15 ways to make the most of summer
Already loving the longer days and warmer weather? The Aussie summer is not to be sniffed at!
To live the best season of the year without regrets, plan a summer of fun you won’t forget. Here are 15 awesome ideas to make the most of this Australian summer.
BOOK DISCOVERY PARKS
Because our parks are always in high demand, one of the easiest ways to live your summer of no regret is to book holiday accommodation early.
15 WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS AUSSIE SUMMER
1. Go snorkelling with your bestie
Credit: Tourism WA
When the warmer weather comes around, we can't think of a better afternoon than discovering what's underwater.
Not only is it easy to achieve, snorkelling doesn't cost a thing (kind of :)). All you really need is your favourite beach (preferably one with as many gorgeous bays as Rottnest Island) and a pair of goggles or a snorkel!
To create Rottnest memories that last a lifetime, stay in one of our Deluxe Oceanside or Superior Family Tents. Pedal & Flipper Hire is just down the road!
READ ALSO: A Quick Guide to Rottnest Island
2. Island hop with the family
Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
While Australia itself is the world's biggest island, getting away to discover some of our smaller archipelagos is a must-do - especially in summer.
Queensland is a great place to start, with hundreds of big and small islands to explore like Fraser (K'gari) Island, the world's biggest sand dune!
READ ALSO: 7 of the Dreamiest Queensland Beaches We Can't Wait To Visit
3. Cycle through wineries
STAY: Discovery Parks - Clare
Create memories that last a lifetime. Credit: SATC
Life is always better on two wheels - especially for kids!
Most regional and coastal centres in Australia have well-established walking and cycle paths that are another great way to create memories that last a lifetime. Combining a moderate level of activity with a winery visit or two might be the perfect way to keep every member of the family happy.
With holiday parks in some of Australia's most famous wine regions, including the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley in SA, the Tamar Valley in Tasmania and Margaret River in WA, Discovery Parks accommodation definitely has you covered.
READ ALSO: Australia's Best Cycle Trails for the Whole Family
4. Witness an Australian wonder
STAY: Kings Canyon Resort
Credit: Tourism NT
Australia never fails to impress when it comes to its natural wonders, and it's no surprise that many are in the incredible Red Centre.
If you haven't been yet, Discovery Parks has a number of options to accommodate you, your family or a group of friends you love getting away with.
Kings Canyon is a little less famous than places like Uluru but deserves attention when it comes to planning your first Red Centre trip.
READ ALSO: Things To See and Do near Kings Canyon
5. Visit a National Park
Credit: Visit Victoria
Living in Australia means you can truly get lost in some magical places.
National Parks are to be treasured, and whether the park in question is big or small, many Discovery Parks locations are within walking distance of Australia's best.
As the biggest state in the country, Western Australia is home to some of Australia's most unique and rewarding national parks. Discovery Parks - Broome is a prime example, at the gateway to the incredible Kimberley region. Browse parks now areas like Victoria and South Australia, where many of our park locations will open you up to a whole new level of discovery.
READ ALSO: Tackling the Warlu Way - 4 Boys and a Caravan
6. Splash up a storm
STAY: Discovery Parks - Dubbo
Credit: @4boysandacaravan
Some of the best waterparks in Australia are inside Discovery Parks.
Conveniently located a matter of metres from your accommodation, families love letting the kids run free on our awesome safe-play splash parks and water parks that come with dozens of slides and fun features.
READ ALSO: The Best Discovery Parks Waterparks in Australia
7. Go Glamping
Credit: Discovery Parks - Lane Cove
Put away the owner's manual forever when you go glamping at some of Australia's best destinations.
Whether it's a romantic break for two you seek or a glamourous camping experience for the whole family, we have Deluxe and Standard Safari tents that can achieve both!
Featuring large private decks with BBQ facilities, luxurious bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens, once you've experienced the ultimate glamping getaway, going back to tent poles and fly screens might be a challenge!
READ ALSO: 7 of Australia's Most Irresistible Glamping Destinations
8. Ride a horse (of course)
Credit: Snowy Wilderness Adventure
There's no denying it - life looks pretty different from the back of a horse!
With shows like McLeod's Daughters and movies like 'The Man from Snowy River' part of Australian popular culture, Aussies do have a natural affinity with these beloved, graceful animals.
Near parks like Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains, Mount Buffalo and Bright in Victoria, or Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, you can indulge your love of horseback adventure on any number of full and half-day trails.
READ ALSO: Rediscover Jindabyne: a year-round adventure
9. Take a hike!
Credit: Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
Sounds a bit rude, but going for a summer hike is a classic Aussie activity.
And luckily, Discovery Parks are surrounded by national parks (see above) that make going for a hike as easy as - well, going for a hike!
Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain is the perfect example, located within easy walking distance of Lake St. Clair National Park, which contains one of the world's most spectacular hikes.
READ ALSO: 8 Tasmanian National Parks that look like Paintings
10. Watch a movie under the stars
Credit: Discovery Parks - Barossa Valley
Warm weather means balmy nights and the perfect excuse to treat the whole family to a classic movie screening under the stars.
Many of our parks offer big-screen cinema experiences as part of our summer programs. Ask the park manager on arrival what's happening in the park during your stay!
READ ALSO: Simple Tips for your Next Road Trip with Kids
11. Swing a 3-iron or four!
Credit: McCracken Country Club
Every holiday should be about balance, right?
Which is the perfect segway to talk about golf - a game of balance, balls and metal clubs!
McCracken Country Club is one of many parks in the Discovery family that are close to (in this case right on top of) amazing public golf courses.
READ ALSO: Best Australian Golf Getaways close to our Parks
12. Hire a board!
Credit: SATC
You don't even have to own your own board when you stay at Discovery Parks.
Many of our parks have stand-up paddle boards, surfboards and other aquatic equipment available for hire!
Ask your park manager on arrival, and before you know it you'll be floating around and exploring spectacular cliffs like this one.
13. Smile at a crocodile
Credit: Crocosaurus Cove
What's more Aussie than staring into the eyes of a dinosaur?
In Australia's Top End, which is famous for its crocs and wildlife generally, you can get it done. Discovery Parks - Darwin is not only in an iconic location itself, it's close to some of Australia's most amazing national parks, which offer a multitude of up close and personal wildlife opportunities.
READ ALSO: 8 Reasons to Plan your first Top End Visit
14. Play your way
Credit: 4boysandacaravan
As we've already mentioned, summer is the perfect season to get your play on.
Inside Discovery Parks, you'll find a world of adventure just waiting to be had. Nature playgrounds, splash zones, pedal karts, sports equipment, paddle boards, games rooms and even BMX pump tracks are all available to you and your smallest tribe members.
READ ALSO: 11 Nature Play Activities that are totally free!
15. Relax (and that's an order!)
Credit: Discovery Parks
When it comes down to it it's your holiday, so focus on relaxing!
Poolside is a great place to start at any of our amazing holiday parks with resort-style swimming pools, spa's and splash zones for the kids.
Get a barbie sorted on one of our free nearby BBQs and make an afternoon of it!
