Podcast
The Rise of the Holiday Park
For so many West Aussies, caravan parks have been at the heart of the family holiday. But today they’ve evolved into a new era of modern holiday parks. So, what’s driving the renaissance?
Published
2 min read
Text size
Published
Text size
For generations the caravan park has been a holiday staple. Long drives down south, red dirt up north, sandy feet, shared camp kitchens and kids riding bikes until the sun sets. But today’s version looks a little different. From RAC Parks and Resorts: Doreen, Dean and Mark join Myke Bartlett on the Horizons by RAC Podcast to discuss how the caravan park experience has evolved into the modern holiday park, and why it remains integral to WA road trips.
The conversation explores how simple, single-style caravan parks of the 1950s and '60s have grown into multi-option holiday destinations, offering everything from powered sites and camping to self-contained cabins and glamping tents. With upgraded facilities, heated pools and family-friendly spaces, today’s parks cater to a broader mix of travellers, from young families to grey nomads.
Most importantly, the episode highlights that holiday parks aren’t just about accommodation, they’re about connection, flexibility and experiencing Western Australia at your own pace.
To hear the full conversation, listen to this episode of the Horizons by RAC Podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Podcast Chapters
00:00 WA’s Iconic Holiday Parks: Why We’re Lucky
01:26 Childhood Memories: Freedom, Bikes & Beachside Vibes
03:48 Why WA Loves Road Trips & Holiday Parks
05:56 From Caravan Parks to Modern Holiday Resorts
07:11 WA Geography, Seasonality & Picking Park Locations
09:50 Holiday Park vs Caravan Park: What’s Actually Different?
12:28 How Parks Have Evolved: Comfort, Safety & Multi-Gen Travel
16:56 Keeping Kids Busy (and Off Screens): Activities & School Holiday Programs
20:57 Post-COVID Boom: Staying Local, Standards & Repeat Visitors
24:22 WA Hotspots & Who’s Visiting
28:14 Family-Friendly Park Culture: Early Nights, Safe Spaces & Dolphin Mornings
29:16 Comfort vs Camping: Why Glamping Is Taking Off
33:23 Why RAC Got Into Holiday Parks
35:30 Big Investments & New Acquisitions
36:46 Coral Bay/Ningaloo Redevelopment
38:48 Building Lightly: Environmental Design, Recycling and Solar Plans
40:28 Boosting Local Tourism
43:15 Who Works in the Parks: Lifestyle Staff, Backpackers and Moving Between Regions
45:20 What’s Next: Future Locations, Eco Stays, Self-Contained Cabins & 10-Year Vision
