The Bargara Beach Caravan Park is a gem of a destination that justifiably attracts travellers from all around Australia.

Its ocean side location, plus the renowned Bundaberg climate of cooler summers and warmer winters, allow many to use the spot as a base to explore the beautiful Coral Coast at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.

The park is located at 25 Freed Courtice Avenue on the northern side of Bargara, which offers a host of attractions. Naturally water activities are paramount in this area with plenty of fishing, snorkelling, surfing and swimming at Bargara Beach. Reef exploration is also easily arranged with trips to Lady Elliott and Lady Musgrave Islands available.

The Bargara Beach Caravan Park is a very pleasant beach side walk north from the main Bargara town centre, which has plenty of shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants.

The park is beautifully set out within an 8 hectare expanse of maintained lawn with plenty of shaded trees, ample concrete pads for caravans, as well as powered sites for all campers from tents to camper vans. There are sheltered picnic sheds, very well kept amenities, and wide roads with plenty of easy visibility.

Pet owners are catered for with arrangements best made with management prior to a stay.

Cabins are also available with a choice of luxury or family budget one or two bedroom self-contained cabins on hand. Features include fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms, TV, air conditioning and verandahs for entertaining.

Additional on site attractions include WiFi internet, a children’s playground, tennis court, basketball court, camp kitchen, and even a convenience store on site.

Despite all these fantastic facilities, I most enjoyed the easy laid back atmosphere that seems to prevail within this large camping ground.

Local highlights include the Bargara dining precincts, great beach walks along palm- and tree-lined walkways with the world famous Mon Repos loggerhead turtle rookery being only a short trail walk from the caravan park.

Mon Repos is a renowned attraction as it’s the largest loggerhead turtle nesting site on the east coast. Main nesting season is from November to March with night tours arranged to allow visitors the opportunity to safely enjoy seeing these interesting creatures.

Another popular diversion is the Bargara golf course that is only a little over 1km away in the town proper.

Right across from the caravan park is the local skate park and a patrolled beach, which is popular with both youngsters and their parents. Naturally, I also saw the beach as a handy place to secure a feed of tasty whiting at this time of year.

For those desiring something a little more informative a trip to Bundaberg, just 20 minutes drive away, can see a tour of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery or the Ginger Beer Factory undertaken with the Bert Hinkler Hall of Aviation or even the Regional art gallery. also usually on the visitor’s ‘to do’ list.

You only need to walk across the road from the caravan park to appreciate that the well-formed beach and the adjoining rock headland can offer some interesting fishing opportunities.

The usual beach species are present with whiting, bream, and flathead on the cards; the headland can also host species such as trevally or other interesting line burners.

Boat anglers are well catered for with the nearest boat ramp being at Burkitt Street, Bargara. It allows access to excellent offshore fishing for reef species and pelagics, such as mackerel and tuna.

Prior to heading offshore in the boat have a look on the internet for the exact locations of the green zones, to ensure no mistakes are made. A good starting point is to take a quick look at the Great Sandy Marine Park zoning plan available online.

Bait and tackle are available locally at the Bargara Liberty service station in Bauer Street on the way into town from Bundaberg.

I’d doubt many holiday-makers would have difficulty finding Bundaberg; around 4 hours travel north of Brisbane. Once in the Sugar Cane City, keep heading east and follow the signs to Bargara via the Bundaberg-Bargara Road.

Once in Bargara, Bauer Street will lead the vehicle to See Street and then Whalley Street on the left where a right turn will put you on The Esplanade. Travel north only a short distance to Fred Courtice Avenue and the very easily visible Caravan Park with its large welcome sign and surrounding coconut palms.

Contact details are as follows. Phone, (07) 4159 2228, fax (07) 4159 2386 or why not email for details on --e-mail address hidden-- to secure your booking. Trust me, this is a popular caravan park so book early to avoid disappointment.