Geraldton

Geraldton

by | 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

Ulverstone

by | 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!

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.

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.