| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Varies by location |
| Location | Multiple locations across Australia (WA, QLD, TAS, SA, NT, NSW, VIC) |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Various campgrounds and caravan parks available at each destination |
| Vehicle Access | Suitable for motorhomes and caravans; some 4WD sites available |
| In Camps App | Yes – all locations featured |
Here are some epic action-packed adventures plus iconic Aussie destinations to share with your children and teens, that they will remember, and you will cherish.
1. Climb the Bicentennial Tree, Western Australia
Tallest of three fire lookout trees in the Pemberton area – this is super scary! Especially for mums looking on. We stayed at Pemberton Caravan Park.
2. Kayak the Ord River, Western Australia
We kayaked for a two-day self-guided tour on the spectacular Ord River, and stopped at a rustic private camp overnight. A freshwater crocodile youngster bumped our kayak! It was a real adventure that the kids talk about again and again. Stay at Kununurra Showground or choose from caravan parks in town, many are waterside with more crocs looking on – like Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park.
3. Zipline – the Daintree, QLD
Call ahead – this is still on our wishlist, as they were booked out the day we were there. Noah Beach Campground is not too far away. Plus there are lots of caravan parks to choose from.
4. Hike at Cradle Mountain, TAS
Lake St Clair National Park – walk for 10 minutes or days! Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain is closest to the Lake Dove Circuit walk.
5. Noodle for opals at Coober Pedy, SA
Take the mine tour! It really was hands-on fun for the kids. Caravan Parks are your main option here. We ditched the motorhome, and splashed out a night underground with the kids. They loved it! And they loved the pile of rocks outside it for guests to noodle (or fossick) in. They were impressed by the biggest pizzas we had ever seen. If John’s Pizza Bar is still there when we next return – I will remember to bring a crowd. I just checked the menu, 18 inch pizza is on!
6. Waterslide in Darwin, NT
Darwin has more than one free waterslide park, a real treat for the kids! The closest campground is Robbie Robbins Reserve, or choose from many caravan parks in the area.
7. Rock hop at Karijini National Park, WA
We stayed at in Karijini National Park at Dales Gorge Campground. We walked straight from the camping area along the Gorge Rim walk to beautiful Fern Pool, back to Fortescue Falls – followed the Dales Gorge trail, where you are literally walking on water with some of these tracks over stepping stones and the ‘minecraft’ like cliffs – full of natural steps all the way to more swims at the beautiful Circular Pool.
8. Waterfalls and water holes in Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
Set aside a few days for this awesome national park. There is so much to do – waterfall hop all over the place, visit gigantic anthills and bubbling Buley Rockholes. It is a natural wonderland. You can stay at nearby Batchelor Caravan Parks and it is very convenient camping right in the National Park itself at Florence Falls and Wangi Falls campgrounds and 4WD only sites – including the new sites at Central Valley. More sites are available near Darwin River, including a lot more private camps.
9. Take a photo in front the Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai NSW
Morleys Creek NSW has a spectacular background with the old railway bridge, it is self contained only. There are other rest areas and caravan parks.
10. See a lock work on the Mighty Murray River at Mildura, VIC
This is a really cool thing to do! There are so many caravan parks in Mildura, but along the Murray you’ll find many riverside camps, some near a vehicle ferry – which is another novelty your kids will love. Paddlesteamers are well worth a ride or a tour, too!
Find these sites and more nearby in the CAMPS guide books, new CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Is climbing the Bicentennial Tree at Pemberton suitable for young children?
The Bicentennial Tree climb is described as ‘super scary’ in the post, suggesting it’s better suited for older children and teens who are comfortable with heights. Check the Camps App for current details about age restrictions and safety requirements.
Are there freshwater crocodiles on the Ord River kayaking tour?
Yes, the post mentions a freshwater crocodile youngster bumped their kayak during the two-day self-guided tour. This is part of the authentic Kimberley experience, though freshwater crocodiles are generally less aggressive than saltwater crocodiles.
Do I need to book the Daintree zipline experience in advance?
Yes, the post strongly recommends calling ahead as they were fully booked when the family visited. Advance booking is essential for this popular activity.
Can you do short walks at Cradle Mountain or are they all multi-day hikes?
The post mentions you can ‘walk for 10 minutes or days’ at Lake St Clair National Park, indicating there are options for both short family-friendly walks and longer expeditions.
What is ‘noodling’ for opals at Coober Pedy?
Noodling, also called fossicking, involves searching through piles of rocks for opals. The post mentions their accommodation had a pile of rocks outside for guests to noodle in, making it a hands-on activity the kids loved.
Are the Darwin waterslide parks really free?
Yes, the post specifically mentions Darwin has ‘more than one free waterslide park’, making it a budget-friendly treat for families visiting the Northern Territory.
Can you swim at the waterfalls in Litchfield National Park?
Yes, the post mentions waterfalls and water holes throughout the park including Buley Rockholes, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, suggesting swimming opportunities. Check the Camps App for current details about swimming conditions and seasonal closures.
What camping options are available at Karijini National Park?
The family stayed at Dales Gorge Campground within Karijini National Park, which provides direct access to the Gorge Rim walk, Fern Pool, Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool.
