Gold Coast

Gold Coast

by | Jul 22, 2024 | Locations, Queensland

Exploring the
Gold Coast

New South Wales

Travel to the Gold Coast as a family, and you’ll experience a destination that is both beautiful and bustling. This vibrant region is expanding rapidly, blending industrial and coastal elements seamlessly. While the size and busyness might deter some travel families, those willing to brave the traffic will find an abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy.

Where to Stay

The Gold Coast offers numerous caravan parks located in the north, central, and south areas. We chose to stay for two weeks at Kirra Caravan Park. This spot was perfect for us, as we love surfing and it provided a great base for exploring the surrounding areas. Its proximity to the beach and various attractions made it an ideal choice for our family.

What to Do

Beyond the obvious theme parks and a multitude of activities like go-karting and indoor play centers, the Gold Coast offers some unique and fun adventures:

Burleigh Hill

Burleigh Hill is perfect for a family picnic. Afterward, you can head to the beach for a swim and enjoy the playground with the kids. The scenic views and relaxed atmosphere make it a wonderful spot to spend a day.

Coolangatta

Coolangatta boasts an amazing beach, fun shopping opportunities, and two great playgrounds. A highlight is the walk around the headland to Rainbow Bay, offering stunning coastal views and a chance to explore more of the area’s natural beauty.

Currumbin Valley

For an incredible rainforest adventure, head to Cougal Cascade in Currumbin Valley. The lush greenery and cascading waters provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast.

Tallebudgera Creek

Known as the jewel of the Gold Coast, Tallebudgera Creek is perfect for family swimming. The calm, clear waters are ideal for a relaxing day out with the kids.

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park offers a beautiful scenic forest walk to the natural bridge. This picturesque spot is perfect for nature lovers and provides a serene environment for family exploration.

Lamington National Park

Venture out to Canungra for breakfast and then head to Lamington National Park for some of the Gold Coast’s most pristine rainforest adventures. The park is home to waterfalls and diverse wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for a day trip.

Getting Around the Gold Coast

Navigating the Gold Coast with a caravan is manageable despite the traffic. The area is quite built up, so it’s essential to be aware, give yourself enough room to brake and turn, and you’ll be as good as gold. The well-maintained roads and clear signage help make the journey smooth and stress-free.

Travel to the Gold Coast as a family, and you’ll find a destination brimming with excitement and natural beauty. Whether it’s exploring Burleigh Hill, enjoying Coolangatta, or adventuring in Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, the Gold Coast offers unforgettable experiences for every member of the family.

South Durras

South Durras

by | Jul 22, 2024 | Locations, New South Wales

Exploring
South Durras

New South Wales

Travel to South Durras as a family, and you’ll find a beautiful spot in NSW located just 25 minutes north of Batemans Bay. It offers a fantastic alternative to staying in Batemans Bay, while still being close enough to utilize its services and shopping. South Durras is a charming destination that provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience.

Staying at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort

South Durras has a few caravan parks and other holiday accommodations. We stayed at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, which was perfect for us.

If you’ve been following our travels, you know we love NRMA Holiday Parks, and this park quickly became one of our favorites. With a dedicated pool and restaurant area, playground, large central grassed area, and even an indoor activity area for the kids, it had everything we needed. The park also offered direct access to the beach and plenty of wildlife, making our stay even more enjoyable.

For those of us on the road full-time, it was a real treat to feel carpet under our feet and sit on a couch for the first time in six months. The comfort and amenities at this park made it a true home away from home.

Exploring South Durras

While South Durras doesn’t have much in terms of infrastructure, nature more than makes up for it. Here are some of the highlights:

Mill Point

Mill Point is a great rocky headland to walk around. The views are stunning, and it’s a wonderful place for a family hike and to take in the natural beauty of the area.

Cookies Beach

Ella had a great time surfing at Cookies Beach, enjoying some fantastic waves. This beach is perfect for surfing enthusiasts and those who love spending time by the ocean.

Depot Beach

A short drive north takes you to Depot Beach, one of NSW’s best beaches. The pristine sands and clear waters are simply breathtaking, making it well worth the visit.

Pebbly Beach

Another short drive north leads to Pebbly Beach, a secluded beach and campground that is well worth exploring. The serene environment and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot for a family outing.

Getting to South Durras

The drive off the highway to South Durras is a bit tight, with narrow roads and plenty of wildlife to keep an eye on. However, it shouldn’t be daunting if you take your time and remain aware of the potential wildlife. The journey itself is part of the adventure, leading you to this beautiful, secluded destination.

Travel to South Durras as a family, and you’ll discover a destination that perfectly balances natural beauty and convenience. Whether it’s exploring Mill Point, surfing at Cookies Beach, or relaxing at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, South Durras offers a memorable experience for every family member.

Broulee

Broulee

by | Jul 22, 2024 | Locations, New South Wales

Exploring
Broulee

New South Wales

Travel to Broulee as a family, and you’ll discover one of New South Wales’ hidden gems. Just 20 minutes south of Batemans Bay, Broulee is a beautiful surf village that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities. This makes it an ideal spot for a family getaway, especially for those traveling in a caravan.

Staying at NRMA Holiday Park

Our stay at the recently rebranded NRMA Holiday Park in Broulee was nothing short of delightful. The park boasts a fantastic pool and direct beach access, which made our days both fun and relaxing. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the facilities were top-notch, ensuring we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

Exploring Broulee Beaches

Broulee is home to two main beaches: Broulee Beach and South Broulee Beach. These are separated by the charming Broulee Island, which features its own secluded bay, Shark Bay. Exploring Broulee Island and Shark Bay was a highlight for our family, and it was easy to navigate even with young kids. The island’s trails and the bay’s calm waters provided a perfect setting for little adventures.

