Adventurers Diary
Top 13 Best Things to do in Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
Airlie Beach is the Gateway to the amazing Whitsunday group of 74 Islands and the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia and we have compiled a list of the Best Things to do in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays are truly paradise with over 700,000 visitors every year enjoying the perfect Airlie Beach weather.
The islands offer an enormous range of activities on land and of course at sea. Hire a yacht and go Sailing in these pristine waters, enjoy diving and snorkeling on the most amazing reef system anywhere in the world and discover the amazing underwater marine life of this incredible natural gift that is one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
There’s just so many things to do in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays.
Not all of the action is at sea in the Whitsundays with lots to do at the mainland of Airlie Beach and surrounding areas too.
See Salt Water crocodiles in their natural habitat in the nearby Proserpine River and Dine at the numerous fabulous restaurants available. Explore nearby beaches and swim in the local waterfalls.
All this and a lot more are available in Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.
Our 13 Best Things to do in Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
1. Whitehaven Beach
You simply can not go to Airlie Beach or the Whitsundays without visiting Australia’s most voted #1 “Best beach”.
Experience Oz says of the sand at Whitehaven Beach “You’ll often see in brochures for Whitehaven Beach where marketers go out of their way to mention its “silica sand”, which is all well and good, but to someone who’s never visited, what does it actually mean?
Silica is a substance that is contained in an extremely high-purity form of sand, with extremely fine grains that make it very soft to the touch and also prevents it from getting too hot underfoot.
Coupled with the endless sunshine, the colour of the sand is an almost pure-white colour that forms an amazing contrast to the vivid blue of the waters that lap at the beach and contribute to the sheer magic of Whitehaven.”
Whitehaven Beach is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular beaches you will ever visit and swim.
Join in the fun on the beach where there’s almost always games being played or relax on a towel and watch the seaplanes land and big yachts sail on by.
It certainly rates by far as the No. 1 of the best things to do in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays!
Hill Inlet
Nearby Hill Inlet is a short walk up the mountain to a lookout providing you with breathtaking views of the swirling sand and crystal clear blue waters.
It is an amazing spectacle of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Some tour operators will moor in Tongue Bay and dinghy you ashore for the short trek up to the lookout. Check with a local tour agency for a list of those operators.
When we were there Tongue Bay was thriving with Sea Turtles who would come to the surface to take a breath before diving below once again.
From here it’s a short walk up to Hill Inlet lookout for stunning views of this spectacular beach with 98% pure white silica sand.
Mid tide provides great views and the best photo opportunity of the swirling sands at the river mouth.
Cruise Whitsundays will sail you to the island on board the popular purple catamaran the Camira to swim and play.
Ocean Rafting is a fast fun day and are the only ones able to park up right in Hill Inlet on the beach.
Book your Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure Tour here>
Atlantic Clipper is a super fun day tour and includes the Northern End of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Book your Atlantic Clipper Day Tour here>
We have done all these day trips and they are all fantastic and provide different experiences of this incredible region.
2. Hideaway Bay
A short drive north out of Airlie Beach is Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay, two small towns with beautiful beaches, a pub and a boat ramp.
The Dingo Hotel is your typical country pub with a twist, it sits right beside the stunning waters of the Whitsundays.
Montes Resort
Venture a little further up from Dingo Beach along a corrugated dirt road from Hideaway Bay for just 4.5kms and you will come across Montes Resort.
This isolated “Hideaway” is set in a small, protected area and there is a restaurant available to day trippers with full bar facilities.
We enjoyed our lunch and a few drinks and took a quick walk along the beach.
*Update: (Check availability as it has been closed after taking full brunt of Cyclone Debbie in 2017. Accommodation is open however the resort is still under repairs)
**Further Update: Montes renowned Bar and Restaurant has re-opened after extensive cyclone repairs!
***Update 2020: Montes is closed due to the issues with the CoVid 19 Pandemic.
A short drive further past Montes Resort you will find some beautiful beaches with hardly a sole around. Here we swam and snorkeled, watched while someone else caught fish and admired some beautiful boats moored off the beach.
All this while we looked out over Gloucester Island.
Hideaway Bay is quite secluded and just under an hours drive back to Airlie for anything you may want or need but certainly worth a visit for the day or a night or two for the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind.
3. Airlie Beach Bi-Centennial Boardwalk
In August 1988 Adele and I were married and we honeymooned at Airlie Beach. Adele always called herself the Bicentennial bride.
Also in Airlie Beach in 1988 they built a boardwalk along the water’s edge from Cannonvale all the way to the Lagoon in the centre of Airlie Beach.
Adele and I don’t remember it or walking it at the time as we were staying at the Club Croc Resort which was just 1 month old and we were able to use the shuttle bus to go anywhere we wanted.
30 years on, Mantra Club Croc is a great place to stay just out from Airlie Beach providing a slightly cheaper hotel option if you are on a tighter budget. Book your stay here>
The Airlie Beach Bi-Centennial Boardwalk showcases the amazing views and magnificent Whitsunday Islands in the distance, the placid turquoise waters and the Abell Point Marina Marina which shelters some of the most amazing boats including Super Yachts that are like privately owned floating hotels.
4. Crocodile Safari Tour
Just 20kms from Airlie Beach is the Proserpine River which harbours the most Salt Water Crocodiles than any other river on the East coast of Australia which makes it the perfect place to see these predators in the wild and learn about their behaviors.
We decided to get some crocodile knowledge now while we had the chance and booked the Crocodile Safari tour on the Proserpine River and local Goorganga Wetlands.
Our tour included being picked up and driven to a location just metres from the river where we climbed aboard and began our search for these massive man eating beasts.
Up Close and Personal with Crocs
We certainly got an up close and personal look at these prehistoric creatures. Our first sighting was a big male but he was having none of us getting up close.
Once he spotted us he slowly slithered back into the water and we didn’t see him again.
We saw many young crocodiles from just a few months old to young crocs just a few years old but it was the 3 big females that got our attention. The boat was placed up against the bank each time, twice just a few metres from these truly amazing animals.
We witnessed them from as close as you could possibly imagine you could safely do so and were able to clearly see the teeth and body markings which were incredible.
It was amazing and sometimes daunting to be within just a couple of metres from them as they nudged the boat up against the bank right next to where the crocodiles were laying on the mud!
We highly recommend this tour and it was great to get an insight into crocodiles as we head towards the Northern end where they become prolific.
It certainly is one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays and something different to do after visiting the islands.
http://www.crocodilesafari.com.au/
5. Reefsleep
For an amazing and unique experience that you would never have anywhere else, you should definitely not miss doing Reefsleep with Cruise Whitsundays.
The tour consists of 2 days at the outer Great Barrier Reef where you stay overnight on a pontoon at Hardy Reef and enjoy an evening in a swag under the stars at Reefworld.
It truly is one of the best experiences in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays.
Things to Do on Reefsleep
Once you have arrived there are a lot of choices of exciting things to do. Of course snorkeling is the perfect option to see the amazing range of coral and marine life.
You can also go in the Semi Submersible to view the reef through the glass bottom and have staff guide you and talk about all things coral and the reef.
There is also an underwater viewing room where you can watch a myriad of fish, turtles and marine life including George the 2 metre Queensland Grouper as they swim close to the pontoon.
