Why travellers are flocking to this hidden gem in Australia you never knew existed

Holidaying in a deluxe cabin that enjoys a prime waterfront position – whether it’s footsteps from a pristine beach or an action-packed riverfront – sounds like the type of vacation lifestyle that’s exclusive to the rich and famous.

The good news? It’s more attainable than you think, provided you know where to look.

All along the NSW Mid North Coast, there are premier holiday accommodation spots which are surprisingly accessible for couples, families, and budget-conscious travellers.

But finding them might require you to rethink your perception of the classic Aussie caravan park, such as those run by Australia’s largest network, Discovery Parks.

In a bygone era, these parks were the domain of those who preferred to holiday in tents, caravans or ultra-basic cabins – and they certainly still cater well to this type of holidaymaker.

The appeal of these holiday parks is that they democratise the best destinations by making them affordable for everyone. They’re always well-situated, and for the rustic traveller, they’ve also always had all the necessary amenities like shared kitchen facilities and BBQs, bathrooms and power.

But more recently, holiday park operators like Discovery Parks have recognised these parks’ potential to attract a new breed of traveller: those who crave the comfort and polish of a hotel room, the space and all-in-one convenience of a short-term holiday house stay, and those extra fun features like pools and activities that you’d expect from a resort.

The result? The humble caravan park has entered its glow-up era.

A recent summer road trip saw my family and I set out to first-hand experience this new generation of deluxe holiday park cabins.

Just 20 minutes north of Coffs Harbour is the breathtaking Emerald Beach. It may be lesser-known than its bigger beach town neighbour, but it’s equally as beautiful and perfect for holidaymakers who prefer an off-the-beaten-track beach locale. 

Discovery Parks’ Emerald Beach outpost is ideally located right beside the town’s main beach, which is patrolled in summer. Several sandy paths within the park lead directly from your cabin accommodation to the shore – meaning once you park the car, expect to leave it there for several days.

All the hallmarks of a holiday park are ever-present and ready to enjoy. For younger kids like mine, the inviting swimming pool and colourful waterpark are huge draws. There’s also a playground, jumping pillow, and even pedal kart hire – all perfect for expending their boundless energy. Family-friendly features like these, along with free holiday workshops and games, have always been part and parcel of the holiday park experience.

But once you retreat to your accommodation, a more refined holiday begins.

Discovery Parks’ deluxe holiday cabins are modern, newly renovated, spacious and tidy. They come fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, separate toilet, lounge room, indoor and outdoor dining tables, separate bedrooms, air conditioning, and a generous, private balcony for outdoor relaxation.

The water is hot, the beds are soft and cosy, there’s Wi-Fi on your phone and you have all the usual creature comforts of indoor accommodation. And so a new definition is born of what it means to stay at a holiday park.

With sunny skies throughout our Emerald Beach stay, it was easy to while away the days. As soon as the sun started to beam, the kids rushed straight to enjoy the water slides and pool. 

We would then saunter off for a coffee, smoothie and delicious brekkie at EB General on the main street, before gathering our beach gear for a dip. The mere minutes walking proximity from the holiday park to the flags on the beach meant you could duck back and forth to your cabin to recharge as needed.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the walk through Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, where you’re guaranteed to spot kangaroos of every size.

And if you fancy a night off from cooking for yourself in the cabin, check out the A Taste of Aloha food truck, which is based right at the park entryway. (Try the burgers or grilled meats and fresh salads served over coconut rice!)

However, if a completely different kind of holiday is more your speed – the type where river-based water sports are on the vacation agenda, then another NSW Mid North Coast Discovery Parks destination has you covered.

Forster, located a four hour drive from Sydney, is another exceptional NSW Mid North Coast beach holiday town. But what’s perhaps less known it is also a haven for those who love water skiing, boating, kayaking and jet skis.

The Discovery Parks in Forster is ideally positioned for enthusiasts of this kind of water sport. It’s situated right on the Wallamba River, which is alive with watercraft activity from morning until dusk.

Dip your toe into the action by hiring a pedal boat for four people or individual kayaks from reception. Staff are on hand with plenty of handy tips for first-time riders. (Those pedal boats are trickier to steer than you think!) Our family’s clear favourite was the pleasant kayak along the river, spotting seabirds and underwater creatures – and getting a good upper body workout along the way to boot.

Meanwhile, the absolute riverfront position of this holiday park meant keen fishermen could cast their lines straight out and try their luck.

You can even BYO boat (if you have one!) – the park has its very own jetty where guests can launch straight into the river.

Again, the holiday park is designed to cater for campers and caravans – and their boats towed behind them – with all the necessary features and amenities for a comfortable outdoorsy stay.

But for those that prefer not to work too hard on their holidays (ahem, like myself!), the newly renovated deluxe cabins at Forster Park offer everything you would want  from a delightful short-term holiday accommodation stay – with the bonus of a prime riverfront position.

It’s the small things about being in a modern cabin that make your stay just that little bit nicer: well-equipped kitchen facilities so you can cook whatever takes your fancy,  multiple TVs so there’s no arguments over what to watch, and air conditioning units in each room to be comfortable in all weather conditions. There’s even Wi-Fi in case (quelle horreur) you need to check in on work emails. Briefly, of course.

And you can’t go past those big, sprawling private cabin balconies. Ours overlooked both the river and a tranquil side canal that was always buzzing with wildlife. With an oversized outdoor table, it was the perfect spot for breakfast, an afternoon beverage, and everything in between.

Just as they did in Emerald Beach, my primary school-aged kids of course spent loads of their time at the water play park with its array of slides, tipping bucket and splashy features. Fast friendships were formed with other young guests – and parents could take a breather watching from the sidelines.

The large lagoon-like pool at the Forster park was also a huge drawcard for all ages, with plenty of sun loungers available beside it.

One unique feature at this particular park was a pump track: a winding, sloped trail for scooters and bikes, which tested and thrilled young riders.

When you feel like a break from river-based activities, it was a simple 10-minute drive into the Forster township. There you can enjoy the glorious patrolled Forster Main Beach and next to it, the popular ocean baths.

If you get peckish in town, there are standout takeaway options along the main streets including pastries from Palms Artisan Bakery, American-style fare from Rusty’s Hot Dogs and Burgers food truck, and a sweet finisher in gelato and frozen yoghurt from Forster Desserts.

So down to brass tacks. How much exactly are we talking for a stay in a deluxe cabin? Like most holiday towns, prices vary seasonally – and if you’re flexible, the rates can be outstanding. Some times of year also require a minimum number of nights for the stay.

At Discovery Parks Emerald Beach, nightly rates for a deluxe two-bedroom cabin start in the low $200s, and rise to $499 in peak season. 

In Forster, a Discovery Parks deluxe two-bedroom riverfront cabin starts at $230 per night, rising to around $550 during summer holiday time.

‘Location, location, location’ is the old real estate mantra – and it certainly applies equally to holidays. But what Aussie travellers are coming to realise is that enjoying prime position holiday spots is attainable, but can also be pleasant and comfortable.

The secret is to find these deluxe cabins within classic Aussie holiday parks, as they offer the best of all worlds: a top holiday destination without costing the earth.