The saying is a common one especially when you’re looking to buy or sell real estate but it’s also one that rings true when you’re looking for somewhere to stay when you are caravanning.

It’s a real bonus to find somewhere you are happy to park a van with a great view and also be within walking distance to a town for shopping, discovering and eating out. In my last blog I mentioned the Boughshed Restaurant in Monkey Mia Resort in Western Australia. That was one destination that definitely had it all. Apart from the attraction of the dolphin visitors that it is famous for, it is a one stop spot where you can shop, go out for a drink, and dine, go on tours, the works.

There have been a few other places in our travels that have stayed favourites to revisit because of the great dining within walking distance.

The Beach Hotel at Byron Bay NSW

Easy walking distance from the First Sun Holiday Park, overlooking the park on the beachfront. We visited ‘just to have a look’ late one afternoon, loved the atmosphere so decided to stay and eat then finished up watching some live music from a local musician. Luckily our accommodation was very close to walk back to afterwards.

South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club NSW

Staying at the Horseshoe Bay Caravan Park at South West Rocks, this just takes a short stroll across the park to the club. Excellent views over the beach from the outside veranda and as these places usually are, very welcoming and good priced food on offer.

Hotel Elliot, Port Elliot SA

Ironically, another Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park is where you can stay close to this hotel. An easy walk into the town, you’ll find this hotel with window seating to watch people passing by on The Strand and the Steam Ranger train puffing by. A deceivingly big hotel that has a great undercover and open beer garden at the rear of the hotel.

Ventnor Hotel, Port Vincent SA

From the Port Vincent foreshore caravan park on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, you will barely work up a thirst to get to this hotel also on the foreshore. It has a big dining area and an extensive menu. The locals are a friendly lot too especially on Friday raffle night.

Normanville Kiosk and Café, Normanville SA

Relaxed and comfortable dining across the road from the Jetty Caravan Park at Normanville and perched above the sandy beach. Great views of the coast and one of the best things is that your dog is welcome too. Well behaved ones will get a special treat if they are lucky. At the right time of year you may just get to enjoy some live music on a Sunday while you dine. On weekends you can have a sneaky drink next door at the Surf Life Saving Club on the upper deck with even more spectacular views.

Pretoria Hotel, Mannum SA

A huge dining area and even better outdoor deck and lawned area overlooking the Murray River. This hotel has an extensive menu, great wines and giant television screens everywhere which is important for the sport fanatic who must watch ‘the game’ (whichever one it is), even on holidays. A short stroll from the Mannum Riverside Caravan Park down the road.

These are just a few of the establishments that we’ve found in our travels that will have us making a return visit when we next stay in their towns. Let me know if you’ve got some favourites that make it on your list; do they make the grade? Great food and drinks and within walking distance from where you can park the van.

Always looking for inspiration!

Glenys