A helicopter ride is also available although we chose not to. The ride will take you out from Hardy Reef and over Heart Reef, the spectacular reef shaped like a heart.
You can also relax and enjoy a massage or simply sunbake from the Pontoon rooftop.
At 3pm the day trippers vanish, whisked back to Airlie Beach leaving just those privileged few to enjoy the night at Hardy Reef.
Now you can quietly snorkel, swim, relax and watch as an amazing sunset appears in front of you.
It’s important to know it’s not a Hotel or Resort style experience, it is more like camping, but that is all part of what makes it so unique.
For more about Reef Sleep and what it can throw at you you can read our full review at Us, a swag and the Great Barrier Reef.
Book your Reefsleep Experience here>
6. Fly over the Whitsundays
There are several options for flying over the Whitsundays. You can go by Helicopter from Airlie Beach or from the pontoon out on the reef.
Plane charters also run Scenic Flights plus there are Seaplane Tours that provide a combination of seeing the sights from both the air and sea.
The view is amazing from the air and makes for some sensational photos. Unfortunately we didn’t end up with the opportunity to experience it whilst we were there, but that’s just a great excuse for us to return.
If we did have the chance we would have chosen the plane flight from Airlie Beach. For a full hour you saw a whole lot more for a fraction of the cost of the helicopter flights.
Angelica, our Reefsleep companion showed us her spectacular photos from her plane flight and that would certainly be our recommendation.
Costs – We recommend the 1 hour flight for $199 *Update July 2019 $229
Operators – GSL Aviation
Book a Helicopter Flight here>
Our Scenic Flight
#Update 2018 – When we returned to Airlie Beach in June 2018, we were keen to discover more of the best things to do in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays. So we made sure we took a Scenic Flight with GSL Aviation this time around. We enjoyed a magnificent flight over the Whitsunday Islands.
The views of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from the air were spectacular. Also the aerial views of Hayman & Hamilton Islands were amazing but the highlight was flying over Heart Reef and Hardy Reef.
Book your Scenic Flight here>
7. Go Fishing
We tried some more land based fishing at the pontoons at the Cannonvale Marina and the rock wall opposite us at the boat ramp.
On the first day Matt caught two Pike eels but no other success so we decided it was time to get serious and go on a fishing charter.
Airlie Beach Fishing Charter
We reviewed all the local options and chose a half day fishing charter. This option had us fishing in a short time rather than long boat trips to outer locations that would take an hour or two before you arrived.
We found Coral Sea Fishing Charters which best suited what we wanted. When I went to book in Monday morning, it turned out there was room for us to go out that afternoon. We were quick to say Yes and started preparing for our afternoon out fishing.
Adam our skipper was able to put us directly on a reef in 19m waters and immediately we were pulling in fish. Gary who was also on the boat pulled in the first big fish, a large Coral Trout. Matt reeled in a big GT (Giant Trevally) and Kev hooked onto a nice Golden Snapper.
Our Second Fishing Charter
We all had such a great time we booked in again with Adam for Wednesday morning and received a 5% discount for booking a second tour.
This time Adam took us to a different location. Once again he had us right on the mark and soon Matt caught a small shark. Next he landed a whopping 110cm Queenie.
Kev scored a Coral Trout and at the same time Matt also brought up a Coral Trout. Both were quick to measure them to see whose was the biggest. Nothing like a bit of competition between father and son!
Meanwhile Adele kept landing yellow tails but no big ones.
We caught a lot of fish of all sorts of species but only kept a couple of the bigger fish we were really chasing.
I can’t recommend Adam and Coral Sea Fishing Charters enough. It was a fantastic day out catching some great fish.
*Coral Sea Fishing Charters are no longer operating but it’s still a great place to head out fishing
8. Dinner at Fish D’vine
Coral Sea Fishing Charters has a deal with the local restaurant, Fish D’vine. You can take the fish you catch from the charter to the restaurant. Not only will they clean and fillet your fish, they will cook it ready for you to eat for dinner that night at no extra charge.
The only proviso is that each of you purchase a side of chips or salad to go with your fish meal. How good is that?
Naturally we accepted this offer the first time we went out with Adam.
Fish D’Vine is also a Rum Bar so it makes excellent sense to dine there and indulge in a rum or three with dinner or even a cocktail after dinner like we did!
The service was fabulous and the food and drinks “D’vine”.
https://www.fishdvine.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fishdvine/
7 Essentials – Tours to Experience
- Reefsleep in the Whitsundays is an amazing adventure. Spend the night on a pontoon sleeping in a swag on Hardy’s Reef in the Great Barrier Reef
- The Ocean Rafting tour from Airlie Beach is a truly fun day out. They took us to the best snorkeling places and the entire day was amazing
- For the best Full Day Island tour in Cairns we recommend the Fitzroy Island tour
- The Atlantic Clipper Full Day Sail is another fun and exciting experience in the Whitsundays. We can highly recommend doing this tour
- If you are on the East Coast, you can swim with Humpback Whales on the Sunshine Coast. The tour leaves from Mooloolaba
- Swimming with Whale Sharks at Exmouth is also extremely popular and a great day out with the team from Eco Adventures on Lattitude 22
- One of Tasmania’s best tours is the Tasman Island Cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys out of Port Arthur. Three hours of cruising the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere and enjoying an up close look at hundreds of seals as well as dolphins and birdlife.
9. SUP
What’s SUP?
SUP is Stand Up Paddleboarding!
And you are never too old to do Stand Up Paddleboarding.
All you need is a sense of adventure and good balance helps a bit too! We had no idea how we would go getting up into the standing position but were willing to give it a go!
Kev had been keen to try SUP since 1770 but we just didn’t get the chance to do it back when we were in Agnes Water/1770.
We saw the sign at Shingley Beach near the Abell Point Marina on our walk along the Bi-Centennial Walkway so we made our way there to master the art of SUP.
With the option of $20 for half an hour or just $25 for one hour it’s an easy decision, why not go for the hour!
After a quick ‘SUP 101’ lesson from the operator we were out on the water first on our knees until we felt brave enough to try standing. Several attempts later we were SUPing!!
I could say we didn’t fall off but that wouldn’t be truthful. But we did have a great time. It’s one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays if you are looking for an hour of fun.
Another challenge accepted and completed!
You will find them at the beach at Shingley Beach.
10. Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is a large swimming pool right on the shorefront in Airlie Beach. It’s available for everyone to use and it’s free. Due to the stinger season being from September – April or whenever the water temp is still 26 degrees or more, stingers are hazardous to swimmers wanting to cool off in the North Queensland ocean.
The lagoon provides a cool and inviting place to swim, protected from stingers. Plus, it is also patrolled by life guards providing additional safety for everyone.
There is lots of parking available next to the lagoon. You can also sun bake on the grass with amazing Whitsunday views. We also enjoyed lunch and a drink in the new café overlooking the pool.
Take a book, a towel and some sunscreen and enjoy some time relaxing at the Airlie Beach Lagoon.
11. Lunch at Sorrento
Sorrento at the Abell Point Marina was a perfect spot for us to enjoy Mother’s Day lunch. The Sorrento is situated with beautiful 180 degree uninterrupted views of the marina, helipad and also over to Coral Seas Resort. Kev and Adele chose to share a number of dishes from the Tapas Menu while Matt selected the Steak.
