Inland summer retreats: 8 spontaneous getaway spots

Summer crept up on you too? Hey, we get it. This is a wild time of year, with so much going on, so you’re forgiven for leaving your summer plans to the last minute. Fortunately, our mates at BIG4 have given us the inside story on which of their holiday parks still have availability over the summer period.    If you’re a fan of all lip-smacking culinary delights, eye-popping landscapes and lazy days by the river, you’ll find plenty to love on an inland escape. Sample the local delights and get your fill of the bush by staying at one of these BIG4 Holiday Parks.

1. BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens, VIC

Set right on the edge of Castlemaine’s botanical gardens,BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park takes relaxation to another level. This gold-rush city is dotted with cute cafes, funky wine bars and pubs, a heritage theatre and much more. And if you don't mind a spot of shopping, The Mill Castlemaine is home to artist’s spaces, vintage treasures, food and much more, plus, it's an easy stroll from the park. Summer in Castlemaine is a bustling time with plenty of live entertainment and events for the whole family, so don’t hesitate to bring your mates of all ages along.

2. BIG4 Yarra Valley, VIC

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park is situated among beautiful bushland near the heart of Healesville. This famous wine region allows for effortless cellar-door hopping complemented by microbreweries, distilleries and a feast of culinary delights. Visit nearby Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, explore cute townships, go cherry picking at Victoria’s largest cherry orchard or venture to the acclaimed TarraWarra Museum of Art.

3. BIG4 Casino, NSW

Spotted within the tranquil Northern Rivers region isBIG4 Casino Holiday Park. The charming town of Casino is full of rich history and backed by the lush Richmond Range National Park. Spend your days exploring wetlands on the Casino Miniature Railway or glimpsing local wildlife at the platypus pools and rock carvings.

4. BIG4 Breeze – Cania Gorge, QLD

Situated on the edge of a spectacular national park,BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Cania Gorge is an epic place to embrace nature. There are plenty of walking tracks, ancient caves with Aboriginal art, sheltered gorges and towering cliffs. Don’t miss nearby Cania Dam, a popular destination for fishing and water sports, especially on those warmer days.

5. BIG4 Barossa, SA

Welcome to Australia’s most famous wine region. Stay at BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park and you’ll spend your days tasting some of the world’s best wine or discovering local delights at the Barossa Farmers Market. Scenic walking and cycling trails provide for those on two feet or wheels, while quaint country cafes and gift shops are right on your doorstep.

6. BIG4 Mount Compass, SA

Sit back and relax in the peaceful surroundings ofBIG4 Mount Compass Caravan Park. The small town is at the heart of the fabulous Fleurieu Peninsula with its magnificent and oft-secluded beaches, wine regions and charming townships. Pencil in a round of golf at Mount Compass Golf Course, which is ranked as one of Australia’s top 100 courses.

7. BIG4 Strahan, TAS

There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than by heading to the rugged and picturesque west coast of Tasmania. FromBIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat, you can take a cruise down the Gordon River to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, with landscapes that will take your breath away. And locomotive lovers are sure to enjoy the Wilderness West Coast Railway, which takes travellers on a journey through both time and Tasmania’s ancient rainforests.

8. BIG4 Kelso Sands, TAS

Situated at the top of the stunning Tamar Valley region isBIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday and Native Wildlife Park. It’s the gateway to prized wineries, exceptional fine foods, crowd-free beaches, family-friendly attractions, nature-based experiences and much more. Don’t miss a visit to Narawntapu National Park with its lagoons, grasslands, and unique landscapes.

Found a BIG4 Holiday Park that fits the bill? Now it’s time to hire a Camplify van to take you there. Whether you’re after a dreamy campervan conversion or a full-blown motorhome, we’ve got you covered for your summer adventure.