8 best caravan parks for your next New South Wales road trip

With more than 780 national parks and reserves, New South Wales is a nature lover’s dream. The Eastern Australian state has everything from rainforests and rugged bush to marine wonderlands and outback deserts. Feel the kiss of saltwater against your cheek one day, and immerse yourself in lush foliage the next.

The best way to get up close and personal to this idyllic wonderland is via caravan. Thanks to the growing “van life” movement, New South Wales is home to a plethora of caravan parks. If you’re expecting a simple parking space, think again—these holiday parks in New South Wales will take your road trip to the next level.

Hop in the driver’s seat and leave the city lights in your rearview mirror. A trip like this will fill your lungs with fresh air, rekindle your sense of wonder, and make you feel new again.

A six-hour drive from Sydney, majestic cliffs sweep down to meet glimmering sand at Coffs Harbour. Trek through verdant rainforest and you’ll find the Forest Sky Pier, where panoramic views of the Coffs Coast await. Visit the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park to swim with dolphins, or embark on your own ocean adventure by diving headfirst into clear blue waters.

Upgrade your camping experience at the BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park. From Coffs Harbour’s main surf beach to the huge resort-style pool, you’ll have your pick of family-friendly water activities. Dry off by acing the park’s 18-hole mini-golf course or strolling over to Coffs’ main shopping plaza. If the park’s BBQ pits aren’t up your alley, there are many restaurants and pubs within walking distance. Parking sites are aplenty, and you can even opt for a private ensuite bathroom. Fancy a treat? Check out of your caravan and into one of BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park’s poolside villas or beachside cabins.

“We stayed a couple of nights in an ensuite van site. Excellent facilities, very clean, beautiful grounds and very close to the beach and restaurants and coffee shops. Will definitely stay again when passing through.” — Kerry T

Pull up at Reflections Holiday Parks Coffs Harbour to enjoy a relaxing time right in the middle of town. Perfectly set up for caravans and RVs, the dog-friendly park has plenty of large flat sites, many of which are shaded. The fully equipped camp kitchen will provide you with everything you need to cook your own meals. And when the friendly rabbits in the park hop up to you for a snack, we won’t judge if you burst into song.

Grab a leash and take your pooch on a peaceful stroll amidst the lush greenery around Coffs Creek. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot wild koalas snoozing in the trees. Reflections Holiday Parks Coffs Harbour’s on-site dog wash will help you take care of any muddy paws.

“My boyfriend and I have just left reflections in Coffs Harbour, we had a lovely 2-night stay in a powered site. Very clean facilities and lots of wildlife around, rabbits, kookaburras, etc. Would stay again for sure.” — Ciara O’Shaughnessy

Emerald Beach is a local surfing hotspot about 15 minutes north of Coffs Harbour. If you’re keen to catch a wave, drive down to Discovery Parks - Emerald Beach, where you’ll find the beach at your doorstep. The secluded campgrounds teem with wildlife, and you’ll soon grow accustomed to the calls of kookaburras and the sight of kangaroos hopping near your van.

Campers will have easy access to the scenic Look At Me Now Headland walk, an Aboriginal site of deep significance to local Gumbaynggirr People. Feel the cool wind whip through your hair and keep your eyes peeled for the humpback whales migrating along the East Coast.

“We stopped off here for a part way break during our drive between Sydney and Gold Coast. Honestly it was the closest, most magnificent family holiday to rival what I had in my childhood. Forget the iPads and phones, your kids won’t need them with a waterpark, beach literally on the doorstep, bouncy trampoline and kids play areas for children of all ages - and I mean all ages.” — Mpix1

Make a new furry friend or slurp down fresh oysters at Port Macquarie, right between Sydney and Brisbane. Visit the Koala Hospital to see the endangered marsupials under rehabilitation, or enjoy a personal encounter with meerkats, wallabies, and koalas at the Billabong Zoo. Sink your teeth into juicy, flavorful seafood at any restaurant in the coastal city, and wash it all down with a decadent wine tasting session at Long Point Vineyard.

