Sharing the secret and the not so secret as we profile six more favourite options for you to try.
By Jan Hawkins
1 – We LoveLake Argyle Caravan and Camping Park, Kununurra, WA
On the very eastern edge of the Kimberley, Lake Argyle is a green haven in a burnt umber world of ancient cliffs, rugged wilderness and remote country. When travelling through this area, a caravan park that should be on everyones bucket list is Lake Argyle Caravan and Camping Park.
It is a region that draws thousands of adventurers each year in the kinder winter months, offering an experience that is truly unforgettable.
Lake Argyle Caravan and Camping Park is an oasis for the traveller, in the magnificent vastness of the Kimberley region. Spreading over five hectares, there are more than 100 powered van sites available, as well as plenty of unpowered space.
The park provides a restaurant, bar and a shop with basic food supplies, along with an information and tour booking centre for those looking to make the most of their visit to the Kimberley.
2 – We LoveLitchfield National Park Campgrounds, NT
Litchfield National Park is the Northern Territory’s most popular watershed. Smaller than its cousin Kakadu, Litchfield is the playground of the Territorian. One whose popular waterholes are largely absent of saltwater crocodiles due to the nature of its many springs, cascades and monitored pools; however, this cannot be said for its rivers and swamp regions.
The NT National Parks have developed a number of campsites along Litchfield’s tracks. Some suited to caravanners, such as the main camp of Wangi Falls. Other camps, like Cascades, cater for bushwalkers and others, such as one of our favourites, Tjaynera Falls, meets the needs of the more adventurous 4X4 traveller.
The remote Surprise Creek Falls and The Lost City are the only campsites that offer ‘rock-up’ at any time access, due to the challenging tracks. Plan your stay and explore the beautiful Litchfield National Park, it will be an unforgettable wilderness experience.
3 – We LoveAdels Grove Camping Park, Riversleigh, Far North Queensland
In the north western region of the Gulf, in Far North Queensland, you will find the iconic Riversleigh Fossil Sites World Heritage Area. Nearby, lies the national park of Budjamulla and Adels Grove Camping Park.
Adels Grove is the ideal place to stay with canoeing, basic supplies, fuel, modern ammentities, complimentary camp kitchen and other delights on offer. Adels Grove is perfectly located with ready access into the beautiful, bordering Budjamulla National Park as well as plenty of tours available to discover the local flora and fauna.
You can camp under the deep sheltering shade of the riverside campgrounds, or in the quieter backblocks more suited to those who wish to use a generator. Being unplugged is a way of life for the adventurer into this remote and challenging region but the rewards are great.
Be sure to visit the Riversleigh Fossil Sites World Heritage Area and explore the amazing evidence of prehistoric dinosaurs. The beauty of Budjamulla National Park is something you should not miss. It’s a favourite of ours, and one we nurture the fondest memories of.
1 – We Long ForJindabyne Holiday Park, Jindabyne, NSW
Many years ago when the kids were mere little Vegemites, we packed them up and carted the troop down to experience the Aussie snowfields on a camping adventure. It lives on in family memories as one of those truly great holidays, living on hot soup and crusty rolls.
Jindabyne Holiday Park is the only pet-friendly park in the area so you can bring the whole family along. During the winter months, take a trip on the Alpine Skitube travelling up into the mountains or make use of the easy access to Mt Kosciuszko, Thredbo as well as Perisher.
The Jindabyne Holiday Park is right on the lake’s edge with cabins, as well as sites for caravans and camping. Coming fully stocked with a camp kitchen and barbecues, games room and children’s playground as well as a basketball and tennis court. There is plenty to entertain the kids and space to hone those fly-fishing skills. It’s an adventure we plan on revisiting soon in Australia’s winter wonderland for a hot toddies around a campfire.
2 – We Long ForLake Placid Tourist Park, Caravonica, QLD
The tropical paradise of Cairns is somewhere we try to visit often. The gateway to the Daintree offers a plethora of places to explore, from the cool sanctuary of the nearby rainforest village, Kuranda, or the sandy beaches on the coast.
Lake Placid Tourist Park, deep in the Barron Gorge, offers fully self-contained bungalows and spacious caravan and camping sites, encapsulated by the peaceful tropical rainforest. Providing a camp kitchen, café, TV and DVD facilities and a saltwater pool, there is plenty for those looking to stay close to camp.
The nearby Crystal Cascades are well worth a visit as well as the delights of the surrounding rainforest region of Kuranda. Next on the list is trekking the old gold region of the Barron Gorge. Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre has recently had a makeover and with the Skyrail to Kuranda next door, it is definitely a place to visit in FNQ.
3 – We Long ForRivershore Resort, Diddillibah, Qld
The Sunshine Coast has and will always be a favourite holiday spot for those heading north. In high season, this region can often become quite challenging to book in accommodation thanks to its extraordinary popularity.
With this in mind, it is music to a traveller’s ears to hear of the new BIG4 Holiday Park that has made the Sunshine Coast its home.
Rivershore Resort offers a full range of options for the holidaymaker from glamping in self-contained safari tents to powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites. There is a full range of activities for both kids and adults alike with a modern camp kitchen and kiosk providing essentilal items, to the children’s playground or even mini golf.
The park enjoys ready access to the lovely Maroochy River with kayaking or standup paddle-boarding on offer and easy river access from their private pontoon. For as much as we love the golden sand it’s not the be-all and end-all of what the Sunshine Coast can offer, it is, however, something you love to visit and enjoy with easy access.
