82: Take it easy at a caravan park

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They may sometimes be cast as the poor cousin of the accommodation world, but caravan parks have a lot going for them (hey – even Dannii Minogue is a fan!). Staying in a caravan park can be a relaxed, sociable experience, with many now running the spectrum of comfort levels, from powered camping sites to absolute beachfront villas. Choose from parks with pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, go-kart tracks and programs full of fun kids’ activities – art classes, treasure hunts or family fun days, anyone? – or keep it old-school with a great location and relaxed atmosphere instead.

Unlike coastal camping, which is about getting away from it all, staying in a seaside caravan park is a lovely way to meet other families with similar interests – you may double your fishing quota or find a new skateboarding buddy!

Try  these

NSW: Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort , Yamba – This caravan park is close to seven surfing beaches and boasts two large pools, waterslide, tennis courts, kids’ playground and an indoor soft play centre. 02 6646 2194;

Qld: Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort – This resort is just seven minutes from the town centre but you’ll be too busy enjoying the amenities – three pools, tennis courts, 18-hole mini golf, volleyball, badminton, basketball, adventure playground and outdoor movies (to name just a few) – to leave. 07 4054 6644;

Vic: Best Friend Holiday Retreat , Yarram – This dog-friendly holiday park is just three kilometres from the enchanting Tarra-Bulga National Park in Victoria, with a waterfall and natural rock-formed swimming pool to enjoy. 03 5186 1216;

WA: Esperance Seafront Caravan Park  – An ideal base from which to explore Cape Le Grand, the nearby Pink Lake and the cobalt blue water of the Bay of Isles. 08 9071 1251;

SA: Robe Long Beach Caravan Park , Robe Opposite Long Beach, this caravan park offers an indoor heated pool, outdoor movies, arcade games, bike hire, karaoke, live music and a kids’ club. 08 8768 2237;

NT: Darwin Free Spirit Resort  – A 15-minute drive south of Darwin, the Free Spirit Resort is perfectly positioned for the countless activities on offer – including spotting crocodiles. 08 8935 0888;

 

81 << Catch and cook your own dinner           Drive the Coorong (SA) >> 83

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Incredible day spas and hot springs to visit in Victoria

    Katie Carlin Katie Carlin
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    From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

    I pass waving coastal spear-grass and coast saltbush as I follow the curving path through 15 hectares of thoughtfully curated gardens at the Mornington Peninsula’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa . I hang my robe at the entrance and slip into the first sunken geothermal pool I find – feeling the tension from the 90-minute drive from Melbourne melt away as I watch steam dance across the surface in the late afternoon light. There are 31 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and botanical, that range in temperature and design, spread over six regions.

    a woman relaxing at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula
    Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    I gravitate toward The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. But it’s Alba’s brand-new Sanctuary that really elevates the experience. The five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025 and feature an indoor fireplace, oversized bathtub with views across the bay, a deck and extensive all-inclusive (minus the cocktails) mini-bar.

    After dining at Alba’s Thyme restaurant, I return to my villa, content to fall asleep early listening to the fire crackle, feeling thoroughly restored. While Alba is one of the newest in the region, it’s certainly not the only place to enjoy a soothing soak. Here are others to book for a wellness weekend.

    Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

    A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with marble tiled walls
    The marble private bathing room is one of five new designs. (Image: Supplied)

    Nestled in the Daylesford region, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been welcoming guests to its historic bathhouse for 130 years. With a $1.7 million renovation now complete (part of the 21st season of Channel 9’s The Block), find five new private bathing rooms, an apothecary experience where guests blend a custom body scrub and all-new spa treatment menu.

    There are three bathing areas: Bathhouse for communal bathing for all ages, adults-only Sanctuary and a private bathing space for a personalised experience – try the skin-softening Mineral Milk Bath.

    Lake House Daylesford

    the pool at Lake House Daylesford
    The main pool at Lake House Daylesford. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Inciting deep exhales, the spa at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s iconic Lake House has long been a beacon of wellness in the region. Tucked into the cottage gardens that wind down to the lake’s edge, the spa is beautifully and deliberately cloistered away from guests and diners visiting the celebrated on-site restaurant.

    From Ayurvedic facials and hydrotherapy that makes use of Daylesford’s mineral waters, to cocooning thermal rituals and massage, treatments here promote tranquillity. While a day spa experience is delightful on its own, staying on the property adds a luxe layer to your corporeal renewal, especially if you’re in your own private spa villa.

    Metung Hot Springs

    the Metung Hot Springs' glamping tents by the river
    Glamping tents at Metung Hot Springs. (Image: Emily Godfrey)

    Imagine immersing yourself in a barrel overflowing with geothermal water, all while taking in views of Gippsland Lakes. It’s one of several unique bathing experiences available at Metung Hot Springs .

    There’s also a floating sauna and a Reflexology Walk constructed with carefully placed stones designed to stimulate the acupressure points in your feet as you walk. The 12-hectare site opened in 2022 with three bathing areas – Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment – and premium glamping tents that feature king-size beds and private bathing barrels.

    Four more blissful day spas to visit

    Lon Retreat & Spa is an award-winning, adults-only retreat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

    Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs features sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls in Warrnambool.

    Peninsula Hot Springs renews with 70 bathing and wellness experiences.

    The Benev is an indulgent spa and luxury accommodation in Beechworth.

    the Peninsula Hot Springs
    Bathe in beautiful surroundings at Peninsula Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia/Harry Pope/Two Palms)