Bay Of Fires

Bay Of Fires

by | Jul 29, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Bay of Fires

Tasmania

Traveling to the Bay of Fires as a family offers a truly unforgettable experience. Immersing you in one of Australia’s premier nature regions. With exceptional beaches, river systems, forests, waterfalls, and mountains, this area is a haven for nature lovers. We stayed at the Tasman Caravan Park in St Helens, which proved to be a fantastic base for all our adventures in the region.

Discovering The Gardens

Our journey began with a visit to The Gardens, the northernmost part of the Bay of Fires. This remote wilderness meets a stunning coastline, offering pristine beaches and captivating walks. The untouched beauty of this area made it a highlight of our trip, and we highly recommend spending time exploring its natural wonders.

Beach Bliss at Binalong Bay

Next, we headed to Binalong Bay, a charming small town with unreal beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores provided a picturesque setting for a family day out. The kids loved splashing in the waves, and we enjoyed the serene ambiance of this coastal gem.

The Fascinating Little Blue Lake

Located at South Mount Cameron, Little Blue Lake is a geological marvel worth visiting. The lake’s hyper blue color is due to abnormal mineral levels, creating a mesmerizing sight. Although swimming is not advised, the fun walk around half the lake provided plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to marvel at its unique beauty.

Mountain Biking in Derby

For a change of pace, we visited Derby, a small town dedicated to mountain biking. With several world-class trails, driving into town felt like stepping into a mountain biking movie. We also indulged in a visit to the floating sauna, a truly exceptional and unique experience that left us refreshed and rejuvenated.

Culinary Delights and Natural Wonders

No trip to the Bay of Fires is complete without a visit to the Pub in the Paddock and Pyengana Dairy Company. The pub, one of Australia’s oldest, served exceptional food, and the dairy company offered live cow milking presentations and some of the most incredible ice cream we’ve ever tasted. Just up the road, St Columba Falls, one of Tasmania’s premier waterfalls, provided a spectacular sight. Ella found a small water hole near the falls for a refreshing dip.

Surfing and Sand Dunes

Beerbarrel Beach was a great spot for a surf, and Ella caught a couple of waves in the afternoon. However, be mindful of the tricky currents. We also visited Peron Dunes, an exceptional spot for the kids to slide down on bodyboards and have fun running around the massive dune system right on the beach.

Surf Village Vibes at Beaumaris Beach

Our adventure continued to Beaumaris Beach, a little surf village where we spent fun mornings chatting with locals and watching surfers. The open beach, with its left break off a small headland, provided an exciting surfing experience.

Navigating St Mary’s Pass

On our way to St Helens, we drove through St Mary’s and down St Mary’s Pass. After our experience with Bulli Pass, we were initially apprehensive, but we found this pass manageable if you take your time. Set your brakes right and enjoy the scenic drive without too much fret.

Traveling to the Bay of Fires as a family was a remarkable experience filled with adventure, natural beauty, and memorable moments. We can’t wait to return and explore even more of this incredible region.

Torquay

Torquay

by | Jul 28, 2024 | Locations, Victoria

Exploring
Torquay

Victoria

Torquay, the first stop on your Great Ocean Road adventure, is a picturesque surf village about 20 minutes south of Geelong. With all the necessities available closer to Geelong and world-class beaches at your doorstep,  traveling to Torquay as a family is an excellent idea.

Staying at Breamlea Caravan Park

We chose to stay at Breamlea Caravan Park, located just five minutes east of Torquay. Our ten-day stay was perfect for its central location, allowing easy access to my work in Geelong and trips to Torquay, Anglesea, and Lorne. Additionally, the park was significantly cheaper than those in the nearby towns, making it an economical choice for families.

Surfing and Beach Fun

Torquay, Anglesea, and Lorne are renowned for their incredible surfing spots. We enjoyed hitting the waves at Point Impossible, Main Beach Torquay, and the iconic Bells Beach. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner, these beaches offer something for everyone.

Playground Adventures

Our kids had a blast at the playgrounds in both Torquay and Lorne. These massive free-play style parks provided endless entertainment, with new friends to meet and adventurous games to play. The playgrounds were a highlight of our trip, offering a perfect blend of fun and relaxation.

The Australia National Surfing Museum was an absolute treat and had lots of interactive opportunities for the kids to experience and learn through action.

Scenic Lookouts and Waterfalls

One of the most beautiful spots we visited was Point Addis, which boasts a raw and stunning lookout and beach to explore. Another highlight was Erskine Falls, located west of Lorne. The walk to the falls was enjoyable and gave us a chance to immerse ourselves in nature and explore with the kids.

The Great Ocean Road Drive

Driving along the Great Ocean Road is a marvel in itself. The route passes through multiple charming villages, with numerous lookouts and beaches to explore. The scenic beauty of this drive is unparalleled, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

Nearby Towns Worth Exploring

Barwon Heads is another beautiful town close to Torquay that’s worth exploring with the family. We also spent an afternoon at Queenscliff Jetty, soaking in the rich history of this part of Victoria. These towns offer additional attractions and experiences that complement the Torquay adventure.

Traveling to Torquay as a family offers a perfect blend of surf, sand, and scenic beauty. With its world-class beaches, adventurous playgrounds, and breathtaking lookouts, Torquay and its surrounding towns provide plenty to see and do for those looking to experience some of Australia’s best coastal and natural attractions.

Fleurieu Peninsula

Fleurieu Peninsula

by | Jul 26, 2024 | Locations, South Australia

Exploring
Longford

Tasmania

The Fleurieu Peninsula is a magical area, perfect for a family getaway. With raw beaches, national parks, wineries, cute coastal towns, and lots to do, it was easy to spend ten days based in Victor Harbour. Traveling to the Fleurieu Peninsula as a family allowed us to experience the stunning landscapes and diverse activities that this region offers.

Staying at NRMA Victor Harbour Beachfront Holiday Park

We chose the NRMA Victor Harbour Beachfront Holiday Park for our stay on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It had everything you could want as a family and more. The park boasts water slides, a pool, a jumping pillow, a TV room, and plenty of other amenities to keep everyone entertained. The location was perfect, allowing us to explore the peninsula easily.

Exploring Granite Island

One of our first adventures was walking over to Granite Island. It’s an unreal spot, featuring a café and plenty of trails to explore. The island offers beautiful views and a chance to see some local wildlife. The kids enjoyed the walk, and we all loved the fresh air and scenic surroundings.

Fun at Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is a beautiful, protected beach with a playground and a café. It was an excellent spot for a family day out. The kids had a blast at the playground, and we enjoyed a leisurely coffee while watching them play. The beach itself is perfect for a swim, making it a favorite spot during our trip.

Surfing at Middleton Point

Middleton Point is a classic surf beach, working slightly like a point break. The cold waters were a bit much for Ella, but I managed to catch a few waves in the mornings alongside some brave locals. The beach has a rugged charm, and it was a great place to soak up the local surf culture.

The Scenic Drive to Cape Jervis

The drive from Victor Harbour to Cape Jervis and back was a highlight of our trip. We explored remote and wild beaches, some of which looked incredible for surfing under the right conditions. Cape Jervis is a small town where the ferry departs for Kangaroo Island. We also visited Morgan’s Beach, drove on the beach, played in the dunes, and Ella had a swim. The landscape along this drive is truly breathtaking.

Relaxing in Rapid Bay

Rapid Bay is a beautiful little town we would love to stay in next time. With an unpowered park right on the beach, it’s protected from southerly and westerly winds. The area is ideal for relaxing, swimming, fishing, and boating. It’s a hidden gem on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Treats in Normanville

A visit to the bakery in Normanville provided us with some very good treats for lunch. The town has a relaxed fishing village vibe, and we enjoyed walking around and soaking in the atmosphere. It’s a quaint stop that added to the charm of our trip.

Enjoying Down the Rabbit Hole Winery and Restaurant

Down the Rabbit Hole Winery and Restaurant was bustling with activity when we visited. Ella tasted some wines, the kids played in the play area, and we had a fantastic time. It’s definitely a spot to add to the return list, with a great ambiance and delicious offerings.

Victor Harbour Essentials

Victor Harbour is a great town, providing opportunities to stock up on supplies, shop at Kmart, get some 4WD gear, and prepare for adventures around South Australia. It served as an excellent base for our travels on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Traveling to the Fleurieu Peninsula as a family was a delightful experience, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From exploring islands and surf spots to enjoying local treats and scenic drives, the Fleurieu Peninsula has something for everyone.

Adelaide

Adelaide

by | Jul 26, 2024 | Locations, South Australia

Exploring
Adelaide

South Australia

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, holds a lot of opportunities for adventure. Traveling to Adelaide as a family promises a blend of beachside relaxation, historical exploration, and urban charm. We stayed for two weeks around Adelaide, splitting our time between different parts of the city and its surroundings.

Week One: Moana Beach Tourist Park

Our first week was spent at the Moana Beach Tourist Park. This park is perfect for families, with its relaxed atmosphere and amenities like two basketball courts for the kids to play on and close beach access. Its proximity to cafes, shops, and restaurants made it a convenient base for exploring the area.

Exploring Moana and Surrounds

The Sugarloaf – This beautiful landmark on Hallett Beach is a must-see. We spent some time exploring this unique rock structure before cooling off with a swim in the ocean. An ice cream and a visit to the nearby playground made it a perfect outing for the kids.

Sellicks Beach – Driving on Sellicks Beach was a thrilling experience. We found a spot to swim and play, enjoying the incredible cliff structures that provided shelter from the wind.

Port Willunga – The Jetty Pylons and the carved-out caves in the cliffs at Port Willunga are steeped in history. It was fascinating to explore these with the kids, imagining the stories behind them.

Brighton Jetty – This jetty offered a mix of fun activities like exploring, fishing, and swimming. With its close proximity to town, we had plenty of food and drink options from nearby cafes and restaurants.

Jubilee Park – An epic playground for kids! We had such a blast at this playground that we came back a few times

Week 2: West Beach

We stayed at the Big 4 at West Beach. This is one of the best caravan parks in Australia. Large sites, heated swimming pool, indoor play room, camp kitchen, great amenities and located on the beach.

We were hear after two weeks in Bali, so our adventure levels were an all time low. We barely left the park as we prepared for our adventure across the Nullarbor.

Navigating Adelaide with a Caravan

Getting around Adelaide with a caravan can be tricky at times. Navigating suburbia required patience and caution, especially with two lanes merging into one with little warning. However, with a bit of planning and careful driving, we managed to get around smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Adelaide as a family offered us a wonderful mix of beach days, historical exploration, and urban adventures. Our stay at Moana Beach Tourist Park provided the perfect balance of relaxation and activity, making our family trip to Adelaide truly memorable. Whether you’re driving on scenic beaches, exploring unique rock structures, or enjoying the urban vibe of Brighton Jetty, Adelaide has something for every family member to enjoy.

Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay

by | 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.