Australia is an outdoor lover's paradise. It's also huge, so seeing a lot of it, even seeing the best parts of it, presents a challenge to a traveller's time and money. One solution is to tour by backpacker campervan, staying in caravan parks or campgrounds along a chosen route. Australia is sprinkled with campgrounds so whether it's beaches or backpacking, wildlife or wineries, there are choice sites for all interests and budgets.
Say a couple wants to spend two weeks driving up the east coast. It can be done in a camper van, at reasonable prices, without sacrificing holiday amenities and without missing attractions that make Australia famous. Most camp sites offer the basics - camp kitchen, laundry, BBQ, shop, bathroom and showers. Many now include internet access, telephone, pool and heated spas. Prices range from $10 a night off-peak to $80 a night in peak season. So the key to a successful motor home holiday is to plan a route, find the best parks, and then take in what the surrounding areas have to offer.
Sydney is the logical place to start a trek up the coast to Cairns. The camp ground voted best in Australia in 2008 is only 10 kms from the centre of Sydney. Lane Cove River Tourist Park specializes in ecotourism. Campers can get close to nature on well-tended grassy sites. Another choice near Sydney is Big4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park. It's an award- winning park near north Narrabeen Beach and close to 21 beaches. Only 17 km from Sydney, it's less than an hour from the International Airport. Campers get free wireless internet, playground, game room, tv area, and powered camper sites. There's also a bus to the city or to nearby Palm Beach or Manly.
Heading north, the next stop could be Cessnock, with its access to the Hunter Valley's fresh produce and renowned wineries. Valley Vineyard Travel Park has powered sites for campervans, a restaurant, 2 pools and a heated spa. It's not far to the coast and national parks. Moving on, the Wallamba River Holiday Park offers outdoor sports like fishing and kayaking on Wallis Lake. The Lighthouse Beach Holiday Village in Port Macquarie sits just 2 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from town. There's also the Sundowner Breakwall Travel Park on the waterfront, just minutes from town and beaches.
Continuing up the coast, the next stop is Coffs Harbour Travel Park. From there, it's a short stroll to shops and beach. The park has powered sites and accommodations for any budget. Byron Bay should be a stop on any trip along the east coast. Belongil Fields Caravan Park sits on 57 acres near the beach. It's open all year round and has room for large motor homes and small campers. The Glen Villa Park is also near town and the main beach.
Beyond Brisbane, on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa Caravan Park is a short distance from beaches. It's in a secluded rainforest location and offers tour packages, shopping, and nice restaurants nearby. Amenities have been refurbished, including an upgraded camp kitchen and BBQ. At Bundaberg, there's the Big4 Cane Village and the Finemore Holiday Park on the Burnett River. Townsville has the Big4 Townsville Woodlands Holiday Park and the Cocoanut Glen Caravan Village. Finally, the Cairns Holiday Village invites travellers to the beach, the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest bushwalks, horse riding and white water rafting. The Village has backpacker lodging and drive-through sites.
Travelling by campervan has been increasing among resident and international travellers since 2000. People want to enjoy outdoor activities and sports at their leisure. Camper rental travellers can set their own pace and find a sense of adventure and independence, all the while staying at affordable parks.
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