7 Best Spots for Family Camping in Australia

The new ‘trend’ is to pack up all your earthly belongings or pop it into storage and vagabond for a couple of months with no plan. Well, except for a plan to hit all the best spots.

But it’s not just a trend followed by digital nomads and the hostel-crowd traveler. More and more families are choosing to unplug and get back into nature, instilling in their children a sense of pride and care in the land that they live in.

Whether you’re looking for a bucket list of the best spots for family camping in Australia or you want a couple of varied options for family activities, these seven parks and holiday resorts are sure to offer you the full experience.

1) Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach, QLD

Close to the picturesque Whitsunday Islands, this adventure park is found right at the heart of Airlie Beach. The park itself will keep you and your family occupied for hours, with its expansive swimming pools and two slides. Just make sure to put on some sunscreen and pack your wetsuits.

Once the kids have had their fill of all the splashing and water-works, head to explore the 3.5 acres of animal park. With its beautiful flora and fauna and babbling creeks, as well as sites for caravans, campervans and open concept cabins, it’s a great way to engage with the natural beauty around you.

2) Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, TAS Set on the edge of Cradle

Set on the edge of Cradle Mountain Lake, this beautiful site is more rugged and close to nature than the traditional holiday park.

Trekkers come to Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain not only for the natural beauty but to experience a host of activities that include the engaging Wildness Gallery and the Night Spotlight Tour. You can also take part in guided and non-guided tours, canoe adventure groups, horseback rides over trails and even helicopter flights that allow you to take in the beauty of the park from a whole new vantage point. Those who are ready for a real adventure trek should pack their hiking shoes and plenty of supplies for the 161,000 hectares of the famous Overland Track.

3) Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park, WA

Pack your bags and hit the white sandy beaches of Geographe Bay in Busselton. Right across is the Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park, with plenty of activities, including swimming, fishing, and even crabbing! There’s something for everyone, especially if you love wine — located in the Margaret River Wine Region, the nearest winery is just 10 minutes away.

The draw of Mandalay is that it has a little something for everyone: Kids will love its on-site facilities, like the water slides, heated indoor pools, and a giant jumping pillow. Meanwhile, adults will enjoy taking in the rest of Busselton, with its beautiful jetty and observatory views of the bay, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, and the mysterious Ngilgi Caves. When you’re done for the day, check in to any of holiday resort’s two-story spa villas, chalets, or cottages. Or, simply park your campervan and pitch up your foldable chairs for the true outdoors experience.

4) Taunton Farm Holiday Park, Cowaramup, WA

Take in Western Australia’s ‘Cape-to-Cape’ experience at the Taunton Farm Holiday Park. Hosting comfortable and spacious family accommodations, Taunton Farm Holiday Park has a little bit of everything going on. Kids will love the daily animal feedings, jumping pillows, and go-kart tracks peppered about the park. Families can also take advantage of the warm summer evenings to sit down to Taunton Farm’s outdoor summer movie screenings, where you’ll have a chance to pack a picnic, meet other campers, and enjoy a good flick or two.

Taunton Farm Holiday Park is also the perfect place to set up camp and explore the Margaret River Region’s natural caves, incredible boutique wineries, and its lush forests. When you’re ready to wind down for the night, there is a range of accommodations to choose from — just take your pick of modern farm cottages. If you’re going to hire a camper van, there are larger to medium sites ready for camping or caravanning.

5) Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, Palm Beach, QLD

With a name that rolls right off your tongue, the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park is located on the Gold Coast and boasts stunning views of the eponymously named estuary. A much-loved spot in Queensland, Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park gives you access to the Tallebudgera Beach when you’re ready to soak in some of that Gold Coast sun, as well as the Burleigh Head National Park if you’re looking to hit the trails.

However, the park itself should keep you occupied for days, with its range of activities such as swimming, boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, canoes, go-karts and a playground. Our advice? Make sure to plan to spend more than a couple of days here.

6) Big4 Adelaide Shores Caravan Park, West Beach, SA

If you’re going to be hiring a campervan to explore Australia, the Big4 Adelaide Shores Caravan Park is a must-see stop on your adventure. Voted the best holiday park in South Australia, and set on 1.2 kilometres of the white, sandy shorelines of West Beach, Big4 Adelaide Shores Caravan Park is usually packed to the brim.

The amenities leave no stone unturned. Expect beautiful outdoor pools with sitting area, a skate park, a games room, mini-golf, and a go-karting track to keep the little ones engaged while you relax on the beach.

(Image Source: australiantraveller.com)

7) NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park, Victor Harbor, SA

Families keen to visit and explore the Fleurieu Peninsula should set their campervan’s course for the NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park. With plenty of camping sites, as well as facilities like a waterpark, pump track, heated pools, and TV/games room, you’ll be able to make this holiday park your basecamp for quintessential Victor Harbor activities. Ever seen a little colony of penguins? Make sure to grab the kids and a camera and make your way down to the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre and sign up for a tour.

You’re probably noticing a pattern here: The best family camping experiences in Australia offer a unique blend of amusement park, holiday resort, and nature camping experiences. While these seven are just a few of our favourite ones, don’t feel limited by this list. In fact, use these as inspiration, chart your own itineraries, and make your goal to see as much of this beautiful landscape as you can — with tons of fun thrown in!

Book a Traveller Autobarn campervan today and you’re halfway to the most memorable family travel experiences already.

We’ve got many more Family Travel Tips to read and inspire you on your next adventure, come and explore.