The Top Batemans Bay Caravan Parks - Australian Traveller

Batemans Bay’s location smack-bang between Sydney and Canberra has long made it a great place for a family holiday in a caravan.

For many of us who live in Sydney or Canberra, a childhood summer would often be spent piling everything into the car for a holiday at one of the Batemans Bay caravan parks. It’s the ideal spot to come together to connect with the great outdoors and each other on the NSW South Coast.

Staying in a Batemans Bay caravan park remains an exercise in nostalgia. It’s also a very budget-friendly Australian holiday for the family. It’s where you will see those most magical signs of an echidna or wombat crossing. You’ll see kangaroos grazing on the grass around your caravan. And wake up to birds chirping and the sizzle of eggs on your neighbour’s barbecue.

Be it a BIG 4, a holiday beach resort or a tourist park that can accommodate the in-laws in a comfortable cabin, it’s time to turn back the clock.

1. BIG4 Batemans Bay at East’s Riverside Holiday Park

Families who see signage for a BIG4 holiday park know to pull off the highway. But it’s worth noting that a bit of forward planning is required to secure a square of concrete for your caravan at this popular holiday park located on the northern shores of the Clyde River.

a couple al fresco dining at BIG4 Batemans Bay at East's Riverside Holiday Park — Have a picnic facing the water at BIG4 Batemans Bay at East’s Riverside Holiday Park.

You’ll find the skies mostly blue and empty by day, and clear for stargazing at night from your accommodation at BIG4 Batemans Bay at East’s Riverside Holiday Park . Expect to see kangaroos bouncing about over the manicured lawn. The many cafes and restaurants and attractions of Batemans Bay and the Eurobodalla Nature Coast are also on your doorstep.

a balcony with chairs and a table at BIG4 Batemans Bay at East's Riverside Holiday Park — Stay in a waterfront bungalow at BIG4 Batemans Bay at East’s Riverside Holiday Park..

Choose between waterfront condos, bungalows and cabins, some of which have spas. There are sites for caravans close to the water, so you can enjoy being lulled to sleep by the soundtrack of the river rushing by. There are no facilities for tents. Batemans Bay also has a range of different accommodation options to suit if your family goes all Meet the Griswalds.

a couple sitting in a foldable chair at BIG4 Batemans Bay at East's Riverside Holiday Park — Sit back and relax by the side of the river.

Facilities: Some cabins have ensuites, others have access to clean bathroom and laundry facilities. There’s also a camp kitchen, BBQs and a recreation lounge.

Address: Wharf Road, Batemans Bay

2. Pleasurelea Tourist Resort

Pack your fanciest fleece and Goretex jacket so you can get up early and go fishing from your conveniently located caravan site at Pleasurelea Tourist Resort .

Fishos from around Australia converge here to take advantage of the resort’s proximity to world-class reef and deep-sea fishing. even has its own fishing and cruise boat, the Jean Marie, and offers half- and full-day fishing charters and packages to suit.

Pleasurelea Tourist Resort in Batemans Bay — Book a cosy cabin for the ultimate comforts.

See the silhouettes of kangaroos in the pink of dawn standing like quiet sentinels welcoming visitors to the new day. The distinctive scent of eucalyptus and beautiful bird whistles will inspire you to get out and explore your surrounds while road-tripping around the NSW South Coast.

Accommodation includes luxury spa cabins, family cabins, affordable family accommodation, powered ensuite slab sites, spacious powered caravan sites and large grassy tent sites. There is also a cabin called K9 for visitors who want to bring their fur babies during the low season.

Facilities: The Scrumptious restaurant is a convenient place to dine. It’s licensed so there’s no need for a designated driver. There is also a heated swimming pool (seasonal), grassed tennis court, BBQ areas, free wi-fi, a camp kitchen, and nine-hole mini golf is another draw for families.

Address: 483 Beach Road, Sunshine Bay

3. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach

Wake to the sounds of waves thudding onto the shore at Ingenia Holidays , which is just metres from Merry Beach. This truly is one of the best campsites in the country.

You’ll want to pick up a glossy brochure from companies selling caravans or campervans and start planning your road-trip around Australia after a week-long stay in Kioloa.

a spacious campsite at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach — Settle in a beachfront-powered campsite at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach.

You can zip to Batemans Bay here to enjoy brunch, check out Mogo Zoo with the kidlets, or simply get the kids to count the eastern grey kangaroos that gather here at dawn and dusk for their version of a daily convention.

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach has beachfront powered or unpowered camping or caravan sites. You can also plump for a private chalet, poolside cabin, superior spa cabin, family cabin and two-storey presidential haven.

a standard cabin with a cosy sofa and tv at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach — The standard cabin comes with modern amenities.