We considered the Seafood Platter for 2 which we thought to be quite inexpensive at $47 for 2. Although we didn’t order it, instead selecting a range of plates for us each to share. When the table next to us ordered there’s and received it we were immediately questioning our choice, it looked delicious.
They had a great selection of drinks from the bar and the service was excellent.
For lunch with an incredible Whitsundays view, Sorrento certainly meets the criteria.
https://www.facebook.com/SorrentoRestaurantandBarAirlieBeach/
12. Play a game of oversized Chess
If you want to fill in some time, why not play a game of oversized Chess at the Abell Point Marina. You don’t need to be an expert, we certainly aren’t, just as long as you understand the basic rules.
Kev and Matt decided to have a game after we finished our lunch with Matt the winner. The rematch is still yet to be had!
While waiting to play or for your opponent to make their move, take in the view of the mega Super Yachts which are usually docked at the Marina. These enormous boats and owned by the super rich and are quite incredible to see up close.
Update October 2020: The Oversized Chess is no longer at the Marina.
13. Island Cruises or Cruise to Hamilton or Daydream Island using a Hopper Pass
Of course, a trip to the Whitsundays has to include a visit to the islands. There are many different options available to choose from.
Whether it be a full day cruise which includes snorkeling and stopping at one or two islands; a leisurely sail around the islands, stopping at the famous Whitehaven Beach or using an Island Hopper Day Pass which gives you the freedom and flexibility of choosing how much time you spend on Hamilton and or Daydream Islands.
A few of the islands are no longer operating like Hook Island. Others like South Molle island require major overhauls and Daydream Island is about to undergo extensive multi million dollar upgrades.
Hayman Island seems to be a little less exclusive with some very limited options for day-trippers to access the island. Still it maintains its prestige and continues to be mostly out of reach for the average family holiday budget.
Daydream Island and Hamilton Island are still two that provide an excellent day out in the Whitsundays along with Whitehaven Beach.
Whitsunday Island Cruises
As part of the Reefstar Island Cruise, we stopped at Daydream Island for the last leg of our day trip. We certainly enjoyed our relaxing cocktails at the swim up bar. It was an ideal way to spend the last hour of our tour before returning to Shute Harbour.
Although Daydream is quite a compact island, it has live coral, fish, sharks and rays for you to view in the pools encompassing the restaurant and bar areas of the resort. Kangaroos and wallabies roam freely around the lawns of the resort and on the beach.
We also chose to do the 1 day Sailing Adventure on the Camira with a leisurely sail around the Whitsundays. The main attraction of the day apart from snorkeling is the stopover at Whitehaven Beach.
You could involve yourself in the beach games, quietly soak up the sun on the beach or enjoy a swim in the crystal blue water.
This tour sets itself apart from some of the others as it is all inclusive with lunch, morning and afternoon tea plus beer, wine and soft drink included!
Book your Whitehaven Beach Sailing Tour here>
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island remains a very popular island destination in the Whitsundays. Recent refurbishments have been undertaken and there are regular ferry services to the island.
Dent Island is now part of Hamilton Island and offers a golf course for the enthusiast.
Qualia is one of Australia’s most exclusive resorts and has amazing views from the North end of Hamilton Island.
Book a Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Tour with Lunch here>
You can always visit some of the islands without current operating resorts by hiring a boat. It’s an awesome way to see the spectacular beaches and coves.
Also it gives you time to walk the tracks that lead to mountain tops with incredibly amazing views.
Atlantic Clipper Day Tour
The Atlantic Clipper Day Tour is a fabulous day out in the Whitsundays and is suitable for all ages! This fabulous floating playground has two Waterslides, a 6 metre Dive Platform and a Hot Spa Pool on the front deck. There’s plenty of seating undercover or you can chill out on bean bags on the open deck.
Enjoy sailing on one of the Whitsundays biggest vessels. Have fun snorkelling the sensational Great Barrier Reef. Spend time on the northern end of the stunning Whitehaven Beach plus take a bushwalk to the sensational Hill Inlet Lookout.
A sumptuous lunch is provided along with morning and afternoon tea, cheese platters and snacks. Just bring along your own water bottle, water bottle refills are free and BYO your own alcohol.
This full super fun day out also includes sailing into the sunset on the return journey back to the Coral Sea Marina.
Book your Atlantic Clipper Day Tour here>
Ocean Rafting Tour
If you are looking for a fast fun packed, great day out in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, then the Ocean Rafting Tour is perfect for the best day in paradise. Enjoy snorkeling, visiting Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and going on a cruise of the spectacular pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
There are two Ocean Rafting Tours. The Northern Exposure Tour which is the one we went on and the Southern Lights Tour. The main difference is whether you want more snorkel time or more beach time. We preferred to go to the Hill Inlet Lookout at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach and spend more time snorkelling.
Either way – You’ll have the ride of your life!!
Read more about: Ocean Rafting the Great Barrier Reef in Whitsundays
Book an Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure Tour here>
Book an Ocean Rafting Southern Lights Tour here>
Spend a Day with us in the Whitsundays
Spend a day with us in the Whitsundays as we take our scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Island, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and a lot more.
In this next episode we visit Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill and take a look at Shute Harbour after Cyclone Debbie, you can watch it here
Airlie Beach Accommodation
For Airlie Beach accommodation there is plenty of choice.
For Caravan Parks we stayed at the Seabreeze Tourist Park in Cannonvale. You can watch our video of the park here – https://indefiniteleave.com.au/seabreeze-tourist-park-airlie-beach-qld/
We also stayed at the Base Backpackers in the heart of Airlie Beach. You can watch our video of this park here – https://indefiniteleave.com.au/base-backpackers-airlie-beach-queensland/
Plus, on our Honeymoon we stayed at the ‘then newly opened’ Club Crocodile. We are talking 1988!
The Whitsundays is definitely one of our favourite places in Oz and Airlie Beach is one of the 7 Towns in Australia we could live!
Pin – Best Things to do in Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
Have you visited this fabulous region? What are your Best Things to Do in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays?
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.
Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.
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Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Samsung s21 Phone – https://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Nikon Coolpix p1000 – https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.
Lenses
Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
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Adventurers Diary
Dalmeny Campground, Dalmeny NSW
The Dalmeny Campground is perfectly located overlooking spectacular Dalmeny Beach.
This is a very popular camping spot for Caravans, Motorhomes, Campervans and Tents.
With it’s spectacular ocean views, fantastic surfing opportunities and excellent fishing along the beach it’s a perfect place to relax and unwind.
If you’re looking for the ideal Narooma camping location, the Dalmeny Campground is your escape from chaos.
About Dalmeny
Dalmeny is just 5 mins drive from the beautiful nearby town of Narooma on the south NSW coast and is 340 kms south of Sydney.
It is known for it’s many stunning beaches which provide excellent swimming, fishing and surfing opportunities.
With a population of around 2000 people Dalmeny is a peaceful laid back community which thrives during the summer tourism season when travellers and holiday makers visit Dalmeny, Narooma and nearby winery regions such as Tilba Tilba.
Brou Beach, which is commonly called Dalmeny Beach, is located in the Eurobodalla National Park where there are lots of fantastic walks and you can visit Brou Lake which is the perfect spot to swim, kayak and throw in a line.
This is one of our favourite regions within the NSW south coast.
Dalmeny Campground Location
The Dalmeny Camping area is some amazing real estate given the panoramic outlook from the position of each Caravan and Motorhome.
