Finally, I give the park a call. Whilst I check out the offers on the website I often prefer to book in person. I’ll explain what I’m looking for or what area I’d prefer to be in and then work with what’s on offer. Sometimes staff are able to tell you about offers they have and work out how to negotiate the most cost effective stay. I also find staff have great tips for places to visit in the local area. ⠀
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In general parks are more than happy to make you happy - you’re their customer at the end of the day. But I also don’t let a cranky manager or groundskeeper keep me away from finding my new favourite destination.⠀
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#familyadventures #familytime #newadventures #adventureswithkids #hikingwithkids #caravanningwithkids⠀
#thesundaydirective #holiday #vanlife #travel #jayco #coromal #newage #holidaypark #travelaustralia #travelaustraliawithkids #exploreaustralia #explorensw #travelNSW #visitnsw #adventureaustralia #holidayherethisyear #seeaustralia #travel #travelblogger #journalist
While I’m in satellite view I’ll check out the reviews and images on google. I take most peoples’ opinions on shower pressure and rainy days with a grain of salt because this sort of thing changes from one week to the next. The number of 5 star or 10/10 reviews does give me an idea as to whether the photos match the feel of a place. At the end of the day though I like to give places a chance on their own merits. Not every location will be exactly what you dreamed but looking for what each place has to offer will definitely help shape a positive holiday.
I’ll also do a location search using instagram to check out what photo opportunities are on offer. This is often how we find hidden spots to explore or plan our day trips! Be warned though, most image searches reveal selfies that aren’t for the younger eyes!
#selfies #milennials #gettingold #dotheycountasswimmers #instagram #notforyoungeyes #travellingwithkids #holidayherethisyear #seeaustralia
#familyadventures #familytime #newadventures #adventureswithkids #hikingwithkids #caravanningwithkids
#thesundaydirective #holiday #vanlife #travel #jayco #coromal #newage #holidaypark #travelaustralia #travelaustraliawithkids #exploreaustralia #explorensw #travelNSW #visitnsw #adventureaustralia
Next, I take a look at the park via google maps and switch to satellite view. This is always super helpful as it adds more context to the surrounding area. Am I going to back onto a main road? Is that bushland really bushland? How close is ‘walking distance’ to the beach? And is that ocean view hidden behind 300m of trees?
I find this really helpful to work out if there are trees above the sites I’m interested in and also to work out creative ways to book as a group.
When you book together parks tend to book you in a line but this isn’t always the best combination when you have young kids that wander off to play together. We try to get sites facing each other including taking advantage of corner sites where possible.
Step 2: I follow up the website by taking a look at the park map. This generally shows the scale of the park, site/cabin sections, proximity to amenities, and whether or not the park has residential or permanent holiday sites. If I can’t find it on their website I google image search “____ caravan park map” - chances are it will come up. From here I take a look at the sites on offer. Generally speaking the premier cabins face the best beach access/views - so I try to get a feel for what the place would look like and where I’d prefer to stay. It also gives you an idea of where you can put a group.
#holidayherethisyear #seeaustralia #caravanlife #caravanparktips #caravanningwithkids #parksguide #wheretostay #australia #australianbeaches #coast #adventure
People often ask us how we decide where to stay. I think I'm a bit of an over planner but I like to make sure I've checked out the best options going. So here is our guide to finding the best caravan park to stay at 😁
STEP 1: CHECK THE WEB
If you've got a location in mind easiest thing to do is open up good ole google maps and search for "caravan parks" at that location. It definitely won't show you everything (think aircamp) but it will give you a good start to the big businesses in town.
Once I've picked the location I like best I head to the park website. You can get a general feel for the park through their photos, facilities and activities. I always keep in mind they will aim to promote their best features so that ocean view may not be quite what it seems! Also, not all websites are equal. Checking out the list of park facilities/activities makes sure I’m not missing something awesome they have to offer.
#camping #australia #holidaypark #familytravel #familyholiday #travel #seeaustralia #travelblogger #caravanningaustralia #big4holidayparks #caravanning #vanlife #caravanningwithkids #motivation #inspiration #newsouthwales #australiagram #visitnsw #beach #getaway