Is NSW a good place for families to visit?

Family campervan holidays are all about spending quality time together, enjoying new experiences, and making happy memories. And NSW is the perfect place to do exactly that. With its beautiful beaches, magnificent national parks, and fun family attractions, there’s something unique to offer families with children of all ages and stages. Spend one day watching the kids build sandcastles and learning to surf. Spend the next day discovering museums, zoos, and theme parks. If the kids are keen to meet some furry or finned friends, NSW has plenty on offer. From wildlife sanctuaries and farm tours to marine parks and rescue centres, they’ll have loads of opportunities to learn about our unique wildlife.  

Why families should explore NSW in a campervan

A family holiday should be about fun, freedom, and relaxation – for parents as well as the kids! Travelling by campervan offers all that and more. And with so many great things to do in NSW, it makes for the ideal family destination. Here are just some of the great benefits of a family campervan holiday:

• The kids can enjoy the comfort of sleeping in their ‘own’ bed each night. They can even bring their favourite pillows, blankets, and toys. And any time they need a nap, their bed is ready and waiting. 

• Wherever you go, your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom facilities go along with you. That means you won’t have the hassle of finding public restrooms, booking motels, or finding somewhere to eat out. And when you’re travelling as a family, that’s a big benefit!

• There’s plenty of room for all the kids' camping supplies. And best of all, no need to pack and unpack as you move between destinations. 

• You can bring the family dog with you! Holidays just aren’t the same without your best furry friend. But with Apollo campers, dogs are welcome!

• You can be spontaneous. Explore NSW’s off-the-beaten-track roads, take a diversion to somewhere new, stay longer in places you love. There’s no strict schedule to worry about when you explore Australia by campervan. 

• It’s easier to keep your budget in check. Apollo campervans offer an economical way to have a family holiday. You can cook your own meals, and not worry about expensive accommodation. 

• NSW is a fantastic, family-friendly destination with some awesome holiday parks and campsites. Let’s take a look at some of the best:

Best family-friendly campsites and holiday parks in NSW

Seal Rocks Caravan & Holiday Park

Nestled between lush green forest and the aptly named Number One beach, Seal Rocks Caravan & Holiday Park is the perfect spot to park up the campervan and relax. The adventure playground has loads of space for kids to run, play, and make new friends. During school holidays, the holiday park organises exciting activities to keep kids entertained. The park provides excellent facilities, including a barbecue area where families can gather and enjoy the relaxed holiday vibe. Spend the morning surfing, try your luck fishing on the beach, or take the family for a hike to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park

If Kiama features on your travel planner, be sure to book in a stay at the BIG4 Easts Beach holiday park. A stay at Easts Beach Holiday Park is a holiday in itself! This 35-acre park is just minutes from the centre of Kiama. You’ll feel a million miles away though, as the park sits within a picturesque green valley backdropped by mountains and leading down to the golden sands of Easts Beach. The kids will be kept busy all day long on the crazy cool Aquaventure Park and in the resort pool. If they’ve still got energy to burn, send them off to play on the Spooky Rooky playground or enrol them in the Krazy Kids Club. And when you need a good coffee or fancy an ice cream, pop into the onsite Breakaway Café. 

Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park

Just a few hours’ drive from Sydney, Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park is a fantastic destination for families seeking a fun-filled holiday. Grab the sunscreen and send the kids off to splash and play in the swimming pool and waterslide. Fancy a fun game of golf? Enjoy a friendly family challenge on the mini golf course. Take some time out from the NSW sunshine in the games room. You’ll find a pool, air hockey, foosball, and arcade games – plenty to keep everyone busy. For a cosy night in, make some popcorn and head to the indoor cinema to watch a family-friendly movie together. Keen to explore the local area? There’s plenty nearby to see and do. A bucket-list experience for motorsport enthusiasts, the Mount Panorama racing circuit is a must-see. Bathurst itself is a vibrant city with lots on offer including charming shops, delicious foodie outlets, and historic sites. And if the family pooch loves to join in on your adventures, bring them along. The Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park is dog-friendly! 

Ingenia Holiday Parks, Lake Macquarie

Located just footsteps from the water’s edge, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie is tucked away on the tranquil southern shores of Lake Macquarie. Park up your campervan rental, pour a glass of wine, and get ready to relax! The kids will have a blast on the jumping cushion or splashing in the swimming pool. Bring along the family dog too, this holiday park is dog-friendly. Make the most of the great location and spend time exploring the lake, walking the nearby trails, or simply kicking back and enjoying some well-earned R&R.

Reflections Copeton Waters Holiday Park

If your family loves fishing, Copeton Waters Holiday Park provides the perfect spot to hook a big one. Copeton is a freshwater fishing mecca, so bring along your rods (or pick up some gear from the local shops) and see if the kids can catch a fish for dinner. There’s loads more fun to be had on the water too with a boat ramp providing easy access to the sparkling waters of Copeton Dam. The kids can have a go at kayaking or even learn to jet-ski. If that’s not enough to tire them out, there’s also a BMX track, mountain bike trails, tennis courts, and three playgrounds!

Dubbo Holiday Park

Planning an adventure in Dubbo? Be sure to book into Dubbo Holiday Park, just 2 km from the central city. Take the family to visit the nearby Taronga Western Plains Zoo where you can meet giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and big cats. History buffs will be captivated by the Old Dubbo Gaol, a 19th-century prison which offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. For something a little different, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Outback Heritage Experience to learn about their life-saving work. And don't forget to stargaze at the Dubbo Observatory, where the wonders of the universe come alive. There’s plenty to do without leaving the park too. The jumping pillow and playground are guaranteed to tire out the most energetic of kids! 

BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park

Located on the edge of the pristine waters of Wagonga Inlet, Narooma Easts Holiday Park is the perfect campsite for a family getaway. The park offers an array of fantastic facilities that will keep everyone entertained. The kids will have a ball splashing around in the indoor heated splash park regardless of the weather outside. For a taste of luxury, the resort-style pool provides a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun followed by a refreshing swim. The jumping pillow is always popular with the kids, while mum and dad can enjoy a competitive game out on the tennis courts. When it comes to nearby attractions, Narooma has plenty to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity for a photo of the imposing Glasshouse Rocks on Surf Beach. For a truly special family experience, book a whale-watching tour (best between September and November). 

NRMA Forster Tuncurry Holiday Park

Make the most of the magic of the Mid-North Coast with a stay at NRMA Forster Tuncurry Holiday Park. Sitting in prime position on the shores of a sparkling coastal estuary, this fantastic family campground is surrounded by natural wonders. Enjoy a family dinner on the beach and watch the incredible sunsets. Head out on the water for a spot of fishing or book a cruise on the lake to meet some of the local wildlife. The kids will never be short of things to do with a school holiday activity schedule, a splash zone and water play area. Make new friends and enjoy some entertainment with the weekly hosted events. In the mood for a pizza night? Head to Pezzella’s Pizza and indulge in pizza, pasta, and all things deliciously Italian. 

Image: Destination NSW

Ready for a family trip to NSW?

As you can see, New South Wales has some seriously awesome campsites and holiday parks for families. Now that you’ve got a list of great places to stay, it’s time to plan your ultimate NSW road trip itinerary! Take the first step and book your Apollo campervan online and then pick it up from our Sydney branch.