Jurien Bay

by Ella | Jul 25, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
Jurien Bay

Western Australia

Jurien Bay is a charming fishing seaside village nestled between Perth and Geraldton. This makes it an ideal destination for a family getaway. With its beautiful beaches, abundant marine life, and friendly atmosphere, traveling to Jurien Bay as a family promises a memorable experience filled with adventure and relaxation.

Seals and Fishing Charters

One of the highlights of our trip was embarking on a boat tour to see the playful seals. The kids were thrilled to watch these curious creatures up close, frolicking in the clear blue waters. Fishing charters are also a popular activity in Jurien Bay, offering a chance to catch some of the local fish and enjoy a day out on the ocean. The joy of reeling in a big catch is an experience the whole family can share.

Exploring The Pinnacles

A must-see attraction near Jurien Bay is The Pinnacles, located in Nambung National Park. We decided to take an early morning trip and had the place almost entirely to ourselves. The surreal landscape of limestone pillars rising from the desert floor is unlike anything we’ve encountered in our travels across Australia. It’s a sight that leaves a lasting impression and is well worth the drive from either Jurien Bay or the nearby town of Cervantes.

Dining and Relaxation

Catching up with friends at Kakka Alley Brewing was another highlight of our stay. This local brewery offers delicious pizza and a selection of brews, along with a play area for the kids. The brewery is also rich in the history of Jurien Bay, providing an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal while the kids play nearby.

Family-Friendly Spots

Jurien Bay boasts several family-friendly spots that are worth a visit. The Jetty, with its expansive playground, kept our children entertained for hours. It’s a fantastic place for a picnic or simply to let the kids burn off some energy. We also enjoyed spending time at the Marina, where we tried our luck at fishing. The excitement of catching a fish from the pier was a delightful experience for the kids.

Convenient Accommodation

We stayed at the Jurien Bay Tourist Park, which is conveniently located in the heart of town. The park’s central location meant we were just a short walk away from the local IGA, hardware stores, petrol station, and fishing shop. The staff at the tourist park were incredibly welcoming, and the facilities were top-notch, ensuring we had a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Traveling to Jurien Bay as a family offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and quality time together. From exploring natural wonders like The Pinnacles to enjoying local cuisine and engaging in fun activities, Jurien Bay is a destination that caters to all ages and interests. We left with wonderful memories and a desire to return to this charming seaside village.

Greenhead

by Ella | Jul 25, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
Green Head

Western Australia

Traveling to Greenhead as a family was a serene and delightful experience. Greenhead, a quaint fishing village about 30 minutes north of Jurien Bay, offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding. While the town is small and laid-back, it provides a perfect setting for family bonding and exploration. Be sure to stock up on supplies in Jurien Bay or rely on the local general store for essentials.

Accommodation Options

Green Head Caravan Park was our home base during our stay. This rustic and charming park was a great fit for our family. The staff were fantastic, and the cost was reasonable for what we got. Although there were no dedicated kids’ facilities, sometimes simplicity is best. The kids had a blast playing with sticks and making tracks on the dirt roads.

Milligan Island Eco Camping provided a wonderful off-grid experience for a weekend. Located right on the beach, this spot was fantastic for a bit of adventure. Despite not having any luck with fishing, we saw dolphins and various fish, swam, and explored the beautiful surroundings. It was an ideal place to disconnect and enjoy nature.

Fishing and Beach Adventures

We had a few fishing attempts at Anchorage Bay Jetty. Although the sea grass was quite thick during this time of year, making fishing a bit challenging, the effort was still enjoyable. Anchorage Bay also offers the unique opportunity to drive up the beach all the way to Point Louise, which added a sense of adventure to our visit.

Rocky Bay Beach was a dreamy little spot, perfect for small children. The gentle waves and soft sand made it an ideal beach for the kids to play and for the family to relax.

Dynamite Bay is undoubtedly the jewel of Green Head. This stunning beach, surrounded by protective headlands, offers a picturesque and safe swimming spot. The crystal-clear water and scenic views made it a family favorite, perfect for both relaxation and play.

Getting There

Traveling to Green Head from Jurien Bay was a breeze, taking only 30 minutes. The drive was smooth and easy, adding to the overall convenience of this charming destination.

Traveling to Green Head as a family was a peaceful and memorable experience. With its beautiful beaches, charming accommodations, and relaxed atmosphere, Green Head is a perfect destination for families looking to unwind and explore nature together.

Geraldton

by Ella | Jul 25, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
Geraldton

Western Australia

Traveling to Geraldton as a family was a delightful experience, providing a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Geraldton, a port city in Mid West Western Australia, offers a range of activities and sights that cater to all ages. The city is large enough to offer all the necessary services for a comfortable stay but remains charmingly manageable compared to bustling port cities like Geelong and Newcastle.

Family Fun at the Foreshore

The Geraldton Foreshore is a fantastic spot for family activities. With two great playgrounds and easy beach access, it’s an ideal place for kids to play and for the family to relax by the water. The well-maintained facilities and beautiful scenery make it a must-visit during your stay.

Beach Adventures

Geraldton boasts several stunning beaches that are perfect for family outings.

Back Beach is fantastic for both families and surfing enthusiasts. The beach features a playground located on the backside of the sand dunes near the car park and surf club, ensuring that kids have plenty of options for fun both in and out of the water.

Drummond Cove offers the unique experience of driving on the beach. Finding a spot to surf and explore with the family here was a highlight of our trip. The sense of adventure and the beautiful surroundings made it an unforgettable experience.

Coronation Beach is renowned as the windsurfing capital of Australia. A few kilometers down the beach, there is a good longboard wave accessible via a fun 4WD track. This adventure was a hit with the entire family, combining the thrill of off-roading with the joy of discovering new surf spots.

