Australia’s East Coast is tailor-made for caravanning. With the ocean rarely out of sight, a mild climate and towns built for relaxed exploration, it’s ideal for both weekend escapes and long-distance adventures. Short driving days, scenic detours and well-located holiday parks make it one of the most flexible and rewarding coastlines to explore.
Below, we spotlight some of the East Coast’s most popular caravanning routes, plus the Hampshire Holidays holiday parks you’ll find perfectly placed along the way.
Distance: 1,200–1,700km
Best Time to Travel: Autumn, winter and spring
Queensland’s coast is a mosaic of tropical islands, coral reefs, lush hinterlands and relaxed beach towns. It’s a journey best enjoyed slowly, filled with ocean breezes, warm evenings and reef side adventures.
Bribie Island: An island escape in Morton Bay, just an hour drive from Brisbane. Protected beaches, birdwatching, and national parks make it an easy first stop into Queensland.
Stay: Bribie Island Caravan Park
Mackay: A relaxed city with art deco heritage, scenic beachside walks and access to Cape Hillsborough where kangaroos greet the sunrise.
Stay: Mackay Caravan Park
Airlie Beach & Whitsundays: Your launchpad to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Ideal for snorkelling, sailing and reef tours.
Stay: Whitsunday Islands Holiday Park
Townsville & Magnetic Island: Tropical urban meets laid-back coastal charm. Take the ferry to Magnetic Island, or explore Townsville’s Strand waterfront and museums.
Stay: BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park
Lucinda & Hinchinbrook Channel: Home to the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a haven for anglers and nature lovers exploring Hinchinbrook Island’s towering peaks.
Stay: BIG4 Lucinda Holiday Park
Distance: 400–600km
Best Time to Travel: Spring and autumn
The Mid North Coast is a gentle introduction to coastal touring. With calm rivers, expansive beaches and charming towns linked by easy driving distances, it encourages you to slow down and settle in. Days revolve around the water, from early morning swims to sunset strolls along the sand.
Forster and Wallis Lake: Calm waters, postcard beaches and lakefront walks make Forster a coastal favourite. Wallis Lake is perfect for fishing and paddling, while nearby Booti Booti National Park offers scenic trails with sweeping views.
Stay: Lakeside Forster Holiday Park
Manning Point: A tranquil spot where the Manning River meets the ocean. It’s perfect for boating, fishing and low-key beach days with that nostalgic, laid-back charm.
Stay: BIG4 Manning Point Holiday Park
Hallidays Point: Home to the iconic Black Head Beach and its ocean pool. Discover headland walks, quiet rockpools, and a strong sense of community.
Stay: BIG4 Happy Hallidays Holiday Park
Nambucca Heads & Valla Beach: Near-pristine beaches and calm estuaries. Great for fishing, swimming and quiet coastal escapes just 35 minutes from Coffs Harbour.
Stay: Valla Beach Holiday Park
Distance: 300–500km
Best Time to Travel: Spring, autumn, early summer
South of Sydney, the coastline transforms into lakes, rivers, surf beaches and national parks. It’s perfect for short drives, long days in nature and plenty of local charm. Think seaside cafes, world-class fresh seafood, including local oysters and friendly markets.
Lake Tabourie and Wairo Beach: A peaceful setting nestled between the lake and the sea. Swim, kayak, or take a bushwalk through nearby Meroo National Park.
Stay: Wairo Beach Holiday Park
Moruya: A coastal town with riverside markets, great fishing spots and access to historic villages and beaches.
Stay: Moruya Holiday Park
Durras North: Gateway to Murramarang National Park, with kangaroos on the beach and Durras Lake offering kayaking, swimming and nature walks.
Stay: Joalah Holiday Park
Batemans Bay & Clyde River: Fresh seafood (don’t miss the oysters), riverside walks and family-friendly beaches. Great for SUPing and cruising.
Stay: Batemans Bay Marina Resort or BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park
Bermagui & Wallaga Lake: Wallaga Lake offers serene waters perfect for kayaking, fishing and swimming. Bermagui blends beach beauty with artisan food and coastal walks.
Stay: BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park
Distance: Flexible
Best Time to Travel: Spring, summer, early autumn
From rainforest-covered ranges to calm bays and coastal vineyards, this region offers an adventure-rich circuit. Wanderers can combine inland detours with beach days and food-focused pit stops. It’s the Victorian answer to the “go explore” lifestyle.
Yarra Ranges: Lush forest walks, waterfalls, and scenic river trails. A peaceful start to your journey surrounded by mountain air.
Stay: Warburton Holiday Park
Portarlington: Bayside beauty with calm waters, vineyard trails and famous mussels fresh from the sea.
Stay: Dylene Holiday Park
Ocean Grove: A surfside town offering beach fun for all ages. Popular with families, surfers and seafood lovers.
Stay: Collendina Caravan Park
Geelong: A vibrant waterfront city with excellent food, family attractions and easy access to the Great Ocean Road.
Stay: Geelong Holiday Park
There’s no need to rush. Each of these routes offers its own rhythm, from slow serenity to family adventure. Whether you’re plotting a short escape or a Sydney-to-Cairns epic, Hampshire Holidays holiday parks are perfectly placed for every kind of explorer.
Explore Hampshire Holidays holiday parks and map out your next caravanning journey: hampshireholidays.com.au
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