Australia's 20 best caravan parks for families

While the popularity of caravan parks waned a bit in the '80s and '90s, this time-honoured Aussie holiday tradition has experienced a resurgence recently, especially with more people choosing to holiday on Australian soil.

If you're looking for a fresh idea for your next family holiday, here are 20 of Australia's best caravan parks for families. You'll also find plenty of pet-friendly caravan parks included in our list, so your furry family members get to go on holiday too.

QUEENSLAND

Treasure Island Holiday Park, Gold Coast

Any list of best caravan parks for families must include the Gold Coast. For many people, the combination of sun, sand and surf is an irresistible drawcard at the best of times, but when you add in the mix of nearby theme parks and natural beauty of the Gold Coast hinterland, you're verging on bucket list territory for family caravan holiday lovers.

NRMA's Treasure Island Holiday Resort in Biggera Waters is not only a great place to base the whole family, but the facilities offer guests a sensational holiday experience, even if you're a bit over Wet n Wild, Movie World and the other theme parks.

Treasure Island has more than 100 air-conditioned onsite villas and 99 powered campsites (no unpowered sites) with no shortage of shade, including plenty of drive-through sites for vans and motorhomes of varying sizes. There's free wifi throughout the park, dump points and refuse points, EV charging stations and e-bike hire, toilets with disabled access, a camp kitchen, outdoor BBQ areas and a guest laundry. Furthermore, there's a bistro and licensed restaurant for a change of pace or a parent's date night.

As well as boasting four resort-style swimming pools, the kids will love Treasure Island's Shipwreck Shores waterpark and the choice of three playgrounds including a toddlers' play area, a mini-golf course, the mandatory jumping pillow and a multi-sport facility for everyone to enjoy some basketball, netball, soccer, badminton and tennis time.

For the grown-ups, Treasure Island features its own boat ramp and launching facilities, an outdoor gym, heated spa pools… and did we mention a licensed bar? Pets are welcome under certain conditions but you will need to contact park management directly to check. The park welcomes assistance animals, just as long as you notify management when making your booking.

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut, Cairns

The award-winning Cairns Coconut Holiday Park is an 11-hectare, landscaped tropical oasis and the ideal holiday base for exploring the area's hottest visitor attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands region.

Coconut Holiday Park has 136 onsite cabins (including condominiums, if you have the budget) and over 200 powered sites. There are no unpowered sites but caravan, motorhome drivers and campers can choose from a large selection of ensuite, powered slab or grass camping sites. The park offers free wifi and is wheelchair accessible, provides a cafe and mini-mart for supplies, as well as BBQs and guest laundry. Pets are welcome but check with the park for conditions before booking.

For the kids, there's an endless array of activities and facilities to keep active minds and bodies entertained. These include two resort-style pools - as well as Splash Waterpark with its 1200-litre pineapple dumping bucket and waterslides - the all-weather undercover NEOS 360 interactive playground, day/night tennis, 18-hole mini-golf, beach volleyball, basketball and netball hoops, and a massive adventure playground.

For the grown-ups, there is a fully equipped gym, an adults-only hot and cold spa and aqua aerobics. If you or the kids love a round of golf, Cairns Coconut is within walking distance of the Cairns Golf Club.

Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park, Toowoomba

Not all of the best caravan parks for families are the exclusive domain of the state's expansive coastlines. Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park in the Darling Downs region of southeast Queensland is an excellent change of pace for families looking for a more relaxed and intimate vibe without compromising on facilities or things to do while on holiday.

Garden City has a range of onsite villas and cabins with disabled access, ranging from open-plan through to one, two and three bedroom units capable of sleeping up to 10 people. They have a range of well-shaded powered sites featuring drive-through concrete slabs or green grass, as well as ensuite sites if you need extra privacy and space during your stay.

The park has free wifi, outdoor BBQs and gas bottle refills, an amenities block and camp kitchen, TV room, kids' bathroom, disabled assist bathroom, laundry and dump point. There's a spacious saltwater pool with a spa and toddler space, go-kart buggies and a jumping pillow. The herb garden is the perfect space when you need somewhere quiet and tranquil.

Lake Somerset Holiday Park, Hazeldean

In the heart of the Valley of the Lakes, you'll find Lake Somerset Holiday Park. Sitting comfortably between Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, Lake Somerset Holiday Park is for family caravanning holiday lovers with a penchant for water sports, angling and enjoying nature.

There are onsite cabins, as well as a safari tent, and powered and unpowered sites capable of hosting small motorhomes. The holiday park provides free wifi, an amenities block with disabled access, a camp kitchen, guest laundry and clothesline, outdoor BBQs and dump points, plus a convenience store and kiosk for essentials and snacks.

In terms of things to do, the park comes equipped with a playground, basketball court, mini-golf and board games. With direct access to Lake Wivenhoe and its own boat ramp, it's also ideal for watersports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and water skiing.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach

Another multiple award-winning caravan park with a dedicated family focus, Adventure Whitsunday Resort packs a lot into its 10.5 acre dreamy tropical garden park, including 120 powered sites and a choice of 55 on-site cabins of varying sizes.

As far as facilities go, there are guest laundries, internet access, outdoor BBQs and disabled access. On the more wow-worthy wide of things, there's a giant 32-metre pool (heated in winter) and a must-see waterslide park featuring 13 different slides to really get the adrenaline rushing. The pool also boasts three giant, water-raining mushrooms, bubble seats, a shaded kids' wading area and poolside massages (heaven!).

Furthermore, you'll find a huge playground with separate toddler area, two giant jumping pillows, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a full-size floodlit tennis court, three-metre outdoor movie screen, animal park, basketball, volleyball and table tennis facilities.

As well as the almost endless list of things the park offers guests, it is close to the Whitsunday Islands, which means world-class sailing, snorkelling, jet-ski tours, ocean rafting and sailing. If you get tired of the crystal-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Conway National Park has a wealth of bushwalking experiences to explore, and plenty of great cafe and dining options in town for hungry kids and their parents.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina

New South Wales has no shortage of coastal caravan parks, and NRMA's Ocean Beach Holiday Resort - set on pristine beachfront land in Umina - is among the best. Around 90 minutes north of Sydney, Ocean Beach boasts over 300 powered sites, 11 unpowered sites and over 90 onsite cabins and villas.

When it comes to facilities, there's an amenities block with a disabled bathroom, laundry, camp kitchen, BBQs and free wifi for guests who want to stay online. For the kids, the park has heated resort pools and spas, and its own waterpark, as well as the sun, surf and sand of Umina Beach. There's also an adventure playground, jumping pillows, go-karts, kids' club, half-sized tennis court, basketball and netball rings, games room and outdoor movies in summer.

While there's plenty of stuff within the park to entertain the kids, nearby attractions like Brisbane Water National Park, Australian Reptile Park and Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park should also delight and amuse.

BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park, Deniliquin

A stay at the multi-award winning Deniliquin Holiday Park - an Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame member - is a must for family caravan holiday enthusiasts.

Located on prime river frontage on the tranquil banks of the Edward River in southwest New South Wales' Riverina region, the park is loaded with facilities to make your next holiday one to remember. They have an amenities block with disabled bathroom access, laundry facilities including tumble dryers, sullage on powered sites and cabins, and sewage dump points. There is a camp kitchen and BBQs, as well as internet access.

For the kids, there's a water splash park with a giant water bucket and heated waterslide, a solar-heated pool and a selection of watersports to enjoy. There's also a BMX track, tennis, basketball and netball courts, mini-golf and outdoor movies in the summer holidays.

The park offers drive-through sites to accommodate caravans and motorhomes in a range of sizes, as well an in-park jetty and boat ramp for the kids with big toys, or for holiday makers and their families looking to do some fishing (boat storage can be arranged).

The perfect choice for people looking for a quiet and relaxing family, the park also welcomes small dogs in select sites (on application) from May until the end of September.

Evans Head Holiday Park, Evans Head

Fresh off a $7 million redevelopment project - which included the addition of 13 environmentally sensitive timber cabins - Reflections Evans Head Holiday Park is an awesome family holiday location with powered and unpowered sites, free wifi, BBQs, camp kitchens, laundry facilities, a kiosk for snacks and supplies, and a great playground for the kids to enjoy.

Apart from their new, state-of-the-art eco-cabins, the biggest drawcard for Evans Head Holiday Park is its location on the crystal-clear waters of the Evans River at Airforce Beach. It's ideal for anglers who enjoy surf-fishing, and for families keen to do kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding and beginner-level surfing in the stunning surrounds of NSW's far north coast.

The park is dog-friendly during off-peak times, and it is a great base from where you can explore nearby Byron Bay and Ballina, the RAAF's F-111 museum and nearby Bundjalung National Park.

BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park, Kiama

Set on 35 acres of prime Easts Beach real estate and located a short walk from Kiama town centre, Easts Beach Kiama Holiday Park is an award-winning, family-friendly caravan park that has to be included on any Australian 'best of' caravan park list.

It has a choice of two playgrounds, as well as the indoor Little Monkeys Play Corner and Games Room. Sunny's Aquaventure Park - with its waterslide, landscaped gardens and partially shaded areas - is unbeatable for fun in the sun for the kids while, for the older kids and parents, the recently refurbished main pool with its lap lanes, disabled access ramp and heated lounge pool is sure to impress.

