Australia’s natural diversity is hard to beat. From beaches to rainforests, snowy to sunny, it’s fair to say that we’ve got a bit of everything. When autumn comes around and the temperature drops, along with the number of summer campers, it’s the ideal time of year to get out there and appreciate all the season has to offer. So if you’ve been dreaming of escaping the daily grind and getting to know your backyard a little better, read on and discover some of our favourite spots that will satisfy any style of autumn adventure.
For the explorers: Buchan Caves Reserve, VIC
Head here to discover Victoria’s largest cave system. As you make your way through the spectacular labyrinth of limestone carved by an underground river almost 400 million years ago, you’ll begin to understand why these caves are of such great significance to the Gunaikurnai traditional owners. The caves can only be viewed with a private tour, so make sure you book yours at least 24 hours in advance.
Above ground, you can take a stroll along the walking tracks, spotting kangaroos, bell miners, owls, lyrebirds and pied currawongs along the way. For this destination, we recommend one of Ezytrail’s Multi-Terrain caravans, like our premium hard roof twin models for couples, the VX5400 HR or our premium pop-top family caravan, the VZ4800 LR. Park one of these at the reserve’s powered or unpowered campsites and spend a night under the stars!
For something seaside: Coalmine Beach, WA
Nestled 415 kilometres south of Perth, Coalmine Beach Holiday Park combines secluded beauty with the convenience of powered camping sites.
Think of it as your gateway to the Southern Forests and South Coast, where you’ll be surrounded by the astonishing ‘Giant Tingle Trees’ that are unique to the area.
Just three kilometres away is the town of Walpole, you’ll find essential amenities plus great opportunities for bird-watching, kayaking, fishing and the world-famous WOW Eco Cruise. Whether you’re riding as a duo in a Ceduna 13 MK3 Twin, or with the kids in a premium pop top caravan for four, Coalmine Beach and its surrounds plenty of inspiration for your adventurous side.
Our tip: allow yourself at least three days for a nice balance of exploration and relaxation.
For a rainforest retreat: Thunderbird Park, QLD
Deep inside the sprawling subtropical rainforest and lush palm groves of Tamborine National Park, you’ll find Thunderbird Park.
Whether you've got a small compact caravan to a bigger hard roof caravan, you can bring them to their powered or unpowered sites, then spend your days bushwalking in Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, jumping in crystal-clear rock pools in Purling Brook Falls, Natural Bridge and Cedar Creek Falls, or, hitting the high ropes courses, and a zipline.
With life-changing views in every direction, the allure of the Gold Coast Hinterland beauty will captivate you.
For fine wine and good times: Clare Valley, SA
Less than two hours from Adelaide is the magnificent Clare Valley, an oasis of world-class wine. Along the 40 km stretch between the towns of Auburn and Clare, you’ll find an astonishing 50 cellar doors. While there are simply too many to recommend, you can’t go wrong at Shut the Gate Wines, Skillogalee Winery & Vineyard, Jim Barry Wines or Pikes Wines.
Whichever cellar door you knock on, you’d be wise to taste and get your hands on some Riesling—the region’s specialty. Beyond wine tasting, you can cycle the Riesling Trail as it weaves through vineyards, stop at quaint towns and heritage sites, and dine at cafes and restaurants bursting with local produce.
Whether you’ve got a taste for wine, history, or nature, Clare Valley ticks all the boxes for a multi-sensory adventure.
For getting starstruck: Warrumbungle National Park, NSW
Near Coonabarabran is the volcanic landscape of Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first official ‘Dark Sky Park.’ This prestigious title, officially recognised by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), acknowledges the park's stringent measures to minimise light pollution, enhancing both the visibility of the night sky and the wellbeing of nocturnal wildlife. Needless to say, it’s a stargazer’s paradise, boasting some of the clearest night skies you’ll find in Australia.
Observe the cosmos through powerful telescopes at the Siding Spring Observatory, or simply marvel at the Milky Way with the naked eye from the comfort of your favourite camp chair. Many Ezytrail models, such as the VX5400 HR Twin, have inbuilt skylights, giving you a comfortable spot to stargaze! When the stars go into hibernation for the day, explore some of the park's iconic walking tracks, such as the Breadknife and Grand High Tops trails, and be rewarded by rugged peaks, intricate rock formations, and diverse ecosystems. From sunup to sundown, you’ll be overcome by the beauty of this national treasure.
Australia is a hugely varied and versatile country, offering an endless list of locations for outdoor adventurers. Our list only scratches the surface, but hopefully it gives you some inspiration to get on the road and make the most of the outdoors before the cold weather comes along.
Happy Camping!