The campground is located on a hilltop of sloping grounds so most sites are not level but they do provide spectacular views.
Remember to bring your levelling chocks and enjoy some of the most exquisite views you’ll ever have whilst camping here at Dalmeny Campground.
Don’t forget your camera and binoculars to witness the amazing Humpback Whale season as they make their way north and back again, playing and breaching along the Eastern coastline.
Dalmeny Campground Amenities
There is a large amenities block located here which includes toilets, hot showers and a laundry which are all modern and clean.
A dump point is also available onsite just near the amenities block. Bins are also located at the campground.
A children’s playground is located in the park next to the Campground.
An IGA for all your groceries and a fuel station are located directly across the road.
There’s also a great Fish and Chips shop which is popular with other campers.
Fire pits are available for hire along with firewood, just see the caretakers who will look after you.
The beach is excellent for swimming although not all beaches have lifesavers and can be subject to rips and dangerous surf conditions.
Surfing the beaches surrounding Dalmeny is very popular with plenty of great wave action.
There’s lots of good fishing along the beach in the gutters and we saw a few fish being caught during our stay.
You may even spot the resident Emu’s that often wander along the beach.
We had good Telstra coverage and I also had 1 bar of Vodafone network during our stay at Dalmeny Campground.
Are pets allowed at Dalmeny Campground?
The Dalmeny Campground is pet friendly and therefore dogs are allowed.
Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS
Cost to stay at Dalmeny Campground
Cost to stay is $33 per night for 2 adults for powered site. Children 5-16yo are $6 each per night.
* Updated 27/12/2022 Prices vary throughout the year depending on season. Off peak is $31, Shoulder season is $37 and Peak season is $56 a night for a powered site.
Unpowered sites are available and are $26 a night for off peak, $34 a night during the Shoulder season and $45 a night in peak times.
Check the Dalmeny Campground website for more details.
Also look for Stay 7 nights and pay for only 6 deal or any other offers they may have throughout the year.
Our stay was 22nd February and 28th February to 6th March 2019.
For video reviews on hundreds of other Caravan Parks, Campgrounds and Free Camps around oz, simply click on the Where to Stay Button above or here to search by category. Alternatively you can click on the Destinations Button above or here to search by State.
Check out these other great places to stay near Dalmeny NSW:
Contact Details for Dalmeny Campground and Caravan Park:
Phone: 0428 635 641
Address: 1 Noble Parade, Dalmeny NSW
Website
Facebook
How to get to Dalmeny Campground:
From the Princes Highway turn in to Mort Avenue at Dalmeny to Dalmeny Beach until you come to the Dalmeny Campground on your left.
The entrance is on the ocean side, it is a one way road in and out of the campground.
5 Essentials – Outside RV Accessories
- To plug your RV with standard 15amp in to standard residential 10amp power source you will need a converter. We love our waterproof Ampfibian and after over 4 years it’s still perfect.
- Most people carry a Generator for back up power. 4wd Supacentre has a good low cost and popular generator while the Yamaha 2000w is a robust yet quiet excellent performer.
- A 20m 15amp Power Lead will ensure you reach your power source in Caravan Parks and Campgrounds.
- You will want a good blue Drinking Water Hose. Your typical green garden hose is not suitable for drinking from.
- A 4 way tap handle will help you find water whenever you need it
Things to see and do in and around Dalmeny Campground
1. Dalmeny and Narooma Beaches
Dalmeny and Narooma are a stunning beachside location and there is so much to see and do.
You will also be able to see the resident Dalmeny Emus regularly wandering along the beach!
Josh’s Beach is nearby and is another popular place for swimming and fishing.
Yabbara Beach is a bigger beach and more preferred for beach walks and is similar to Duesburys Beach next to it.
Kianga Beach is popular for surfing and fishing and there are BBQ’s and picnic area overlooking the beach making it a favourite Sunday lunch position for locals and visitors.
2. Kianga Point
Take a drive out to Kianga Point off Dalmeny Road and enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular views.
The circular drive around Kianga Point provides stunning sweeping views along the beaches and across to the islands offshore.
3. Australia Rock
See Australia Rock, a rock formation in the shape of the map of Australia. It is located at Wagonga Head and you can drive there along Bar Rock Rd.
Be sure to check out Australia Rock, it’s one of the most popular attractions close to Dalmeny Campground.
4. See the Seals
While at Australia Rock, take the walk along the Bar rock wall and see the Seals as they laze about and swim in the waters of the entrance to Wagonga Inlet.
Here you can witness the Australian and NZ fur seals in their own habitat, sunbaking and playing in the waters and catching some lunch throughout the day.
5. Feeding Stingrays
Watch the stingrays being fed at the Apex Park Boat Ramp.
When the charter boats come in from their day out fishing the Stingrays school around the boat ramp in hope of a free feed.
Sometimes if you are lucky the fishermen help you to feed the Stingrays.
We were fortunate and one of the guys brought over a fish frame and showed Adele how to attract a Big Stingray to take the fish from her hand.
He also helped key the pelicans at bay who were also keen on an easy feed.
6. Montague Island Tour
We highly recommend the Tour to Montague Island called Montague Island Tours with Wazza.
The tour leaves from Narooma and takes you for some amazing snorkelling with the Seals before a tour around the lighthouse and keepers cottage.
It was a great day out, swimming with seals and enjoying tour of Montague island.
Pin – Dalmeny Campground
_____________________________________________________________________
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.
Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all of our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps.
Samsung s21 Phone – https://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Nikon Coolpix p1000 – https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.
Lenses
Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.us/br9MeO – This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
_______________________________________________________________________
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Adventurers Diary
Is Bundaberg worth visiting?
There are so many great things to see and do in and around Bundaberg but, is Bundaberg worth visiting?
Bundaberg doesn’t just evolve around Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Ginger Beer, it is also the landmark of the southern most part of the Great Barrier Reef and is notable for its sugar industry.
It is also famous for its close locality to Mon Repos.
Mon Repos has the largest concentration of marine nesting turtles on the eastern mainland of Australia,
Plus, it’s fast becoming the ‘Drinks Capital of Australia’ with the introduction of a microbrewery, cider house and gin distillery in recent years.
About Bundaberg
Bundaberg is a fast growing city in Queensland located just 365 kms north of the capital city of Brisbane.
From Brisbane to Bundaberg it is approximately a 4 hour drive.
The region is diverse in Sugar Cane with cane farms a very popular local industry.
The population of Bundaberg is 98,820 residents which continues to grow each year.
This thriving city is a near coastal town, just a short 15 minute drive to the local beaches.
The weather in Bundaberg is typically hot and humid during summer and temperate in winter.
Bundaberg is worth visiting for its Drink Places
Bundaberg Rum Factory
The Bundaberg Rum Factory is one of the main reasons why Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting for a lot of people.
If you are a keen Bundaberg Rum Drinker, or even if you are not a non-rum drinker, you will enjoy doing a tour of the Bundaberg Rum Factory.
Tours of Australia’s most famous rum distillery, which was established in 1888, run Monday to Friday from 10am – 3pm and from 10am – 2pm on Weekends and Public Holidays.
The tour goes for approx 1 hour.
Book your Bundaberg Rum Factory Distillery Experience here>
Bundaberg Rum Distillery Museum
It is recommended you arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the commencement of your tour. This enables you have time to check out the museum beforehand.
