Gosford Caravan Parks And Things To Do When You Get There

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On average, four million tourists visit the Central Coast each year. Gosford city is at the heart of the Central Coast Region, a historically rich and bustling holiday destination for a memorable getaway. An hour north of Sydney, Gosford NSW is just below the Glenworth Valley, on the Hawkesbury River. 

Whether you want to go horse riding with the Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures or visit the Gosford Regional Gallery, there is plenty to occupy all the family in Gosford. 

And yet, despite it being a popular city break destination, it’s not short of natural wonders and exciting adventures to get the adrenaline going. Hitch up your caravan and head to Gosford for the perfect holiday with city excitement and nature’s scenic surroundings. So, follow our guide to find the best caravan parks in Gosford NSW and activities to make it a memorable getaway.

Caravan Parks in Gosford

Gosford is fortunate enough to sit on the banks of the scenic Hawkesbury River on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Read on to discover pet-friendly parks and relaxing caravan parks in Gosford to start planning a much-deserved camping trip.

Toowoon Bay Holiday Park

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There are few things better in life than sand, surf, and shade. The Toowoon Bay Holiday Park sits in a serene, beachside paradise, while the excitement of the city is just a stone’s throw away. With the Central Coast’s top tourist attractions a short drive away, it’s an ideally situated holiday park to unhitch your caravan for a week or two. 

Toowoon Bay and Shelly Beach are clean and accessible from the holiday park. Little Bay is perfect for younger children and nervous swimmers, with calm waters protected by break walls. Toowoon Bay Holiday Park offers several accommodation options, including cabins and powered sites for tents and caravans. 

The park’s facilities include a camp kitchen, swimming pool, playground, jumping pillow, and BBQ area. Toowoon Bay is ideal for families with pets, welcoming any four-legged friend.

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park

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Just a short drive outside Gosford, the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort offers the perfect family holiday experience. With a beachfront location and daily kids activities, it’s a non-stop, fun-packed holiday destination on the Central Coast. They have their very own aqua park-style pools, with water slides and swimming pools. 

Other facilities include a playground, jumping pillow, tennis court, and television room. Plus, they run kids’ activities throughout the school holidays. Choose to stay in cabins, glamping tents, or bring your caravan along and pitch up on the beachfront. With access to Umina Beach from the holiday park, you’ll feel like you’re in your very own paradise.

Lakeview Tourist Park

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On the shores of Tuggerah Lake, the Lakeview Tourist Park is a short distance from picturesque views at Norah Head and the Crackneck Point lookout. This lakeside holiday park is ideally positioned between the sea and the city, about an hour from Sydney and Newcastle. 

They have powered tent pitches, caravan sites, and luxurious cabins – a perfect base from which to explore the Central Coast. You won’t run out of things to do on your Gosford holiday trip with numerous activities around. The holiday park has a boat ramp if you want to take to the waters.

Dunleith Tourist Park

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Dunleith Tourist Park is ideally located next to North Entrance Beach, offering a dream holiday destination where families and campers can relax. The more adventurous holidaymakers can visit the local surf school just around the corner from the holiday resort and spend their vacation catching waves on the sparkling ocean waters.

Park facilities include fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, and prawning – ideal for water lovers. They have powered camping and caravanning sites or a range of luxurious cabins and waterfront villas. 

If a water-based holiday isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there are many attractions at The Entrance. With local fine dining and endless shops, you’ll find something for everyone at Dunleith Tourist Park.

Canton Beach Holiday Park

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The Canton Beach Holiday Park is at Norah Head, on the shores of Tuggerah Lake. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday with just you, your caravan, and the family, the Canton Beach Holiday Park is the perfect place. 

The campsite offers laundry facilities, a convenience store, free WiFi, and BBQ and picnic areas. The holiday park is just a few streets away from Main Road and Canton Beach. Visitors can spend their holiday exploring the surrounding natural parkland and taking in the beautiful lake system.

The holiday park has caravan and camping sites all year round, with powered, unpowered, and ensuite options available. There are also several cabin options to choose from.

Blue Bay Camping and Caravan Park

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The Blue Bay Camping and Caravan Park is a short walk from Blue Bay beach, the town centre, local cafes, and fishing adventures at Tuggerah Lake. 

A slightly further walk will take you to Toowoon Bay Beach, a protected, child-friendly beach ideal for a relaxing day in the sun while the kids play. Toowoon Bay also offers specialty coffee shops that boast the best coffee on the Central Coast.

Park facilities include a solar-heated pool and spa, BBQ area, kids’ play area, and a camp kitchen. They have both cabins and villas and powered and unpowered caravan sites. However, no pets are allowed at the Blue Bay Camping and Caravan Park.

Budgewoi Central Coast Holiday Park

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Just off Lake Munmorah, the Budgewoi Central Coast Holiday Park offers nature lovers a shady, serene getaway. A lakeside holiday park, the Budgewoi resort has views of the clear blue waters of Lake Munmorah, where you will spot anglers and water sports enthusiasts throughout the year. 

