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.

Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay

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

Exploring
Jervis Bay

New South Wales

Our family recently embarked on a two-week caravan adventure, traveling to Jervis Bay as a family. This stunning coastal region in New South Wales offered us the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. We split our stay between two incredible locations: Currarong and Bream Beach, each offering unique experiences and beautiful scenery.

Week One: Currarong

For our first week, we set up camp at Holiday Haven Currarong. This fantastic caravan park quickly became a family favorite with its spacious sites, refreshing pool and splash park, playground, and mini-golf course. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere made it an ideal base for our explorations.

During our time at Currarong, we discovered several amazing spots:

  • Currarong Rock Pools: These were the most incredible rock pools we have ever swum in—absolutely stunning and perfect for a day of family fun.
  • Abrahams Bosom Beach: A cute and quiet family beach, ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Culburra Beach: Known for its surf break, it offered a great spot for some wave action.
  • Callala Bay: With its clear water and white sand, this bay was a highlight of our trip.
  • Beecroft Peninsula: Home to Honeymoon Bay, this area was perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and having a great family day. It’s worth noting that these beaches are only open on weekends due to it being an army training facility.

Week Two: Bream Beach

Our second week was spent at Bream Beach Holiday Park, a quirky park filled with wildlife. One memorable moment was when a kangaroo hopped into our van—a funny story now, though it was quite a surprise for Ella at the time!

From Bream Beach, we explored several fantastic locations:

  • Huskisson and Vincentia: These charming towns offered beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe.
  • Hyams Beach: World-famous for its perfect white sand and stunning water, this beach lived up to its reputation.
  • Greenpatch Beach and Murrays Beach: Located within the Jervis Bay Territory, these beaches were pristine and breathtaking.
  • Caves Beach: Surfing here was a unique experience. A 200m walk from the car park, past kangaroos and a campsite, led us to one of the most secluded and raw south-facing beaches we have ever seen.

Getting to Jervis Bay

Traveling to Jervis Bay as a family was straightforward and navigating the area was easy. We recommend taking the time to explore both the inside and outside of the bay, as each offers great experiences. The roads can be a bit narrow, so staying safe and taking your time is key.

Our family caravan adventure to Jervis Bay was a blend of beautiful beaches, exciting activities, and memorable moments. It’s a des

Wollongong

Wollongong

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

Exploring
Wollongong

New South Wales

Travel to Wollongong as a family is a must for any caravan family!

Wollongong, often referred to as “God’s country,” is New South Wales’ second-largest regional center, offering everything you need before heading further south. With iconic beaches and vast wilderness in the hinterland, Wollongong is a destination that truly has it all. We spent four weeks here, splitting our stay between the northern and southern parts of the city to fully appreciate its diverse features.

​North Wollongong: Our Stay in Bulli

During our first two weeks, we stayed in Bulli, a charming area that provided us with numerous memorable experiences:

Brad had to take a sick day due to gale force winds, and we spent most of that day at Sharkey’s Play, an indoor play area that provided a fun respite from the weather.

Travel Tip: Avoid driving your caravan down Bulli Pass. It was one of the most terrifying experiences of our trip. Instead, take the longer route into Wollongong and backtrack north if you’re coming from Sydney. Travel to Wollongong as a family should be safe and sound. Take the time to explore the conditions.

South Wollongong: Our Stay in Windang

The next two weeks were spent at Windang Beach Tourist Park, located in the southern part of Wollongong. This location allowed us to explore several beautiful places:

Travel Tip: Avoid driving down Macquarie Pass with a caravan. While we didn’t attempt it, our friends did, and it was a harrowing experience. We drove it in our car, and it was even more challenging than Bulli Pass.

Wollongong’s combination of coastal beauty and hinterland adventures makes it a destination worth exploring.  When we return to the area, we’ll be staying in Gerringong. This stunning town left a lasting impression on us, and we can’t wait to go back. From its breathtaking beaches to its charming surf town vibe, Gerringong is a must-visit on our list.

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