January weekends fill quickly. School holidays are in full swing, summer events are peaking, and many travellers are looking for things to do near Discovery Parks that don’t require long drives or too much planning.
If you’re already set up for the weekend, or heading out for a short break, many Discovery Parks around Australia are well placed for festivals, coastal outings and easy local experiences. Here’s what’s happening nearby this weekend, plus a few lower-key options if staying close to camp feels like the better call.
Central West NSW: Parkes and Surrounds
Best for: Festival-goers, couples, social travellers
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Parkes
Parkes is lively this weekend as the Parkes Elvis Festival reaches its final days, running through to Sunday. The town embraces the theme, with tribute shows, parades and live music spread across multiple venues.
For travellers staying nearby, it’s an easy trip into town. You can dip in for a few hours rather than committing to the full program. Even a short visit gives a good sense of the atmosphere before heading somewhere quieter later in the day.
Outside festival events, there are calmer ways to spend time around Parkes. Cooke Park offers shaded paths, the CSIRO Dish is worth a visit, and local cafés are best tackled early before crowds build.
Canberra: High-Energy Events and Quieter Alternatives
Best for: Car enthusiasts, families with older kids
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Canberra
Canberra wraps up a big weekend with Summernats 38 concluding on Sunday at Exhibition Park. It’s a major drawcard, particularly for car fans, and brings crowds to the inner north.
Those based at Discovery Parks – Canberra are close enough to join the action without staying right in the thick of it. For a quieter day, Lake Burley Griffin, the National Arboretum and Canberra’s galleries offer space to slow things down.
Traffic around EPIC can be heavy at peak times, so early starts or later afternoon outings tend to be easier.
Sydney: Festival Season Across the City
Best for: Culture lovers, families, short city stays
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks in Greater Sydney
Sydney’s summer calendar is packed, with the Sydney Festival continuing across the city this weekend. Saturday features theatre, music and outdoor performances, while family attractions like DinoFest Sydney begin their school holiday run.
For travellers staying on the city’s fringes, this is a good weekend for half-day outings. Many events are free or low-cost, making it easy to combine city time with a relaxed return to where you’re staying.
Public transport is often the simplest option, especially with holiday crowds and limited parking near major venues.
Sapphire Coast NSW: Simple Summer Days Outdoors
Best for: Families, couples, relaxed coastal stays
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Pambula Beach
Not every weekend needs a headline event. Along the Sapphire Coast, the appeal is in keeping things simple.
From Pambula Beach, gentle outdoor activities suit January conditions well. The Panboola Wetlands offer flat walking tracks and birdlife, while the Merimbula Boardwalk works best early in the morning before the heat sets in.
For swimming, the Pambula River mouth is calmer and better for kids, while Main Beach attracts surfers. Families often add a visit to the local animal petting barn in Pambula as an easy stop that doesn’t take much planning.
Adelaide and the Barossa: City Buzz with Coastal Balance
Best for: Couples, travellers mixing city and coast
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks
Adelaide has a handful of things happening this weekend, including a city-based travel expo and local fitness events such as the ATR Summer Series on Sunday. While not essential stops for everyone, they add to the sense of summer activity around town. For those keen to venture a little further, a Barossa Valley wine tour makes an easy day trip from the city, offering cellar doors, long lunches and vineyard views without the need to drive.
Many travellers staying at Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks prefer to balance short city trips with quieter time by the water. Morning beach walks, lazy afternoons and time back at camp often work better than packing too much into the day, especially during warmer weather.
For a closer look at the area, we’ve also spent time exploring Glenelg and Adelaide’s beachfront in a recent What’s Up Downunder episode.
When Staying Close Makes Sense
For plenty of travellers, particularly families during school holidays, the best plan this weekend is not to over-schedule.
Across many Discovery Parks locations, on-site facilities are more than enough to fill a day. Pools, playgrounds and open spaces come into their own in January. For anyone searching for easy weekend activities near holiday parks, staying local can be just as rewarding as heading off-site.
Practical Tips for the Weekend
- Book ahead for festivals and popular attractions
- Start early to avoid peak heat during outdoor activities
- Expect crowds near major event areas
- Build in downtime, especially when travelling with kids
A Weekend That Fits Your Pace
Whether you’re heading out to a festival, exploring nearby beaches or keeping things simple where you’re staying, this weekend offers plenty of options close to Discovery Parks across Australia.
Having the flexibility to join in and step away when needed often makes these summer weekends work best.
