Sapphire Coast

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

Exploring the
Sapphire Coast

New South Wales

When we decided to travel to the Sapphire Coast as a family, we were looking for a destination that offered a blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Nestled as far south as New South Wales can be, the Sapphire Coast did not disappoint. Our Christmas holiday here was nothing short of spectacular, with perfect temperatures that made it ideal for both day and night activities. Warm enough for swimming and surfing during the day, yet cool enough at night for a comfortable sleep.

Where to stay

Our home base for the trip was Discovery Park in Eden, a fantastic family park that catered to all our needs. The park boasted a great pool, thrilling water slides, a playground, and a jumping pillow that kept the kids entertained for hours. The staff were friendly and always willing to help, making our stay even more enjoyable.

Adventuring throughout the Sapphire Coast

Throughout our three-week stay, we frequently traveled to Pambula and Merimbula. These charming towns offered a variety of experiences that made our holiday memorable. Ella had some of her best surfs at Pambula and Merimbula. Pambula’s bakery, known as one of the best in the country, became a regular stop for us, offering delicious treats that we couldn’t resist. The town itself has a quaint village vibe, complete with unique shops and cozy cafes.

Exploring hidden gems

Merimbula, the largest of the three towns, was another highlight. With both north and south protected beaches and a stunning river system, it was perfect for family days out. The town also had plenty of shopping options, ensuring we could stock up on essentials before venturing further.

Eden, a picturesque fishing village and port for cruise ships, provided a relaxing atmosphere, though it lacked surf options. However, the ease of travel between Pambula, Merimbula, and Eden, even with a caravan, made our daily excursions straightforward and enjoyable. Despite the increased traffic during the Christmas period, we managed to explore some of the region’s hidden gems without too much hassle.

Some of our favorite spots included Boyd’s Tower, a historic structure offering breathtaking views, and Aslings Beach Rock Pool, a natural wonder that provided hours of fun and exploration.

Barmouth Beach was a quite beach on the Pambula River, and showcased some unqiue red rock formations.

Terrace Beach was a hidden gem. You’ll need a 4WD to take in this absolute stunner of a beach!

Ulladulla

Ulladulla

by | Jul 19, 2024 | Locations, New South Wales

Exploring
Ulladulla

New South Wales

Traveling to Ulladulla as a family turned out to be one of our most enjoyable trips yet. This fantastic town has everything you need for supplies while also boasting some incredible spots for family adventure. We stayed at Holiday Haven Ulladulla, which had fantastic facilities for the kids and was conveniently located right in town on the headland, offering stunning views of the marina.

On the Way: A Stop in Milton

On our way to Ulladulla, we passed through the charming town of Milton. We highly recommend heading back there for an afternoon of ice cream and bakery treats. There’s a lot to see and do in Milton, making it a delightful detour.

Beach Days and Surfing Adventures

Our first beach adventure was at Narrawallee, where we had a beautiful time surfing, swimming, and exploring. The beach was perfect for a family day out, with gentle waves for the kids and plenty of space to relax.

Next, we visited Mollymook, another beachside suburb of Ulladulla known for its stunning scenery. Mollymook boasts one of the best playgrounds in the country, making it a must-visit for families with young children.

We also explored Dolphin Point, which featured a unique surf spot that captivated both the kids and adults alike. The waves were perfect for an exciting day of surfing and beach fun.

Northern Explorations: Cunjurong Point and Green Island

Our adventures took us north to Cunjurong Point and Green Island. Ella had one of her best surfs here, and the beach felt like a tropical paradise. The boys enjoyed playing in the dunes and swimming in the clear, warm waters. It was a day filled with laughter, sunshine, and unforgettable moments.

Rainy Day Fun: Arcade Games in Ulladulla

Ulladulla also offered a great solution for a rainy afternoon with its fun arcade games place in town. The kids had a blast, and it was a perfect way to navigate away from the wet weather while still having a fantastic time together.

Getting to Ulladulla

Traveling to Ulladulla as a family is easy and safe, with a straightforward drive down the highway. There are plenty of camping spots and caravan parks to choose from, making it a convenient destination for families looking to explore the beauty of New South Wales.

Our family adventure to Ulladulla was filled with stunning beaches, exciting activities, and precious memories. Travelling to Ulladulla as a family is an experience we’ll cherish forever and look forward to repeating in the future.

Scotts Head

Scotts Head

by | Jul 18, 2024 | Locations, New South Wales

Exploring
Scotts Head

New South Wales

Travel to Scotts Head as a family and enjoy this little seaside town.

Scotts Head, a picturesque coastal town, offers a serene escape with its stunning beaches, family-friendly amenities, and laid-back atmosphere. Just an hour south of Coffs Harbour and close to Macksville, Scotts Head provides an ideal retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Accommodation Options: Where to Stay

Visitors to Scotts Head have two excellent camping choices:

  1. Reflections Caravan Park
    • Location: Right on the beach, providing easy access to the pristine shoreline.
    • Convenience: Close to the main shops and cafes, perfect for a morning coffee run or a quick meal.
    • Recreation: A short walk to the second beach and adjacent to the local bowls club, which offers takeaway meals.
    • Family-Friendly: Next to a park with a fantastic playground for kids and ample space to play ball games.
  2. Boutique Campground at Grassy Head
    • Location: A 10-minute drive south of Scotts Head, offering a more secluded and tranquil camping experience.
    • Nature: Known for its open beach and excellent fishing spots off the headland, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature.