A resort-style swimming pool? Check. Beachfront view? Check. Free wifi? Check. Wake up to the sound of ocean waves at NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park, which has all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay. The park’s powered and unpowered sites are spacious, suitable for any campervan or caravan, and located near the amenities block.

A popular spot for “grey nomads,” NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is a short walk to the Glasshouse. This cultural hub is where you can watch live performances or browse heritage displays to learn more about Port Macquarie’s rich history. Little ones and teenagers will love the public skatepark and playground by the campsite.

“This is one of our favourite holiday parks to stay. The location is absolutely perfect as there is a beach at one end and a breakwall that runs right along the side of the park down to the beautiful town centre. You can walk everywhere without driving anywhere and have a great holiday. We loved watching dolphins off the breakwall and swimming in the big blue pool. Pets are also allowed during off-peak times and we took our dog with us - there are many places to walk your pet! This is a very special holiday park and we can’t wait to return.” — Lets Go Mum

Your stay at Flynns Beach Caravan Park will feel like visiting a friend. The cozy family-owned park is welcoming, with shaded parking sites, spotless amenities, and laundry facilities. Suit up and take a five-minute walk to Flynns Beach, where the rocky headlands offer good protection from winds, perfect for beginner surfers.

“This is the first time we have been to Port Macquarie. Flynns Beach caravan park was great. Walking distance to the beach. A camping site with shade. Amenities and pool were close by. Other campers were friendly. The painted rocks in the Center of town were worth a visit.” — Susan C

Feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins the moment you set foot in Byron Bay. Immerse yourself in ancient wonder as you climb the extinct Mount Warning volcano or get a heart-thumping thrill as you cross sky-diving off your bucket list. Wander down Lighthouse Trail and you’ll find yourself standing at the edge of Australia—the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse is the country’s most easterly point.

With 155 campsites, Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay is the largest caravan park in the Byron Bay area. Canine companions are more than welcome, and you’ll get direct access to the dog-friendly Tallow Beach. Bikes are available for hire, so you’ll be able to make full use of the cycling path adjoining Arakwal National Park, a protected haven of biodiversity that is co-managed by the Arakwal Indigenous community. After a hard day’s ride, dip your toes in the Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay saltwater pool and enjoy a casual bite at the café—we’ve heard it serves excellent coffee and wood-fired pizzas.

“This is wonderful clean, safe and really well located park with caravan sites, cabins and camping. Encompasses everything you want in a Byron Bay holiday with conveniences all around and just the right distance from the hustle of Byron main street. Nice stroll to the beach!” — playera777

If “beach, please” is one of your favorite phrases, you’ll adore First Sun Holiday Park. Settle down on a waterfront site or book a Hippy Hut for a glamping experience. Belongil Beach is only a stone’s throw away, so you can tumble out of bed and straight onto warm sand. While you take a cool dip in the water, splash your way to The Wreck, a protruding shipwreck that you can clamber onto and dive from.

“Chris, Alex and staff are the perfect people to be running the park. The amenities and surrounds are always clean and well kept. Any queries or suggestions were promptly answered. Security is good. Access to the beach and town is easy. Altogether a beautiful location and a wonderful park. Back next year on our 6 monthly travels.” — Trek67059657274

Boasting private tropical gardens and a saltwater pool, Glen Villa Resort is a peaceful and relaxing hideaway. Start your morning with birdsong in the grassy grounds, which are spacious enough for caravans or camper vans of all sizes. Exhausted travelers can get some well-deserved TLC in a deluxe cabin outfitted with a luxurious ensuite spa bath.

Don’t forget to get your fill of fresh produce and artisanal goods at the nearby Byron Bay Farmers Market. Need to do a quick grocery run instead? There’s also a Woolworth’s across the street. Or let the sea breeze accompany you on a soothing stroll to Byron Bay’s main beach, dotted with beachside bars and restaurants.

“Fantastic camp ground. Our caravan fits the sites beautifully and the all the amenities are immaculate. Beautifully manicured lawns and really close to downtown Byron. The new Butler Street bypass hasn't increased the road noise at all. Great place to stay.” — 81Dave25510081

More like this: