Beachside Caravan Park - Normanville: In the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

It might only be about an hour’s drive from the city but it's like being a whole world away. Behind the obligatory row of Norfolk Pines, perched on Lady Bay, the aptly named Beachside Caravan Park is just the place to lose yourself for a while.

Set among the big gum trees, it's not your average caravan park - largely thanks to the 100 or so permanent sites. It's got the lot including one of the biggest enclosed camp kitchens around. There are huge BBQs inside, complete with exhaust fans, a big open fire and the lush fernery proves that owner, Greg Dunn is a dab hand with the mushroom compost.

Next door is a games room for the kids because, as Greg puts it - 'if the kids are happy - Mum and Dad are happy.'

There are 22 cabins to choose from, all with double bed, bunks and sofa beds, fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. And as Greg explains, the beach is only a short walk away:

“It doesn't get much better than this. It's great for families to come over to the beach, sit down with the kids, go snorkeling, play sandcastle, cricket or whatever they want to do. The beach is nice and calm. It’s very laid back and there's some fantastic scenery as well.”

Normanville is a great place from which to explore the south coast. You can do it on horseback with High Country Trials. They operate from the old Flour Mill right next to the park and offer a wonderful ride through the dunes to the beach.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you can drop in for a feed of local whiting at the nearby Normanville Beach Café. What was once a beach kiosk has been overhauled by former schoolteachers Virginia and Alan Crocker. No pie and chips here any more - they've developed the café into an alfresco experience specialising in local expensive seafood.

On the other side of the Fleurieu you'll find a complete contrast - four and a half thousand hectares of unspoiled natural vegetation that is the Deep Creek Conservation Park. There are stunning views across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island - a view which the locals take pretty much for granted.

All of this and a whole lot more is within easy reach of Normanville. Cabins at the Beachside Caravan Park are priced from $49 per night. It's on Cape Jervis Road. Contact Greg Dunn on 8558 2458.

Take another look at Normanville Caravan Park

Normanville Beachside Caravan Park
Cape Jervis Road
Normanville
Cabins from $49 per night
Contact (08) 8558 2038