There are lots of reasons why Aussies love caravanning. It’s the ideal way to explore this vast continent and keep accommodation costs under control. But up until now you’ve had to shell out for a van, not to mention a large vehicle to tow it! Not any more. In theory, you could explore the whole country with MyCaravan and never tow a van, as Marianne Diaz recently discovered on the Gold Coast…
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Enjoy a traditional Aussie caravanning holiday with or without the towing, thanks to peer-to-peer rental site MyCaravan. Image: Bigstock
To see me lounging back in my foldable chair, enjoying the breeze skimming off Tallebudgera Creek, you would be forgiven for thinking I was camping.
Well technically I am, except for two things. I didn’t have to pack a car load of shelter, bedding and supplies to meet the needs of my family and I sure haven’t worked up a sweat setting up a tent.
In fact, I’m relaxing under the awning of a caravan, booked and set up through the peer-to-peer caravan renting website mycaravan.com.au.
Yes, following the rise of airbnb and Uber, the shared economy has pulled up at caravan parks across the country.
Peer to peer caravan renting website mycaravan.com.au offers access to unused vans across the country. Image: MyCaravan
MyCaravan allows caravan owners to rent out their vans and camper trailers when they’re not being used, giving families like mine a chance to experience Australian caravan holidays previously reserved for those lucky enough to own a van.
Image: MyCaravan
Families have the option of hiring a caravan to tow to wherever their hearts desire, or for those who have a particular spot in mind (as we did), vans can be delivered to your caravan park of choice.
For a small fee the caravan owner will have the van set up for you and ready to enjoy as soon as you arrive. This is why after arriving at the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park on the Gold Coast, my family and I were settled in and relaxing within fifteen minutes.
Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park. Image: Marianne Diaz
After enjoying the evening breeze, it’s time to snuggle down for the night. Our van boasts a double bed and a dining table that converts to another double bed for the kids. After we make some simple changes to the configuration, everyone is comfy, cosy and finally asleep.
The following morning we’re woken by a cacophony of bird song. The scent of sea spray is quickly replaced with the aroma of sizzling bacon and eggs.
Our caravan contains a kitchen stocked with all the pans and utensils we could possibly need to cook up our breaky feast, which we dig into while admiring the water views.
With MyCaravan, you can take your pick of Australia’s best and most beautiful holiday destinations. Our caravan site is superb as it overlooks the stunning Tallebudgera Estuary.
Following breakfast, a short stroll sees us pass by many stand-up paddle boarders and canoeists. We follow the path that hugs the tourist park and within five minutes we hit the expansive squeaky white sands of Tallebudgera Beach, where we spend a couple of hours swimming and lazing in the sun.
With MyCaravan you can choose from Australia’s best and most beautiful holiday destinations, including Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast. Image: Bigstock
After filling up on a chicken parmigiana for lunch at the Talle Surf Club, we head over the bridge for a short trek along the ocean-view walk through the Burleigh Heads National Park. This path takes us along the picturesque coastline up to the southern edge of Burleigh Heads.
Heading back, we follow the rainforest circuit, with a break at the Tumgun Lookout to take in the view.
By the time we return to the tourist park we’re all ready for a swim, and the kids make the most of the park’s waterslides.
In the evening we decide to check out the Miami Marketta, a new laneway precinct serving up authentic international street food.
As well as being home to Ciccio Pizza, (the best wood-fired pizza I’ve ever had), the Marketta comes alive every Friday and Saturday night with a fantastic line up of food stalls, live music, a wine and cocktail bar and a dedicated dessert hall for the sweet tooth.
Image courtesy of Miami Marketta
It’s in the dessert hall that we load up on sticky date puddings injected with caramel sauce, before heading back to our caravan.
As it turns out, a big dose of sugar is exactly what we need to face a late night of board games, played, of course, under the stars. Finally we’re under our blankets and chatting about life and school.
Our weekend in a caravan has definitely been a different experience. The biggest benefit is the quality time you get to spend with your family. And after all, isn’t that what family holidays are all about?
Marianne travelled as a guest of MyCaravan.
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