Topping most travellers’ lists as the ultimate caravan park to spend a family holiday, the Blue Dolphin combines three important features: location, relaxing atmosphere and activities to entertain the kids. Located at the mouth of the mighty Clarence River, the park is set among 15 acres of tropical gardens and is close to seven nearby surfing beaches, an 18-hole golf course, and a bowling club – all of which bask in the sun of northern NSW year round.

There’s not much to obstruct its guests views, either; the sites are located right on the main beach foreshore. Over the years, Byron has become a Mecca for groovy lovers of fun, sun and all things alternative. This park is located just a short walk from all major attractions so you won’t miss a beat.

Far enough away to relax, this park boasts spotless facilities and stunning surrounds. But if you tire of lazing in the crystal clear waters or wandering through parklands, you do have other options: just walking distance from the town of “Husky”, this caravan park is close to specialty stores, restaurants, cafes, the local pub and much, much more.

The Esperance Seafront Caravan Park is right on the seafront of Esperance Bay just 50m from a safe swimming beach (so all the sites have ocean views) and two klicks from the town centre. Perfect for exploring the rugged national parks of Cape Le Grand, the nearby pink lake and the cobalt blue water of the Bay of Isles.

Monkey Mia is one of those rare places in Australia where dolphin visitation is daily, rather than seasonal, and the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers a human-dolphin interaction program for free. This absolute beachfront camping resort is in the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

head to Peoples Park Caravan Village, Coral Bay.It’s blessed with perfect weather year round and is situated at the southern end of the stunning Ningaloo reef.

It has so many activities to keep the kids entertained, you’ll hardly see them. Even though this resort is just seven minutes from the town centre, you won’t want to leave as all the activities are free and include three swimming pools, tennis courts, 18-hole minigolf, volleyball, badminton, basketball, huge adventure playground and enormous jumping pillow and outdoor movies (to name a few).

You’re in for country hospitality and first-class (clean) facilities – the Park’s award-winning point of difference. Owners Gayle and Don Peters really do go the extra mile to make guests feel at home. Whether this is by providing info about the sites around Charters Towers or by placing freshly picked flowers in the ladies toilets, their service is tip-top.

Guests can catch their own mud crabs and fish for dinner, and what it lacks in facilities it more than makes up for in natural attractions, allowing campers to relax and reflect. But make sure you call early to reserve an absolute beachfront site as these book up quickly.

Although Noosa’s laidback atmosphere has remained the same, its prices have sky rocketed. This Park provides travellers with an inexpensive place to stay just a stone’s throw away from the centre of town.

So, when exploring this World Heritage-Listed area, why not stay right in the thick of it? On the fringe of Jabiru Township, Kakadu Lodge is just three hours west of Darwin and perfect for accessing the entire park. When you return to the park after a day of touring, you can relax by the lagoon-style pool (no crocs!) or at the Poolside Bar and Bistro, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

Batchelor Resort is the perfect stepping-off point from which to explore this unspoilt landscape (one of the oldest in the world). Just 15min from Litchfield, this park makes caravanning easy; not only is there a mini-mart and fuel pump on-site (unleaded and diesel), but the park can organise for tour companies to collect guests from the front of the park and return them at the end of the day.

Katherine and surrounds is a must-see for any traveller – and Knotts Crossing Resort is at the heart of it all, set among acres of tropical gardens and just a two-minute walk from the Katherine River.

The park includes fenced areas for dogs to exercise off-leash, a hydro-bath hut, luxury day-use kennels and a dog-friendly playground. But when you do want to leave your dog behind to sample some of the areas highlights, you can, since all caravan sites are individually fenced. The park managers also organise a range of dog competitions to keep you and your pooch entertained throughout your stay.

Views of southwest Victoria’s crumbling coastline captivate travellers, as do the historic towns that they pass. Situated smack bang on this historic road is the Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park, nestled among bushland and fronting both the beach and the river. Bush walks and mountain bike tracks are on hand, as is the famous Bells Beach just around the corner.

Set right on the beachfront and wallowing in nature (wildlife, penguins, seals, koalas, mutton birds) with spotless facilities and shady sites, staff at this BIG4 caravan park make it easy for guests to enjoy their stay.

Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that tell the tale of how this area was created have been passed down for more than 40, 000 years. In the Northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola Tourist Resort contains some of Australia’s most spectacular mountain views and offers numerous eco-tourism-accredited guided tours. As it’s a wilderness sanctuary, whether you love bird watching, bushwalking, geology, wildlife spotting or 4WD adventures, this park offers a multitude of activities (they even have three fully equipped observatories).

Tucked away just over an hour from Adelaide, this park is minutes from pretty Tanunda at the heart of the Barossa. Guests can hire bikes and take in the vine-clad hills, rustic buildings, Lutheran churches and grand wineries distinct to the area. So make sure you pack wine glasses when you set off on your next caravanning adventure.

And, like the township itself, the Robe Long Beach Caravan Park operates at a slower pace, allowing you to really unwind. It’s a BIG4 Holiday Park, so naturally the facilities are clean and modern with staff that provide impeccable service. The Coonawarra Wine Region, Mount Gambier or the Naracoorte Caves are just over 100km away, but if you want to stay closer to home, historic Robe has many boutique shops and eateries. If you’re interested in staying at any of the BIG4 Caravan Parks, make sure you check their website regularly (www.big4.com.au) as they offer great regular deals and specials.

Breathe some of the cleanest air in the world and enjoy the rugged wilderness with the possums and kangaroos that will greet you at your caravan door of an evening.

Its well-preserved buildings and prison facilities have made it one of Australia’s top tourism destinations. But after a long day of sightseeing, all you want to do is relax; only ten minutes from Port Arthur, this park is surrounded by white ghost gums, sandstone cliffs and the clear blue ocean. It’s the perfect place to rest your head.

You could join this rarefied list by pulling in to Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park, right beneath the astonishing landmark known as “The Nut”. Owned and operated by helpful locals Fiona and Tim, who encourage guests to explore the area, this park is a bird-watchers delight as The Nut is a haven for migratory birds such as shearwaters, orange-bellied parrots, kestrels, falcons and fairy penguins.

Its white sand beaches, sparkling emerald waters and red-capped rocks come together to form a picture of coastal perfection – but without the crowds usually associated with such spots. Just 10min away is the award-winning St Helens Caravan Park. Whether it be fishing, swimming or walking that takes your fancy, this park has it all. But hurry – it won’t be a secret for long.