Caravan park management is the Big Lap’s best-kept financial secret. Instead of paying $40 to $60/night for a powered site, you live on one for free, use all the park’s facilities, and most positions pay a wage on top. For a couple willing to stay in one place for 3 to 6 months, a management position can save or earn $10,000 to $20,000, enough to fund the next 3 to 6 months of travel. It’s the only Big Lap work option where the lifestyle barely changes: you’re still living in your caravan, still in a beautiful location, and still part of the travelling community.
Same lifestyle, no campsite fees, and a wage on top. Park management is the Big Lap work option that doesn’t feel like work.
What The Job Involves
The scope varies by park, but most management or caretaker positions include a mix of these duties.
Reception and bookings: Checking guests in and out, managing reservations (usually through booking software like NewBook or RMS), answering phone and email enquiries, handling payments, and being the face of the park. This is typically the primary role for one partner in a couple.
Grounds and maintenance: Mowing, gardening, rubbish collection, cleaning amenities blocks, minor repairs (tap washers, light globes, blocked drains), pool maintenance if applicable, and general upkeep. This is typically the primary role for the other partner.
Guest relations: Answering questions, solving problems, recommending local attractions, managing noise complaints, and maintaining the community atmosphere. This is the part that requires good people skills and patience.
Hours: Variable. Some positions are part-time (15 to 25 hours/week each), others are full-time (35 to 45 hours/week combined). Most include split shifts: morning check-outs and grounds work, afternoon/evening check-ins. You’re generally “on call” for emergencies even outside formal hours.
What You Get
Free powered site: The core benefit. A powered site in a caravan park is worth $280 to $420/week ($40 to $60/night). Over 3 months, that’s $3,600 to $5,400 in saved campsite fees.
Wages: Vary enormously. Some positions are site-only (no cash payment). Others pay $200 to $800/week per couple on top of the free site. Full management positions (where you run the park independently) can pay $1,000 to $1,500/week plus site.
Utilities: Usually included (power, water, Wi-Fi). This saves another $20 to $40/week compared to paying for powered sites as a guest.
Facilities: Full access to everything: laundry, camp kitchen, pool, BBQ areas. You live as a resident, not a guest.
Total financial benefit (3-month stint): Free site saving ($3,600 to $5,400) + wages ($0 to $10,400) + utilities saving ($260 to $520) = $3,860 to $16,320. For a couple on a moderate budget, this funds 4 to 16 weeks of further travel.
How To Find Positions
Facebook groups: The primary source. Search for “caravan park management positions,” “caretaker couple wanted,” and “park management Australia.” Groups like “Caretaker/Manager Positions Australia” and “Caravan Park Work for Travellers” list positions regularly. Turn on notifications for these groups to catch listings early.
Word of mouth: The travelling network is powerful. Mention at campfires and in camp kitchens that you’re interested in park management. People who’ve done it know which parks are looking, which owners are good to work for, and which positions to avoid.
Direct approach: If you’re staying at a park you like and notice the managers are overwhelmed or planning to leave, ask the owner if they need help. Many positions are filled through direct conversations rather than formal advertising.
Websites: Workabout Australia lists some positions. Seek occasionally has listings under “caravan park” or “holiday park.” But Facebook groups remain the most active and current source.
Apply 1 to 3 months before you want to start. Good positions get snapped up quickly, and park owners need time to arrange handovers. If you know you want to do a management stint during a specific season (winter in the tropics, summer in the south), start looking well in advance.
Half the job is keeping the park looking great. If you enjoy being outdoors and working with your hands, the maintenance side is satisfying.
What To Know Before You Commit
Minimum commitment: Most parks want 3 to 6 months minimum. Some want 12 months. Don’t commit to longer than you’re genuinely willing to stay; both parties end up unhappy if you leave early.
The owner matters more than the park. A beautiful park with a difficult owner is a miserable experience. A modest park with a supportive owner who respects your time and treats you fairly is a joy. Ask for references from previous managers. Speak to current or recent staff if possible.
Get it in writing. Hours, duties, wages, site location (some parks put managers on the worst site), time off, notice period, and what happens if either party wants to end the arrangement early. A simple written agreement prevents misunderstandings.
You’re always “on.” Even on your day off, guests will knock on your door with questions or complaints. This is manageable if you set boundaries (clear office hours, an after-hours emergency phone rather than a door knock), but it requires tolerance and patience.
Travel doesn’t stop entirely. Most positions include 1 to 2 days off per week. Use them to explore the local area. Some parks allow a week off after 2 to 3 months for a short trip. Negotiate this upfront.
- Park management provides a free powered site (worth $3,600 to $5,400 over 3 months) plus wages ($0 to $10,400), totalling $3,860 to $16,320 in financial benefit per stint.
- The role combines reception/bookings, grounds maintenance, and guest relations. Most positions suit couples with complementary skills.
- Facebook groups are the primary source for positions. Word of mouth and direct approaches also work well.
- Get the arrangement in writing: hours, duties, wages, site location, time off, and exit terms. The owner’s character matters more than the park’s facilities.
- Commit only for the duration you’re genuinely willing to stay. Apply 1 to 3 months before your desired start date.
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