Great escape destinations

The clouds have parted, the rains are clearing, and the promise of Summer is in the air. If you haven’t been out in the caravan for a while, start Spring cleaning - get your RV, packing lists and travel plans in order for the road beckons!

There are thousands of places you could go to in Australia – too many to choose! Here are just some suggestions shared by our CIL Facebook followers in our recent Winter Escapes competition. Tried and tested by your co-caravanners, these are great destinations no matter what the season.

Let’s start from the top!

As you would expect, North Queensland will always be high on the list of escape destinations. Wendy has found her own piece of paradise there,

"It’s a little place off the beaten track called Cowley Beach in Far North Queensland. The caravan park is absolute beachfront with spectacular views of the island and pristine waters. It’s an ideal spot for fishing, with a boat ramp for launching or 10km of white sandy beach to choose your spot. You just want to sit on a deck chair and take in the view or do a little sunbaking. The caravan park has a small kiosk attached as well. Day temp is 28 degrees and 18 degrees at night. Why would you go anywhere else?"

For those prepared to venture further than the Northern Territory, Darwin is a popular base for a caravanning escape (outside of the wet season), and getting there can be as much fun as the destination itself. Val says,

"A Darwin road trip is a magic caravanning journey, full of great people/places, natural scenery that is out of this world with history wherever you look. A rich indigenous culture... And just when you think it can’t get any better, there’s the Mataranka Hot Springs to wallow in."

Troy backs up Val and says,

"You can’t go past Darwin. As an exploration base Darwin offers so much in natural beauty, climate and accessibility. You have Kakadu, Litchfield and a little further south the Katherine region. The area is rich in history and has many great and free attractions."

Ah, the serenity…..

One of Australia’s most popular beach destinations is Byron Bay. Yes we know, it can get a bit busy during holiday peak periods. However outside the seasonal peaks it still offers the serenity that has made Byron Bay a caravanning escape favourite. Jamie extols its virtues:

"Byron Bay’s beaches are outstanding. For starters, try the surfer’s favourite Wategos Beach or The Pass, or even the Main beach. And for a near-deserted beach strip, make a beeline for Iron Bark Avenue. You can also take a 10 minute stroll along a bush track through the Arakwal National Park to Tallows Beach."

Go bush or head for the hills.

It doesn’t have to be all about the beach; Australia’s rugged bush land is one of the perennial favourites for campers and caravanners alike. Deb visits the Wingello State Forest in NSW each year with her whole family.

"It’s cool and surrounded by fir trees, but the tranquility and atmosphere is amazing. We camp out by the bonfire, toast marshmallows, rug up against the cold and enjoy telling campfire stories before heading for our caravans for the night. By day we play games, bushwalk and enjoy time out from technology - pure bliss."

Of course a great escape doesn’t have to be isolated to one location either but could be a region that offers numerous features like Natasha’s suggestion:

"A drive down to the Blue Mountains from the golden beaches of Wollongong is fabulous. I love watching the sun rise over the frost covered mountains –bringing its warmth in with a cool breeze. I love sitting by the crackling fire, holding a cup full of Milo between my hands – the kids chaotically running amuck in the background, and snuggling up with my husband watching the deep blue sky while soaking in the beauty of everything around."

And they just keep coming back!

Some places are so good you count down the days just to get back there again, like Beris who just loves Mallacoota.

"We love Mallacoota, a sleepy little town about 25kms off the Princes Highway in Victoria. We camp right on the edge of the lake and we can walk around the corner to a beautiful ocean beach. The lake and beach offer great fishing with catches of flathead, bream and Australian salmon not uncommon. The scenery is beautiful and the people friendly. All of these things make for a great caravanning escape."

And what about Ceciley’s suggestion of Seal Rock in NSW?

"This is my place in heaven, anytime of the year, even in winter. A walk, surfing, open fires, just the peace and quiet is really enticing to people who enjoy outdoors and camping. Dolphins show their noses each morning cruising up and down the coast just in front of the caravan/camping grounds. Fresh sea air, blue skies, birds and also the peaceful walk to the lighthouse is just wonderful."

So what are you waiting for? Remember, ‘Have caravan, will travel – anytime, anywhere!’ Whether it’s the sand and sea you long for, or the lush forests and picturesque mountains, Australia offers it all. And when you find that escape destination that’s just too good to keep a secret, get on CIL Facebook and share it with your fellow travelers.

Happy Caravanning!