive to the rural town of Scone – the ‘horse capital of Australia’. It has a rich agricultural and equine history. You can also take a selfie with Big Blue a larger-than-life horse sculpture. Or time your visit for May when the Scone Horse Festival kicks off. When the day is done, relax and bask in the million-dollar lake views at your hillside cabin or grassy site on the shoreline.

Karijini Eco Retreat, WA

Karijini Eco Retreat is nestled in the pristine bushland at Joffre Gorge. This environmentally friendly retreat offers unique outback glamping in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Ancient red cliffs, waterfalls and gorges, and emerald green water holes are just some of the beautiful scenes you’ll find here. This is real secluded camping with the closest town 80 kilometres away.

Guests can park their caravan or pitch a tent on the unpowered campsites. There are flushing toilets and solar hot water showers. Or, stay in one of the eco-tents or cabins for a touch of luxury among the rugged surroundings. On site there is also an alfresco restaurant, bar and kiosk where guests can purchase a packed picnic lunch before setting off on an adventure.

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Julia Creek Caravan Park, QLD

Looking for a seriously off-grid adventure? Julia Creek Caravan Park is a must-visit for families that like to go bush with just a touch of luxury.

It’s known for its six artesian bathhouses – aka comfy, outdoor claw-foot tubs boasting epic outback views – allowing all ages to soak in the therapeutic waters. But it is an extra-special treat for mums and dads, who can do so with a glass of wine in hand.

From April to September, hosts Sue and Colin put on a ‘Bush Dinner’ every Monday night – it doesn’t get much more country than a yarn around the campfire with new-made friends with plates of delicious local produce.

Outside of the park, the town is brimming with history. Venture along the historical walk, which is signposted with 36 important sights. Or visit the Duncan McIntyre Museum to check out the Willy’s Jeep Truck display, moon rocks, fossils from the Eromanga Sea and more

Winton, Queensland

For a taste of luxury, spend a night at Rangelands Outback Camp, an exclusive glamping experience for ages 12 and up. Or head to family-owned and -operated Pelican Caravan Park and Cabins for powered sites and cosy cabins boasting all the amenities.

Winton is a wannabe palaeontologist’s dream. Home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History – the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils – and the world’s only recorded dinosaur stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. Parents of bubs will be happy to hear that there are pram-friendly paths, and there’s also an onsite café.

Fossicking for gemstones is one of the most exciting things to do in outback Australia. Take the drive to Opalton – one of Queensland’s largest opal fields – about 120 kilometres from Winton, where the kids will love digging for iridescent stones. Pick up a fossicking licence from Winton Visitor Information Centre.

Wilpena Pound Resort, SA

Wilpena Pound is one of Australia’s lesser-known outback glories. The resort is 430 kilometres north of Adelaide, in the depths of the rugged Flinders Ranges.

There’s no better place to soak up the grandeur of this 800-million-year-old mountain range than Wilpena Pound Resort – the only accommodation within Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Make home on one of their powered or unpowered campsites, or stay in the family safari tents complete with a private deck and fire pit.

Guided Aboriginal cultural tours are available to help you navigate the gorges during the day. Then as evening hits, gather by the fire to witness the mesmerising moment the mountain range changes colour at sunset.

Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes, VIC

Keen to discover Victoria’s lush High Country and learn about its gold-mining history? Make tracks for pretty-as-a-picture Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes.

Perched on the banks of the Goulburn River, accommodations include waterview powered sites, lakeside cabins or, for something more secluded, riverside spa cabins. Whatever option you choose, you’re surrounded by shady gum trees.

An infinity swimming pool, playground with jumping pillow, tennis courts and a bicycle pump track mean the kids will never want to leave. That said, further afield is the quaint township of Nagambie. Spend your days sampling locally grown olive oil and wine at the many excellent vineyards, strolling along the boardwalks at the Tahbilk Wetlands and Wildlife Reserve, waterskiing on the sparkling Lake Nagambie, taking in the spectacular views of the Strathbogie Ranges from a hot-air balloon, or floating along Victoria’s most scenic inland waterway aboard the 12-metre Goulburn Explorer.

Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park VIC

Get away from it all in style at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. The park offers spacious camping, glamping and cabin sites at the foot of the Grampians. It was also voted one of the Best Holiday Parks in Victoria by our readers.

Here, it’s the little touches that guests appreciate. Guests return from a day of hiking mountain ranges to a wood-fire heated pool, modern and clean facilities, and a camp lounge around an open fire.

The kids will be enthralled by the roaming wildlife – kangaroos, echidnas, emus, cockatoos and kookaburras are all local residents. There is also a playground with swings and eight trampolines that are suitable for adults, too. On a hot summer’s day, the nearby Lake Bellfield is a great place to cool down.

Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park, WA

There’s no better place to admire the rugged beauty of Lake Argyle in the remote East Kimberley region than from the idyllic infinity pool at Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park – dubbed one of the most spectacular pools in Australia.

Situated 35 kilometres off the Victoria Highway at the end of a sealed road, the park’s isolated setting, covering more than five hectares, is the perfect place to escape to nature.

Accommodation ranges from camping sites and powered caravan sites to cabins and lake-view villas. Everything needed to complete your stay is on site, including a restaurant and bar, shop with fuel, and an information office offering plenty of tours and tips to explore the area.

BIG4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park, Cowaramup, WA

At BIG4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park you’ll find a farm among the vineyards.

Near vineyards, beaches, bushlands and many attractions of Margaret River, Cowaramup – or ‘Cow Town’ to the locals – is an ideal base to explore the Cape to Cape region of Western Australia with kids.

Just a five-minute drive from town, and set on a once-upon-a-time estate, BIG4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park’s major drawcards include plush country-style cottages, daily animal feedings and wildflower-filled nature walks. The adventure playground, giant jumping pillow and go-kart hire will keep little ones entertained. If Mum and Dad are here for the wining and dining, they’re in luck: the park has done the hard yards for you by creating a map of the best neighbouring breweries, wineries and farm gates to visit.

O’Reilly’s Campground, QLD

O’Reilly’s Campground is set high among the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. This eco-friendly campground is ideal for nature-loving families.

Secluded camping sites cater to all types of campers. Choose from 17 family-size safari tents, 24 campsites and 21 campervan/camper trailer sites with powered options available.

At the heart of the camp is an open-space communal kitchen with stunning views overlooking the McPherson Range. The amenities building and meeting area is known as ‘The Hub’ is perfect for watching the sunset by the fire. Once you’ve settled in, pull on your hiking shoes or gumboots and set off on a rainforest walking adventure seeking out waterfalls, gorges, picnic areas and local wildlife.

Turon Gates Mountain Retreat, NSW

While most travellers flock to the Blue Mountains or the wine region of Mudgee, few are familiar with the beautiful hideaway that lies in between. Sprawled across 2,430 hectares along the Turon River, Turon Gates offers an unspoilt bush setting that, despite only being 2.5 hours from Sydney, feels a world away.

Campsites are unpowered and unallocated, but hot showers and amenities are available. Alternatively, find comfort in the rustic log cabins or glamping tents by the river, or admire the view from the mountain cottages higher up. Fill your days with biking, bushwalking, birdwatching, river swimming, horse riding, marshmallow roasting and stargazing – or simply enjoy the luxury of lazing around.

Huon Valley Caravan Park, Tasmania

Want to meet some cute and cuddly critters on your next family holiday? Head 30 minutes southwest of Hobart to Huon Valley Caravan Park. The idyllic 10-hectare, self-sufficient farm has cows, chickens, ducks, goats and sheep.

Little farmhands will adore collecting eggs from the chook pen, watching how resident cows Honey and Myrtle are milked and munching on veggies straight from the garden. They can even get up close and personal during the daily animal feedings, including the park’s very own Tassie devils.

Day trips to wildlife-rich Bruny Island or the many attractions of Hobart are great. Or simply stay put and breathe in the fresh farm air on an orchard walk, bike ride around the grounds or by the campfire at night.

This article originally appeared in Caravan & Camping with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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