If you’re planning an Australian summer getaway in your caravan this summer, which way will you head? North, south, inland or along the coast: we take a look at some stunning places to visit around the country.
Head for the hills
Australian holidays often mean crowded beaches and coastal resorts, so if you’re looking for something different, head to Victoria’s High Country or the Snowy Mountains. Most people think of them only for the winter snowfields, but summer’s the perfect time for horse riding, bush walking, mountain biking, canoeing and white-water rafting.
Jindabyne Lake, Blowering Dam and Talbingo Dam, Yarrangobilly Caves and Buddong Falls are all worth a visit. And when you’ve had enough of nature, there’s plenty of fishing, food, wine and history around the townships of Beechworth, Bright and Yackandandah.
Cool it in Tasmania
If you’d prefer to escape the extreme summer heat, Tasmania offers plenty of unspoiled, pristine variety. There are more than 50 caravan parks around the country, and campsites can be found in most parks and reserves, providing a true wilderness experience on or off the beaten track.
Head northwest for some breathtaking views along dramatic coastline, or south for history and culture, but don’t miss Cradle Mountain, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Apart from its rugged mountain terrain, this World Heritage Listed National Park offers ancient rainforests, waterfalls, Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest lake) and canyons that are perfect for jumping, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
There are guided and non-guided walks for all fitness levels, canoe tours, horseback trail rides and helicopter flights. The park also provides a rich habitat for native flora and fauna, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypuses, echidnas and several bird species.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
Much of Australia’s north is too hot and wet in summer for most people, but further southwest at Shark Bay you can experience the unique West Australian landscape and magnificent coastline without the cyclones and/or torrential rain.
With its seagrass meadows, dugongs and the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia, the extensive World Heritage site offers plenty to do and see. There are several caravan parks with a wide range of facilities within a short walk of the main street of Denham. Other commercial campgrounds available around the area include Nanga Bay, Monkey Mia and the Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station.
If you’re equipped to go off-road, there are lots of remote spots for bush camping – just remember to take plenty of water, recovery equipment, and good communications.
Trial Bay Gaol, South West Rocks
Located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, the sheltered Trial Bay offers white sands and refreshing swims in crystal clear waters, as well as surfing around nearby headlands and scuba diving off the reefs.
The extensive caravan and camping ground run by National Parks and Wildlife is an easy bike ride or beach walk from the town of South West Rocks and enjoys a balmy climate all year round. It’s possibly the perfect spot for a family holiday or just a few weeks of downtime.
Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges
With its near-perfect circle of low-lying hills enclosing a natural amphitheatre, South Australia’s Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges National Park has been a sacred place of gathering for the Adnyamathanha people for thousands of years.
You’re sure to find a perfect spot in the 50 hectares of campgrounds, which are set among river red gums, native pines, hiking trails and abundant wildlife. Take a stroll with an Indigenous guide and learn about the landscape and bio-diversity, or climb the ridge to catch the sun rising and setting over the Pound while wedge-tail eagles soar overhead.
Beaches, islands, mountain ranges and dry creek beds: this country of ours is filled with spectacular places to visit. We’ve named a few, but if you have another favourite, visit our Facebook page and post some images.
Caravanning in summer can get pretty hot: here are five ways to stay cool.
