5 Surprising Attractions You Can Visit When Caravanning

5 Surprising Attractions You Can Visit When Caravanning

Do You Know: Tourism Research Australia data for the year ending 2016 has shown the highest recorded annual growth in domestic caravanning and camping overnight trips and visitor nights since data was first recorded in 1998. This unprecedented growth saw Australians take a total of 11.7 million caravan and camping overnight trips, which represents a 9% increase on the previous year*.

With so many Aussies are caravanning, it is time to look at road trips differently. When it is planned properly, one can see some of the most amazing Aussie attractions. Discovery Holiday Parks has compiled a list that might surprise you.  

Capricorn Caves, Queensland

Attracting scientists and school groups from all over the world, the Capricorn Caves are a historic area where dinosaurs once lived – yes, dinosaurs! Explore the area with a personal tour, feasting your eyes on fossils ingrained in the cave walls, or simply enjoy a visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and see some of the best preserved dinosaurs!

Where to stay? Discovery Parks - Rockhampton, Capricorn 

Our Rockhampton location provides access to the Fitzroy River and is about a 20-minute drive from the Capricorn Caves.

The Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania

Visit the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Tasmania - Australia's most underestimated state. Be ready to open your mind to abstract depictions of art at this magnificent museum. Mona offers different experiences throughout the year, including live jazz music, brewery tours and the internationally recognised DARK MOFO Festival held every June.

Where to stay? Discovery Parks - Hobart, Tasmania 

Only 10 minutes from Mona, our Hobart location is in close to the city centre, where you can stop off at Australia's first and oldest Casino, the Wrest Point Hotel.

Kimberly, Western Australia

Become acquainted with Australian culture by visiting the Kimberly in Western Australia. Learn about the historical Indigenous land, swim in a outback waterhole and take in one of the worlds best sunsets on a Lake Kununurra cruise.

Where to stay? Discovery Parks - Lake Kununurra, East Kimberly 

Kununurra, is a lively town located on the eastern edge of the Kimberly surrounded by spectacular ranges and gorges. If water play is what you seek you have found your nirvana.

The Big Banana, New South Wales

Australians travellers often use our love of Big Things as an excuse for a road trip and a must see on this tour is The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. Considered one of the pioneers in the history of big things, The Big Banana has recently opened a brand new Water Park to compliment its famous 650m toboggan ride and ultimate mini golf course! Learn about all things yellow in the education centre; World of Bananas and finish your visit with the delicious and indulgent -Ultimate Banana Smoothie from the café.

Where to stay? Discovery Parks - Emerald Beach, Coffs Harbour 

Emerald Beach is a short 30 minute drive from Coffs Harbour in what can only be described as a private paradise. Share pristine beaches with a mob of friendly kangaroos or go for a paddle up one of the many estuaries in one of Australia's best kept secrets.

The Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne

Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol where some of Australia's most notorious criminals were once incarcerated. If you're brave enough, explore the eerie building and visit the cell where onlookers watched Ned Kelly hang to his death.

Where to stay? Discovery Parks - Melbourne, Victoria 

Our Melbourne location is located in the heart of Maribyrnong, taking only 20 minutes to get to the CBD. Enjoy a day or two in the city of Melbourne where there are endless alleyways and pop ups to explore.

*Caravanning Industry Association of Australia