Why caravanning in autumn is the best
Getting away from the stresses of day-to-day life in your trusty caravan, what could possibly be better? However, doing it in autumn when you can experience the gorgeous changing of the seasons, the slightly more palatable temperatures and a host of other appealing reasons make it even better.
While the hustle and bustle of summer is behind us, there's still plenty to to do and check out around the country.
Read on and find out why it’s little wonder that autumn is one of the most popular times for caravanning in Australia.
The colour
There’s just something about the changing of the seasons in autumn that is simply magical. The leaves falling off of the trees, the brown, yellow and orange hues headlining an impressive lineup of colours amongst the changing landscape.
This riot of colour provides a dramatic backdrop for nature trails and sure makes for some brilliant photo ops.
Driving to and from your location or to the next park is also a little more enjoyable thanks to the visual feast out the windows as you make your way along the road.
Find out where the best places to experience autumn's colour.
The temperature
Autumn in Australia is an unparalleled sweet spot in the calendar for caravan travel and outdoor adventures. The intense heat of summer gives way to a gentler warmth. Allowing for activities such as hikes, bike riding or a full day on the golf course or exploring parks and wildlife that may have felt a bridge too far with the mercury peaking just a few months ago.
While the days become less extreme on the forecast front, the nights are transformed into a cosier affair. Forget not being able to get to sleep in your van, instead you’ll be snuggled up in your bed as the cool evenings take hold.
Also, less rain than the upcoming winter months mean planning activities in advance is a little more manageable than it is in June and beyond.
Fewer crowds
With the hustle and bustle of summer now in the rearview mirror, you can go about your travels at your own pace in autumn. There are fewer cars on the roads and vans in the parks. The tourist attractions aren’t at capacity, so you don’t feel like you’re fighting to see the very things you had in mind when planning a trip.
Take advantage of the fact that most holiday-goers have returned to their usual routines, leaving more room to make the most of your travels. It’s the perfect time for those seeking a bit more solitude and a lot more space to connect with nature and each other.
More cost-effective
It’s well-known that summer can peak in terms of temperature but also when it comes to price when travelling. That’s just another reason why autumn can be so appealing for a getaway.
You can either book a site, be it unpowered or powered for less, or book something a little fancier than you normally would like an ensuite site thanks to more enticing rates. With lower occupation in parks, there’s often a little more choice when it comes to sites while booking. You’ve got more chance of booking a site near the amenities or facilities you want to be close to.
You’re also less likely to be lining up at the petrol station when filling up in popular tourist spots. Speaking of which, fuel prices often fall slightly post-summer, making caravanning and road trips a touch more affordable again.
The best places to soak up autumn in your van
Where to caravan in NSW
Adventuring inland in NSW opens up a whole host of parks that beg to be explored in autumn.
BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park
Located in the Murray and Riverina regions, you can spend lazy mornings on the banks of the beautiful Edward River and then get stuck into all the activities the park offers as the day warms up. Including swimming pools, splash park, waterslide, pump track, flying fox, mini-golf and much more.
Not to mention the water sports and water skiing on the river. A BBQ in the park is the perfect way to unwind in the evenings.
BIG4 Big River Holiday Park & Ski Lodge
Just 15-minutes from Grafton, this waterfront park boasts an unbeatable location right on the Clarence River.
Surrounded by nature with the added bonus of a heap of facilities on offer such as a camp kitchen, convenience store, tennis court, fire pits, swimming pool and more. Plus water skiing on the river among other water sports.
BIG4 Paradise Tamworth
Situated on the banks of the Peel River and just minutes from the town centre of the world-famous country music capital of Australia; Tamworth.
A great place to base yourself for the many regional events that take place in and around Tamworth. While the park offers plenty to be regarded as an attraction in its own right with impressive facilities including a swimming pol, kids’ playground, camp kitchen and BBQ area.
Where to caravan in VIC
Victoria shines in autumn, whether you explore its High Country, get stuck into nature and the various walking trails on offer or taste the fresh produce littered all over the state.
BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park
While known for being near the ski fields when it gets a bit colder, this charming park is located in Victoria’s High Country kust 9km from the endearing town of Bright, famed for its autumnal hues. This park sits at the base of Mount Buffalo National Park and just a short walk to the Ovens River.
It’s a fantastic place to feast on the autumn colours and soak in all the natural beauty of its surroundings. Explore wineries, small boutiques, waterfalls, walking tracks and even mountain bike at Mystic Park.
BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park
While just a quick 90-minute jaunt from the big smoke of Melbourne, you’ll feel a world away in Castlemaine. The park is situated right next to the 25-hectare Botanical Gardens, providing a stunning backdrop for your caravan.
Winner of multiple tourism awards, the park offers enviable facilities and is a short walk to local watering holes, cafes and boutique shops. Plenty of outdoor activities to choose from nearby such as bushland walking and cycling tracks, rock climbing, watering holes and much more. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park
In the inviting location of Healesville, this park is immersed in natural bushland surrounded by native flora and fauna. The perfect location for a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city without needing to go too far.
