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.

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.

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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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

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