10 must visit spots for caravanners to explore

If you’re looking for a relaxing, no-stress holiday that’s close to home but is still packed full of incredible destinations to explore, then hit the highway on a coastal road trip this autumn. It’s the perfect time of year for travellers seeking to sidestep the bustling crowds of the school holiday period, while also making the most of the stunning trans-seasonal weather. Think warm, pleasant temperatures, changing leaves and quiet beaches, traffic-free roads and uncrowded attractions. You’ll be able to slow down, reset, and take that much-needed time to reconnect with nature and your loved ones. 

Whether you’re a family, a couple, or flying solo, NRMA Parks and Resorts are an ideal base to stay at along the way, with 38 locations perfectly positioned up and down the Australian coastline. Their facilities for caravanners and other road-trippers are excellent, allowing for a stress-free and fun experience that’s also easy on the pocketbook. And, you can take the hard work out of your holiday planning simply by linking parks on your itinerary, giving you the certainty of staying in a sensational location for every mark on the roadmap. 

To get you started, we’ve rounded up 10 must-see spots for the ultimate autumnal road trip itinerary…

NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort

Kick off your coastal road trip at NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort just north of Coffs Harbour in NSW. This family-friendly paradise, just metres from the sparkling waters of Arrawarra Beach and nestled in the bushland, provides the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with plenty on offer to see and do. 

Take time out to recharge with the family in a private villa set amongst bushland, or set up camp amidst local wildlife on a spacious caravan or campsite. Once you're set up, explore the wide range of activities from the daily kids club, to pools and a pump track, along with the park’s own nine-hole golf course. You can also relax at the end of the day in the restaurant and bar while the kids enjoy the outdoor cinema  If that’s not enough, there’s a brand new waterpark with twin slides.

NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park

Next, steer course to NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park. Centrally located alongside the Hastings River, town beach and the city centre, you won't find a better spot in Port Macquarie. Choose to sleep in a fabulous cabin with a view of the water, or wake up to the sound of ocean waves and the smell of salty sea air from your camping or caravan site. The park is also famous for putting on a stellar guest BBQ and weekly events, and the friendly staff make this place one you'll want to linger longer.

If you’re stepping out, the famed Little Shack is right next door, offering a beachy outdoor setting with great views, fresh coffee, and tasty treats. There are also more great cafes and restaurants just a stone’s throw away. When you’re ready to leave, point your rig south down the M1 towards Stockton Beach, situated at the southern end of Newcastle Bight, where there’s a sweeping expanse of beach and sand dunes and views stretching up to Port Stephens.

NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park

Right on the breakwater of Newcastle Harbour, you’ll find NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park. This gem is situated directly opposite the stunning natural landscape with direct access to the beach and is only a short drive or ferry ride from the centre of town. Spend your days exploring the historic sites of Newcastle, enjoy some 4WD time across the sand dunes or spend your days relaxing beachside. The choice is yours.

With its modern self-contained villas, children’s playground and BBQ area, this holiday park is the perfect place to spend quality time, either as a couple or family. It’s also just a few minutes walk from the Hunter River and a short drive from Birmingham Gardens.

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort

Following the coast down south of Sydney, NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, just north of Batemans Bay, is the ideal next stop on your seaside adventure. With its idyllic beachfront location overlooking beautiful Beagle Bay, this resort is a great stop over – or destination in itself.

Located within the National Park, this resort is the perfect base for exploring hidden beaches on foot or mountain bike, seeing the sites from a paddle board or kayak, or simply taking time for some R&R at the onsite restaurant and bar. With daily specials, an extensive cocktail menu and food inspired by local produce, you'll want to stay a few extra days to soak up everything this spot has to offer.

NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

Head down further on NSW’s South Coast to the serene NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort. Within a 15-minute drive of Pambula and Middle Beach, this holiday resort and campground is a short stroll from Short Point Beach and close to the Merimbula Marina, putting it at the epicentre of everything fun on the water.

The resort is particularly welcoming of caravanners, offering concrete slab powered sites with private bathrooms. With a prime position on the cliff’s edge, leading down to the beach, most of the sites and accommodation also offer unique views of the coastline, including the chance for whale watching from the comfort of your site or cabin. 

NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park

Moving south and across the Victorian border will bring you to Lakes Entrance and the NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park. Surrounded by the incredible Gippsland Lakes and famous 90-mile beach, it's easy to see why this beachside location is a favourite for many travellers. 

After a day out on the boat exploring the stunning scenery, enjoy the sound of the ocean from a spacious villa or soak up the view of the glistening waters of Eastern Beach from the park’s caravan and camping sites. There’s plenty for the kids too, including a giant bouncing pillow, a solar heated pool and pedal go-karts. And, as a further plus, it’s pet-friendly too.

NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park

Heading further west takes you to Phillip Island, home of a sizeable koala population, a noisy offshore colony of grey fur seals and the daily evening parade of fairy penguins as they emerge from the surf to access their sand-dune burrows and feed their chicks at night.

Located right on the foreshore just a couple of minutes walk from Cowes Beach is the NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park. It’s an island oasis just steps from Victoria's Bass Coast and a relaxing stroll to the lively Cowes township, while it's also centrally situated to enjoy the island’s many attractions. The property also boasts sought-after holiday park amenities, including a pool, a kids’ playground, basketball court, games room, and a kiosk.

NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park

Heading further along the Victorian coastline, catch the car ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff, enjoy lunch, then continue along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to Port Campbell. Situated between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool, NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation styles including self-contained villas, bungalows and studios, all with free WiFi.

Guests staying at the park can go for a walk or drop a fishing line along the Port Campbell River and beachfront, located opposite the property, while the holiday park is just a 10 minutes' drive from the famous Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, sample the region’s produce on the Gourmet Trail, play golf in Peterborough, or ride the rail trail from Camperdown to the cheese-making town of Timboon.

BIG4 NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park

Located a short distance from the famous Victorian whale-watching capital, with its rich local history, the BIG4 NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park is an ideal place for the whole family to enjoy an action-packed holiday. Lovers of the great outdoors can enjoy the peaceful sounds of the Hopkins River from their caravan or campsite before cooling off in the lagoon-style swimming pool or enjoying the indoor heated pool and spa. 

NRMA Victor Harbor Holiday Park

Crossing the border into South Australia, roll into NRMA Victor Harbor Holiday Park. Located right on the beachfront, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained including a waterpark, pump track, jumping pillow and heated pool.

You can also relish the great outdoors and explore Granite Island via its 2.9km Kaiki walking trail after crossing the Causeway by horse-drawn tram. While there, visit the small colony of wild penguins, or spend your island visit marvelling at the 18 uniquely designed art installations with the picturesque island as their backdrop.

Now that your itinerary is sorted, all you need to do is pack the car, prepare your playlist, and get ready for an autumnal adventure to remember. To book your stay at these must-see coastal locations, visit nrmaparksandresorts.com.au, and rest easy knowing that NRMA Parks and Resorts offers flexible bookings if your travel plans are impacted by COVID-19.