You needn’t venture too far off the beaten track to find that special spot – these well-equipped camps are favourites for families with young kids in tow
By Janie Medbury Article from RV DAILY
PARK 1: Little Beach Campground, NSW
Within Bouddi National Park, located on the NSW Central Coast, are a few lovely camping spots. Our pick is Little Beach Campground, where you can pitch your tent on the sand and wake up to the sound of waves lapping at the shore. Swimming, surfing, fishing and hiking are just some of the activities you can enjoy here. At this campground, you will have access to non-flush toilets, picnic tables and free gas barbecues. The carpark is 750 metres from the campground via an easy bush path, so make sure you have the means by which to carry all your camping gear down to the beach. Beaches in this area are not patrolled, so little ones must be supervised at all times. It gets popular in summertime, so bookings are essential.
Cost: $34 per night (per couple)Address: Little Beach Trail, Bouddi, NSW 2251GPS: -33.510513, 151.418046Toilets: YesShowers: NoCampfires: TBCMax Stay: TBCRoad Access: 2WD accessibleWater: NoNumber of Sites: 6Power Available: NoDog-Friendly: NoSuitable for Big Rigs: No
PARK 2: Tidal River – Wilsons Prom, Vic
Tidal River Campground in Wilsons Promontory National Park is a hit with families, and it isn’t hard to see why. Not only are you right on the beach, with a whopping 484 campsites to choose from including 20 powered sites, you will also be within walking distance of everything you could possibly need – modern toilets and hot showers, laundry facilities, gas-powered barbecue picnic sites, an info centre, general store and even mobile phone charging stations. The national park is only 200km from Melbourne, so it makes for the perfect weekend road trip! This area can get quite busy, so book in advance. Once you secure your spot though, you will be able to venture to the surrounding pristine beaches, rainforest, mountain peaks, and even beautiful offshore islands. After a fun day of exploring, settle down for a bit of entertainment at the outdoor cinema, just moments away from your campsite.
Cost: TBCAddress: Wilsons Promontory National Park,Vic 3960GPS: -39.031753, 146.316175Toilets: YesShowers: Yes – hotCampfires: NoMax Stay: TBCRoad Access: 2WD accessibleWater: YesNumber of Sites: 484Power Available: Yes – 20 sitesDog-Friendly: NoSuitable for Big Rigs: Yes
PARK 3: Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park, SA
If you’re making the journey between Melbourne and Adelaide, Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park is the perfect place to stay a night or two and unwind, nestled just off the Riddoch Highway in Australia’s red wine centre on the Limestone Coast of SA. Set up camp anywhere on the 15 acres of unpowered grassy sites or 200 acres of bush sites. Or, plot your van on one of the 28 powered sites around the lake or against the vineyard.
Families will be satisfied with the camp kitchen, outdoor pool, outdoor dining area and barbecues, flushing toilets and showers, and games room. Fires can be lit in the fire drums. Pets are welcome too and children under five are free! Take one of the bush walking paths, where you may spot kangaroos, wombats, emus, sugar gliders, koalas and wild deer. Wine lovers can visit the six Coonawarra wineries at your own pace on the Winery Walking Trail.
Cost: $24-36 per couple per nightAddress: 242 Comaum School Rd, Comaum,SA 5277GPS: -37.226032, 140.880515Toilets: YesShowers: YesCampfires: YesMax Stay:Long-termRoad Access: 2WD accessibleWater: YesNumber of Sites: 100Power Available: YesDog-Friendly: YesSuitable for Big Rigs: Yes
PARK 4: Sandy Creek Campin’, Qld
This family-run campground can be found among the green hills on the edges of Sandy Creek, which you will arrive upon after a scenic drive through the countryside behind Kilcoy, just about an hour from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. The well-manicured, large grassy sites offer access to the river, as well as hot showers, flushing toilets, undercover eating areas and fire pits. There is also a flat area for motorhomes and caravans.
Within the confines of the park, there are acres of vibrant green lawns, walking tracks and tranquil rock pools (great for the kids!), as well as an abundance of wildlife, including wallabies and red deer. The grounds also present a fantastic opportunity for bird watching, with king parrots known to flock to the area. You will also find two lovely wineries – Winya Wines and Woongooroo Estate Winery – within 10 minutes of the campground.
Cost: $65 for two nights per coupleAddress: Sandy Creek Road, Kilcoy, Qld 4515GPS: -26.820977, 152.62117Toilets: YesShowers: YesCampfires: YesMax Stay: TBCRoad Access: 2WD accessibleWater: YesNumber of Sites: 40Power Available: NoDog-Friendly: Yes
PARK 5: Eldee Camp Spot, Tas
At Eldee Camp Spot, you will be surrounded by beautiful bushland in Carlton, just a five minute drive from Carlton Beach and 45 minutes from Hobart. Whether you are travelling with a caravan, motorhome or a humble tent, you will find that this campground has everything you need. Eldee Camp Spot was established with travelling families in mind – and if you are a TAWK member, you get three nights of free camping for your kids!
There are unpowered bush camping sites, brand new amenities and a separate wheelchair-friendly bathroom. Cook up a storm in the huge camp kitchen, which has a cosy wood heater. Campfires are allowed in the fire pits, with firewood available for purchase. Visit the local shops at Dodges Ferry, just seven minutes away, and explore the historic village of Richmond, only 25 minutes away.
Cost: $5-10 per nightAddress: Josephs Road, Carlton,Tas 7173GPS: -42.855259, 147.654875Toilets: YesShowers: YesCampfires: YesMax Stay: TBCRoad Access: 2WD accessibleWater: Non-drinkingNumber of Sites: TBCPower Available: NoDog-Friendly: YesSuitable for Big Rigs: Yes
