03 Jun 2026
Words Emily Hutchinson CommercialRealEstate.com.au

Two Northern Territory caravan parks showcase sector opportunities

Long a favourite destination for grey nomads and caravanners making the annual pilgrimage north, the Top End continues to attract visitors drawn to its national parks, fishing destinations, thermal springs and vast landscapes. For investors, that growing tourism appeal is creating opportunities within the caravan park sector.

Kelli Crouch, senior specialist accommodation broker, South Australia and the Northern Territory at Resort Brokers, said accommodation businesses across the territory continued to offer attractive returns for buyers willing to look beyond traditional investment markets.“

“Territory accommodation businesses such as caravan parks generally deliver stronger returns,” Crouch said.

“The territory is not for everyone, but for buyers willing to consider the territory, the opportunities are there.”

Crouch said many operators had built significant wealth through territory accommodation businesses.”

“Over the years, I’ve had multiple clients move to the territory, work incredibly hard and come out in a much stronger financial position as a result,” she said.

“Territory businesses generate strong cash flow and benefit from diversified income streams, including accommodation, fuel sales and F&B.”

While fuel supply concerns earlier this year temporarily impacted traveller numbers and forward bookings, Crouch said the market was rebounding.

“At the very start of the fuel concerns, van travellers pulled back which impacted forward bookings, but now the vans are returning,” she said.

“While van travel numbers are still down somewhat, this has been mitigated by the corporate and worker accommodation market, which has continued to perform strongly throughout the fuel supply issues.”

Two caravan park assets currently on the market highlight the opportunities available in the territory accommodation sector.

Douglas Daly Holiday Park

Located midway between Darwin and Katherine, Douglas Daly Holiday Park is being offered as a freehold going concern, allowing buyers to acquire both a tourism business and a residence in a single transaction.

Set across more than 5.6 hectares, the property features 65 powered caravan sites, 41 unpowered sites and 29 cabins and accommodation rooms and is for sale at $1.6 million. Additional income streams are supported by a licensed bar and restaurant, mini-mart and post office facilities.

“Freehold caravan parks of the scale of Douglas Daly Holiday Park are rarely available in the territory,” said Crouch.

“For under $2 million, the buyer gets land, a business, infrastructure plus a residence. There are few opportunities in Australia that offer this level of value along with strong returns.”

She said the asset would appeal to both experienced operators and newcomers seeking a lifestyle change.

“Douglas Daly Holiday Park would suit an owner-operator, whether a first-timer or experienced operator, looking for a lifestyle play,” Crouch said.

“It’s ideal for someone who would enjoy the territory way of life and wants the opportunity to own both a home and a business in a popular tourist region.”

Positioned within reach of the Douglas Daly Hot Springs, Crystal Falls, Butterfly Gorge Nature Park and the Daly River barramundi fishery, the park benefits from its location within one of the territory’s most popular nature-based tourism regions.

Boab Caravan Park

Boab Caravan Park near Katherine is being offered as a freehold passive investment, providing investors with exposure to the territory accommodation sector without the operational responsibilities associated with owner-management.

Located on the Victoria Highway corridor, the listing combines fuel retailing, convenience services and accommodation, creating a diversified income profile supported by a strategic transport route.

The 10,000-square-metre site has 23 years remaining on the lease and is for sale at $2.3 million.

Crouch said the asset functioned differently from a traditional caravan park.

“Boab Caravan Park is essentially a service centre,” she said.

“It’s more a service station with a small caravan park than a traditional caravan park with a service station.”

The property’s mix of fuel, retail and accommodation income streams positions it to benefit from both tourism traffic and ongoing commercial activity throughout the region.

“For investors seeking a strong income-generating business, it’s absolutely worth a look,” Crouch said. END