Newcastle

Newcastle

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

Exploring
Newcastle

New South Wales

Fighter jets, national parks, world class beaches. Travel to Newcastle as a family is a must for any caravan family.

Newcastle, historically an industrial town, is transforming into one of Australia’s prime regional centres. Its proximity to Sydney has made it a hotspot for growth and development. While it might not be the first choice for traveling families, Newcastle offers a wealth of experiences worth exploring.

Our Stay at Blacksmiths Beach

Situated on the southern side of the city, Blacksmiths Beach served as our base. Its location was perfect for us traveling to Newcastle as a family exploring both Newcastle and the Central Coast. The beach itself is lovely, and the area provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, especially considering its size.

We stayed at Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park

​Highlights of Our Newcastle Adventure


Fighter World

This fighter jet museum was a highlight for our boys. They were thrilled to see the jets up close and learn about their history. Fighter World offers an engaging and educational experience for the whole family.

Caves Beach

Caves Beach boasts a fantastic cafe and a kid-friendly pub/bar, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.

The surf here was excellent, providing plenty of fun for both beginners and seasoned surfers.

Frazer Park

Frazer Park, a remarkable national park, was another highlight. For just $8 per car, you can access stunning beaches and trails. The natural beauty and tranquility of the park make it a must-visit destination.

Merewether Beach and Rock Pools

Merewether Beach is iconic for its stunning views and great surf. The nearby rock pools add a unique element of fun.

With charming cafes and a lively atmosphere, Merewether Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

​Setting up your van

Being a city, it means having the opportunity to get the things you need before heading on an adveture. There are plenty of caravan stores for parts and BCF, Bunnings and Super Cheat Auto are never too far away.

Travel to Newcastle as a family
Travel to Newcastle as a family
Travel to Newcastle as a family

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

Byron Bay

Byron Bay

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

Exploring
Byron Bay

 

New South Wales

For every Australia travel to Byron Bay as a family is a rite of passage. The Eastern most part of the mainland and one of the most unique areas socially and geographically..

Byron Bay is a renowned destination for beach lovers and surfers alike. While we didn’t stay in the heart of Byron Bay, we discovered a fantastic option nearby that we’d love to share with you: Broken Head Holiday Park. Nestled right next to the popular surf beach, this caravan park offers a unique and serene experience. Surrounded by lush trees, it feels like a national park, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

A word of advice: if you’re planning to visit during the summer, make sure to book your spot early, as it tends to get crowded. If you can’t secure a spot in the heart of Byron Bay, don’t worry. Stay where we stayed, 15 minutes down the road at Broken Head.

Where to stay

Broken Head Caravan Park is a hidden gem, nestled between mountains and surrounded by majestic pine trees. This place is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The park exudes a peaceful and beautiful ambiance, making it a perfect retreat for a few days. There’s not much around except for the stunning beach, which is just what we were looking for.

Byron Bay is only a short drive away, giving you the flexibility to dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the town whenever you want. At Broken Head, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful relaxation and the option to explore Byron Bay.

Highlights of Byron Bay

One of the highlights of our stay was the beautiful headland walk. We discovered picturesque beaches and fascinating rock pools, offering endless exploration opportunities for the whole family. If you’re into surfing, the beach at Broken Head is fantastic, and you’ll find great waves when the conditions are right.

Things to do in and around Byron Bay

For families looking for a bit more adventure, we highly recommend visiting the Macadamia Castle. It’s a delightful activity for kids, featuring animals, mini-golf, and more. However, we tend to keep our travel expenses minimal and focus on simple pleasures. With a two- and four-year-old, we find that they enjoy hanging out at the beach just as much as any paid activity.

Travel to Byron Bay as a family is easy, yet remember to take your time. Depending on the time of year, it gets very busy, so keep aware of other drivers.

Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast

by | Jul 13, 2024 | Locations, Queensland

Exploring the
Sunshine Coast

 

Queensland

Travel to the Sunshine Coast as a family, and you’ll discover why it’s Queensland’s third most populous area. This stunning region offers everything from beautiful beaches to an incredible hinterland, making it a perfect destination for a family adventure.

Our Stay in Coolum

During our two-week stay on the Sunshine Coast, we chose to base ourselves in Coolum. This central location was ideal for exploring everything we wanted to see and do. From Coolum, we had easy access to Noosa, the Eumundi Markets, and Mooloolaba. It was also reasonably close to the hinterland areas like Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton.

Highlights of Our Trip

Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park was a standout highlight for us. It’s probably one of the most incredible national parks in Australia, offering amazing surf (although we didn’t catch any waves this time), stunning walks, and breathtaking scenery. The coastal views and diverse wildlife made it a memorable experience for the whole family.

Eumundi Markets

Despite Brad’s general dislike for markets, the Eumundi Markets were a different story. This massive market was not only fun but also offered some of the best food we’ve ever tasted. The variety and quality of the stalls made it a must-visit spot on our trip.

Kondalilla National Park

A visit to Kondalilla National Park was another highlight. The walk to the rock pools is fantastic, and the pools themselves are some of the freshest and most refreshing we’ve ever experienced. It’s a great spot for a family hike and a cool dip in the natural waters.

Getting Around the Sunshine Coast

Getting around the Sunshine Coast with a caravan was relatively easy. However, it’s important to be aware of the traffic, as the area is generally quite built up. Despite this, the well-maintained roads and clear signage made our travels smooth and enjoyable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, travel to the Sunshine Coast as a family, and you’ll find a region that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and fun activities. Whether it’s exploring Noosa National Park, enjoying the Eumundi Markets, or hiking in Kondalilla National Park, the Sunshine Coast provides a memorable and diverse experience for every family member.

 
Guy Surfing at Agnes Water - Coral and Co
Drone beach shot at Agnes Water
Traveling to Agnes Water in a caravan - coral and co
Traveling to Agnes Water in a caravan - coral and co
Female surfing at Agnes Water
Traveling to Agnes Water in a caravan - coral and co
Traveling to Agnes Water in a caravan - coral and co
Traveling to Agnes Water in a caravan - coral and co
Traveling to Agnes Water in a caravan - coral and co
Traveling to Agnes Water in a caravan - coral and co