Both the museum and the tour are really interesting.
Kev thought he would score Adele’s 2 free tastings at the end of each of our tours and both times he dipped out!
Adele is definitely not a rum drinker but she discovered she likes the Bundy Tropics especially the Mango & Passionfruit which she sampled on our first visit in 2016 and now the Banana & Toffee Royal Liqueur on our most recent visit.
You can always just drop into the Retail Store and purchase a drink from the bar and make any purchases from the extensive range of Bundaberg Rum, Liqueurs and merchandise.
Bundaberg Barrel
Take a tour of The Bundaberg Barrel. It is one of Bundaberg’s drink places not to be missed.
It’s perfect for all ages and is interesting and educational. It is a self-guided hands-on tour with lots of interactive displays.
Learn all about the history of the classic Bundaberg Brewed Drinks which date back for generations to 1960.
At the end of the tour, you are offered tastings of their entire range. 19 delicious flavoured soft drinks, including the famous Bundaberg Ginger Beer!
They have a huge selection of the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and selected merchandise available for purchase and you also have the option to create customised labels.
Ohana Cider House & Tropical Winery
We love popping into Ohana Cider House & Tropical Winery!
Josh & Zoe, the founders and owners of Ohana Cider House & Winery are very welcoming and we always enjoy a chat over the bar.
Be sure to get a tasting paddle along with one of their cheese and bikkies platters.
We can highly recommend their tropical wine, fortified wines and ciders.
Adele loves the Mango Moscato and Kev liked the fortified wines so much, he bought two of each to take with us after polishing off a tasting paddle all on his own!
The Ohana Cheeky Tiki Ciders are widely available at different outlets throughout Queensland and at every Queensland Dan Murphy’s store.
Plus, they will soon be launching into New South Wales.
Kalki Moon Distilling & Brewing
Founded in 2017, the Kalki Moon is one of the most recent additions to Bundaberg which is fast becoming the ‘Drinks Capital of Australia’.
This family owned and operated distillery is the first ever gin distillery in Bundaberg.
Not only do they offer gin which comes from the cane fields of Bundaberg, they also produce vodka, liqueurs and soon they will be launching their own rum creation.
Kalki Moon’s Gift Shop and Cellar Door are open 7 days a week.
Check with their experienced staff regarding distillery tours and tastings.
Bargara Brewing Company & The Brewhouse
Although the Bargara Brewing Company was founded in Bargara it is actually located at The Brewhouse in central Bundaberg.
The Brewhouse is where all of the brewing of the Bargara Brewing Company’s beer takes place.
Inside this micro-brewery is a busy restaurant, bottle shop and a retail outlet.
There’s 8 different taps of freshly brewed beers. They also have an on-line shop.
Update 2021: The Ballistic Beer Co has purchased Bargara Brewing therefore the Bargara brewery in Bundaberg is now one of the 5 Ballistic Beer Co breweries.
The range of beers is even bigger than before.
Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting for its awesome Attractions
Mon Repos Turtle Centre
The Mon Repos Turtle Centre is definitely worth visiting.
As well as being one of Bundaberg’s most awesome attractions, it is the best place to learn about turtles.
The Turtle Centre is open from 9am – 12pm – 7 days per week with the exception of Christmas Day (25 December) and Anzac Day (25 April).
During turtle season, it is also open 7 days per week from 7pm until 12am.
Turtle Season
Turtle season at Mon Repos is from November through to March. The best viewing times for the nesting turtles are from November through to January.
For the turtle hatchlings the months from January to March are best.
You can experience either the turtles laying or witness the hatchlings digging their way free and scampering down the beach to the water.
Entry is free into the Hatchling Hall and Gift Shop.
Tickets must be purchased online for any one of the three daytime sessions of Turtle Tales.
Sessions are at 9am, 10am and 11am and go for 45 minutes.
Nightly Turtle Encounter ticketholders are entitled to free access into Hatchling Hall, Gift Shop and Turtles Tales on the night while they are waiting for the turtle event.
The Turtle Discovery Centre is very interesting and educational.
Learn all about the different types of turtles, their migration paths, what they eat and so much more.
Turtle Facts
Here are just a few ‘turtley awesome’ facts:
- Turtles come ashore several times to lay hundreds of eggs in a nesting season.
- They come back to the same location to lay their eggs but not necessarily each year.
- After epic migrations at sea, turtles return to the exact spot where they were born to mate and lay their own eggs.
- Only around 1 in every 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood
- The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperature of the nest
Turtle Encounter Tours
A Turtle Encounter Tour is one of the reasons why it is definitely worth visiting Bundaberg.
It’s one of the most awesome attractions that the Bundaberg region has to offer.
It is absolutely an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience and one we can personally highly recommend!
The most fabulous experience for us was witnessing the baby hatchlings up close.
We were also very fortunate to be all chosen to be part of a human runway as the hatchlings scampered over the sand following the light between our our legs and at times over our feet to reach the water.
Although, we are yet to see a turtle laying her eggs, we have seen turtle tracks on the beach at Mon Repos made the previous night by laying turtles.
Note – Bookings for the Turtle Encounter Tours are essential! Tours are hugely popular and often very booked out.
So be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Bookings can be made through the Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre
Tinaberries
Tinaberries is a strawberry farm located in Woongarra and is just under 15kms from the heart of Bundaberg.
They warmly welcome guests to their farm to enjoy icecream and strawberries.
OMG, the ice cream at Tinaberries is devine! It was only on our 4th visit to Bundaberg that we discovered Tinaberrries.
We are so pleased we have found this delicious ice cream!
It has just skyrocketed to the top of the charts as one of our favourite ice creams that we have had in nearly 5 years travelling around Australia.
Flavours vary on the day depending on the fruits in season.
Strawberry and Passion Fruit were the flavours of the day of our visit. We bought one of each so we could sample both.
Others flavours include – Dragon Fruit and Lime, Mango and Passion Fruit, Strawberry and Mint, Passion Fruit and Ginger and Blueberries just to name a few.
Lady Musgrave Island
Although we did our day trip to Lady Musgrave Island from 1770, you can also make your way out to the Southern Great Barrier Reef from Bundaberg.
Lady Musgrave Island is the second most southern island in the Great Barrier Reef and is great spot for snorkelling around acres of coral.
Have a walk onto the island and learn it’s history or go for a look on their glass bottom boat over the coral and see the underwater sights from the boat.
Hinkler Hall of Aviation Museum
The Hinkler Hall of Aviation is definitely worth visiting even if you are not an aviation enthusiast. It is a must visit for all ages.
Located in the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens, this amazing museum celebrates Australias’s pioneer Aviator Bert Hinkler.
Everyone will enjoy the interactive displays and unique exhibits while learning the history of flight in Australia and the incredible life of Bert Hinkler.
The flight simulator is great fun and you can recreate Bert’s first flight hovering over Mon Repos.
The Hinkler Hall of Aviation is open 7 days Monday to Sunday from 9am – 3pm.
Don’t miss seeing the Bert Hinkler House, a recreated from his home in England by the Museum here in Bundaberg.
Bundaberg Botanical Gardens
The Bundaberg Botanical Gardens in North Bundaberg has over 10,000 trees and shrubs within its 27 hectares as well as a wedding chapel.