Facilities: There is a new playground, a resort-style pool, a skatepark, a camp kitchen, laundry facilities and with not a lot of light pollution at Merry Beach, it’s a top spot for those who enjoy the drama of pink dawns and dark nights. It’s also pet-friendly.

Address: 46 Merry Beach Road, Kioloa

4. NRMA Batemans Bay Beach Resort

Sit with your new caravanning buddies at the end of the day and watch the sun as it sets behind you and creates a kaleidoscope of colours, from reds to pinks to purples. Walk with your eyes trained high in the trees to try and spot koalas in the trees that surround this perfectly positioned holiday park overlooking Corrigans Beach.

You can be as social or reclusive as you like at this sprawling park, arrayed around groves of trees and spaced out throughout the manicured grounds. Tip the kids out to the playground at the first crack of sunlight and arrange to meet up at the resort-style swimming pool for some Marco Polo. Gather with the family and your new-found friends at one of the scheduled outdoor movies, which are great for making memories.

There are nine different types of accommodation options on offer at NRMA Batemans Bay Beach Resort. If you have a caravan in tow, you can stay in a powered site with or without an ensuite, or a powered grass site. If you prefer to stay in a cabin, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a three-bedroom luxe Lakeside Cabin, two-bedroom townhouse, superior cabins and studios.

the exterior of cabins with balconies at NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort — Sleep in a cabin with a balcony at NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Facilities: The pet-friendly park has a resort-style swimming pool, mini golf, tennis, and BBQ facilities available at the camp kitchen. There’s also a playground to keep the kids entertained.

Address: 51 Beach Rd, Batehaven

5. BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park

The exclusive in-park perks on offer make the BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park a popular option for families wanting to have a caravan holiday near Batemans Bay. The soundtrack of splashing water is a constant at this Batemans Bay holiday park, which is almost completely surrounded by water.

a tent with beds at BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park — Bed down at BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park.

Get out your binoculars during whale-watching season and see if you can spot whales motoring up the humpback highway. You’re almost always guaranteed to see kangaroos grazing next to your RV.

the campground at BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park — Set up your tent next to your RV at BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park.

There are powered sites for caravans by the creek and river. There are also deluxe waterfront villas, beach houses, ensuite sites, and stylish two- and three-bedroom cabins by the water.

a suite interior at BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park — Stay in spacious and fully-equipped suites at BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park.

Facilities: Wander around the cricket pitch, a sparkling resort pool, free canoe and go-kart hire. The park has a mix of paved and dirt paths and trails that will appeal to families and groups who enjoy an active holiday. The park screens outdoor movies over summer, has a boat ramp, mini golf, tennis courts, camp kitchen and game room.

Address: 970 Kings Hwy, Nelligen

6. BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park

The BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park is a great example of the kind of set-up Aussies have come to expect. One of the best holiday parks in the country from which to spot wildlife, you can kayak from Tomakin to Mossy Point for brunch, visit Clyde River National Park, or simply curl up in your hammock with a good book.

This popular holiday park is surrounded by swathes of bushland in Murramarang National Park and far enough away from Batemans Bay to feel like you’re on a get-away-from-it-all holiday.

The holiday park offers accommodation in cabins and villas, as well as grass or slab sites for caravanning. Tiny tots will love the Toot Toot Big Red Car.

Facilities: There’s a jumping castle and giant checkers, free gas BBQs, a fully equipped camp kitchen with a microwave, toaster, oven and cooktop. There is also a book and video library, coffee and snack machine, playground, swimming pool and open-air theatre area. There are also quality bathroom facilities and a special needs bathroom.

BIG4 Caravan South Durras — BIG 4 South Durras is one of the best holiday parks in the country from which to spot wildlife. (Image: The New Matilda/Flickr)

Address: 9 Beagle Bay Road, South Durras

7. Batemans Bay Holiday Park

Don’t worry about unhooking the caravan. The Batemans Bay Holiday Park and Hostel is an easy walk into town, making it a popular place for backpackers, families and #vanlifers who want to stretch their money as far as possible. The trails and paths that lead around the park are designed to blend into the landscape, providing a passageway for animals and humans moving from one part of the park to the next.

The caravan park is always bustling with beachgoers and includes cabins (some of which are pet-friendly) as well as powered and unpowered sites. There are also hostel beds and dorm rooms for those travelling solo or in a group.

Facilities: There’s a BBQ area, free wi-fi, a swimming pool, playground, camp kitchen, kiosk, laundry and bathroom blocks.

Address: 49 Old Princes Highway, Batemans Bay

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

7 Batemans Bay caravan parks you should set up camp at