Rise of the resort park
Gone are the days where RV parks were purely to park and sleep; now you can wine, dine and play for days, and it’s a direct reflection of how Australian holidays are evolving says BIG4 Holiday Parks CEO Sean Jenner.
“We’re seeing growing demand for resort-style holiday parks because travellers want more choice and more certainty when they book,” says Jenner.
“Resort-style parks work particularly well for multigenerational travel. Grandparents, parents and kids can all holiday together, choosing accommodation that suits their needs, while sharing resort-level facilities like pools, splash parks and on-site activities.
“It’s an experience that delivers flexibility, value and something for everyone.”
NRMA Parks and Resorts CEO Paul Davies agrees saying it too is seeing strong growth in multigenerational holidays, and this is driving the way parks are changing.
“Today’s guests are looking for more than just a place to stay. They want memorable experiences.
“At places like Turtle Sands Nature Resort, guests can enjoy premium accommodation while connecting with nature through extraordinary experiences such as guided turtle tours. It is that combination of comfort, nature and authenticity that really resonates.
“Improvements to amenities, camp kitchens, ensuite sites, synthetic grass, drive-through access and the ability to cater for larger vans ensure we are meeting the needs of modern travellers without losing the spirit of the holiday park experience.”
And he says this new evolution of parks is showing no signs of slowing.
“This style of resort-led holiday park will continue to grow, and we are actively exploring new opportunities that reflect how people want to holiday now and into the future by blending nature, quality accommodation and well-designed shared spaces that appeal across generations.”
Jenner says it too is also expecting significant growth in this area.
“Across the BIG4 network, we’re continuing to see investment in resort-style parks – from new and expanded pool precincts to upgraded entertainment offerings and more premium cabin and glamping options. This style of park is very much a reflection of how Australian holidays are evolving.”
Six resort-style parks you need on your radar
NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holday Resort, Yamba
Water babies will love this coastal spot at the mouth of the Clarence River on the North Coast of NSW with its surf breaks and marine parks that brim with dolphins, sea turtles and migrating whales. When you’re not exploring the stunning surrounds, days can be spent on site around one of multiple pools, one with swim-up bar. There’s also an indoor climbing room, mini-golf, and everything from villas to campsites – and you can bring your four-legged friends too.
Turtle Sands Nature Resort, Bundaberg
Nestled behind the dunes of Mon Repos turtle-nesting beach near Bundaberg, Turtle Sands Nature Resort is the only place on Australia’s mainland where you can stay in a villa, glamp or camp just metres from this natural phenomenon. Stay between November and March for Turtle encounter tours that run every night, or simply spend days by the pool, on the beach or ride e-bikes to the nearby coastal town of Bargara or trails along the coast.
NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort, Gold Coast
All day dining, movies under moonlight and right in the heart of the Gold Coast, this park is the perfect adventure playground for multi-gen families. There’s a pirate-themed mini-golf course, three playgrounds, four resort style swimming pools, a splash park and a multi-sports facility. The resort has also teamed up with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy to provide an outdoor experience to take kids out of their comfort zones with interactive survival activities set in nature.
BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, Moreton Bay
Heated pool, waterpark, mini-golf, go kart hire, games room, tennis course, gym and a café all await at this waterfront park. Extended family who don’t have an RV can choose from an overwater villa with direct access to an all-natural three-metre deep swimming hole, or a luxury safari tent.
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort , Airlie Beach
Set on 10 hectares of landscaped tropical gardens, this purpose-built, award-winning family resort, has 13 water slides, a lagoon-style pool, mini-golf, and two giant jumping pillows. There’s also an 18-hole mini golf, full size floodlit tennis court, outdoor cinema, basketball, volleyball, pedal karts and an animal park.
BIG4 Gold Coast, Gold Coast
Kids will collapse after days in the monster water park at BIG4 Gold Coast with its four aqua tube slides, resort-style pool and eco-friendly playground. When they’re not running around the park, you’re just minutes from Movie World, Wet'n'Wild, Outback Spectacular, Topgolf, Dream World and Whitewater World – and it’s also pet friendly with an off-leash area at the rear of the park so your pooch can get tired out too.
BIG4 Gold Coast has been crowned Australia’s best caravan and holiday park at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
For even more resort-style holiday park inspiration, check out our earlier roundup.
