Australian Summer – Cool Getaways
Want to try and beat the Australian summer heat? We’ve put together a list of caravan and camping spots across Australia to get away from the heat… or to make the most of it!
Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain QLD
Image Credit: Thunderbird Park
With only an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast, you’ll encounter a bush campsite nestled among a subtropical rainforest with a creek and rock pools! Thunderbird Park is described as “a geologically rich oasis with an abundance of native wildlife” and is also Australia’s #1 adventure playground. The Park recommends booking online to save a phone booking fee! And just keep in mind that there is no caravan dump point at the Park.
The Park has powered and unpowered sites (caravan/camping sites are pet-friendly), fire pits, amenities (a brand new amenities block is scheduled to be built), a camp kitchen, and an onsite restaurant and lounge bar. There are many things to see and do, like the TreeTop Challenge, Thunderegg Crystal Mine, laser skirmish, mini golf, bird feeding, plus more!
Kosciuszko Tourist Park, NSW
Image Credit: Kosciuszko Tourist Park
A short drive from Australia’s highest mountain is the Kosciuszko Tourist Park, located in the Snowy Mountains. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you stay within the Kosciuszko National Park, and are surrounded by the local flora and fauna… you’ll most likely see more than one of the “Alpine Roos”!
For a bush camping experience, the Park offers powered sites for caravans set amongst the snowgums for shelter and shade. The Park has a playground, kiosk, and camp kitchen with a guest lounge. There are also plenty of things to see and do around the area like checking out the walking tracks, visiting the nearby Kosciuszko Education Centre, going for a summer scenic chairlift ride, exploring the Yarrangobilly Caves, or going horse riding.
Cotter Campground, Stromlo ACT
Image Credit: Parks ACT
Located in Australia’s capital city, and 25 minutes’ drive west from the city centre, is Cotter Campground. The campground is nestled on the banks of the Cotter River, where you may have the chance to see a platypus in the early morning or the evening! And with frequent visits to the area, you may even spot an emu or kangaroo too! Just keep in mind that the campground is not pet-friendly, and phone reception is unreliable.
The Campground is wheelchair accessible, and has a couple of unpowered trailer/caravan sites (max 6 pax). There are electric and gas BBQs, fireplaces, shelters, and picnic tables, along with potable water, hot showers, flushing toilets, and dishwashing facilities provided. Things to see and do include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, nature watching, and exploring walking tracks.
Warburton Holiday Park, VIC
Image Credit: Warburton Holiday Park
Looking for a river escape? Then set your GPS to navigate to Warburton Holiday Park located east of Melbourne and situated alongside the Yarra River. With close access to the river, it’s a great place to cool off in the summer months! It’s pet-friendly too.
There are powered and unpowered sites, “with some prime river camping positions open seasonally in the warmer months”. You can go fishing, kayaking, or relax on the river with a floating device (just bring some river shoes to help protect your feet). There are also hiking and bike tracks to explore, local markets to visit, and a new Warburton Water World which the kids will love.
Discovery’s Cradle Mountain Holiday & Caravan Park, TAS
Image Credit: Discovery Parks
If you’re holidaying in Tasmania, then you’ll need to visit Cradle Mountain which has been described as “one of the most beautiful places on earth”. And where better to stay and enjoy this special place than at the Cradle Mountain Holiday & Caravan Park that’s next to the world-heritage Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park! Remember to pack some warm winter clothes though – it is known to snow in Tasmania in summer.
The Park has powered and unpowered sites (just keep in mind the Park is not pet-friendly). The Park’s features include a kiosk/store, camp kitchen, BBQ area, and laundry. They’re also in the process of creating some new cabins and sites which will be available to book soon. For activities, there’s plenty to see and do around the area, including guided and non-guided walks, exploring the famous Overland Track, helicopter flights, canoe tours, star gazing, horseback trail rides, and being able to meet the resident Tasmanian Devils.
Discovery’s Lake Argyle Resort & Holiday Park, Wyndham East Kimberley WA
Image Credit: Discovery Parks
If you’re travelling in the northern part of Western Australia, you won’t want to miss the Lake Argyle Resort & Holiday Park that has breathtaking views and an infinity pool! The Lake itself is the second-largest man-made freshwater lake in Australia.
The Park has powered and unpowered sites of various sizes (some areas are pet-friendly), and a range of features including a kiosk/store, resort-style swimming pool, BBQ areas, tour desk, restaurant and bar, camp kitchen, laundry, and Wifi. You won’t be short of things to do here as you explore the nearby attractions. There are boat cruises, family-friendly activities, wildlife tours, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, bushwalking, and more!
NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park, QLD
Image Credit: NRMA Parks and Resorts
Looking for a hinterland getaway in Tropical North Queensland? Then you’ll want to add NRMA’s Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park to your accommodation list! It’s approximately 1.5 hours’ drive south-west of Cairns and is nestled amongst the rainforest with a nearby creek. The Park is also an eco-certified, pet-friendly campsite.
The Park has both powered and unpowered sites, a resort-style pool, BBQs, camp kitchen, and a kid’s playground. Mountain biking, sampling the local produce, exploring waterfalls, visiting the Curtain Fig Tree, birdwatching, or checking out the Crystal Caves are just some of the many activities you can do in the area!
Do you have a favourite summer location to stay at in your caravan?
If you have a favourite caravan park or campground you recommend staying at in the summer months, we’d love for you to share it with us via our Facebook page – include a photo too!
Find out all you need to know about our Winjana RV vans on our website. Please also feel free to contact us direct at Winjana RV, and we will be very happy to assist and answer any questions.
Winjana RV (Adventure RV P/L)
Contact: Andrew Brennen on (07) 4638 3576
