Caravanning
East Coast Camping Sites
Pack your bags, hitch up your caravan and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.
How to Choose Your Space
Choosing the right caravan park can make all the difference to your holiday. With so many options available, it’s worth considering a few key factors to find a park that suits your needs, preferences, and travel style.
1. Location, Location, Location
Start by deciding which area you’d like to explore. Whether you’re looking for coastal views, a peaceful bushland escape, or easy access to major attractions, the park’s location matters. Research nearby beaches, attractions, shops, and services to make sure you’re close to the activities you want to enjoy.
2. Facilities and Amenities
Choose a park with the facilities that matter most to you. You may need laundry facilities, a camp kitchen, clean amenities, or a swimming pool. Some parks also offer extras such as playgrounds, bike hire, and organised activities. Check the park’s website or contact them directly to confirm what is available.
3. Types of Accommodation
Caravan parks offer a range of accommodation options, including powered and unpowered caravan sites, tent sites, and cabins. Consider your preferred level of comfort and the kind of holiday you want. Families and groups may appreciate the extra space of a cabin, while solo travellers may prefer a tent site or a powered site for their caravan.
4. Reviews and Recommendations
Before booking, read reviews from previous guests. Websites such as TripAdvisor and Google Reviews can offer useful insight into the park’s cleanliness, staff, facilities, and overall atmosphere. These details can have a big impact on your stay.
5. Budget Considerations
Set a budget before you begin your search. Prices can vary significantly depending on the location, facilities, season, and type of accommodation. Check for additional costs, such as pet fees or charges for extra guests, and look for special offers or off-peak discounts where available.
6. Pet-Friendly Options
If you’re travelling with pets, make sure the caravan park is genuinely pet-friendly. It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether individual sites allow pets, so if you’re unsure, contact the park before booking. Many parks welcome furry companions, but they may have specific rules and restrictions. Always check the pet policy before you arrive.
7. Safety and Security
Safety is an important consideration when choosing a caravan park. Look for parks with measures such as gated entry, security cameras, and well-lit common areas. Guest reviews can also help you understand whether visitors felt safe and secure during their stay.
8. Book in Advance
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, consider booking ahead, particularly during school holidays and peak travel periods. Booking in advance helps secure your preferred site or accommodation and may also save you money. Many parks offer simple and convenient online booking.
9. Use the Site Map to Find Your Ideal Spot
Take a look at the park map before you book. It can help you identify pet-friendly areas and choose a site in the location that suits you best. For example, you may prefer more space, shade from trees, or a site closer to nature. A site map makes it easier to select a spot that meets your needs.
Conclusion
By taking the time to consider your needs and preferences, you can find a caravan park that is right for you. Keep location, facilities, accommodation options, budget, and site selection in mind, and don’t hesitate to contact the park if you have specific questions. Happy travels!
Tips For a Smooth Easy Trip
Essential Tips for Caravan Travel
Caravan travel is a wonderful way to explore Australia—or anywhere else—at your own pace. It offers the freedom to follow your own itinerary, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or towing for the first time, these practical tips can help make your trip safe, smooth, and memorable.
1. Plan Your Route
Before setting off, take the time to map out your route. Consider how far you’re comfortable travelling each day, as well as the attractions and stops you’d like to include along the way. Maps and travel apps can help you identify caravan-friendly roads, fuel stops, and campsites, reducing the chance of unexpected detours and helping you arrive safely.
2. Check Your Caravan
Regular maintenance is essential for a trouble-free trip. Before you leave, inspect the tyres, brakes, lights, and fluid levels, and make sure your caravan is roadworthy. Check that all appliances are working properly, and pack a basic toolkit for minor repairs or adjustments on the road.
3. Pack Smart
With limited space in a motorhome or caravan, thoughtful packing makes all the difference. Bring the essentials, choose versatile items where possible, and use storage containers to keep everything organised. Secure loose belongings before driving so they do not shift or cause damage while you’re on the road.
4. Stay Safe on the Road
Towing a caravan calls for extra care and attention. Allow more distance for braking, take corners slowly, and check your mirrors regularly. Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when changing lanes or reversing. If you’re new to towing, a caravan driving course can help build your confidence and skills.
5. Respect Campground Rules
When staying at campgrounds, follow the site rules and be considerate of those around you. Observe quiet hours, dispose of rubbish and waste responsibly, and keep your site clean and tidy. These small efforts help create a pleasant experience for everyone.
6. Embrace Flexibility
A well-planned trip is helpful, but it is equally important to remain flexible. Weather, road closures, and unexpected discoveries may mean changing your itinerary. Embrace the unexpected and stay open to new experiences—they often become the highlights of the journey.
7. Explore Local Attractions
One of the greatest rewards of caravan travel is the chance to explore beyond the usual tourist trail. Make time for national parks, historic towns, local markets, and regional attractions. Connecting with local communities can add depth to your trip and create lasting memories.
8. Stay Connected
Even if you’re enjoying a break from technology, staying connected is important for safety and peace of mind. Keep your mobile phone charged and accessible, and consider a portable Wi-Fi device for navigation and communication in remote areas. Let someone know your travel plans and check in with them regularly.
9. Make Time to Relax
Travel days can be tiring, so remember to build downtime into your itinerary. Take in the scenery, read a book, enjoy a quiet meal, or simply relax at your campsite. Balancing exploration with rest will help you recharge and get more from your journey.
10. Document Your Journey
Capture the moments that make your trip unique by keeping a travel journal or taking photos along the way. Recording your experiences gives you something to reflect on and share with friends and family, while helping you remember the small details that make each adventure special.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy an unforgettable caravan adventure across Australia. Safe travels!
Helpful Apps to Find Your Perfect Stay
We use a few apps when choosing a caravan park or location to camp.
1. Hipcamp: Is helpful for International camp sites.
2. Mapscaping: Find campsite anywhere in the world
3. Wikicamps: In Australia and New Zealand is very helpful for finding available camp sites,
4. CamperMate in a camp finder for New Zealand and Austrlia.
5. Many countries and states have their own links to local camp sites. Try searching on line for find assistance in locating a campsite in your preferred area.
6. Check out the web to see campsite locators where you are headed.