Limited loo paper, eskies, kerosene, mosquitos and sunburn are just some of the memories conjured up by the much-loved Aussie caravan park.
Maybe your parents dragged you there as a kid, or maybe you like going now: either way, the whole concept of mobile, often-communal accommodation has been given a massive facelift of late, with a slew of boutique options putting the experience in sixth gear.
Who’s a happy glamper, then?
NOTEL, MELBOURNE, VIC
It’s almost rude to classify this newly-opened space overlooking Melbourne’s Flinders Lane a caravan park, because everything about it screams ’boutique hotel’. Perched on the top floor of a multi-storey car park are six v. shiny Airstream trailers, kitted out with queen-sized beds, designer furniture and ensuite bathrooms (full-height showers only, fanx very much). Book the Airstream With Benefits for the added bonus of an open-air (and private) spa for all your soaking needs.
HAPPY GLAMPER, MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VIC
Don’t have a tow bar? Don’t worry about it. Pick a caravan site where you fancy spending a weekend and Happy Glamper will bring Peggy Sue, a ridiculously Insta-worthy 1966 Airstream TradeWind, or Miss Myrtle, a 1955 caravan, to you – and do all the setting up. That includes making up the bed and stocking your van with books, coffee and an outdoor setting. There are plenty of ace things to see and do on the Peninsula – including the heavenly hot springs – but no one will blame you for staying inside playing board games.
THE ATLANTIC, BYRON BAY, NSW
Byron Bay is a seen and be seen kinda place these days – and there’s no better placed to be spotted than The Atlantic. It’s a bunch of whitewashed cottages with *just* the right amount of style nods to its surfie environment (wooden surfboard rack? Check. ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs shaped like fins? Yup) but the jewel in its crown is the Airstream caravan parked on the manicured lawn. It’s got all the mod-cons and is, very conveniently, parked right next to the lap pool. Insider tip: we hear the Airstream is soon to be dismantled so, if you fancy a stay, better get in quick.
Go off-grid in a 1966 Airstream Overlander Land Yacht parked in the Great Otway National Park, surrounded by bushland ,sculptures and an organic veggie garden – with your own outdoor bath to boot, for the ultimate in Milky Way-gazing. Bonus points for the fun retro fit out and complimentary continental breakfast.
THE BAMBINO AT THE BOWER, BROULEE, NSW
If your getaway style is somewhere between traditional and luxury, this little gem – just 20 mins south of Batemans Bay – is the perfect compromise. It’s not *super* luxe but it offers much more than you’d expect from your average caravan, plus a grassed terrace area ft. recliners and Weber BBQ. The best bit is its truly private bushland location, which faces a luverly manmade pond. The beaches and village of North Broulee is just a hop, skip and a jump, too.
Photo: Notel / Supplied.
