Six of the best NSW beach caravan parks

It’s that time of year when grey nomads start to head north.

If you are heading up the east coast, it’s the perfect time to avoid the summer crowds, and maybe catch some whale watching along the way.

To get the best value for your trip, we recommend joining caravan group points clubs, and your roadside care group such as the RACV and NRMA will also offer discounts to members and very often reciprocal rights.

Many parks also offer an extra night free over a certain number of nights, especially in the ‘off’ season.

Reflections Byron Bay

Byron Bay has happily shed its hippy, trippy reputation and become an upmarket getaway destination, but if you want to experience that beautiful beach at its most affordable, Reflections is your go-to.

Accommodation options: cabins and villas, glamping, powered and unpowered sites and tiny homes.

Amenities:

• barbecue area, camp kitchen and kiosk
• playground
• not dog friendly.

Known for: living like you are in the bush set among the rainforest by the beach.

While you are there: sample many of the food and drink options of this glamorous town with more than 10 world class offerings less than 2km from the park.

BIG4 Park Beach, Coffs Harbour

Come for the Big Banana, stay for the laidback atmosphere of an Australian country beach town. Great stop-off point for the surrounding countryside including surrounding national parks, the Coffs Harbour Wildlife Sanctuary, Coffs Harbour Butterfly House and North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. Offshore, there are plenty of whale-watching tours.

Just be aware that this is a huge park and very family-orientated. So if you are looking for a quiet life, look elsewhere or book out of season. Big 4 Sawtell is a little bit quieter and just 16 minutes down the road.

Accommodation options: villas, cabins, powered and unpowered slab and grass sites.

Amenities:

• massive pool with slides and kid-friendly attractions
• café with weekly happy hours
• mini golf
• Kids Club and playground
• camp kitchen, barbecue areas
• convenience store
• not pet friendly.

Known for: it’s big, it’s brash, it’s got a lot going on. If that doesn’t work for you, if you ask, management will position you away from the noisier areas if they can. 

While you are there: Coffs Harbour really should be better known. Choose from golf, to nature, to awesome food and drink. You can’t live it all, but you can have fun trying.

NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

This Sapphire Coast favourite on the waterfront is nestled between the mountains and the sea with plenty of lake and water sports action as well. And if you like seafood, you’ll love Merimbula.

Accommodation options: cabins, villas, glamping, powered and unpowered sites.

Amenities:

• pedal kart hire
• camp kitchen
• tennis court
• wood-fired pizza oven, barbecue
• e-bikes
• pet friendly
• swimming pool.

Known for: heated waterpark to swim all year round, near a dog beach and food trucks on a Friday night.

While you are there: book a whale-watching tour while in season or enjoy a stroll on the Merimbula boardwalk where, at 3.4 kilometres long, you should always get enjoy the famous sunset views. 

Reflections at Seal Rocks

If you want a bush retreat experience, Reflections at Seal Rocks has you sorted. Far enough away from civilisation to let you relax, but with plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable.

Accommodation options: cabins and villas, stationary campervans, glamping and powered sites.

Amenities:

• barbecue
• fire pit (winter only) and camp kitchen
• waterpark and pool
• kiosk
• school holiday activities
• no wifi, no pets.

Known for: proximity to the beach and all that goes with it, including surfing, snorkelling and just plain old swimming. The staff will let you in on the best fishing spots as well.

While you are there: enjoy nature with the area’s rugged coastline, pristine beaches and clear seas. Also, loads of hiking opportunities.

NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

If you want to visit Sydney and all that it offers but don’t want to pay Sydney prices, this holiday park might just be your best option.

Sited at Narrabean, just 45 minutes from the city, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway, as part of a longer trip or even a holiday-at-home weekend.

Accommodation options: cabins, villas, powered and unpowered sites.

Amenities:

• waterpark
• games room
• mini golf
• camp kitchens and barbecues
• free wifi
• pedal kart hire
• meeting room
• not pet friendly.

Known for: offering a Sydney experience at a budget price. Close to all the action of Sydney’s food and wine and attractions,  but still in a caravan park setting.

While you are there: take the fast ferry from Manly to the city, hire a boat or kayak or go fishing. Plenty of local dining and drinks options.

Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach

This is a beach lover’s delight and, at some places, it’s less than 200m to Huskisson Beach.

Hire a boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard to enjoy the sheltered waters or slip a beer or two down at the delightful Huskisson Hotel, also known as the Husky.

Accommodation: cabins, dog-friendly cabins, ensuite sites, powered and unpowered sites.

Amenities:

• barbecues, camp kitchen
• conference room
• tennis court
• free wifi, but not great in peak periods
• dog friendly, but with plenty of rules

Known for: the beach, the beach and the beach.

While you are there: a great place to base yourself for all your Jervis Bay adventures.

Do you have a favourite NSW beach caravan park? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.

Also read: Caravanning tips and tricks for newbies