Indoor Activities for Rainy Days

When the weather didn’t cooperate, we found some great indoor activities to keep the kids entertained. The Museum of Geraldton was a standout. Ella took the boys there on a rainy day, and they couldn’t stop talking about the interactive exhibits and engaging activities designed for children.

Another excellent wet-weather alternative was The House Café and Play Centre. This indoor playground was well-priced and kept the kids entertained for hours. The combination of good food and a fun play area made it a favorite spot for the family.

Accommodation

We stayed at Belair Gardens Caravan Park, conveniently located near Pages Beach playground. The park had its own playground and pool, which the kids loved. The staff were friendly and helpful, although the sites in the area we stayed were a bit tight. If you can, book a spot in the back section of the park, where the sites are much larger and more comfortable.

Easy Travel

Driving to Geraldton from Jurien Bay was a breeze. The 2-hour drive was easy and pleasant, thanks to Western Australia’s long, straight roads, which are a refreshing change from the often winding and busy roads of the east coast.

Traveling to Geraldton as a family was an enriching experience, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and fun for everyone. With its beautiful beaches, engaging indoor activities, and family-friendly facilities, Geraldton is a perfect destination for family travel.

Ulverstone

by Ella | Jul 25, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Ulverstone

Tasmania

Traveling to Ulverstone as a family

When we initially planned our trip, Ulverstone was not on our list of destinations. However, when our 30-year-old fridge started giving us trouble, it became clear we needed an upgrade. Caravan repairs can be difficult to schedule, but we were fortunate to find a supplier of Bushman fridges in nearby Penguin who could order and install a new fridge quickly. This unexpected turn led us to spend a week in Ulverstone, a week that turned out to be filled with fantastic adventures.

A Week of Surprises and Joy

Our week in Ulverstone, which we initially thought would be a write-off, turned out to be a delightful surprise. One of the highlights was catching up with friends from Coffs, which was a massive treat for us.

We stayed at Apex Beachside Holiday Park in West Ulverstone, and it was an absolute blast. One of the most amazing experiences was seeing penguins walking around our caravan most nights. This park was not only reasonably priced but also offered us a front-row seat to nature’s wonders.

Exploring Leven Canyon

One of our memorable adventures was visiting Leven Canyon. The canyon itself is incredible, with breathtaking views and a rugged, challenging walk that took us through the circuit. While the numerous stairs and steps made it tough for the kids, we persevered and were rewarded with stunning scenery.

Discovering Penguin

The nearby town of Penguin was another gem. We enjoyed a visit to the great playground there and indulged in some fun shopping. Penguin is a cute seaside town with a charming atmosphere, perfect for a family outing.

Relaxing at Bannons Park

While searching for waterfalls, we stumbled across Bannons Park, an off-grid area where we enjoyed a barbecue and a swim. This cute park provided a peaceful and refreshing break from our busy itinerary.

Visiting Delaneys Falls

Delaneys Falls was another highlight of our stay. This waterfall, with its easy walk and picturesque setting, was a pleasant excursion for the whole family.

Easy Accessibility

One of the convenient aspects of Ulverstone is its accessibility. The drive is easy, with a short trip off the highway, making it a stress-free destination for families traveling with kids.

In conclusion, what began as a necessary detour for a fridge repair turned into a week of unexpected adventures and cherished memories. If you ever find yourself traveling to Ulverstone as a family, embrace the opportunities it offers—you might be as pleasantly surprised as we were.

Next stop for you could be Stanley, Cradle Mountain or Bay of Fires!

Kalbarri

by Ella | Jul 23, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
Kalbarri

Western Australia

Kalbarri, situated on the Mid West coast of Western Australia, is a charming surf and fishing town filled with beautiful shops, an amazing river, stunning beaches, a world-class surf break, and an incredible national park. Traveling to Kalbarri as a family was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, offering a variety of activities that catered to everyone.

Exploring the Natural Wonders

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Skywalk and Nature’s Window. Located just a 30-minute drive into Kalbarri National Park, these attractions offer two very easy walks with breathtaking views. The family-friendly trails made it an enjoyable experience for all, allowing us to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Coastal Adventures

Kalbarri’s coastline is dotted with spectacular spots perfect for exploring and enjoying sunsets. Red Bluff, Pot Alley, and the Kalbarri Cliffs were our top three favorites. Each location offered unique and stunning scenery that left us in awe. These spots are ideal for a leisurely walk or simply soaking in the beauty of the rugged coast.

Snorkeling at Blue Pools

For a more interactive experience, we headed to Blue Pools. This fantastic snorkeling area is protected from fishing, making it a haven for abundant marine life. The kids loved exploring the underwater world, spotting colorful fish and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. Blue Pools is a must-visit for families looking to experience the ocean up close.

River Adventures

Hiring a boat was another highlight of our trip. We rented a tinny and spent the day cruising down the river. No boat license is required, making it a hassle-free experience. The river’s calm waters provided a peaceful setting for our exploration, and the kids enjoyed the sense of adventure as we navigated the scenic riverbanks.

Surfing at Jakes Point

For the more adventurous, Jakes Point offers an incredible surfing experience. Known for its brilliant waves, this surf break is ideal for advanced surfers. The views are spectacular, adding to the thrill of riding the waves. While not all of us were up for the challenge, watching the surfers in action was a memorable part of our trip.

Scenic Drive from Geraldton

Traveling to Kalbarri as a family was a breeze from Geraldton. The scenic drive through beautiful landscapes set the tone for our adventure. The journey itself was a delightful part of our trip, adding to the overall experience of exploring this picturesque town.

Traveling to Kalbarri as a family offered us a perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation. With its diverse range of activities and stunning scenery, Kalbarri is an ideal destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories.