Ready to hit the road and explore some of Australia’s most jaw-dropping, history-filled destinations? Forget the usual tourist traps—how about rolling up to a World Heritage site with your caravan in tow? From ancient cultural landscapes to convict-built landmarks and fossil-packed caves, these epic spots offer more than just incredible views.
With 20 World Heritage Sites across Australia (12 of them natural), not all are easy to access by caravan (sorry, K’gari and remote islands). But don’t worry! We’ve tracked down the best ones where you can roll right up, hassle-free, and dive into an unforgettable road trip filled with adventure, history, and jaw-dropping sights. Let’s get moving!
- BUDJ BIM CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
WHERE: Victoria
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: Australia’s latest World Heritage site, the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is one of the world’s oldest and most significant examples of aquaculture, created by the Gunditjmara people over 6,000 years ago. It features an ancient system of stone channels, weirs, and dams used to trap and farm eels.
MUST DO: Take a guided tour to explore the extensive eel traps, learn about Gunditjmara culture, and visit the historic Lake Condah Mission site. There are also incredible views of volcanic landscapes to hike around Mount Eccles National Park.
CARAVANNING TIP: Budj Bim Campground offers basic facilities for caravanners and is a great place to set up for a more immersive experience. Book early during peak season to ensure a spot.
- ULUṞU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
WHERE: Northern Territory
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: This iconic red rock is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks, and it’s even more impressive in person. Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is an ancient and sacred site for the Anangu people and a World Heritage-listed natural wonder. The nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) is equally stunning, with dramatic rock formations that will leave you speechless.
MUST DO: Watch the sun rise or set over Uluru for a life-changing experience, and walk the base of the rock to fully appreciate its scale. You can also explore the Kata Tjuta domes for more hiking adventures.
CARAVANNING TIP: Yulara, the town near Uluru, has caravan parks with all the facilities you need. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park itself doesn’t allow camping, but Yulara is just a short drive away.
- KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
WHERE: Northern Territory
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: As Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu is a nature lover’s dream with wetlands, rugged escarpments, and stunning waterfalls. But it’s more than just pretty landscapes—Kakadu has been home to Aboriginal people for over 65,000 years. Expect rock art sites that date back thousands of years, along with some epic hiking trails. If you’re into birdwatching or crocodile-spotting (from a safe distance!), you’ll be in heaven.
MUST DO: Check out Ubirr for stunning Aboriginal rock art and take in the view from the lookout—it’s one of those “pinch me, is this real?” moments.
CARAVANNING TIP: There are several campgrounds in Kakadu, ranging from basic to full-service sites, so you can easily set up a base while you explore the park.
- GREAT BARRIER REEF
WHERE: Queensland
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: It’s the largest coral reef system in the world and an underwater wonderland. While you obviously can’t caravan on the Great Barrier Reef, you can definitely park nearby and take boat tours to explore this underwater marvel. Whether you’re diving, snorkelling, or just taking in the reef’s beauty from a glass-bottom boat, the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute must-see.
MUST DO: Take a day trip to snorkel the outer reef or, if you’re more adventurous, try a scuba diving tour to really get up close and personal with the marine life.
CARAVANNING TIP: Cairns and Port Douglas are fantastic caravan-friendly spots to set up camp and book your reef tours. There are plenty of caravan parks with all the amenities you need.
- WET TROPICS OF QUEENSLAND
WHERE: Queensland
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: It’s like the rainforest version of the Great Barrier Reef—stunning, diverse, and full of life. Covering nearly 9,000 square kilometres, the Wet Tropics of Queensland are some of the oldest rainforests in the world, and they’re packed with wildlife. From towering trees to sparkling waterfalls and tropical plants, this region is a playground for caravanners who want to immerse themselves in nature.
MUST DO: Visit the Daintree Rainforest and take a river cruise to spot crocodiles, or tackle the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for incredible views of the forest canopy.
CARAVANNING TIP: Base yourself in Cairns or Mossman for easy access to the Wet Tropics, with plenty of caravan parks offering full amenities.
- GONDWANA RAINFORESTS OF AUSTRALIA
WHERE: New South Wales and Queensland
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: Spanning both New South Wales and Queensland, the Gondwana Rainforests are home to some of the oldest plant species on Earth. Walking through these rainforests feels like you’ve entered Jurassic Park—minus the dinosaurs, of course. With incredible waterfalls, ancient trees, and rare wildlife, this is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
MUST DO: Take a stroll along Dorrigo’s Skywalk for a breathtaking treetop view of the rainforest, or hike one of the many trails that take you deep into this ancient wilderness.
CARAVANNING TIP: Head to Dorrigo National Park or Lamington National Park, both of which have great nearby caravan parks where you can settle in and soak up the lush surroundings.
- AUSTRALIAN CONVICT SITES
WHERE: The Australian Convict Sites are spread across multiple states, including Tasmania and Western Australia
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: These sites offer a glimpse into Australia’s convict history, showcasing how convicts played a significant role in the country’s development. Each site tells a unique story of hardship, resilience, and the early years of European settlement in Australia.
MUST DO: Explore the former penal settlement, take a ghost tour, and visit the convict-built architecture at Port Arthur in Tasmania or Take a guided tour through the Fremantle Prison’s (Western Australia) underground tunnels or sign up for a spooky torchlight tour.
CARAVANNING TIP: There are plenty of caravan parks you can set up at both Port Arthur and Fremantle.
- GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS AREA
WHERE: New South Wales
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: Just a couple of hours from Sydney, the Greater Blue Mountains offer a mix of rugged cliffs, lush valleys, and iconic bushwalking tracks. The area is known for its distinctive blue haze, caused by the vast eucalyptus forests releasing oils into the air. It’s a great place to park the caravan, set up camp, and spend days exploring this vast wilderness.
MUST DO: Walk to the Three Sisters, take the scenic railway at Scenic World, and chase waterfalls like Wentworth Falls or Govetts Leap.
CARAVANNING TIP: Set up at one of the numerous caravan parks in Katoomba or Blackheath. Both have plenty of amenities and are close to the main attractions.
- TASMANIAN WILDERNESS
WHERE: Tasmania
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: Tasmania’s wilderness is like stepping into a time machine. Covering nearly 20 percent of Tasmania, this World Heritage site is home to lush rainforests, alpine peaks, and rare wildlife. If you’re after an off-the-grid experience, this is the place to go.
MUST DO: Take on the Overland Track (if you’re up for a challenge), or simply enjoy shorter hikes around Cradle Mountain and the stunning Dove Lake.
CARAVANNING TIP: Set up camp near Cradle Mountain or Lake St. Clair for a central spot to explore the wilderness. There are caravan parks with full amenities, so you can enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
- AUSTRALIAN FOSSIL MAMMAL SITES
WHERE: Riversleigh in northwest Queensland and Naracoorte Caves in South Australia.
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: These sites hold some of the most significant fossil discoveries in the world, offering a peek into Australia’s prehistoric past. From ancient marsupials to giant reptiles, these fossil sites provide invaluable insights into the evolution of Australian fauna.
MUST DO: Explore the fossils embedded in the limestone rock formations and check out the interpretive displays at the Riversleigh Fossil Centre.
At Naracoorte Caves (SA): Visit the Victoria Fossil Cave at the Naracoorte Caves to see the skeletons of extinct megafauna and take a guided cave tour to learn about paleontological discoveries.
CARAVANNING TIP: The closest caravan-friendly spot is Adels Grove, located about 10km from the Riversleigh fossil site. They offer powered sites and basic amenities, and it’s a great base to explore both the fossil site and the surrounding national park. The site is remote, located within Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, so make sure your caravan is prepared for off-road travel. The campgrounds at Naracoorte Caves are suitable for caravans, with 10 powered sites available with amenities.
- WILLANDRA LAKES REGION
WHERE: New South Wales
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: The Willandra Lakes Region is home to the oldest known human remains in Australia, the famous “Mungo Man” and “Mungo Lady,” dating back around 42,000 years. This otherworldly region was once a series of lakes, but is now dry, leaving behind fascinating formations and an incredible sense of history.
MUST DO: Take the Walls of China boardwalk and enjoy the surreal landscape. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage.
CARAVANNING TIP: Mungo National Park has campgrounds that accommodate caravans, so you can stay within the park and soak up the ancient atmosphere.
- PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK
WHERE: Western Australia
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: Located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Purnululu National Park is famous for the Bungle Bungles—stunning orange-and-black striped domes that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. You’ll feel like an explorer discovering uncharted lands as you hike through the narrow gorges and wide-open plains.
MUST DO: Walk the Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge trails for the full Bungle Bungles experience, and don’t forget your camera—this place is photogenic!
CARAVANNING TIP: Access to the park requires a 4WD, but there are campgrounds within the park where you can set up camp for a night or two. If you don’t have a 4WD caravan, you can stay at caravan parks in nearby towns like Kununurra.
- NINGALOO COAST
WHERE: Western Australia
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: If you love marine life but want to avoid the crowds of the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef is your answer. This World Heritage-listed site along Western Australia’s coast offers stunning coral reefs that you can swim right off the shore, plus the chance to swim with majestic whale sharks during their annual migration.
MUST DO: Snorkel the coral reef at Turquoise Bay, one of the best shore-accessible reefs in the world and take a whale shark tour between March and August for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
CARAVANNING TIP: There are plenty of caravan parks in Exmouth and Coral Bay, the two main access points to the Ningaloo Coast. Both are great spots to base yourself for reef adventures.
- SHARK BAY
WHERE: Western Australia
WHY YOU NEED TO GO: Marine life, ancient stromatolites, and epic coastlines—Shark Bay is otherworldly. It’s one of those places that feels like it’s from another planet. Home to the oldest living organisms on Earth (stromatolites), stunning turquoise waters, and wildlife like dugongs, dolphins, and turtles, Shark Bay is the place to embrace nature’s quirks.
MUST DO: Head to Monkey Mia for the famous dolphin interactions or visit Hamelin Pool to marvel at the stromatolites—they’ve been around for 3.5 billion years!
CARAVANNING TIP: Denham is the best spot to set up camp, with plenty of caravan parks and easy access to Shark Bay’s many attractions.