With travel restrictions set to ease come October 11, camping and caravanning will be one of the first holiday options open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents.
In the past 12 months, Australia has seen a boom in camping and caravanning trips with some manufacturers advising of a 12-month waitlist for the newest big boy toys.
Caravan Industry Association of WA chief executive Julian Barry said the highest growth in caravan holidays was in the 17- to 19-year-old age bracket.
We’ve found some fabulous new sites if you’re looking for a night under the stars.
Caravanning kings and queens
Gone are the daggy ’70s cabins from yesteryear – holiday parks around Australia have revamped their offerings to include slick new cabins and villas, safari tents and glamping options.
But they still do offer camping and caravan options with spectacular views. The Merimbula Beach NRMA Park and Resort has become a family favourite. Perched on clifftops on the NSW South Coast, the holiday park offers over 30 different accommodation sites. Whether you’re towing a motorhome, caravan or campervan, there are powered grassy sites, shaded tree options or even a clifftop site with sweeping views of the ocean.
The resort also has plenty of activities available for the entire family, including pools, laundry facilities, pedal go-karts, barbecue areas, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts and even pizza making for the communal woodfired oven.
The rate for a caravan spot includes access to the camp kitchen and amenities block, water, power and a car space.
Price: from $35 per night
Explore more: nrmaparksandresorts.com.au
Sleep under the stars
Camping in Narawntapu National Park in Tasmania offers a night in a coastal refuge with inlets, small islands, wetlands sand dunes, lagoons and an amazing variety of plants and animals.
On the central north coast, Narawntapu stretches from Greens Beach at the mouth of the Tamar River to Bakers Beach in the west and is one of the best places to view free-ranging wildlife in the state.
The park boasts a rich array of easily observed animals that come out in the evening to graze on the grasslands, including Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and wombats. And listen for the growls and screeches of Tasmanian devils before you drift off to sleep.
Narawntapu National Park is just a short 90-minute drive from Launceston. Camping is permitted at Springlawn, the Horse Yards, Bakers Point and Koyba and there are barbecue and bathroom facilities.
You will need a valid Parks Pass which is required for entry to any of Tasmania’s national parks. Prices start from $40.
Price: from $13 per night (unpowered site)
Explore more: parks.tas.gov.au
Hassle-free camping
In the Australian Capital Territory, nestled in the vines of Mount Majura Vineyard and with breathtaking views sits a collective of bell tents and tiny homes run by Naked Cubby Co.
While the group is more hassle-free camping than glamping, they do offer luxuries you’ll find at home.
Offering getaways with the bare necessities, including a bed, books and board games, outdoor fire, luxury linen from In Bed Store and Bed Threats and a sofa.
Guests can pack their own picnic dinner to store in their bell tent, but the team at Naked Cubby Co has paired up with local restaurants such as Akiba and XO in Canberra if visitors are looking for a gourmet dining experience.
For an additional $150, couples can have a Mount Majura Vineyard wine tasting and a set-menu dinner delivered to the cellar door.
Price: from $410 per night
Explore more: nakedcubbycollective.com
Tiny homes
Perhaps not considered camping or caravanning, this mighty new trend almost ticks the boxes that camping and caravanning might give you.
Tiny homes are popping up all over Australia and offer guests remote stays in great locations, such as under the rainforest canopy or along a river bank, without having to tow your sleeping quarters.
The beauty about this new type of accommodation is that the tiny homes can be moved around to different locations.
Behold, on the mighty Murray River in South Australia, a floating eco pod called The Cube is docked on the banks. With space for two, there’s a queen bed, full ensuite with shower, plus a kitchenette and lounge that leads onto a deck adorned with fairy lights and a barbecue.
While you will have to bring most of your food, the owners of The Cube also stock the fridge with breakfast for two and you’ll have full use of a two-person kayak.
Price: from $299 per night
Explore more: airbnb.com.au
