Are you looking for the best caravan parks in Tasmania? Somewhere close to nature that won’t break the bank?
Let me show you some great options from Discovery Parks Tasmania – and how you can SAVE 20% on your holiday accommodation!
Last Updated – February 2023
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When it comes to a road trip with all the trimmings, there is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than Tasmania!
I know, I know… as a Tassie local I’m always going to be a little bit biased, but when you realise just how much is jam-packed into this tiny island I would challenge anyone to show me a better destination for anyone in search of caravan or campervan bliss.
- Heading east? Golden sand beaches, turquoise rockpools, and russet red boulders as far as the eye can see.
- Out west? Lose yourself among brooding rainforests, saw-tooth coasts, and misty, tannin-stained harbours.
- Up north? Loosen your belt a notch or two and indulge in the world’s best farm-to-fork gourmet produce.
- Down south? Kick up your heels at one of Tasmania’s famous festivals, dip your toes in alpine tarns, or escape to the midnight skies and buttongrass plains of the far south.
Tasmania has something for everyone, and the best way to explore this wonderful isle is with the freedom of a caravan or campervan!
SAVE 20% at Discovery Parks Tasmania
Discovery Parks and the Lap of Tasmania are excited to offer you 20% OFF all rates!
Code: LAPOFTAS
Bookable from 6 February 2023 to 5 February 2024. Valid for site or cabin stays until 30 April 2024 at all five Discovery Parks in Tasmania (excl. Deluxe Cabins at Cradle Mountain – other accommodation options are fine though).
A lot of visitors to Tasmania love the idea of free-camping their way around the island. Don’t get me wrong, it is a great option, but at the same time there are some big advantages to basing yourself in a holiday park or caravan park, particularly in or near some of Tassie’s most popular regions.
Here’s why:
- Camp Kitchens – When preparing family meals I always find a warm, weather-proof camp kitchen to be a lot more convenient than being out bush – especially when travelling for extended periods. Some of Tassie’s best holiday parks even have huge wood fires!
- Hot showers and laundry – Turning your socks and t-shirts inside-out is good to a point… but there comes a time for every free-camper when they realise they need a long, hot soak and the chance to put their wardrobe through a proper washer/dryer
- Convenience – Free camping isn’t allowed inside Tasmania’s National Parks, or in metropolitan areas, which means staying at a caravan park is the best way to get yourself as close as possible to shuttle buses (especially at Cradle Mountain!), public transport or bushwalking trails.
- Relaxation and community – Whether it’s a playground or bouncing pillow for the kids, or a chance to say g’day and share stories with like-minded travellers, staying at a holiday park is a great way to unwind and relax for a few days before hitting the road to your next destination.
There are dozens of caravan parks scattered across Tasmania, but one company you should keep at the top of your list is Discovery Parks.
Why?
Location, location, location!
They are the only company with a holiday park right in the middle of Cradle Mountain Village, and they are one of the few parks to provide a convenient place to stay just minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal in Devonport – not to mention their two other awesome parks located just outside Hobart, and one near Launceston.
It’s a huge advantage if you want to be as close as possible to all the action, while still having the opportunity to chill out and relax away from the hustle and bustle.
They also have a friendly central reservations specialist for Tassie who can be emailed here, or called on 1800 030 044, to help you book a multi-park stay across their parks in Tasmania.
Keep reading to learn more about each of the Tassie Discovery Park locations – click on the links below to jump ahead – and don’t forget to use my LAPOFTAS promo code to claim your 20% discount*!
- Cradle Mountain
- Devonport
- Hobart / Mornington
- Hadspen (Launceston)
1. Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is the jewel in the crown of Tasmania’s pristine wilderness, and that is exactly why accommodation options in the village are very limited.
But you know what?
The one and only caravan park at Cradle is probably one of the best you’ll find anywhere in Australia!
Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain has been cleverly designed to get you as close to nature as possible, with each site among the twisted snow gums and myrtle beeches providing maximum privacy, with Tassie’s gorgeous, mossy wilderness right on your doorstep. Walk around the site after dark and I guarantee you will bump into heaps of native Tasmanian animals like pademelons, possums, and even the occasional wombat.
