An essential Canberra caravan park and camping guide

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Heading to town with the RV in tow? There are plenty of caravan parks in Canberra catering to all types of travellers.

Whether you’re a road-tripper looking for a tranquil riverside retreat or an active family needing plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, Canberra’s caravan parks are plentiful and diverse.

When it comes to camping, there are a lot of free campsites around the city’s outskirts. However, prices for caravan parks in Canberra are competitive, and there are several options for all travels, from budget to comfortable. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best of Canberra’s caravan parks and campsites.

1. Alivio Tourist Park

Offering a mix of caravan and RV sites, cabins and stylish villas, Alivio Tourist Park is all about proximity – just four kilometres from Canberra’s city centre, keen walkers won’t even need to take the car.

The park has everything you’ll need, with an onsite restaurant, clean camp kitchen, full amenities and water park. There’s even an outdoor cinema for cosy movie nights with the family. Due to all the creature comforts, prices are a little higher than usual, but definitely worth it.

an aerial view of Alivio Tourist Park
Alivio Tourist Park offers great family-friendly facilities.

Address: 20 Kunzea Street, O’Connor ACT

2. Capital Country Holiday Park

A little further out, you’ll find Capital Country Holiday Park, which caters to everyone from tent campers to larger groups. Still close to Canberra’s attractions (a 20-minute drive at most), this holiday park has unpowered and powered sites, en suite sites, cabins and lodges.

Set on 15 hectares, this is also a dog-friendly caravan park, so your furry friend can come on holiday too. There are two bungalows that accept pets, plus four ‘dog freedom’ sites that feature full fencing around your RV or caravan.

Address: 47 Bidges Road, Sutton NSW

3. Canberra Park

The modern, recently developed Canberra Park might be the most stylish caravan park in the region. The state-of-the-art camp kitchen is definitely a highlight, with large, modern fridges, cooking facilities and ample space to sit and enjoy a meal.

Prices are still on the reasonable end, too. However, we wouldn’t recommend this tourist park for those with active little ones looking for entertainment – it is more of an accommodation-focused caravan park suited for couples or families with older children.

a modern kitchen at Canberra Caravan Park
Find a well-equipped communal camp kitchen for use.

Address: 26 Old Well Station Road, Gungahlin ACT

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4. Southside Village

Conveniently situated on the outskirts of Narrabundah close to Canberra’s CBD, Southside Village is a popular Canberra caravan park with powered and unpowered sites, plus a range of cabins for those travelling without an RV.

Prices are competitive and affordable, but this is definitely no-frills, budget accommodation – reviews mention sites are on the smaller side and cabin interiors are a little dated. Still, small dogs are allowed in the park, and reviews rave about the friendly staff and clean amenities.

Address: 250 Canberra Avenue, Symonston ACT

5. Crestview Tourist Park

Situated at the south end of Canberra near Queanbeyan, Crestview Tourist Park is a great option if you’re less interested in being close to action and more looking for a relaxing holiday with proximity to some great Canberra restaurants.

Powered sites are priced reasonably, and the park also offers self-contained accommodation in the form of villas and budget-friendly cabins. There is a lovely swimming pool onsite, as well as free coffee at reception, a playground for little ones and wi-fi throughout the park.

a two-bedroom villa at Crestview Tourist Park
Opt for a stay in one of the park’s deluxe villas.

Address: 81 Donald Road, Karabar NSW

6. Eaglehawk Park

Outside town, you’ll find Eaglehawk Park, which offers some of the cheapest accommodation near Canberra for those travelling with caravans and RVs. This doesn’t mean you’ll skip out on style and comfort though.

The park has all kinds of properties, including powered and en suite sites, budget-friendly cabins, cosy cottages and fully furnished villas. there is also an outdoor pool, playground, barbecue area and plenty of green space.

Address: 1246 Federal Highway Service Road, Sutton NSW

7. Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park

Staying at Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park is a good option if you’re arriving with a caravan in tow, although the distance from the CBD will mean ideally, you have a car you can detach for getting around in. A real plus are the riverside caravan sites, which sit on the banks of the Queanbeyan River for an idyllic spot to set up.

All sites have access to power and water, including the designated camping spots. There’s a well-appointed camp kitchen and clean toilets, as well as laundry and drying facilities. The park is also pet-friendly and close to Queanbeyan shops and cafes.

Queanbeyan Riverside Holiday Caravan Park
Views don’t get more serene than this.

Address: 41A Morisset Street, Queanbeyan NSW

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8. Exhibition Park

Canberra’s showground, Exhibition Park (or EPIC), offers caravan sites on a sprawling 75-hectare lot just eight minutes from the CBD. The pet-friendly park is a great option for families, with a local farmers market held every Saturday morning on the grounds.

The prices may be considered a little steep, but you’ll be in the centre of town, plus the park has full amenities including toilets, showers and laundry facilities. Bookings are essential.

Exhibition Park campground
Exhibition Park is a central place to camp or caravan in Canberra.

Address: Corner Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell ACT

9. Cotter Campground

Just 25 minutes outside of Canberra, you’ll find Cotter Campground, set on the tranquil Cotter River. With hot showers, potable water, flushing toilets, barbecues and dishwashing facilities, its a Canberra camping spot that can’t be beaten.

If you’re looking for nature experiences, Brindabella Range and Namadgi National Park, are nearby, plus there are walking tracks, fishing and kayaking opportunities within the campground itself. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a platypus splashing about in the river. No dogs allowed.

the signage of Cotter Campground
Escape from the city noise at Cotter Campground.

Address: 1691 Cotter Road, Stromlo ACT

10. Woods Reserve Campground

Not too far from Cotter Campground is Woods Reserve Campground, a dog-friendly site that is also in close proximity to Namadgi. It’s a good option if you’ve brought along the furry family member, but they must remain on leash to protect native wildlife.

It may be a little less luxurious, with no drinking water and no bins, but there are toilet and shower facilities, fire pits, washing amenities and picnic tables onsite. Take a stroll to nearby Gibraltar Falls for a refreshing wild swim.

a scenic view of Woods Reserve Campground in Canberra
Embrace seclusion in the lush bushlands at Woods Reserve Campground.

Address: Corin Road, Paddys River ACT

For more recommendations on where to stay, read our guide to Canberra accommodation for everything from hotels to Airbnbs.

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Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens, and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands, a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head. Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au.

    An Essential Canberra Caravan Parks & Camping Guide | Australian Traveller