Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

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Horseshoe Tourist Park – A Scenic Elevated Retreat Overlooking the Murrumbidgee

Experience the perfect blend of rural serenity and city convenience at Horseshoe Tourist Park. Perched on an elevated site at Cartwrights Hill, just minutes north of the vibrant Wagga Wagga town centre, this holiday destination offers spectacular panoramic views across the Murrumbidgee River floodplains and the twinkling lights of the city. Wagga Wagga, known as the “City of Good Sports,” is the largest inland city in New South Wales, and staying at Horseshoe Tourist Park provides a peaceful, leafy sanctuary that serves as the ideal base for exploring the diverse culture, sporting heritage, and natural beauty of the Riverina.

The park’s location is a standout for those who appreciate both natural landscapes and modern regional hubs. From its high vantage point, guests can truly appreciate the vast geography of the Riverina. A short, scenic drive south across the river leads you to the heart of Wagga Wagga, where the award-winning Wagga Beach—rated as one of Australia’s top beaches despite being hundreds of kilometres inland—offers safe swimming and riverfront relaxation. The city is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, featuring the world-class National Art Glass Gallery, the historic Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, and the fascinating Museum of the Riverina, which tells the story of the region’s development from Aboriginal heritage to modern agricultural powerhouse.

For nature enthusiasts and photography lovers, the surrounding region offers a spectacular tapestry of golden canola crops in winter and rich pastoral lands year-round. The park grounds are home to a variety of local birdlife, and the quiet, off-highway position ensures that your stay is defined by the sounds of the bush rather than the roar of traffic. Just a short drive away, the Wiradjuri Walking Track snakes around the city, providing stunning river views and opportunities to spot local wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you are a fan of regional food and wine, a sports enthusiast attending a local carnival, or a family seeking a friendly environment for the kids to play, Horseshoe Tourist Park provides a relaxed pace of life.

Accommodation at Horseshoe Tourist Park is meticulously designed to cater to the practical needs of the modern traveller. The park is renowned for its spacious, level sites that provide plenty of room for even the largest caravans and motorhomes, including many drive-through options for easy setup. With plenty of shade provided by mature native trees and a commitment to maintaining impeccably clean facilities, it is the ideal spot to pull up for a single night stopover or a multi-day exploration of the Riverina. The friendly, professional management team is always on hand to offer local tips and genuine country hospitality. At Horseshoe Tourist Park, you aren’t just booking a campsite; you are securing a scenic front-row seat to one of Australia’s most beloved regional cities.

Horseshoe Tourist Park – NSW Location Map

Horseshoe Tourist Park

Site Specifications & Information

  • Location: Elevated north Wagga Wagga location at Cartwrights Hill, overlooking the river valley.
  • Site Suitable For: Big rigs, fifth-wheelers, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents.
  • Road Access: Sealed road access via Horseshoe Road; easy entry/exit for large rigs from the Olympic Highway.
  • Site Surface: Level grassy sites and stable gravel hard-stand areas with mature shade trees.
  • Available Facilities:
    • Modern Self-Contained Cabins (Budget to 2-Bedroom)
    • Powered and Unpowered Sites (Drive-through available)
    • Swimming Pool
    • Camp Kitchen with full cooking facilities & BBQ Areas
    • Modern Amenities Blocks with hot showers
    • Guest Laundry with washers and dryers
    • Children’s Playground
    • Free Wi-Fi (Limits apply)
    • Dump Point for guest use
    • Sullage and town water to sites
  • Essentials to Bring: Walking shoes for the Wiradjuri track, binoculars for the valley views, sun protection, and a camera.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pet-friendly year-round on sites (subject to park conditions and leash requirements).
  • Fishing: Fresh water fishing in the Murrumbidgee River (Carp, Murray Cod, and Golden Perch) nearby.
  • Short Walks:
    • Park Perimeter View Walk (Direct access)
    • Wagga Beach Foreshore Walk (5km drive to start)
    • Wiradjuri Walking Track access (Nearby)

Local Amenities

Local Pubs

  • The North Wagga Wagga Hotel (3.8km) – Historic local pub with bistro and regional charm.
  • The Romano’s Hotel Wagga (5.5km) – Heritage hotel in the CBD with quality bar and dining.
  • The Commercial Club Wagga (5.8km) – Major entertainment venue and dining hub.

Places to Eat

  • Fitzmaurice Street Cafe Precinct (5.2km) – Extensive range of specialty coffee, brunch, and bakeries.
  • Uneke Warehouse (5.4km) – Popular gourmet cafe in a converted heritage building.
  • Thirsty Crow Brewing Co (5.6km) – Craft brewery with quality pizzas and casual dining.

Local Attractions

  • Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens (8.5km) – Including free zoo, adventure park, and miniature railway.
  • Wagga Beach (5.4km) – Award-winning inland river beach and picnic reserve.
  • National Art Glass Gallery (5.5km) – Australia’s premier collection of art glass.
  • Museum of the Riverina (5.6km) – Exploring the local history and sporting legends.
  • Victory Memorial Gardens (5.3km) – Beautifully landscaped CBD gardens along the river.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Wagga Wagga Beach Caravan Park (5.4km) – Located directly on the riverfront.
  • BIG4 Wagga Wagga Holiday Park (6.2km) – Family-focused resort nearby.

Nearest Free/Low-Cost Camps

  • Wilks Park North Wagga (4.1km) – 72hr free camp for self-contained vehicles.
  • The Rock Nature Reserve (32km) – Low-cost camping south of Wagga Wagga.

Nearest Dump Points

  • On-site Dump Point (0km) – Available for park guests.
  • Narrung Street Public Dump Point (4.8km) – Council facility near the cemetery.

Nearest Petrol Stations

  • Shell Wagga Wagga North (3.5km) – High-flow diesel and easy access.
  • Ampol Wagga Wagga CBD (5.1km) – Central town location.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Wagga Wagga

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot days and mild evenings. Daytime highs 30°C–35°C. Perfect for river swimming.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and crisp, cool nights. Daytime average 19°C–24°C. Spectacular seasonal colours.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and frosty mornings with sunny days. Daytime average 12°C–15°C. Great for cozy pub meals.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Fresh and vibrant. Daytime average 19°C–25°C. Native birdlife and gardens are at their peak.

 

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