The camp kitchen is the heart of this wonderful park, and it’s an absolute ripper. Not one, but TWO huge open fireplaces provide plenty of warmth and the chance to toast up some marshmallows with the kids. Fridges are available and gas hotplates are very handy if you feel like getting out of your van to cook a meal.
Being so close to the outdoors doesn’t mean you need to miss out on your creature comforts either, as they have a fantastic general store on-site (the only one in the village) and the chance to grab a bottle of wine if you forgot to pick one up back in town.
It isn’t all about the camping either, as they have a really good range of cabin options for couples, families and backpackers, and they are currently building a range of ‘deluxe’ cabins that are looking absolutely amazing! Accommodation in Cradle Mountain can be super expensive, but these cosy cottages and dormitories offer excellent value if you are trying to keep your budget to a minimum.
Oh, and this is also the closest accommodation you can find to the Visitor Centre at Cradle Mountain Village. It is literally just across the road, meaning you can easily walk from your site/cabin to get the shuttle bus to Dove Lake!
When I was doing my research for this guide, there was one thing that really stood out compared to most other places, and that was the amazing feedback Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain gets from travellers.
Here are just a few examples, to show you what I mean…
Our fav park in Australia, we have been coming back since our honeymoon 26 years ago! Usually we camp in the bush or national park but every time we are in Tassie we stay here. Love the camp kitchen.
We stayed in a cabin which was really rustic and suited the bush surrounds. It is within walking distance (weather permitting) of the Cradle Mountain car park were you get the coach into the national park. The staff were friendly and we enjoyed watching the wildlife come close to the cabin.
One of the best caravan parks we've stayed in Australia - lovely private sites, clean warm bathrooms, best camp kitchen we've ever seen and a very picturesque setting in a super convenient location!
Have I convinced you yet?
A getaway at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain is what dreams are made of, and that’s before you even step outside and experience all the incredible bushwalks, tours and attractions of this stunning corner of the world!
This park is extremely popular – especially at Easter and Christmas – and booking at least 3-6 months ahead is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Get on it today and make the most of my LAPOFTAS discount code to receive 20% off all cabins and sites (excluding Deluxe Cabins).
Code: LAPOFTAS
2. Discovery Parks - Devonport
One of the most common questions I get from road trippers is “Where can I stay the night and be close to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry?“
The answer?
Discovery Parks Devonport!
If you are arriving in Tasmania on the night-sail, then I strongly recommend minimising your ‘after dark’ drive time. As soon as the sun goes down in Tasmania the animals come out to play, and they can’t seem to keep themselves off the roads.
Discovery Parks Devonport is literally just around the corner from the ferry terminal, making it extremely easy to find in the dark on your first night in Tasmania. The friendly owners are also very responsive, and if your ferry gets delayed for any reason they will provide easy-to-follow instructions for self-check in after hours.
And at the other end of your road trip there’s no better way of winding down and looking back over all your Tassie adventures than with a few days of no-fuss rest and relaxation in Devonport.
A lot of travellers seem to rush their way through Devonport, but they don’t know what they are missing out on – especially in a park like this so close to the water and with views to die for. In the morning you can enjoy a walk along the nearby Coastal Heritage Trail, right on the sandy shores of Bass Strait, and the kids will have a blast on the huge bouncing pillow and clambering all over the on-site playground.
Loved everything about this place - beautiful, tranquil, exceptional staff. Julie, the manager, went out of her way to accommodate our family and made our stay wonderful. Thanks so much, we will be back for the next school holidays!
The powered and unpowered sites are very large and widely spaced, meaning plenty of privacy and quiet for everyone. There’s even an IGA store just down the road so you can save a dollar and self-cater using the comprehensive camp facilities, or your cabin kitchen.
Linger longer, and see a side to Devonport that most other travellers will miss out on!
Code: LAPOFTAS
3. Discovery Parks - Hobart and Mornington Hobart
No visit to Tasmania is complete without at least a few days spent exploring its beautiful capital city, Hobart.
Nestled between the crystal waters of the Derwent River, and the soaring organ pipes of Mt Wellington, Hobart offers plenty of activities for all types of traveller.
Foodie festivals, alpine bushwalking just minutes from the city centre, beautiful heritage waterfront, and more markets than you can poke a baguette at – you’re absolutely spoiled for choice!
