Caravan parks are a great place to stay while you travel Australia. Now if you’ve just bought a van you are probably eager to get out on the road. But where are you going to pull up each night? There are a few options like on the side of the road, in a free camp at a show ground or you can book in to a caravan park. But as you are new to this travelling Australia thing, you are a little nervous about staying at a caravan park for the first time. Well, to make it easier, I have put together my ultimate survival guide for your first stay at a caravan park. And it will help you for future stays too! So let’s get on the road.

Surviving for Your First Stay at a Caravan Park

Australian caravan parks are a great place to stay as you travel. They not only provide the weary traveller a place to stay for the night but offer a number of amenities. But there are things to consider to make your caravan park stay enjoyable. And they start before you even arrive at a caravan park.

Before You Go To a Caravan Park

Even before you arrive for your first stay at a caravan park, there are things to do.

Booking Your Spot

Caravanning and camping is so popular that many of the caravan parks can be booked out well in advance. This is particularly true for the warmer months, when many Australians and international visitors like to follow the sun. If looking for a powered campsite with an ocean view during the Christmas New Year period – well, good luck with that! This is why, if possible, rather than driving in to town and hoping there will be a spot for your van, that you book a spot in advance. 

And know what kind of spot you want when you book. Do you want a view? Do you need power? Are you wanting to use all the amenities – bathroom and laundry? Do you want a pool? Would you like kids activities at the park? So when you book, request the things you would like. But if it is privacy you are after, don’t book somewhere near the toilet blocks, barbeques or any other common areas – as these are busy areas.

How to Find a Caravan Spot in a Caravan Park

There are a number of ways to book your spot at a caravan park. You can use apps, websites and contact budget-friendly caravan park chains.

Apps

The best apps to find caravan parks around Australia are WikiCamps Australia and CamperMate.

Websites

I have found the best website to be Camps Australia Wide for booking a spot at a caravan park.

Contact Caravan Park Chains Directly

The best budget friendly caravan parks, pet friendly caravan parks and family friendly caravan parks include:

Big4 Holiday Parks
G’Day Parks
Discovery Parks
Reflections Holiday Parks
NRMA Parks and Resorts

Surviving At the Caravan Park

1. Check in

Just like staying in a hotel, you need to check in at reception and be advised where your caravan parking spot is.

2. Reversing and Set Up

Once you are at your spot, it is time to reverse your caravan in – let’s hope your caravan site fits you van. This is why it is good to know the dimensions of your caravan and to have practiced this before you arrive on your first time at a caravan park. 

Before your reverse I suggest finding where the connections to the water, gas and power are. This will help you figure out where to place your van on your spot so you can set up your caravan. 

3. Learn Some Caravan Park Etiquette

There are a few things that every camper should keep in mind for their first time at a caravan park. While each caravan park might have their own particular quirks, there are some universal rules to keep in mind. And word can get around if you continuously disregard these unwritten rules and potentially, you won’t be welcomed and included in such a wonderful travelling caravan community.

• Firstly, try and keep the sound to a minimum at unsociable times. Some campsites may even give you a time that you need to be quiet by. This can be around 10pm. This is because caravan parks are open areas and sound of talking, music, TV, air conditioning, crying babies and barking pets can carry.
• Avoid walking through other people’s campsites. You wouldn’t like it if people used your campsite as a short cut to the loo!
• Definitely don’t use someone else’s equipment without asking first.
• Don’t be that person who spends hours in the shower at peak times.
• When parking your caravan, don’t infringe on someone else’s caravan spot.
• Don’t be yelling instructions during set up and pack up.

4. Say G’Day to Your Neighbours

You don’t necessarily need to get to know your neighbours staying in the caravan park, but it is well worth saying hello to them. Fellow caravanners are a wealth of knowledge and can offer tips and tricks for both the caravan park and the local area. And if you make a friend, there is nothing more welcoming than sharing an afternoon drink with new friends. 

Are You Ready to Stay at an Australian Caravan Park?

There is a first time for everything, and I hope these tips will help you with your first stay at a caravan park in Australia. Do you stay in caravan parks? I’d love to hear.