RV Friendlies & Events

Australia is built for the open road — and RV Friendlies is how we celebrate the towns and places that welcome you with open arms.

The RV Friendly Town™ program recognises councils that go the extra mile for RV travellers, with easy access, safe parking and welcoming facilities. RV Friendly Destinations™ do the same for specific sites within a community — perfect for towns still building their offering.

We also share events happening in these towns, so members can plan their next trip around a local market, festival or rally, not just a place to park.

Together, these programs connect our 60,000+ members with places that genuinely want them there. Because when a town says "RV Friendly," you know you're welcome.

Featured RV Friendly Events

NEW SOUTH WALES Parkes Elvis Festival

Parkes Elvis Festival

Event Date: 6 January - 10 January 20267.

The Parkes Elvis Festival is held every year in the second week in January, coinciding with Elvis Presley’s birthday. The 2027 Parkes Elvis Festival will be held from 6 – 10 January 2027. The Festival continues to grow – with more than 200 events across five fabulous, fun-filled days.

Officially endorsed by the estate of Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. in Memphis, Parkes Elvis Festival hosts a number of live entertainment including the official Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (the winner representing Australia in Memphis, USA), Feature Concert Series starring a special guest artist, Street Parade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, the Miss Priscilla Competition, and many free live concerts, competitions and prizes.

In March 2025, the Parkes Elvis Festival was awarded Foundational Event status by the NSW Government, recognising its heritage and ongoing impact to the regional economy, and cementing its place on the national events calendar.

Recognised as one of the top three Festivals and Events in Australia, the Festival attracts over 24,000 fans, both nationally and internationally, having a global reach of more than 422 million.

Parkes has a population of 12,000 and is located 365 kilometres west of Sydney.

Purchase tickets HERE.

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QUEENSLAND Cardwell Pioneers Tour

Cardwell Pioneers Tour

The Cardwell Pioneer Tours are currently operating every Monday and Thursday morning from 10am at the Visitor Information and Heritage Centre located in Cardwell. The tour incorporates all the buildings in the historic precinct and takes visitors on a fascinating journey of the area’s colourful history as they move through each building. The tour begins at the old Bush Telegraph building which was the Telegraph and Post Office and explains how Cardwell was founded in 1864 as the first port in North Queensland. Over in the Courthouse visitors can gain an understanding of the old judicial system. Several interesting items are on display including the original straight-jackets used in Tully to restrain the more energetic offenders. The old lock-up building was still in use during the1980s at the Cardwell Police Station. The final building is the old Shire Hall which the community used for a multitude of purposes included balls and other formal social events. The tour concludes on the balcony of the Visitor Information Centre where visitors can enjoy a complementary Devonshire Tea while taking in one of the best views in North Queensland overlooking Hinchinbrook Island, Gould Island and the Family Islands

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VICTORIA

Melbourne Cup

First Tuesday of Nov

Be part of Australia’s most loved and iconic world-class event, the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Experience this incredible event that combines sport, entertainment, fashion and food – all in one place, the stunning Flemington Racecourse. Glamorous, refined and full of history, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is a must-do event for Melburnians

and visitors alike.

With four big race days and a range of ticketing options, there is so many different ways to experience the Carnival - attend one or all of the race days knowing you will have an amazing time at the most anticipated event on the calendar.

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Featured RV Friendly Towns & Destinations

NEW SOUTH WALES Nakadoo - NSW RVFD

Nakadoo - NSW RVFD

Nakadoo is a family business-owned rural farm located just 4kms north of Coonamble on the Castlereagh Highway. The farm is an authentic country experience, complete with billy tea on offer for visitors. The farm offers RV parking free of charge, with showers, toilets, bins and water available. Pets on a lead are welcome. While visiting, be sure to take a tour of The Shed, which has a collection of farm and household items from the years past and information on how people lived and worked in the bush. There are even some props from the Lord of the Rings movies. Please note, there is a $10 per person charge for entry to The Shed. Visitors will also have the chance to meet some of the farm animals; from Wooly the highland, longhorn steer to lambs, chooks and many more. Nakadoo runs horse and cart rides, with short and long run options available.Cost: Nil charge, $10 for entry into memorabilia shedParking: Neg stay limit, pets on lead, m/coverage, showers, bins, toilets, waterOpening Hours: 7 days

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QUEENSLAND Laidley - QLD RVFT

Laidley - QLD RVFT

Laidley is located just 83 kilometres west of Brisbane and is the second largest town in the Lockyer Valley. The Valley is one of the top ten most fertile farming areas in the world and is referred to as ‘Australia’s Salad Bowl’ due to the many different types of fruit and vegetables grown there. White ‘i’ (unaccredited) Tourist Information Centre’s are located at Laidley Pioneer Village & Museum, corner of Drayton and Pioneer Streets and Das Neumann Haus, corner of William and Patrick Streets. The Pioneer Village allows visitors to explore the history of migrant settlement as well as local industries and early pioneering lifestyles. Displays include an historic church, school, post office, butcher shop, police cells, plus equipment and machinery used by the early settlers. Das Neumann Haus is a house museum restored and furnished in the style of the 1930s. Enjoy a coffee and light lunch and browse local handmade arts, crafts and preserves.Those visiting Laidley can find short-term parking free of charge, for up to 48 hours at Narda Lagoon, Drayton Street. A dump point is located at John St North and potable water can be obtained from the card operated filling station, opposite 2108 Laidley Rosewood Rd, (Outside Council Depot).Spend a few days in Laidley and enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the many activities and events the region offers.Tourist/Visitor Centre Das Neumann Haus, William Street, Laidley QLDPh: 07 5465 3241info@luvyalockyer.com.auwww.visitlockyer.com.auCasual Parking John St NorthShort Term Parking Narda Lagoon, Drayton St, (48hr), no chargeLong Term Parking Lake Dyer Camping Ground, (7 nights), fees apply; Centenary Park Camping Ground, (7 nights), fees applyDump Point John St NorthPotable Water Card operated filling station, opposite 2108 Laidley Rosewood Rd. Outside Council Depot.Hospital 75 William St, Ph: 07 5466 8100Doctors Surgery 36 Ambrose St, Ph: 07 5465 1388; 128 Patrick St, Ph: 07 5465 1644Dentist Laidley Dental Surgery, 132 Patrick St, Ph: 07 5465 2211Pharmacy 125 Patrick St, Ph: 07 5465 1297Supermarket 132 Patrick St, Ph: 07 5465 2266

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA Arno Bay Hotel Motel - SA RVFD

Arno Bay Hotel Motel - SA RVFD

Arno Bay is a small fishing and tourist town on the east coast of Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, and is located on the Lincoln Highway, approximately half way between Whyalla and Port Lincoln.Parking at Arno Bay Hotel Motel is available for $20 per vehicle for 3 days and this includes a $10 voucher to spend at the Pub, cafe or IGA. Vehicles must be self-contained and a permit is to be obtained from the hotel prior to parking. Arno Bay Hotel Motel is a great place to stay and relax with the beach and jetty just 200 metres away. Meals are available all week and the beer garden named ‘Shark Bar’ is a great option for dining, private parties, enjoying the jukebox or live entertainment. The beach is a stone’s throw away which makes this location both picturesque and the perfect destination for a few nights of quiet relaxation.Cost: $20 per 3 days - $20 for 3 days includes a $10 voucher to spend at the Pub Cafe or IGAParking: Permit obtainable from Hotel, 72hrs. Full self-contained vehicles only, dump point onsite

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