Winter wanderers: Aussies embracing the family nomad trend at SA’s largest holiday park
Long-term travelling families have made Discovery Parks West Beach Parks Holiday Park their home base as they explore Adelaide and the state.
Main image: L to R Beau (8), Simone Skinner, Luke Skinner and Louis (10). The Skinner Family have been traveling around Australia for 10 months and now staying at the Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks.
Young family nomads on their Big Lap of a lifetime are increasingly finding their way to South Australia, even in winter, says the state’s largest holiday park.
The rising cost of international travel, global uncertainty and the fast-pace of life has meant more families are taking the kids on the road to connect with nature and each other.
Some are conquering a 12-month circle of the nation, while others are doing it a bit at a time. It’s a trend that’s been noticed more and more by Discovery Parks West Beach Parks Holiday Park CEO Kate Anderson, who has spent more than 15 years in the business, and her team at the award-winning holiday site at West Beach.
“It’s been fantastic to welcome more families doing the Big Lap of Australia to our Holiday Park, especially over the quieter winter months,” Ms Anderson said.
“In the past month alone, at least five long-term travelling families have made our park their home base for up to two weeks or more, as they explore Adelaide and the state,” she said.
“Throughout winter, many of these families are seeking cozy, safe, budget-friendly destinations and local caravan parks are at the top of their list.
“They’re often home-schooling and need a base that has family-friendly facilities – games rooms, activities for kids, camp kitchens, heated pools and free wifi.”
Ms Anderson said winter was an ideal time to travel and enjoy the unique experiences regional Australia had to offer— without the crowds.
Simone and Luke Skinner, with their sons Louis (10) and Beau (8), have been on the road since October last year. Headed clockwise from Sydney, they have travelled through Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and up to Darwin/Tiwi Islands, down central Australia back to Adelaide. Staying at the Discovery Parks-West Beach Parks Holiday Park before heading through Broken Hill back home to Sydney later this month. You can find them on Instagram (biglappers).
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The number of overnight stays at the Discovery Parks West Beach Parks Holiday Park has increased more than 20 per cent pre-COVID to 2024/25, with the majority of guests being families and extended families (85,846 to 103,716).
Last year was the second highest year on record for caravan and camping trips with Australians taking 15.2 million caravan and camping trips, contributing $14 billion to the economy (Tourism Research Australia).
This marks a substantial rise from pre-pandemic figures, indicating a strong recovery and sustained interest in caravanning and camping experiences, particularly among families. West Beach Parks Holiday Park is currently offering families discounted stays during winter.
