Grab your bathers, grab the kids, you can even grab the dog and head north to have a Caravanning Queensland holiday. There may have been a major weather event with lots of rainfall in February 2019, but now Townsville is as pretty as a picture. Check it out for yourself, as Townsville folk would love to see you.
If you want to stay close to Townsville, check into Bush Oasis Caravan Park. An adults-only pool if you want a break from the kids, evening entertainment and clamping tents are coming. You don’t even need to bring a tent, but there is still room to park the really big rigs.
Billabong Sanctuary is right across the road, where you can feed the turtles, hold a salty, cuddle a koala and meet the sweetest dingos you are ever likely to meet.
Drive just 45 minutes up the road to Big4 Rollingstone Beach Front Resort — and when we say beach front, we mean beach front. There is so much to do at this park: catch and release barra from the ponds on the grounds (whilst there, two old mates caught one-metre barra); it’s pizza night every Tuesday with a true wood-fire oven; you can also grab a cold one or a cocktail at the bar. The kids can wear themselves out at the resort pool, jumping pillow or BMX track or take the dog for a walk along the beach. Did we mention you can bring your dog to the park? You’d be a fool to cry — there is just so much to do.
Next stop – take the scenic route and check out Wallaman Falls. You can’t take the caravan with you on the stretch of road leading to the falls, but it’s well worth checking out the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia – 268 metres and about a 45-minute hike to the bottom. The best part is that it is an easy stroll to the lookout from the car park, if you’re not feeling energetic.
On your way to the next overnight stay, drop into JK’s Deli at Ingham to refuel on some of the best pies around.
Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park has one of the friendliest hosts you can meet; you will recognise Glenda by her pearls and flower in her hair. The pool and water park here will keep the kids entertained for hours and you can relax and watch them from the café/bar.
Kurrimine is the closest point to the reef – just 800 metres. Something you might not have seen is that they launch their boats here using tractors! Didn’t bring your boat? No worries, as Kurrimine Boat and Fishing Charters will set you up. You can even hire crab pots and Michael will teach you everything before you go out.
The park has won awards for its family and wheelchair facilities, and it’s also pet-friendly.
Just up the road is Paronella Park, perfect for the romantics who love a good story.
Want to cool down and enjoy true country hospitality? Head to Malanda Falls Caravan Park and meet fun-loving Janine. This park has its own entrance to the famous Malanda Falls and swimming hole. We must talk about the petting zoo – cuteness overload! It’s also a spot where you feel like you are in the country, especially when you can sit around a campfire and roast marshmallows. This park is so pet-friendly that one person brought their pony, others were travelling with their cat.
Go into town and visit the Malanda’s Majestic Cinema – canvas seats, you can bring your blanky and pillow and watch modern blockbusters. Malanda also is the home to Australia’s so-called biggest timber hotel/motel Malanda Hotel Motel (though some may dispute that title). Have a look at the art deco ballroom and the historic photos in the dining room – might recognise a royal or two.
Our last destination — but not least — is Big4 Glengarry Port Douglas. It offers a resort pool, water park, slide, cabins and is great for family and couples, with room for the big rigs, tents and all types of caravans. The spot offers peace and quiet, yet is close to the action of Port Douglas. It’s a great home-base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef and the fabulous Daintree.
After all that, you need to relax and have a cold one! Go to Hemingway’s Brewery Port Douglas and try crafted beers and fresh local produce — and just look at the view.
Want more? Well come and have a look at the Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow from the 5th – 10th June at the Brisbane showgrounds. In one convenient location, you can see over 1,000 RV products and find information about parks & holiday destinations.