Whether you want to get involved with the exciting water sports Budgewoi has to offer or relax on the white-sand beaches, it’s an excellent base to explore the area. The holiday park offers caravan and camping sites available all year round with unpowered, powered, and ensuite options. Park facilities include a camp kitchen, bouncing pillow, playground, BBQ area, and a boat ramp.

Things to Do in Gosford

The incredible thing about caravan holidays is the flexibility. Simply hitch up and drive to the next adventure. Luckily, Gosford and the Hunter Valley offer plenty of riveting activities, attractions, and beaches to make the most of on your holiday.

Henry Kendall Cottage

The Henry Kendall Cottage and museum was once home to a 19th-century poet, Henry Kendall. The museum is a wonderful find for a rainy day, so you can explore displays of the poet’s possessions and discover his story. The museum also covers the local history and stories of the early settlers. 

On a sunny day, take a picnic and relax on the museum’s beautiful grounds – they even offer an electric BBQ available for visitors to rent. Volunteers run the museum and are happy to discuss the building’s history with all visitors. It’s open every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. 

Hire a Kayak

Gosford and the NSW Central Coast are well-known for their complex and stunning lake system. What better way to explore the beautiful waterways than hiring a kayak? Paddle your way to remote beaches, try fishing, spend a night camping on a seaside beach, and enjoy the surf. Kayaking is a fun, exciting way to spend a summer holiday with family, friends, and the kids.

You can hire a kayak for a self-guided trip, discovering the area’s creeks, wildlife, and history, paddling at your own pace. Or hire a fishing kayak to add more excitement to your day out on the water.

Great North Walk – Brisbane Water National Park

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The Brisbane Water National Park is local to Gosford. The park is a beautiful nature-lovers paradise. 

The Great North Walk is a 250-kilometre bushwalking trail from Sydney to the Hunter Valley and Newcastle and passes through several national parks, including the Brisbane Water National Park.

Why not pick up part of the 34km near Gosford for one of the best hikes in New South Wales. There are more manageable sections for those with children (such as the 3km Patonga to Pearl Beach) or more adventurous overnight hikes with camping spots along the way. The iconic track offers spectacular views of scenic landscape and an escape into nature.

Beaches

After spending energetic days hiking and kayaking around Gosford, you will need a relaxing day – what better way to take a break than chilling on the beach. Fortunately, the Central Coast has many pristine beaches to enjoy. Whether it’s Avoca Beach or Ettalong Beach, spending the day with the sand and sun will recharge you.

The nearby seaside villages of Terrigal and Killcare offer swimming, fishing and boating activities. Or cycle to the spectacular lookout at Gerrin Point in Bouddi. There is no shortage of beachside activities and glorious sandy escapes around Gosford.

Somersby Falls

Whether you head to the Somersby Falls picnic area or walking track, it’s an excellent way to breathe in the local nature. Explore the nearby waterfalls, traverse the trails, and relax with a picnic in the lush rainforest.

The walking trail takes you 500 metres through the rainforest, with views of the waterfalls from above and below. There are lookouts along the way to snap a few pictures of the gorgeous views. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot water dragons, frogs, goannas, and even a kookaburra. 

The Somersby Falls walk is suitable for all seasons, but you’ll catch particularly striking views after heavy rainfall.

Palm Grove Nature Reserve

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The Palm Grove Nature Reserve also offers an opportunity to traverse the Great North Walk. Exploring the nature reserve, you might spot frogs, birds, and Australia’s most loved animals. Bring your camera, a picnic, and your hiking boots for a fun-packed day of bushwalking and discovering nature. 

The dramatic rainforest covers 240 hectares and makes for the perfect wilderness escape. A few kilometres from Gosford, the Palm Grove Nature Reserve is in the Ourimbah Creek Valley. You might also observe threatened species, such as the red-eyed green tree frog or the stuttering frog. 

Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park is in Somersby, just a short drive from Gosford. With over 200 animals, the reptile park is the ideal place to explore Australian wildlife. Bring the kids and meet koalas, kangaroos, quokkas, and dingos. Or challenge a friend to hold a massive python at this fun-packed reptile park.

The park is also an excellent place to educate yourself about endangered species and the park’s conservation work. Open all day, every day; include the Australian Reptile Park on your itinerary. 

Mount Penang Gardens

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Mount Penang Gardens presents Australia’s native beauty at its best. The Mount Penang Gardens showcase the wild and wonderful Australian flora with a contemporary garden display of over eight hectares. If you’re extra keen, take a guided tour to learn how to implement some of the displays in your own yard, taking a bit of your Gosford holiday home with you.

Bring a picnic and feed the ducks. There is no shortage of delightful ways to spend a day at the Mount Penang Gardens. 

Plan your trip

Taking a caravan trip to Gosford and exploring the local Central Coast area is the perfect way to spend a few weeks. With luscious national parks, serene waters, peaceful beaches, and exciting cities, many attractions and activities fill your trip. Whether you want to spend a day fishing, hire a kayak, or relax on the beach with your book, it’ll be a holiday to remember.