There are magnificent lakes that attract up to 114 different species of birds, shaded picnic areas and a nature themed playground.
The best way to explore these fabulous botanical gardens is to take a ride on the steam train.
Australian Sugar Cane Railway conducts train rides every Sunday.
They also operate Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays during school holidays and on most public holidays.
Contact the Australian Sugar Cane Railway for ticket prices and further information.
Bundaberg Botanical Gardens is also home to the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, The Fairymead House Sugar Museum, Cafe 1928, the Australian Sugar Cane Railway Museum and the Bundaberg and District Historical Museum.
Fairymead House Sugar Museum
The Fairymead House, built in 1890, was originally the Manager’s residence at the nearby Fairymead Sugar Plantation.
In 1988, Bundaberg Sugar Ltd who were the owners of the Fairymead Sugar Plantation, gave it to the city of Bundaberg as a Bi-Centenial gift.
It was carefully transported in six pieces and relocated to its new site in the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens.
This grand old plantation house which is heritage-listed, has been restored and repurposed as a museum dedicated to the history of the sugar industry of Bundaberg and its pioneering families.
Opening hours are from 10.30am to 12pm Mondays to Fridays.
The Hummock Lookout
The remnants of a low-lying volanco is what is commonly known by Bundaberg locals as ‘The Hummock”.
Although it is only 96 metres above sea-level, the Hummock is a great spot to take in the views over the whole of Bundaberg.
To the east, the ocean is visible. Sugar cane fields can be viewed to the west.
5 Essentials – Outside RV Accessories
- To plug your RV with standard 15amp in to standard residential 10amp power source you will need a converter. We love our waterproof Ampfibian and after over 4 years it’s still perfect.
- Most people carry a Generator for back up power. 4wd Supacentre has a good low cost and popular generator while the Yamaha 2000w is a robust yet quiet excellent performer.
- A 20m 15amp Power Lead will ensure you reach your power source in Caravan Parks and Campgrounds.
- You will want a good blue Drinking Water Hose. Your typical green garden hose is not suitable for drinking from.
- A 4 way tap handle will help you find water whenever you need it
Nearby Beaches are another reason Why Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting
It is definitely worth visiting Bundaberg for the number of great beaches nearby.
Being in close proximity from the city centre to the beach is awesome as you only have to drive 15 minutes from Bundaberg and you are at the beach!
Bargara Beach
The Bargara Beach is the closest of the beaches to Bundaberg. Bargara offers an ideal beachside lifestyle with oceanfront dining.
The kids will love playing on the beachfront playground which is in the shape of a turtle.
Can you swim at Bargara Beach?
During normal conditions, both Bargara Beach and Kellys Beach are considered to be relatively safe for swimming but it is safest and best to swim within the flags in the two patrolled areas.
Bargara & Kellys Beach are popular spots for local surfers as well.
How far is it from Bundaberg to Bargara?
By road it is just over 13kms from Bundaberg to Bargara.
Elliott Heads
Elliott Heads is one of the best beaches near Bundaberg.
It’s actually our favourite beach in Bundaberg.
It offers both a surf beach and calmer waters at the mouth of the Elliott River where the river meets the sea.
With Elliott Heads right on the door step of Bundaberg, it is a great place to visit for the day for a swim or a picnic or to stay for a number of days while you explore all the best things to do in and around Bundaberg.
Can you swim at Elliott Heads?
Both the beach and the river are great for swimming.
The surf beach at Elliott Heads is patrolled from September to May but is considered relatively safe other times of the year.
You just need to be cautious of the current in the river.
It is also a very popular spot for kite surfers and jet skiers.
How far is Elliott Heads from Bundaberg?
As it’s only 20mins out of Bundaberg, Elliott Heads has the best of both worlds.
Not only is it a great spot to stay right on the beach, you are so close to town as well.
Dr Mays Island
Just across the mouth of Elliott Head River is Dr Mays Island. From 1 September to 30 April each year, it is closed to the public.
Very rare birds visit this area for breeding and other birds rest and feed there after flying thousands of kilometres from places as far away as Siberia and the Arctic Circle.
Burnett Heads
Burnett Heads is where river meets the sea and it is home to the Port of Bundaberg.
It is also easily identified by two historic lighthouses.
The original lighthouse was built back in 1873 and now stands next to the Burnett Head Lighthouse Holiday Park.
In 1971, the old wooden lighthouse was replaced with the new octagonal concrete structure.
Burnett Heads is also very close to the Mon Repos Conservation Park.
Can you swim at Burnett Heads?
Oaks Beach, a 200metre long beach and South Head just 100metres of sand and rocks are the two beach areas just south of Burnett Heads with only 500metres between the two.
These two beaches are not patrolled by Life Savers.
Conditions in these areas are often choppy and prone to rips especially when the surf is up.
Therefore people are advised to swim at patrolled beaches.
How far is Burnett Heads from Bundaberg?
The distance by road from Burnett Heads to Bundaberg is 16.2kms.
Woodgate Beach
Woodgate Beach is a long white sandy beach approximately 45 mins out from Bundy.
The southern 6 to 7 kilometres of the beach which is part of the Burrum Coast National Park provides 4WD access for beach driving.
Locals warn the sand is muddy and much softer near the Isis river mouth and is a common area for vehicles to become bogged.
Do you need a permit to drive on Woodgate Beach?
You do not require a permit to drive on Woodgate Beach.
There are two access points onto Woodgate Beach.
One south of the Woodgate township and the northern entry off Walkers Point Road takes you down a broken, wooden board track where you need to take care if towing a trailer.
How far is Woodgate Beach from Bundaberg?
Woodgate Beach is just over 57kms from Bundaberg.
We drove out from Bundaberg and enjoyed lunch overlooking the beach and the boat ramp and continued south through Childers stopping at Mammino Gourmet Ice cream, for one of our favourite ice creams in all of OZ.
Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting for RV Travellers
RV Travellers will definitely find Bundaberg worth visiting as it offers a Free Camping area.
Bundaberg has also repurposed the old Showgrounds into a low cost RV Park managed by CMCA.
Hinkler Lions Park
The Hinkler Lions Park in Bundaberg, aptly named after the aviation icon Bert Hinkler, is a great place to stay for free as it is only a few minutes from the main city centre.
There’s plenty of space and easy parking for self-contained vehicles.
For caravans the suggestion is to go anti clockwise to make it easier to reverse park. It even took us a few turns in our Motorhome.
There are toilets, a drinking water tap, a dump point, bins and even a kids playground.
We did find it a little bit noisy with the airport across the road and with it being on one of the main roads into Bundaberg.
How long can you stay at the Hinkler Lions Park in Bundaberg?
It is a 24 hour stay at the Hinkler Lions Park.
Are Pets allowed at the Hinkler Lions Park?
Hinkler Lions Park is pet friendly.
Read all about our stay at: Hinkler Lions Park
Bundaberg CMCA RV Park
The Bundaberg CMCA RV Park is a great spot to stay.
Its central location is why it is definitely worth staying here enabling easy access for exploring Bundaberg.
For CMCA Members it’s just $3 per person per night and $15 per vehicle per night for non-members.
It is located at the old Showgrounds behind the Bundaberg Multiplex Sports & Convention Centre.
How long can you stay at the Bundaberg CMCA RV Park?
Maximum Stay is 5 nights in any 21day period.