There’s so much scenery around the park, such as the nearby Badger Creek, but the park itself boasts an impressive array of attractions with a community fire pit, pump track, playground, Jump Pad for the kids plus a swimming pool, tennis courts and games room for fun for all ages.
Where to caravan in QLD
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort
A peaceful and tropical oasis offering up beautifully manicured grounds just a seven-minute drive from Cairns town centre. A fantastic launching pad to experience some of North Queensland’s best attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, the village of Kuranda and the many white sandy beaches.
Not that you need to leave the park, however. There’s a water park, swimming pool, tennis and basketball court, mini-golf, adventure playground, an onsite restaurant among plenty of other fun-filled activities.
BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park
Situated between the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and an ancient World Heritage listed rainforest, Port Douglas is rightfully a popular destination for travellers.
The park is just 7km from Port Douglas and the famous Four Mile Beach. Featuring a lush landscape, the park boasts a range of enjoyable facilities including a water park, swimming pool, playground, pedal carts, Jumping Pillow and much more to ensure it’s a fungetaway for the entire family.
BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – South Mission Beach
Smack bang on the beachfront of South Mission Beach, just as the name would suggest! On the Cassowary Coast, two hours south of Cairns, the park makes for a great place to relax and explore where rainforest meets the reef.
Take advantage of Queensland’s warmer autumn temps and swim in gorgeous tropical waters under the coconut palms. There’s also a pool in the park alongside a café, camp kitchen, playground and tennis court to ensure everyone’s kept entertained.
Where to caravan in SA
BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park
Just an hour from Adelaide in Nuriootpa in South Australia’s famous wine country. The Barossa, of course, needs no introduction. What better time than autumn to get away and try some of the best wine in the world? Not that there’s a bad time for that!
It’s not just the wine region on offer, you’ll also find picturesque rolling hills and nearby charming towns. Discover fresh food at the Barossa Farmers Market when you’re all wined out.
The park itself offers all the facilities you need including a heated pool and communal fire pits.
BIG4 Cape Jervis Accommodation & Caravan Park
Along the Fleurieu Peninsula you’ll uncover a farm stay at BIG4 Cape Jervis. A great base to experience Deep Creek National Park and immerse yourself in the food and wine offering of McLaren Vale.
With live animal feedings, a convenience store, a kids play area and pet-friendly options, it’s perfect for a family getaway or couple’s retreat.
Where to caravan in WA
With the mercury being a touch higher in autumn than the eastern seaboard, Western Australia is a great place to spend autumn for those that are avoiding the impending winter as much as possible.
BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park
This tranquil and customer-centric park is surrounded by lush native gardens right on the edge of the Swan Valley 20km from Perth.
Take full advantage of the warmer temperatures in WA with their swimming pool, even in the evening as it’s heated. There’s also a BBQ area, a fully equipped camp kitchen, a library, a recreation room, and a pool table for epic battles between family and friends.
BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River
What better way to experience autumn than staying on a working farm! Right in the heart of the Margaret River region renowned for its wine, food and nature.
Explore nearby caves, check out the many surf beaches or go on a whale watching cruise. There’s plenty to do around Margaret River and Cowaramup. Not to mention feeding the animals at the park.
BIG4 Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park
Family fun and adventure meets beautiful serenity and tranquillity just a short stroll from the brilliant Ocean Beach.
Enjoy the new camp kitchen complete with TV, numerous BBQs, a new playground, Jumping Pillow, mini-gold, pedal bikes and plenty of more for a fun stay.
Where to caravan in TAS
While Tassie cools off post-summer more than anywhere else, the natural beauty is arguably more stunning than anywhere else in the country in autumn.
BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park
Just 300 metres from the water in St Helens, this award-winning park is the perfect location to allow you to discover the world-famous Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, and St Columba Waterfalls.
With pet-friendly options, wood-fired pizzas, indoor dining area, communal firepit with Friday night happy hour plus a Jumping Pillow and table tennis for this kids, there’s something for everyone.
BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park
Sitting right opposite Muirs Beach at Coles Bay on Tassie’s sensational East Coast. This stunning location is a fantastic base to explore the world-renowned Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.
Local produce, fresh seafood and gorgeous wine are never too far away. While the park offers a café, playground, camp kitchens as well as safe swimming beaches nearby.
Where to caravan in NT
BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park
Just ten minutes south of Darwin lies this little slice of heaven. Set among lush tropical gardens and giant shady trees to keep you out of the harsh NT sun. As the name suggests, the park is hidden away on quiet streets.
Offering a saltwater pool, playground, BBQ areas and much more, the park is the perfect tranquil setting to base yourself while you explore The Top End.
BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Katherine
Katherine is an iconic destination where outback meets the tropics. Only three hours from Darwin, the NT’s third-largest town offers natural delights at every turn.
The region boasts plenty of gorges and waterfalls as well as thermal springs. Not to mention the ancient culture of our First Nations Peoples is a rich part of the local area’s history.
When you’re not exploring the local area there’s plenty to do at the park with pedal kart hire, a swimming pool, spa, bistro and camp kitchen.
Ready to make the most of winter? Find your perfect autumn getaway today.