Caravan Parks are in the very best locations throughout Australia. You can relax at one of the many parks on the East Coast of Australia, toboggan in the Snowy Mountains, or visit the old mines and ghost towns of the Outback. A caravan park is the ideal location to enjoy the holiday of your dreams.

Many people enjoy the freedom, security, and friendships that are formed while holidaying in caravan parks. Caravan parks provide something for everyone including families, couples or the single traveller.

Caravan parks have many accommodation options including shaded unpowered-tent sites, powered caravan sites or luxury waterfront villas. The choice is yours. It's up to you. Combine destination and type of accommodation to suit your budget and desires.

BRINGING YOUR OWN 'MOVING HOME'
A caravan, campervan or motorhome can be as basic or as luxurious, as you want. Many now come with kitchens, dining areas, double and single beds and bathrooms. These 'moving homes' provide you with the freedom to arrive and leave when you want. Make sure you have made a booking at your next destination.

Caravan parks allow caravans to be hooked up to their own powered site, with electricity and water. Many parks now provide drive-through motorhome spaces, for motorhome travellers arriving late at night or needing to leave early in the morning. These drive-through sites ensure that others in the park aren't disturbed by late or early travellers.

EN SUITE SITES
Many caravan parks have en suite sites that supply the caravan user with a personal amenity block containing a single shower and toilet. These personal amenity blocks ensure extra comfort and convenience for the traveller.

ON SITE ACCOMMODATION
There is an enormous range of units, cabins or villas available to holiday-makers in caravan parks, with all the luxuries and comfort of home.

On-site accommodation has dining, cooking and sleeping facilities; most have TV and video and some even have luxury spa baths and satellite TV.

TENT SITES
Caravan parks give the user the choice of powered or unpowered tent sites in grassed and shaded areas of the park. These tent sites are often located near camp kitchens with cooking facilities.

AMENITY BLOCKS
Tented areas are likely to be situated near amenity blocks which provide such needs as washing machines, dryers and ironing boards. Some amenity blocks now feature children's bathrooms, as well as male and female blocks. Some facilities in amenity blocks may be coin operated.

DISABLED FACILITIES
Some on-site cabins also cater for disabled people, with specifically adapted facilities, including ramps to provide wheelchair access.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
More and more families are using caravan parks to get away and unwind. Quite a few parks now offer professionally supervised and organised children's activities during school holidays. These programs can occupy children all day with activities such as treasure hunts, arts and crafts and organised games. Sausage sizzles, dances and movie nights are activities organised for the whole family. Many caravan parks also have recreation rooms with video games, televisions, table tennis and pool tables.

BOOKINGS
You should always make a reservation, especially during school holiday periods, to avoid being disappointed. Christmas, Easter, school holidays and long weekends are often booked well in advance. During peak periods a booking fee is usually required. Under certain circumstances this booking fee is refundable. This depends on how early you cancel and whether the park is able to re-let the site or unit.

ON ARRIVAL
When arriving at the caravan park of your choice you should first go to the office and book in. If you have booked a cabin or villa, park personnel will usually take you to your cabin or villa and let you know how to use the appliances. If you have your own "moving home" you will usually be given a map of the park and shown where your particular site is located.

PAYMENT
Most parks accept credit cards. However, check the form of payment when you make the booking.

WHAT IS PROVIDED
If you are planning on camping, some caravan parks have camp kitchens or BBQ facilities. Camp kitchens may contain all the modern conveniences of the kitchen, including microwave, fridge and stove. Other camp kitchens only give you the basics. Many parks have recreation rooms, playground areas, swimming pools, shops and other recreational facilities.

Tented sites are normally not powered. However, fresh water taps and amenity blocks are generally close by. On-site cabins have their own facilities i.e. fridges, stoves, crockery, cutlery and microwave ovens. Heaters, furniture and fans are standard equipment, and some parks provide linen. Ask about linen and what other items are supplied when you make your booking.

PARK FACILITIES
Each park differs in the type and the range of facilities. Many parks have swimming pools and spas, while others have tennis courts and squash courts. Some parks may have shops on site or even a licensed restaurant.

Other facilities may include golf courses, mini golf courses, archery, bike and walking tracks. Waterfront caravan parks may have access to boat ramps and have canoes or other watercraft vessels for hire.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES
These vary from park to park. You should check these times when you book your accommodation. As a guide, arrival is from 11 am and departure is usually by 10 am.

NECESSITIES
It is a good idea to take the basic necessities with you: coffee, tea, sugar, washing powder, soap etc. There may be a small shop in the caravan park or nearby shops.

SECURITY
Parks try to ensure that their guests are protected when in the park. Boom gates have been installed at many parks entrances to discourage non-authorised entry. Many of these boom gates operate on a card or number system. Speed limits are imposed in parks to protect you and children playing near roads. Secure locks are installed in cabins and parks are well lit at night. Most parks provide spaces for cars.

PETS
Most caravan parks do not allow pets, even small dogs. If you wish to take your pet on vacation, check with parks in the area as to whether they allow pets and whether any restrictions apply.

JARGON
"En-suite" in relation to a caravan, means that the unit has a built in shower and toilet. In relation to a cabin it may mean that the cabin has full bathroom facilities.

In relation to a site it means that the site has its own stand-alone shower and toilet.

"Amenities" refer to the buildings that contain the showers, toilets and laundry facilities. Within some caravan parks these amenity blocks can be accessed by a key that can be obtained from the front desk on check-in.

"On Site Van" is a park-owned caravan that you can hire for your holiday. Its table may convert to a bed. Depending on size, vans can accommodate 2-6 people.