All vehicles must be self-contained as there are no toilets and no showers. You must also contain your grey water.
Sites are all unpowered but drinking water and a dump point is available.
Are Pets Allowed at the Bundaberg CMCA RV Park?
Yes, it is pet friendly.
There’s heaps of space and it is quiet.
Best of all, it is very central and is handy to most places in Bundaberg.
Read about our stay at the: Bundaberg CMCA RV Park
Why Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting for the beachside Caravan Parks
BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara
On our first visit to Bundaberg we stayed at the Bargara Beach Caravan Park now known as the BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara.
Bargara Beach is just a 15minute drive into town which is why its definitely worth visiting Bundaberg.
We enjoyed the best of both worlds being close to town and we were also able to enjoy camping by the beach.
It was an easy drive into Bundaberg to hit up all of the popular tourist attractions including the famous Bundaberg Rum Factory and The Barrel.
This Bargara Caravan Park is ideally located right across from the beach and the Bundaberg Surf Life Savers Club making it perfect for a swim after a hot day exploring Bundaberg.
The Park is suitable for all sized caravans and RVs, allows tent camping and 1 and 2 bedroom cabins are also available.
Powered and non-powered sites are available. You can choose from grassed or concrete slab sites as well as sun or shaded sites.
Are Pets Allowed at the BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks -Bargara Caravan Park?
Yes, the BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara Caravan Park is dog friendly however it is seasonal so best to check regarding dog access prior to arrival.
Read more on this: Bargara Caravan Park
Elliott Heads Holiday Park
The Elliott Heads Holiday Park was the perfect location to stay when we were visiting Bundaberg the second time around.
Located right on the doorstep of Bundaberg’s most beautiful local beach and just 20 minutes from town, makes it an ideal base to explore Bundaberg as well as a great spot to just relax and unwind by the beach.
The Amenities are in great condition and the park has all the expected features -Water, Power and a Dump Point.
The sites are all powered and are a good size with a choice of slab or grassed sites.
Just across the road from the Elliott Heads Holiday Park is a great café and a sheltered picnic area.
Are Pets Allowed at the Elliott Heads Tourist Park?
The Elliott Heads Tourist Park do not allow dogs.
It was not possible for us to stay at the Elliott Heads Tourist Park on our first visit to Bundaberg as we were travelling with our dog MACKS.
Read about our stay at: Elliott Heads Holiday Park
Burnett Heads Lighthouse Holiday Park
On another of our visits to Bundaberg, we stayed at the Burnett Heads Lighthouse Holiday Park in Bundaberg.
The park is very handy to Mon Repos to see the turtle hatching and is only 15 minutes from the centre of town.
Sites are a good size, it’s close to the ocean and like all of the other Caravan Parks around Bundaberg, there is no pool.
Although the amenities and facilities at the Burnett Heads Lighthouse Holiday Park at the time of our stay were tired, they are clean.
The camp kitchen is good with BBQ’s, Microwave, frying pan and other features ideal for cooking.
A tennis court is available onsite also.
Are Pets Allowed at the Burnett Heads Holiday Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed as it is pet friendly.
Read about our stay at: Burnett Heads Lighthouse Holiday Park
Pin – Why Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting
Have you been to Bundaberg? We have found first hand why Bundaberg is definitely worth visiting as each time we visit we find new and exciting things to see and do.
Check out these other great blogs:
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.
Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.
_________________________________________________________________________
Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Samsung s21 Phone – https://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Nikon Coolpix p1000 – https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.
Lenses
Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
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Adventurers Diary
Kalbarri Caravan Parks, WA
When looking for a Caravan Park in Kalbarri WA, there are four Caravan Parks as well as a Farm Stay and a Station Stay to choose from in and around Kalbarri.
Kalbarri Caravan Parks offer views of the Murchison River and Indian Ocean and are all in close proximity to the stunning Kalbarri National Park.
These four Caravan Parks are located within the Kalbarri township or within a short distance of town.
Kalbarri is a popular spot for holiday makers, caravanners, campers and motorhomers all year round.
About Kalbarri
Kalbarri is nestled alongside the beautiful Murchison River and the stunning Kalbarri National Park is right on its doorstep.
This coastal town offers safe swimming beaches, great surfing, reefs and red rugged cliffs meeting up with the Indian Ocean.
The most iconic attraction in Kalbarri National Park is Nature’s Window and now with the amazing addition of the Kalbarri Skywalk which makes visiting Kalbarri a great adventure.
Kalbarri has a population of 1,336 but swells in numbers during peak tourist season from June to August.
Warm off-shore currents also make Kalbarri excellent for fishing all year round.
Kalbarri Caravan Park Accommodation Options
The Caravan Parks in Kalbarri offer an extensive range of accommodation options.
You can opt for Powered & Unpowered Caravan & Camping sites, Ensuite Sites, Cabins, Villas, Self-contained Units, Motel Units or 2 and 3 Bedroom Holiday Houses.
Four Kalbarri Caravan Parks to choose from
1. Kalbarri Anchorage Holiday Village
The Kalbarri Anchorage Holiday Village is nestled on the banks of Murchison River in the centre of town.
Facilities:
Facilities include a Camp Kitchen and a BBQ Area.
Throughout the park there are 3 Amenities Blocks with toilets and showers and a Laundry facilities attached to each amenities block.
Cost to stay:
Riverfront Powered Site – $47 for 2 Adults per night/$43 for a Single per night
Standard Powered Site – $42 for 2 Adults per night/$38 for a Single per night
Unpowered Site – $38 for 2 Adults per night/$30 for a Single per night
Cabins – $80 for 1 – 2 People per night Off-Peak/$90 for 1 – 2 People per night Peak
Park Home – $90 per night Off-Peak/$100 per night Peak
Pool:
Yes
Kids playground:
No
Pet Friendly:
Yes – pets are welcome outside school holidays. Pets are not permitted in Cabins or in the Park Home.
Dump Point:
Yes
WiFi Available:
Yes
Telstra Coverage:
Yes, coverage with all networks
Contact Details – Kalbarri Anchorage Holiday Village:
Phone: 08 9937 1181
Address: 168 Grey Street, Kalbarri, Western Australia
Website
2. Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park
The Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park is the newest of the Kalbarri Caravan Parks.
This Kalbarri Caravan Park opened in September 2019 and is modern, clean and still feels new.
Facilities:
Facilities include a Camp Kitchen and a Barbecue Area.
Drinking Water and Laundry facilities are available along with a Water Filling Station enabling you to fill your caravan or motorhome.
Cost to stay:
Ensuite Powered Site – From $50 per night
Holiday Units – From $160 per night
Beach House – From $250 per night
Pool:
Yes
Kids playground:
Yes
Pet Friendly:
Yes – pets are welcome.
Please mention you are travelling with your pet at the time of your booking. See their Pet Terms & Conditions here.
Dump Point:
Yes
WiFi Available:
Yes – Free Wifi Hot Spot is available
Telstra Coverage:
Yes, coverage with Telstra and other networks
Contact Details – Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park:
Phone: 08 9918 7100
Address: Red Bluff Beach Road, Kalbarri, Western Australia
Website
3. Murchison Caravan Park
The Murchison Caravan Park is located on the waterfront right in the heart of Kalbarri.
You will enjoy sweeping views of the Murchison River and beyond to the Indian Ocean.