There's a huge range of onsite cabins and villas, as well as plenty of powered and unpowered sites. Facilities include amenities buildings with ladies and gents toilets and showers, a separate baby room and separate disabled facilities. Plus, there's also sewage dump points and a cassette toilet disposal facility, laundry with coin-operated washing machines and dryers, a fully equipped camp kitchen and a covered BBQ enclosure.

VICTORIA

Bright Holiday Park, Bright

Located three-and-a-half hours northeast of Melbourne is the picturesque, alpine town of Bright. One of Victoria's most popular holiday locales, it's the perfect base for exploring the famed High Country at any time of the year, especially if you're a fan of cycling.

Bright Holiday Park has all of the amenities that you need to ensure a hassle-free holiday with the kids, without sacrificing the comforts of home. There are powered and unpowered sites, luxury onsite riverfront villas and cabins, fire pits, a fully equipped camp kitchen, and a state-of-the-art amenities block and camp laundry. There are also dump points for motorhomes and caravans.

Sitting on the banks of the Ovens River, the park has easy access to cool, refreshing swimming spots and plenty of natural shade for the warmer months. When the weather's colder, Bright is a popular off-mountain spot for fans of Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo. Regardless of the weather, though, the holiday park is right in the heart of town, and features playgrounds, fishing, walks and awesome bike riding trails right at your doorstep.

BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park, Taggerty

If you're looking for something away from busy coastal caravan parks, Big 4 Taggerty Holiday Park is for you. Around 90 minutes east of Melbourne and close to tourist hotspots Marysville and Eildon, it boasts 70 powered and more than 25 unpowered sites, and offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioned on-site villas, laundry, camp kitchen, sullage and dump points, potable water, BBQs, (and gas bottle refills), well-lit 'streets' for nighttime safety and a swimming pool (including a toddler pool.

Like Bright, Taggerty is ideal for kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding or trout fishing the Acheron River, but is also popular with 4x4 enthusiasts who love exploring the nearby off-roading tracks. As for activities, the kids almost have too much choice - if that's possible! There are tennis and basketball/netball courts, mini-golf, a jumping pillow, giant chess, DVD and board game hire, large playing fields for all kinds of sports and a rec hall with table tennis, and air hockey.

Ballarat Holiday Park, Ballarat

Ballarat has no shortage of tourist attractions for families, so staying a few days makes it easy to experience legendary places like Sovereign Hill and the goldfields without feeling rushed.

For those keen to bring their caravan along for the ride, Ballarat Holiday Park has 70 powered sites and 40 onsite villas. There's a giant jumping pillow, an indoor heated pool and spa with a toddler beach area, basketball and netball hoops, and a half-tennis court. There is also an indoor playspace for toddlers, pedal bike hire, big screen movie nights, and a rec room with table tennis, billiards and electronic games.

A giant chessboard and a specialised activities program for kids during the Victorian school holidays make it even more family friendly.

Anglesea Family Caravan Park, Anglesea

Located right next to Anglesea Beach and River, Anglesea Family Caravan Park is among the best locations to park your van or pitch a tent on the Great Ocean Road, no matter what time of the year you feel like doing it.

The park boasts 250 casual-powered camping sites for caravans, mobile homes, vans and tents, as well as a plethora of onsite villas, cottages and deluxe holiday cabins. The newly renovated camp kitchen is a spacious state-of-the-art design with microwaves, electric cooktops and ovens.

As well as a beach that is heaven-sent - and some of the Great Ocean Road's best dining in the nearby town centre - this park features a heated swimming pool, kids' playground, mini-golf, onsite laundry, jumping pillow, beach volleyball court, basketball hoops and BBQs. Best of all, your furry family members are welcome at various times of the year, and under certain conditions.

Halls Gap Holiday Park, Halls Gap

One of the most popular holiday destinations in Victoria, Halls Gap Holiday Park is considered by many to be the best inland family caravanning holiday experience. The park boasts caravan and campsites (both powered and unpowered) and cabins ranging from executive studios to family spa units, and two and three-bedroom units.

There's a heated swimming pool and toddler wading pool, bouncing pillow, tennis court, volleyball court, communal fire pit (yes, for marshmallow toasting!), pedal go-kart hire and a rec room with arcade games. As well as BBQ areas, kids' playground, sporting equipment hire and big screen outdoor movies during the peak season in the warmer months, the local kangaroo population also enjoys the odd visit to Halls Gap Holiday Park.

Close to the Grampians National Park, this is the perfect place to spend time with the family relaxing to the sounds of nature and enjoying the stunning, mountainous views that the region is famous for.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park, Busselton

Ideally located opposite the white sands of Geographe Bay beach in the Margaret River region, Mandalay Holiday Resort is one of the most highly regarded caravan parks for family holidays.