To get as close as possible to all the action, you have two fantastic caravan parks to choose from – one on the outskirts of Hobart in the riverside suburb of Risdon (known as Discovery Parks Hobart), and one a little bit closer to town at Mornington (Discovery Parks Mornington Hobart).
Both provide a huge range of facilities and services, but there are a few subtle differences that mean you may prefer to stay at one or the other.
Discovery Parks Hobart
This park is perfect if you prefer not to stay right in the middle of the city.
Located about 15 minutes’ drive from central Hobart, Discovery Parks Hobart is a great base for exploring not only Hobart but also nearby historic Richmond Village, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the wineries of the Coal River Valley, or up the Derwent Valley to MONA, New Norfolk and beyond.
A tavern and bottleshop are right next door, and if you’re travelling with your furry friend you’ll be very pleased to hear that Discovery Parks Hobart is dog friendly!
Code: LAPOFTAS
Discovery Parks Mornington Hobart
Discovery Parks Mornington Hobart is different to most other parks, as it focuses 100% on cabins.
Just 10 minutes from Hobart, this park is extremely easy to access if you are coming into Hobart from the airport, and there are excellent bus routes passing right by the front of the park for convenient transport to both the Eastlands shopping mall, and Hobart’s CBD and buzzing waterfront.
Guests rave about the well-stocked kitchenettes, plentiful hot water, BBQ facilities and friendly service from the park staff – it’s your home away from home 
Code: LAPOFTAS
4. Discovery Parks - Hadpsen (Launceston)
I don’t know that I’ve ever come across such a friendly caravan park like Discovery Parks Hadspen, with all the little touches that make you feel right at home.
Positioned just a few minutes outside Launceston, I could easily make this my base for exploring Launceston, the Tamar Valley, and the rolling hills of northern Tasmania.
This region of Tasmania is steeped in colonial history, with nearby Carrick, Hagley, Longford and Deloraine some of the most stunning locations in Tasmania come autumn when all the leaves start changing colours!
The park itself is an absolute gem, that flies way under the radar for most visitors to Tasmania. You’ll find all the standard facilities and amenities, but what really sets it apart are the little things like the ‘help yourself’ herb garden (including strawberries and passionfruit), the incredible fire-pit for a spot of stargazing, games room and playground for the children, and the fantastic little community library located just around the corner on Winifred Jane Crescent.
Absolutely brilliant! Spacious cabin and a real home away from home. Queen size bed so comfortable. Added bonus of the IGA virtually on-site. Highly recommended.
We were in a motor home and wanted to get a head start on our trip to Cradle Mountain as this was just out of town. We had a powered site so used the camp kitchen. It was great, laundry facilities were good and the IGA so close was perfect. Friendly and helpful staff!
So lovely to arrive to a warm room. Nice location, convenient to Launceston but in the country within walking distance of the beautiful River.
Space is plentiful, and old-school campers will enjoy the lush, pillow-soft grass on which you can pitch your tent.
If you are keen to cook for yourself you’ll love the convenience of the well-stocked IGA (and bottleshop) just a couple of minutes walk down the road. It is also dog-friendly – perfect for your road tripping Rover
Check it out using the link below – and don’t forget to use my LAPOFTAS code for 20% OFF!
Code: LAPOFTAS
Final thoughts...
If you’re a long time reader of the Lap of Tasmania you’ll know how thoroughly I research all my recommendations for fellow travellers and road trippers.
I love that Tasmania has so many amazing caravan parks, but if you’re planning on visiting Cradle Mountain, Devonport, Hobart or Hadpsen, Discovery Parks have to be at the top of your list.
My pick of the bunch?
It’s an absolute no-brainer… Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not just for the location either, but for the fantastic staff, pure alpine air, and unique opportunity to get up close to Tasmania’s quirky wildlife. Ahhh…the serenity!
That’s enough from me. It’s your turn now.
Book your site or cabin and get yourself down here quick smart to see what has got me so excited!
Happy travels.
Andrew.
* The LAPOFTAS promo code is valid for all bookings made via the Discovery Parks website between 6 February 2023 and 5 February 2024. Valid for site or cabin stays until 30 April 2024 at all five Discovery Parks in Tasmania (excl. Deluxe Cabins at Cradle Mountain – other accommodation options are fine though).