What to do.

Scotts Head Beach: Ideal for surfers, Scotts Head Beach is known for its gentle waves, making it a great spot for beginners to practice surfing. The clear waters and soft sands provide a beautiful backdrop for a day at the beach. it is really the cornerstone of all activity when you travel to Scotts Head as a family.

Grassy Head Beach: More expansive and less crowded, Grassy Head Beach is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. The headland offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the area, with stunning views to enjoy while you wait for a catch.

Headland Walk: A must-do activity for families, the headland walk offers breathtaking views of Scotts Head and its surroundings. The easy trail is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect outing to connect with nature and take in the scenic vistas.

After Scotts Head, travel a little bit further for another slice of paradise in Crescent Head.

Seal Rocks

Seal Rocks

by | Jul 17, 2024 | Locations, New South Wales

Exploring
Seal Rocks

 

New South Wales

Travel to Seal Rocks as a family and never be disappointed.

Seal Rocks is a destination that captured our hearts and became one of our all-time favorite spots. We spent ten blissful days here, and it easily ranks as one of the most beautiful caravan parks we’ve ever visited. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere was a major highlight, with a mix of families ranging from those with babies to teenagers, creating a vibrant and welcoming community.

What made Seal Rocks truly special was the sense of community. Unlike some places where you might feel isolated, here, we met lots of people and felt part of a lively group. The caravan park has been beautifully maintained, with excellent toilet facilities and an amazing camp kitchen that offers stunning views of Seal Rocks beach.

Seal Rocks is a place where time seems to slow down, partly because there’s no phone reception. This lack of connectivity enhances its charm, allowing you to fully unwind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty. The beach is absolutely incredible, offering a variety of spots to explore. If you have a four-wheel drive, you can venture out to discover numerous hidden beaches, which was one of our favorite activities.

Things to do

One of the must-do activities in Seal Rocks is the lighthouse walk, which our boys loved. The trail offers breathtaking views and a bit of adventure. Besides that, spending time at the beach is a top priority. The clear waters and beautiful sands provide endless fun for the whole family.

Keep in mind that the local coffee shop is only open on weekends, so plan accordingly. Due to limited phone reception, it’s wise to transfer any money you might need before arriving. Additionally, stock up on food and supplies before you reach Seal Rocks, as the area has only a small general store.

One other feature that our boys loved was the fighter jets that would fly over head twice a day. We got a real life Top-Gun experiences thanks to the Australian Air Force based in between Nelson’s Bay and Newcastle.

Getting to Seal Rocks

Travel to Seal Rocks as a family should be safe and comfortable. The road into Seal Rocks is pretty tight. So take your time. If coming from the North, it isn’t too bad until turning off the main road.

If head from the South, this is one of the worst stretches of roads we have driven on. Take your time, don’t rush and you’ll be fine.

Crescent Head

Crescent Head

by | Jul 17, 2024 | Locations, New South Wales

Exploring
Crescent Head

 

New South Wales

After traveling for about 13 months, Travel to Crescent Head as a family stands out as one of our favorites. This charming coastal town captivated us, and we want to share our experience with fellow travel families. Here’s why Crescent Head’s caravan park left such a lasting impression.

Where to stay

We stayed at the Crescent Head Holiday Park. We made sure to book our spot a bit earlier than usual because we wanted to secure a coveted creekside location, and it was absolutely worth it. The creek was crystal clear and blue, offering a stunning view right from our spot. We enjoyed our meals with this picturesque backdrop, making every moment special.

The creekside location provided endless entertainment. We spent our days jumping off rocks, snorkeling, and swimming in the pristine waters. For families with kids, there’s a delightful walk across the bridge to a little beach where the children can play and explore.

In the past we have camped at Point Plomer and it is a beautiful spot with easy boat access, decent surfing and fishing. It is all off grid and perfect to unwind.

What to do

One of our favorite daily rituals was heading to the beachside café for morning coffee and bacon and egg rolls. We watched surfers ride the awesome point break while the kids enjoyed the nearby playground.

Initially, we booked a week at the caravan park but loved it so much that we decided to extend our stay. The caravan park has two sections: the creekside area, which we highly recommend, and the upper park. For the second week, we stayed at the upper park to be closer to the surf. Both sections offered unique experiences, making our stay diverse and exciting.

Crescent Head’s charm extends beyond the caravan park. We took scenic drives to Point Plumer, discovering beautiful beaches along the way. Each beach had its own character and beauty, making our explorations truly memorable.

For any essentials, the town of Kempsey is just 20 minutes away, offering amenities like Bunnings and Coles. But don’t miss out on the incredible bakery in Crescent Head itself—it’s a must-visit!

Driving to Crescent Head

Travel to Crescent Head as a family should be a safe and easy trip. You’ll need to drive off the main highway and turn off to Crescent head on the north side of Kempsey. This road is descent, but would advise of animals around dawn and dusk.

Travel to Crescent Head as a family
Travel to Crescent Head as a family