Cotton Tree Holiday Park
Here we’ve got beachside camp sites where the only thing standing between you and your morning dip is a stretch of sand, with some of the region’s best cafes and restaurants on your doorstep.
If tranquillity is what you’re seeking, head west to the Hinterland where the early morning mist lifts to reveal some of Queensland’s most beautiful countryside.
So grab your map and get ready for an adventure like no other, because we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to caravanning around the Sunshine Coast.
The hardest part will be deciding when to leave.
Beachside
Big 4 Caloundra Holiday Park
Big 4 Caloundra Holiday Park
Remember those holidays you took as a kid, where your days were spent casting a line, eating ice cream and watching the sunset? Those days are far from over at the Big 4 Caloundra Holiday Park. Located right on the banks of the Pumicestone Passage and with the northern tip of Bribie Island yours to explore, you can book everything from large caravan sites to premium waterfront sites. There’s an upgraded pool and brand-new waterslides for the kids, and you’ll want to make tracks to the Tom & Andy’s Pizza Van—a bona fide meals on wheels haven serving up doughy goodness and drinks.
Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
It’s a well-known fact that Noosa’s North Shore Beach Campground is the ultimate headquarters for exploring the Cooloola Coast. Here, you’ll have a range of activities right on your (caravan) doorstep with horse riding, camels and bike riding all available on the beach. Four-wheel drive enthusiasts this one’s for you, the Great Beach Drive will take you from the campsite up the coastline to Rainbow Beach – make sure to stop in at Double Island Point and meet the locals – turtles that is – on a surf or kayak around the headland.
Cotton Tree Holiday Park
Cotton Tree Holiday Park
Honestly, you’ll find the best of both worlds at Cotton Tree Holiday Park. With an absolute waterfront location on the Maroochy River and the stunning Maroochydore Beach in your backyard, the hardest decision you’ll have to make all day is whether to SUP or surf. You’re also easy walking distance from Cotton Tree town, packed with bustling cafes, boutiques and restaurants and home to a weekly Sunday morning market.
Big 4 Breeze Holiday Parks Rainbow Beach
If exploring Rainbow Beach is hot on your to-do list, Big 4 Breeze Holiday Parks Rainbow Beach is the place to set up. Surrounded by a plethora of must-see sights like the Coloured Sands, Carlo Sand Blow, Great Sandy National Park, Tin Can Bay (where you can hand-feed wild dolphins each morning) and a heap more, it’s impossible to run out of activities here. Bonus tip: Big 4 Breeze Holiday Parks Rainbow Beach is also dog-friendly.
Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park
From a swimming pool, full-size tennis court, children’s playground and bike paths—there’s a reason Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park packs out during the school holidays. If you’re hauling a caravan you’ll have your pick of powered sites here, including 12 with ocean views, and plenty of onsite facilities to make you feel right at home.
Coolum Beach Holiday Park
If your idea of the perfect caravan trip is one that involves all the family (including your furry friends!) then Coolum Beach Holiday Park is the one for you. Another dog-friendly holiday spot, simply send through an application first to secure your spot for pooch. Once here you’ll be within easy walking distance of Coolum Beach – make sure to stop in at the Surf Club for a meal with a view - and have lawn bowls, Mount Coolum, restaurants and cafes on your doorstep. Local tip: You’ll want to base yourself for a while here.
Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park
Family walking onto Mudjimba beach
Looking for a caravan park where you can truly live like a local? Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park is calling your name. This tranquil setting lies upon lush green lawns and gardens and is also dog-friendly on application. With powered sites and the patrolled Mudjimba Beach within walking distance, see for yourself why this little pocket of the Coast is one of the region’s best kept secrets.
Ingenia Holidays Rivershore
The pool at Ingenia Holidays Rivershore
If you’re looking for a caravanning experience you can keep coming back to, hit up the luxurious Ingenia Holidays Rivershore. Caravanning aside, there’s a range of accommodation options here from safari tents to self-contained villas in case you’re keen to break up your travels a bit. This park also boasts a range of top-notch facilities like a 25m heated pool, a water park, a mini-golf course, and a fully equipped gym. Located right on the banks of the tranquil Maroochy River, you’ll want to take full advantage of their kayak hire.
Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park
If you’re looking to escape the winter chill down south for six months, this popular holiday destination is the perfect place to park up and soak up some sun. There’s a range of caravan sites here, all a stone's throw from the iconic Mooloolaba Beach. The powered sites offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including access to electricity and water, modern shower and toilet facilities, and a well-equipped camp kitchen makes Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park the ideal base for your next coastal adventure.
Inland
Sublime Farm & Brewery
Whether you’ve been on the road for months or just ready for a weekend getaway, Sublime Farm & Brewery – located near Gympie – offers a true country escape for keen caravanners. Make your way through the campground’s orange orchard grove, pick some limes and keep your eyes peeled for koalas and platypuses down at the creek. With a craft brewery on site slinging cold brews and epic eats, you’ll never want to leave.
Kenilworth Homestead
If you’re after quintessential country hospitality, the privately-run Kenilworth Homestead is for you. Situated right on the banks of the Mary River, a short two-kilometre drive from the township of Kenilworth, spend your days, fishing, swimming or kayaking on the Mary River (where platypus are known to play). If you’re caravanning, there’s a limited number of powered sites here so make sure you book well-ahead.
Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp
Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp
With multiple awards under their belt, we mean it when we say you won’t find anywhere like Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp. A 25-minute drive from Noosa and perched on the edge of the Noosa Everglades – one of only two everglades systems on the planet - here your days can be spent paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and lapping up the cold beers from the onsite CootharaBAR & Bistro. Local tip: make sure to time your happy hour for dusk, when kangaroos are known to make an appearance.
Imbil Camping Retreat
Imbil Camping Retreat
Another top caravanning spot if ‘Fido’ is tagging along includes the beautiful Imbil Camping Retreat. Set alongside Yabba Creek (yes you can swim here) and set on 12 acres of shaded parklands, this campground boasts firewood and firepit hire, an essentials mini-store, pedal boats, bikes, SUPs and canoes too.
Borumba Deer Park
Borumba Deer Park really clocks in as one of the coolest places to park up your caravan—especially if you’re rallying a few tiny humans. Families love this pet-friendly campground as it’s the perfect spot to unplug from the rest of the world and truly embrace the great outdoors with lots of animal feeding, mini golf, nature walks, kayaking and fishing to fill your days. Bliss.