Fun at South Broulee Beach

Our days were primarily spent at South Broulee Beach. This fantastic open beach functions like a point break, making it an excellent spot for surfing, swimming, and playing. The protection from northerly winds ensured great conditions for beach activities, and we took full advantage of the waves and the sun.

Dining at Broulee Brewhouse

A visit to Broulee Brewhouse is a must for families. With its fantastic food, welcoming atmosphere, and a selection of locally crafted beers and mixers, it was a hit with everyone.

Nearby Attractions

We also enjoyed exploring the nearby areas of Mossy Point and Tomakin, where we found charming cafes and beautiful nature spots perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Getting There

Getting to Broulee with a caravan is quite straightforward. The short drive off the highway was smooth, with decent road conditions all the way. This ease of access, combined with the stunning locale and excellent facilities, made our trip incredibly enjoyable.

In conclusion, travel to Broulee as a family, and you’ll find a destination that perfectly balances beauty and convenience. Whether it’s surfing at South Broulee Beach, exploring Broulee Island, or enjoying a meal at Broulee Brewhouse, there’s something for everyone in this delightful surf village.

Bermagui

by | Jul 20, 2024 | Locations, New South Wales

Exploring
Bermagui

New South Wales

Traveling to Bermagui as a family was a delightful experience, offering a blend of relaxation, exploration, and unique coastal charm. Bermagui is a relaxed coastal town that instantly made us feel at home. Its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery provided the perfect backdrop for our family adventure.

The Iconic Bermagui Blue Pool

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the iconic Bermagui Blue Pool, a rock pool on the side of a cliff face. There is nothing quite like it in all of Australia. We were mesmerized by the crystal-clear waters and the seals lounging on neighboring rocks, creating a truly magical experience.

Exploring the Town

The town itself boasts fantastic local shopping, cafes, and restaurants. We enjoyed strolling through the streets, discovering unique boutiques and savoring delicious meals at the local eateries. The north-facing local beaches were more suited for swimming and fishing, as the surf conditions were not ideal. However, the serene waters made for perfect family beach days.

Natural Wonders: Horse Head Rock and Camel Rock

Just north of Bermagui, we visited the famous Horse Head Rock and Camel Rock. The drive was well worth it, as these natural formations were awe-inspiring and provided great photo opportunities.

Surfing Adventures at Cuttagee Beach

Further south, Ella found a really fun wave at Cuttagee Beach. This open beach, with its rock formations, worked similarly to a point break and offered excellent surfing conditions.

Discovering Armands Beach

One of our more adventurous discoveries was a secluded beach where Ella had a great time surfing. This beach, known as Armands Beach, is a local nudist beach, so you need to be comfortable with that. Fortunately for us, no one else was there that day. Be prepared for a bit of a hike, as there are a lot of stairs to access the beach.

Staying at Reflections Bermagui – Holiday Park

We stayed at Reflections Bermagui – Holiday Park, a reasonably well-kept park with minimal features. The park’s best asset is its prime location, close to the Blue Pools and within walking distance to the town and main beach.

Navigating Bermagui’s Roads

Traveling into Bermagui was a bit rough, especially once you turn off the highway at Tilba Tilba. The roads can be challenging, so it’s best to take it easy and enjoy the scenic drive.

A Perfect Family Destination

In conclusion, traveling to Bermagui as a family was an unforgettable experience filled with stunning natural landmarks, charming local culture, and plenty of beach activities. If you’re looking for a relaxed coastal town with unique attractions and a welcoming atmosphere, Bermagui is the perfect destination.

Tathra

by | Jul 20, 2024 | Locations, New South Wales

Exploring
Tathra

New South Wales

If you are traveling to Tathra as a family, make sure you get the pronunciation of the town correct. It is “Tar-thra” and not “Ta-thra” as Brad continues to say.

Discovering Tathra’s Landmarks

Tathra is a beautiful coastal town set on an open beach and nestled in the shadow of a massive headland to the south. Our family’s journey to Tathra was filled with adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. This charming town became a memorable highlight of our travels.

One of Tathra’s standout features is its stunning landmarks, with the Tathra Headland being the primary source of exploration. The headland offers incredible views and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. We spent hours hiking and taking in the panoramic vistas, feeling truly connected to nature.

Family Fun in Tathra

To the north of town, we discovered a fantastic playground and river system connected to the ocean. This area was perfect for our kids, who loved exploring the waterways and playing in the safe, family-friendly environment. The combination of river and ocean created a unique setting that kept everyone entertained.

Another family favorite was the Tathra Hotel, which not only served delicious food but also featured a fun outside playground for the kids. The stunning seaside views from the hotel made our dining experience even more enjoyable. Watching the sunset over the ocean while the kids played was a perfect way to end the day.

Staying at NRMA Tathra Beachfront Holiday Park

Our accommodation at the NRMA Tathra Beachfront Holiday Park was exceptional and quickly became one of our favorite parks. The park had an excellent playground, great water slides, and a pool area that the kids absolutely loved. The open camp kitchen area was perfect for family meals and socializing with other travelers.

One of the highlights of the park was the incredible bathrooms with single-person baths. After almost a year without a proper bath, this was a luxury we all appreciated. The staff at the park were friendly and helpful, ensuring our stay was comfortable and enjoyable.

A Perfect Family Destination

Traveling to Tathra as a family was filled with unforgettable moments and experiences. The town’s beautiful landmarks, family-friendly amenities, and stunning coastal views made it an ideal destination for a family adventure. If you’re looking for a place to explore, relax, and create lasting memories, Tathra should definitely be on your list.