Breathe in crisp, cool air and enjoy the isolated bushland at these majestic mountain-based parks

WORDS JANIE MEDBURY, IMAGES VARIOUS

1. Blackheath Glen Tourist Park, NSW

If you are looking to explore the many and varied treasures of the Blue Mountains, whether it be the beautiful waterfalls of Wentworth Falls, or the Glow Worm Tunnel at Lithgow, parking your van at Blackheath Glen Tourist Park is your best bet, as Blackheath is right in the heart of the Blue Mountains. The tourist park offers large powered caravan and motorhome sites, a modern camp kitchen, modern amenities and laundry, free electric barbecues, and is opposite a public playground. It’s set in secluded bushland, yet it’s just a 10-minute walk to the village centre.

There are so many bush walks to embark on in Blackheath and its surrounding suburbs, and many lookouts with stunning views of the Grose Valley, including Govetts Leap, Evans Lookout, and Perry’s Lookdown, to list just a few. Plus, you’ll be just one suburb up from the tourist hub of Katoomba, with the Three Sisters, Scenic World and a string of cafés and antique shops that draw in visitors from all over the world.

ABOVE Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath

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2. Marysville Holiday and Caravan Park, Vic

Marysville is a village nestled in the gorgeous Yarra Valley at the foothill of Lake Mountain, right alongside the Steavenson River. Base yourself at the local holiday park, which offers a range of facilities in a stunning location, for competitive prices. The sites are spacious, flat and close to the river and amenities, including a bush kitchen, gas barbecues, firepits and a kids’ play area and jumping pillow. Rates start at $40 per couple, per night, for a powered site.

Within walking distance of the park, you will find shops and cafes, a play park, and numerous walking and bike tracks. But the biggest drawcard of Marysville, is the majestic mountain ranges and state forest. Steavenson Falls and Cathedral Range are just two of the great locations for scenic picnics and walking paths; and you must visit Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden to see a magical display of ‘art-meets-nature’.  

LEFT Bruno's Art and Sculpture Garden
BELOW Steavenson Falls, Marysville

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3. Mt Barker Caravan Park, WA

Mt Barker claims to offer guests a “real ‘out in the country’ feel”, with plenty of bird life and natural bush. You don’t need to worry about being on top of your neighbours, as the large concrete caravan pads are set eight metres apart across the 10 acres of rural parkland; there’s also large open grassed areas, and access to a camp kitchen, laundry facilities and town water. You can easily walk from the park to the tennis courts, cafés, restaurants, local wineries and public swimming pool.

It is the perfect base from which to explore the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges, the latter of which can be experienced via the Granite Skywalk, a suspended walkway on the huge granite outcrop of Castle Rock that boasts spectacular views. After a day of activities, there are some lovely award-winning wineries local to Mt Barker to visit, including West Cape Howe Wines and Galafrey Wines.

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1. Riverglade Caravan Park, NSW

The Snowy Mountains are Australia’s highest mountain range, so if you’re looking for a mountain-based holiday, make sure you add this one to your bucket list. Our pick for a place to park the van, is Riverglade Caravan Park, situated on the banks of Tumut River at the foothills of the Snowies. Powered sites are level and grassy, with a 15-amp power supply, and some are right along the river so you can swim and fish to your heart’s content. Pets are allowed to join you on your stay outside of peak periods.

Additionally, there are three amenities blocks, two laundries, an undercover TV and games area, and a massive undercover barbecue area, as well as a children’s playground. For adventure-filled days exploring caves and limestone gorges, going on scenic drives and bushwalks, and visiting historic huts and homesteads, venture out to Kosciuszko National Park, which covers 690,000 hectares and is where you will find the country’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.

Riverglade Caravan Park

Mt Kosciuszko NP. Credit: We Are Explorers

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2. Mount Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park, WA

Park the van up at one of the spacious powered sites at Mount Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park while you explore the must-see Stirling Ranges, a 4.5-hour drive east of Perth and just one hour’s drive north from Albany. You will be surrounded by peaceful bushland on a working farm on the edge of the Stirling Range National Park. The park is home to seasonal displays of orchids and wildflowers, and boasts an abundance of wildlife; in fact, you will hear the calls of boobook owl and the tawny frogmouth at night.

A site will set you back $38 a night per couple, and you don’t need to book ahead unless you’re staying over a long weekend. One of WA’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll, is just a 10-minute drive from the park, and you will also be close to some amazing bushwalks. When it’s time to settle down after a full-on day, sit back and join fellow travellers around the communal firepit to swap yarns, enjoy some drinks and toast marshmallows.

Stirling Ranges. Credit: Travel & Holiday Destinations Australia

Credit: TripAdvisor

Mount Trio

3. Landsborough Pines Caravan Park, Qld

The Glass House Mountains lay claim to some pretty epic scenery, with its rugged volcanic peaks and sweeping views of Brisbane and Moreton Island. The mountains are located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, just an hour drive from Brisbane, so you don’t have to travel long distances to enjoy peace and picturesque surrounds. Landsborough Pines Caravan Park offers travellers a place to pull up stumps amid nine acres of beautiful bushland, right at the foot of the mountains.

All sites are powered with double concrete slabs available, and there are shower and toilet facilities, a barbecue area with free gas barbecues, camp kitchen and laundry facilities, and a dump point available to use. Plus, pets are allowed. Enjoy a pub feed at the Glass House Mountains Tavern after a day of adventuring through the national park. You’ll be glad to know you’re also only 3km from Australia Zoo and 15 minutes from the world-famous Sunshine Coast beaches.

Glasshouse Mountains