Facilities:
Facilities include a Camp Kitchen and free gas BBQs.
There’s an ensuite style amenities building with disabled access and a fish cleaning area is also available.
Cost to stay:
Powered Site – $44 for 2 Adults; $9 for Children 4 years & above; $13 for an additional Adult per night. Weekly rates apply outside school holidays
Unpowered Site – $40 for 2 Adults; $9 for Children 4 years & above; $13 for an additional Adult per night. Weekly rates apply outside school holidays
Deluxe Ensuite Cabins – $180 for 2 People per night during School holidays/Public Holidays and $150 all other times; $10 for Children 4-15 years and $15 for an additional Adult per night.
Standard Ensuite Cabins – $130 for 2 People per night during School holidays/Public Holidays and $120 all other times; $10 for Children 4-15 years and $15 for an additional Adult per night.
Pool:
No
Kids playground:
Yes
Pet Friendly:
Yes – pets are welcome outside school holidays. Pets are not permitted in Cabins
Dump Point:
Yes
WiFi Available:
Yes
Telstra Coverage:
Yes, coverage with all networks
Contact Details – Murchison Caravan Park:
Phone: 08 9937 1005
Address: Grey Street, Kalbarri, Western Australia
Website
4. Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park
With just a short 3 minute walk to the centre of town, the Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park is ideally located.
Facilities:
Facilities include a Camp Kitchen and a BBQ Shelter with free barbecues.
Throughout the park there are 2 amenities blocks with toilets and showers, a Laundry and clothes line.
Cost to stay:
Ensuite Site – $53 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$65 Peak per night/$218 pw Off-Peak
Powered Site – $43 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$56 Peak per night/$258 pw Off-Peak
Unpowered Site – $39 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$41 Peak per night/$231 pw Off-Peak
2 Bed Deluxe Villa – $170 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$231 Peak per night/$840 pw Off-Peak.
Pool Villa – $170 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$252 Peak per night/$840 pw Off-Peak.
Ensuite Park Cabin – $120 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$137 Peak per night/$600 pw Off-Peak.
One Bed Unit – $145 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$189 Peak per night/$750 pw Off-Peak.
Two Bed Unit – $170 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$231 Peak per night/$840 pw Off-Peak.
Motel Unit – $135 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$158 Peak per night/$690 pw Off-Peak
One Bed Accessible Unit – $145 for 1-2 Adults Off-Peak/$189 Peak per night/$750 pw Off-Peak.
Additional Adult $15 per night
Additional Child 0-15 years $10 per night
Pool:
Yes
Kids Playground:
Yes along with a Jumping Pillow and TV Room
Pet Friendly:
Yes – pets are welcome outside school holidays by arrangement.
Dump Point:
Yes
WiFi Available:
Yes – Free Wifi is available
Telstra Coverage:
Yes, Telstra coverage and other networks
Contact Details – Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park:
Phone: 08 9937 1077
Address: 10 Porter Street, Kalbarri, Western Australia
Website
Are the Kalbarri Caravan Parks Pet Friendly?
Kalbarri Anchorage Caravan Park, Murchison River Caravan Park and Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park all allow pets on a seasonal basis.
Pets are allowed at Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park. Dogs are also welcome at both Murchison House Station and Big River Ranch Kalbarri.
As we arrived in Kalbarri during September School holidays, our choice of a Kalbarri Caravan Parks was limited as we were travelling with our Golden Retriever MACKS.
At the time there were only 3 caravan parks as Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park did not exist.
This meant we were unable to book into any of the Kalbarri Caravan Parks as they don’t allow pets during school holidays.
Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS
5 Essentials – Outside RV Accessories
- To plug your RV with standard 15amp in to standard residential 10amp power source you will need a converter. We love our waterproof Ampfibian and after over 4 years it’s still perfect.
- Most people carry a Generator for back up power. 4wd Supacentre has a good low cost and popular generator while the Yamaha 2000w is a robust yet quiet excellent performer.
- A 20m 15amp Power Lead will ensure you reach your power source in Caravan Parks and Campgrounds.
- You will want a good blue Drinking Water Hose. Your typical green garden hose is not suitable for drinking from.
- A 4 way tap handle will help you find water whenever you need it
Kalbarri Camping
There are also two camping options in and around Kalbarri, one a station stay and the other offering farm stay accommodation:
- Murchison House Station
- Big River Ranch Kalbarri
At the Murchison House Station, you can opt to camp alongside the Murchison River near the Homestead or choose bush camping anywhere on the property that you can access with your 4WD.
The Big River Ranch Kalbarri offers farm stay accommodation as well as a campground area overlooking the Murchison River.
Read more: Kalbarri Camping
Things to do in Kalbarri
Nature’s Window
One of the most iconic attractions in Western Australia is Nature’s Window in the Kalbarri National Park.
The mighty Murchison River is perfectly framed in this spectacular natural rock formation and is one of the most photographed attractions in WA.
Kalbarri Skywalk
A marvellous new attraction in the Kalbarri National Park is the Kalbarri Skywalk.
Two amazing cantilevered viewing platforms have been built projecting out from the rim of the Murchison Gorge.
Take a thrilling walk out on these viewing platforms for some absolutely incredible views of the surrounding gorge and the river 100 metres below.
Pelican Feeding
Each morning you can watch the resident pelicans waddle up onto the grassed area and wait for a feed of fish.
Originally Cliff Ross began feeding the pelicans in 1975 and local volunteers have continued on with the tradition of the daily pelican feeding.
Feeding starts at 8.45am on the foreshore directly opposite the Murchison Caravan Park.
A gold coin donation to help cover the cost of the fish is much appreciated.
Red Bluff Lookout
Enjoy the views of the dramatic and rugged coastal cliffs of Kalbarri and the Indian Ocean from Red Bluff Lookout.
Red Bluff Lookout is also the perfect vantage point to spot Humpback Whales on their annual migration.
The trail from Red Bluff Beach to the lookout is a 1km return walk.
Kalbarri Weather
Traditionally the weather in Kalbarri is warm with refreshing ocean breezes in the afternoon.
During Summer the average daytime temperatures is usually around 33 degrees with overnight temperatures averaging around 19 degrees.
December to February is generally the busiest time of the year with people out swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding, snorkelling and surfing.
Autumn months are a great time to visit Kalbarri with average temperatures around 26 degrees.
March to May are ideal for fishing and holidaying.
June to August the Kalbarri heathland explodes into colour with the wildflower season.
You can enjoy clear skies with temperatures down to 10 degrees overnight and usually 22 degrees maximum during the day.
Humpback Whale season is in full swing from September to November. Temperatures are usually around 26 degrees during the day.
Places to eat and drink in Kalbarri
- Gorges Cafe
- Kalbarri Edge Restaurant
- Buddha’s Bites
- Bean Drifting
- Finlay’s Kalbarri
- Red Bluff Bakery & Cafe
- Gilgai Tavern
Pin – Kalbarri Caravan Parks
Which Caravan Parks in Kalbarri have you stayed at?
Tell us about your Kalbarri Caravan Park experience.
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave
We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.
Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.
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Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps.
Samsung s21 Phone – https://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Nikon Coolpix p1000 – https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.
Lenses
Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.us/br9MeO – This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
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jill
May 4, 2018 at 7:46 pm
really awesome post
Indefinite Leave
May 8, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Thank you Jill 🙂