Caravan Parks Close to or In Hobart Tasmania
Hobart, with its charming colonial architecture, stunning harbour views and access to some of Tasmania’s most iconic landscapes, makes for a cracker of a caravan holiday destination. The Apple Isle offers road travellers a unique blend of wild nature, gourmet food experiences and rich history that’s best explored at your own pace. If you are visiting the region here are the best Hobart caravan parks.
Choosing the right caravan park can make or break your Tassie adventure. Whether you’re after a family-friendly spot with all the mod cons or a quiet base to explore Hobart’s surrounds, the perfect patch of paradise awaits.
We’ve rounded up the best caravan parks Hobart has to offer, giving you the inside track on where to park your home on wheels during your Tasmanian holiday. From Port Arthur to Kunyani, Hobart is a fabulous place to explore no matter the season.
What Makes a Great Caravan Park Experience
Before diving into our top picks, it’s worth noting what sets the exceptional parks apart from the merely adequate ones. The best caravan parks offer clean, reliable amenities blocks, powered sites with good spacing, and camp kitchens that aren’t straight out of the 1970s and of course a dump point.
Location matters too – proximity to attractions, shops and public transport can save you a fair bit of fuel and ensure you get those ten thousand steps in each day.
Value for money doesn’t necessarily mean cheap as chips. Sometimes paying a bit extra gets you worthwhile additions like heated bathrooms in winter, quality WiFi (a rare find!), and helpful staff who know the local area like the back of their hand.
Family travellers should look for parks with playgrounds, games rooms and kid-friendly activities, while couples might prioritise peaceful surrounds, en-suite sites or adult zones away from the school holiday mayhem.
It is worth knowing that finding a caravan park in Hobart city just isn’t possible, however you can find a park to suit you no matter whether you are looking for one with unpowered sites, or something to suit a more social experience. If you are looking to walk to Salamanca Market, you will have to park your van up and get some accommodation in the Hobart CBD.
1. Barilla Holiday Park
Location and Accessibility
Situated in Cambridge, just 15 minutes east of Hobart’s CBD and a convenient 7-minute drive from Hobart airport. The location strikes a great balance between accessibility and tranquillity.
Facilities and Amenities:
This park doesn’t muck about when it comes to facilities. You’ll find spotless amenities, a mini golf course, BBQ areas, and a camp kitchen that would make many home cooks jealous
Price Range
Powered sites run $38-$60 per night depending on the season, representing solid value for the facilities on offer.
Unique Selling Points
The park is set on 10 hectares of landscaped grounds with mountain views. Their wood-fired pizza nights during summer are legendary among regular visitors.
Bookings
Book direct through the park. Discounts are offered for multiple RAC memberships and van clubs so ask about that when you call.
2. Discovery Parks – Hobart
Location and Accessibility
Perched on the Derwent River in Risdon, about 10 minutes north of the CBD. The riverside setting is a beauty, with the city lights twinkling across the water at night.
Facilities and Amenities:
This quality park offers excellent amenities blocks, a camp kitchen with panoramic river views, recreation room, and a fantastic adventure playground that’ll have the kids sleeping well after a day of play. The laundry is great and there is a bouncy pillow and mini golf for the whole family.
Price Range
Expect to pay $55 for powered sites and from $73 for ensuite sites.
Unique Selling Points
The Ensuite sites are great if you don’t have a bathroom in your van and the sites are easy to reverse into and get out of.
Unfortunately no dump point.
Bookings
Book vis Discovery Parks website for the best rates.
Richmond Caravan and Cabin Park
Location and Accessibility
Located in historic Richmond, 25 minutes northeast of Hobart. While slightly further from the CBD, you’re smack bang in the middle of one of Tassie’s most charming colonial towns and a short 4 minute walk to the town centre. This location is an ideal base for exploring the Hobart surrounds and puts you closer to Port Arthur as well.
Facilities and Amenities:
This smaller, family-run park punches above its weight with clean amenities, sheltered BBQ areas, and grassy, well-maintained sites. The camp kitchen is well-equipped if modest compared to larger parks.
Price Range
Powered sites are reasonably priced at $35-$48, making it one of the more affordable options.
Unique Selling Points
The location in Richmond allows you to explore Australia’s oldest bridge, historic gaol, and quality bakeries on foot. The park’s peaceful rural setting and friendly owners create a genuine Tassie welcome that larger parks sometimes miss.
Bookings
They ask that you call to book. Their booking buttons go to a contact page, so it is best that you book via phone.
03 6260 2192 Intl +362602192
4. Hobart Showgrounds
Location and Accessibility
Located in Glenorchy, about 7 km north of the CBD. This no-frills option is brilliantly positioned for public transport, with frequent buses into Hobart.
Facilities and Amenities:
As a showground rather than purpose-built caravan park, facilities are basic but functional. Clean amenities, powered sites, and good WiFi cover the essentials. Don’t expect resort-style add-ons.
Price Range
At $28-$35 for powered sites, this is the budget-friendly champion of Hobart caravan options.
Unique Selling Points
The unbeatable price and convenient location make this perfect for travellers who plan to spend most of their time exploring rather than lounging around the caravan park. It’s also walking distance to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), a must-visit Hobart attraction.
There is also a dump point on site.
Bookings
They have online bookings making it easy and simple to book. The sites are described well so you know what you are paying for.
5. Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park
Location and Accessibility
Situated in Snug, about 30 minutes south of Hobart along the Channel Highway. This coastal gem requires a short drive from the city but rewards with seaside charm.
Facilities and Amenities:
he park offers excellent amenities including modern bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a well-maintained camp kitchen. The beachfront location is the star attraction, with many sites offering water glimpses.
However, the beachfront sites are not powered sites so you would either have to be camping or self contained power wise.
They also have some drive through sites if you have a larger vehicle.
Price Range
Camp sites start at $40 per night and powered sites range from $40-$58.
Unique Selling Points
The absolute beachfront position takes the cake. Falling asleep to the sound of gentle waves and waking up for a morning dip makes this worth the extra drive from Hobart. The coastal walking trail that starts near the park is a pearler for sunset strolls.
Bookings
Book direct via their online booking system.
Best Parks for Specific Needs
Best budget-friendly option: Hobart Showgrounds wins hands down for travellers watching their pennies. The savings can go straight to sampling more of Hobart’s excellent restaurants and attractions.
Best luxury caravan experience: Discovery Parks takes this category with its waterfront sites and excellent facilities. The premium sites offer million-dollar views at caravan park prices.
Best for families with children: Barilla Holiday Park’s combination of heated pool, playground, jumping pillow and spacious sites makes it ideal for keeping the ankle-biters entertained.
The Caravan Park for proximity to Hobart attractions: Hobart Showgrounds, with its excellent public transport connections and walking distance to MONA, is hard to beat for convenient sightseeing.
Best location for nature and seclusion: Snug Beach offers that perfect balance of amenities and natural beauty, with direct beach access and mountain backdrops creating a quintessential Tassie experience.
Seasonal Considerations
Tasmania’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, making advance bookings essential during peak periods. The summer months (December-February) see parks booked solid, particularly around Christmas and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Book at least 3-6 months ahead for this period.
Autumn (March-May) offers a sweet spot of decent weather, spectacular changing colours, and slightly lower rates. Winter (June-August) brings chilly nights but peaceful parks and off-season discounts – just ensure your van’s heating is up to scratch and pack your warmest woolies.
Spring (September-November) sees the parks blooming with flowers and gradually filling up as the weather improves. The Taste of Tasmania festival over the New Year period is a major draw, so plan accordingly if it’s on your bucket list.
Practical Tips for Hobart Caravan Travelers
Booking strategies: Many parks offer discounts for longer stays or mid-week arrivals. Always mention if you’re a caravan club member, as additional discounts often apply.
Hobart-specific gear: Pack for four seasons in one day, even in summer! Layers are your best mate in Tasmania’s changeable climate. A good awning extension can provide valuable extra living space during Hobart’s frequent light drizzle.
Local regulations: Hobart and surrounds have limited freedom camping options, and rangers do patrol regularly. Stick to designated areas to avoid fines. Many parks have noise curfews from 10 pm, which are generally well observed.
Power and water: While not as arid as mainland Australia, Tasmania still experiences water restrictions. Using the park’s amenities for showers rather than your van’s facilities can help conserve your tank water for essential needs.
Beyond Hobart: Day Trips from Your Caravan Base
One of the joys of caravanning in Hobart is the ability to set up a comfortable base and explore the diverse attractions within day-trip distance:
Mount Wellington/Kunanyi adventures: Just 20-30 minutes from most caravan parks, the mountain offers spectacular views across Hobart and beyond. Pack extra layers – it’s often 10°C cooler at the summit. Head up on the explorer bus if you have your van connected. The road is not suitable for caravans.
Port Arthur historic site: Allow a full day for this convict-era experience. The 90-minute drive from Hobart takes you through the stunning Tasman Peninsula. If you have a van, you will have a car so its a great drive out to Port Arthur and back.
Don’t miss the Tassie Devils UnZoo – its really worth it. Make sure you book your Unzoo tickets because a lot of the day trips from Hobart go there and it can sell out.
Bruny Island excursions: A 40-minute drive plus ferry trip delivers you to this foodie paradise. Sample local cheese, oysters, and whisky while exploring dramatic coastal scenery.
Bruny Island is great on a tour. We almost just did it ourselves but booked a tour at the last minute and was really glad we did. There are lots of options available so you can choose the Bruny Island day trip you might like.
Richmond and Coal River Valley: Wine lovers should make a beeline for the cellar doors scattered throughout this picturesque valley, all within easy reach of Hobart.
Try Wattlebanks Cafe in Richmond. They specialise in seasonal Tassie grown food and its very good!
Huon Valley exploration: The 30-minute drive south rewards with apple orchards, craft cider, and the chance to paddle pristine waterways.
Conclusion
Hobart’s caravan parks offer something for every type of traveller, from budget-conscious explorers to those seeking premium waterfront positions. Barilla Holiday Park and Discovery Parks lead the pack for all-round excellence, while smaller operations like Richmond Caravan Park and Snug Beach offer unique experiences with their special locations.
The best approach is to consider what matters most for your holiday style – proximity to attractions, kid-friendly facilities, natural setting, or value for money – and choose accordingly. With a bit of forward planning and the right park as your base, your Hobart caravan holiday will deliver those uniquely Tasmanian experiences that make the Apple Isle so special.
Don’t forget to stop by the local visitor information centre upon arrival for up-to-date local tips and perhaps some discount vouchers for attractions. If you’ve stayed at any of these parks or have additional recommendations, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She’s always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.