Hit the road for a Northern Adventure
Every year, as the leaves turn and the temperature drops, thousands of nomads begin their pilgrimage across Australia in pursuit of the sun. Listen closely and you can hear the zipping of suitcases, pre-departure engine checks, and front doors slamming.
This annual exodus has become a highly anticipated rite of passage. Weekends are spent visiting caravan and camping shows and van sales yards. Couples spend hours planning their trip to finally witness the amazing places Australia has to offer. There’s a secret delight in calculating hours of available long service leave.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, or new to the scene and looking for some ideas, we want to help you get the most out of your adventures in the sun.
Our northern parks in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales are conveniently located close to the best sightseeing destinations in the country. Most parks are near water, with river or lake views that are hard to beat.
If wide-open spaces and rugged wilderness are on your list, our WA parks in Kununurra and Karratha are a must to include in your itinerary. Set in the remote East Kimberley region, Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra is the only park set on the edge of the lake and at the gateway to some of Western Australia’s most remarkable natural attractions. It is also less than a 2 hours drive from the iconic Australian destination, El Questro. Traverse ancient lands, swim in thermal springs and discover life at one the most remote locations in the country.
To the west, Karratha offers adventurous opportunities to explore the unique Dampier Archipelago, which consists of 42 islands and islets. Swim in crystal clear waters, and if you're lucky, spot a green, hawksbill and flatback turtle! Book your stay at Discovery Parks – Pilbara, Karratha as your home base to return to after a long day of outdoor fun.
Read also: How to prepare for your outback road trip
Planning your Top End trip is half the fun, with warm tropical weather and lazy days ahead. Explore Darwin and its historic sites from your comfortable home away from home amongst the lush, landscaped gardens of Discovery Parks – Darwin. This is the ideal departure point for the Top End’s three major National Parks: Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park.
In Queensland, explore great destinations from your accommodation at Argylla, Cloncurry, Tannum Sands or Hervey Bay. When you stay at Discovery Parks – Argylla, discover fascinating Mt Isa and the aquatic paradise of Lake Moondarra which offers swimming, boating, sailing, canoeing and excellent barramundi fishing. Pay tribute to our infamous explorers, Burke and Wills, and the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service at Discovery Parks - Cloncurry.
Plunge into the perfect waters at Tannum Beach - so mild you can take a dip all year round. Relax and enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle at Discovery Parks – Tannum Sands and be sure to explore nearby Boyne Island. Discovery Parks – Fraser St, Hervey Bay is just minutes away from the departure point to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island with long white beaches, sand cliffs, ancient rainforests and more than 100 freshwater lakes.
Let’s not forget the delights of New South Wales. Our sensational parks in Byron Bay, Ballina and Emerald Beach will tick all of the boxes. Discovery Parks – Byron Bay is just two kilometres from the town centre. Soak up the gorgeous beaches, green hinterland and irresistible relaxed pace. There’s nothing quite like Byron!
Sun chasers return year after year to the beautiful beachfront location of Discovery Parks - Emerald Beach, an award-winning park on the North Coast to enjoy Australia’s most desirable climate. The combination of some of the region’s top beaches, rivers and creeks ripe for exploration and whale watching in late May makes for an unbeatable escape.
Endless outdoor adventures await you at Discovery Parks – Ballina, in the picture-perfect NSW Northern Rivers region. There are river walks, pathways for cycling and jogging, and ample opportunity to go fishing, swimming and paddleboarding. Wind down with a river cruise or browse through craft shops and markets.