The accommodation options range from two-storey spa villas through to well-shaded powered caravan and camping sites (some with en-suites). There is a heap of things for kids to enjoy too - bouncing on the giant jumping pillow or exploring the adventure playgrounds - swimming in the two outdoor, solar-heated pools with waterslide, as well as a heated indoor pool with a shallow beach for cooler months.

With the games room containing a pool table, table tennis and arcade games, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained, even your dogs can join you (check the park's terms and conditions when booking).

Taunton Farm, Margaret River

Situated in a peaceful, rural landscape, Taunton Farm is a working beef and sheep property where the kids (and kids at heart) get to feed the animals and experience wildflower walks on the expanses of the farm. Accommodation options include a range of self-contained cottages capable of sleeping two to six people, as well as large, powered caravan and camping sites.

Taunton Farm has a barn-style camp kitchen with free gas BBQs and a log fire. The amenities block provides laundry facilities and disabled bathrooms, and then there's a large, grassed recreation area with a playground for the kids. Your stay is supported by a kiosk, van storage, gas refills and a central dump point.

Moey Mia Dolphin Resort, Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort sits in the heart of the World-Heritage-listed Shark Bay Marine Park, approximately 900 kilometres north of Perth. The two and three-bedroom beachfront villas overlooking Dolphin Bay feature ample kitchens, lounge and al fresco dining areas, and can fit up to eight people. There are also powered caravan sites (some with ensuites), as well as powered and unpowered campsites just a stone's throw from the beach. Prepare yourself for absolutely amazing views!

While the park has all of the facilities that make a caravan park stay memorable, it's the daily encounters with bottlenose dolphins supervised by rangers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife that sets Monkey Mia apart from your average family holiday experience. The resort also offers a broad range of facilities for families like a restaurant and bar, free camp kitchen, BBQ and laundry facilities. There are two resort-style swimming pools, a pirate-themed playground, spa pools, a rec room, giant chess and a tennis court.

If that's not enough, Aboriginal cultural walks, glass-bottom boating, snorkelling, four-wheel driving and camel riding along the beach are sure to tempt even the fussiest of holidaymakers.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Tanunda Discovery Park, Barossa Valley

Known the world over, South Australia's Barossa Valley is a Mecca for lovers of gourmet cuisine and fine wines. Tanunda Discovery Park, located in the heart of the Barossa, is an excellent choice for family caravan holidays.

The park is informally divided into two sections - an 'adults only' area with 'glamping options' in the form of deluxe safari tents and private outdoor lounges, and then there's the family section. This family section features the "splashtacular water park" boasting three slides, a gigantic tipping bucket and plenty of splash zones. For a more relaxed swim, there's a spacious swimming pool and spa area.

Sites have an abundance of shade, an amenities block with disabled access, camp kitchen, dump points and free wifi. Enquire with the staff at Tanunda Discovery Park about bringing pets with you on your stay.

Clare Holiday and Caravan Park, Clare

Gateway to the Eyre Peninsula and the South Australian outback, Clare Holiday and Caravan Park is only an-hour-and-a-half from Adelaide, and just a short walk to the town centre of Clare.

This park boasts hassle-free, pet-friendly onsite cabins and villas, along with drive-through grassed and gravel powered and unpowered sites. Facilities include a camp kitchen, amenities block and laundry, free wifi, swimming pool and BBQ areas.

Kids can rent a range of sports gear and take part in a selection of activities across the park, or hire bikes - including e-bikes - for exploring the stunning surrounds of Clare. Parents can sip and sup at nearby wineries, take a swing at the Clare golf course or venture around the range of historical and cultural sites of the area.

Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, Renmark

Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park is perfect for both a family getaway and for exploring the Riverland region.

Recently renovated, the park now includes a new resort-style saltwater pool with pebble beach areas and heated spa. There's also a groundbreaking sensory room for neurodiverse kids to explore, a giant jumping pillow and a large adventure playground. The games room has billiards, air hockey, table tennis and a TV lounge, plus there's a modular pumptrack, pedal carts, a basketball hoop and a tennis court.

When it comes to activities, the park offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard hire, as well as rod and tackle hire and bait supplies for enjoying the mighty Murray River. If you're bringing the boat, Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park also has an in-park boat ramp for watercraft launch.

Choose from luxury eight-berth, onsite villas right through to ensuite powered sites and unpowered campsites, all with wifi access.

To make sure you have everything you need on your next trip, explore our entire hiking and camping range for all your camping essentials. Once you have chosen your destination, be sure to check out our Adventure Centre for loads of camping ideas, helpful tips and much more.