Caravan Itinerary: Brisbane to Bundaberg

A little while back Scotty had the absolute pleasure of road-tripping north from Brisbane up to Bundaberg for a very memorable Caravanning Queensland trip.

The journey ticks off so many amazing experiences you can have in our little part of South East Queensland, so we thought, now more than ever, it might be a good starting point for those of us itching to travel again come June 13, 2020 when restrictions, particularly for caravanners, will begin to ease.

The highlight of Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park is the fact that there aren’t any roads to cross for beach access, making it ideal for young families! There are powered and unpowered sites, as well as studio units — options to suit all budgets.

It’s a park guaranteed to wear the kids out with direct beach access, swimming pool, tennis court, kids’ games room, playground and even a skate park.

Of course when you are on the Sunshine Coast, you can’t pass the home of the crocodile hunter. And there are plenty of encounters that allow you to get up close and personal with the animals.

Australia Zoo is ideal for caravanners and spontaneous visitors because many of the encounters don’t need you to pre-book. There are Australian animals, African animals, and of course… plenty of crocs!

Sitting right on the gateway to the Blackall Range and the charming towns of Maleny, Mapleton and Montville, you won’t be short on things to do while at Ocean View Tourist Park. And yes, it really does have ocean views, particularly enjoyable off the recently renovated back deck.

There are villas, cabins, studios, and plenty of caravan sites. The new function room is also worth a mention, with amazing quality finishes. If there’s a caravan park that epitomizes what caravanning is all about, it’s this one.

The beauty of Noosa Caravan Park lies in its location, only 15 minutes from Main Beach. With 85 powered sites and 21 villas, there’s something to suit everyone. The camp kitchen is worth a mention, too… it’s pretty fancy.

If you’re in Noosa, it’s worth heading to Main Beach to join one of the sand sculpting lessons run by Arron McCormick. It’s a great way to get the kids — big and little — outdoors for some family fun in the sun… no tech time needed!

You can’t go past the authentic Italian food at Italian Marina. From home-made pasta and amazing wood-fire pizzas, the fact you’re overlooking the water whilst dining only makes it all the more delicious.

Thirty kilometres southeast of Maryborough and adjacent to Fraser Island, you’ll find Poona Palms Caravan Park. With its relaxed vibe, owner Don will agree things run on Poona time here. An added bonus is that it has its own boat ramp, making for easy access out onto the water. And you’ll want that access as the fishing and crabbing is fantastic.

With vintage caravans and caravanning treasures on display, you’ll be guaranteed a tug on the old heart strings here. Searle’s Caravan Museum can also help you out if you need your caravan checked, as can two other locals: Takalvans and Bundaberg Jayco.

You can’t visit Bundaberg and not stop into one iconic joint: the museum and world’s biggest Bundaberg Rum collection! There are more than 1,000 unique bottles stacked up on a towering wall, and you can even make your own bottle of Bundy rum in the Barrel House. Oh, the molasses wells are worth a mention, too… amazing stuff!

Located 20 minutes out of Bundaberg, there is a little gem right on the shores of Bargara Beach. At Bargara Beach Caravan Park, there are powered sites, unpowered sites and plenty of cabins. You’re not short on options when it comes to a bed for the night. Come the summer months, there’s an extra bonus here: just a couple of minutes up the beach, you’ll find the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland.

For more tips or to have your caravan checked before you head on your next road trip, visit Caravanning Queensland’s website. 

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