8 top spots to go camping with the family
If you're setting up the tent or caravan this Christmas break, whether it’s for a couple of days or the whole school break, choose a holiday park that will keep the whole family happy.
We’ve picked out 8 of the state's most beautiful camping spots, starting with:
Brunswick Heads
Life doesn’t get much better than when you’re at Brunswick Heads. Whether you stay at Reflections Holiday Parks Massy Greene, Terrace Reserve or Ferry Reserve it’s the kind of holiday park where the car stays put with the beach, river, cafes and restaurants all just a short walk away.
There’s loads of activities to keep the kids out of your hair but to really wear them out take a trek up Mt. Warning and be rewarded with some spectacular views. Brunswick also happens to have one of the best pubs in the area, Hotel Brunswick, and an interesting food and coffee scene. Fleet is one to book a table at, try some specialty coffee at Table Viewand for the vegans Yami is the place to be.
If you want to explore a little further afield Byron is only 20 mins up the road as are some other coastal gems like Pottsville, Lennox Head and Cabarita.
Clarkes Beach
Whilst we have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Byron Bay these days, it can get crazy busy in the summer holidays, we're drawn to it and all it has to offer. If you’d still like to make Byron your base, but keen to keep clear of all the touristy buzz Clarkes Beach is the perfect solution.
Situated just outside of the town but still within walking distance and at the foot of the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the Holiday Park is just steps away from what is pretty much your own private beach and the stunning Beach Byron Bay.
With loads of boutiques, restaurants and cafes in Byron you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your money, however a visit to Byron must include breakfast or lunch, or both, at Three Ducks Blue at The Farm. This place is insanely good looking and good tasting.
Lennox Head
This seaside village has the best of everything; surf, hikes, pubs, restaurants, cafes and that relaxed beachside lifestyle that allows you to switch off.
Only a short stroll from the Holiday Park is the Lennox Head Boardwalk, perfect for stretching the legs before your morning coffee at Williams St. For a relaxing day out pack a picnic and head to Lake Ainsworth, or Tea Tree Lake. Located at the northern end of Lennox’s main beach, it’s believed that the supernatural oils, contained within the tea trees that surround the lake, ooze their way into the water with the tea known to revitalise and refresh your skin.
Image credit Katie McKnoulty from Tea Tree Lake
Just a short drive from Ballina, Byron or even Brissy, it’s easy to take a day trip if you’re in need of a different scene.
Mylestom
Mylestom is what you call a little coastal gem. Not only does Mylestom have beautiful beaches, lakes and a stunning tidal pool, meaning you can leave the car keys in your bag, it also happens to be at the epi-centre of just about everything else.
Whilst Coffs is only 20 mins up the road there’s so much more to see in the area you probably won’t even bother heading to the Big Banana. First on the day trip list is a drive to Bellingen with The Old Butter Factory, Bellingen Gelato and The Bellingen Brewery & Co.all being must visits.
Then there’s Waterfall Way and its 185kms of waterfalls, rainforests, spectacular National Parks and beautiful country towns. From Mylestom just head west and travel along what has been voted as one of the best scenic drives in NSW.
Boambee Creek Reserve
Switching off is what you do at Reflections Holiday Park at Boambee Creek Reserve. The peaceful setting offers nothing but relaxation and a chance to reconnect with all those things you don’t ordinarily do. Walks along the beach, daily BBQ’s in the outdoor dining area and paddle boarding in the shallows of the creek.
If you’re feeling a little over relaxed take a drive to the Sawtell for a coffee and a delicious something at Treeo followed by a dip in the Sawtell Rock Pools.
Bonny Hills
Situated literally opposite Rainbow Beach, whether you’re pitching your tent or staying in a cabin, at Bonny Hills you wake up to ocean views and the sounds of the surf every morning.
It's easy to get active every day with the beach and Dooragan National Park right on your doorstep, or if you prefer a more relaxed approach grab the camp chairs and catch the passing parade of migrating whales if the seasons right. With Port Macquarie only 20 minutes drive away you’ve never too far from quality coffee, restaurants and bars, there’s even a brewery!
Port’s got loads to offer these days and has become a foodies paradise, The Stunned Mullet with its beach views and extraordinary menu makes for the ideal long lunch venue.
Jimmys Beach
If you like your water beyond blue and sand that goes on for days then Reflections Holiday Parks at Jimmys Beach is the place for you. The natural bush setting that comes with loads of shade, handy on those hot summer days, also doubles as home to all the local wildlife, best yet there’s a communal campfire to enjoy some your toasted marshmallows of an evening.
When it comes to the accommodation there are cabins, caravans and even a glamping option for those who like it a little fancy, but for something different set your tent up on the beachfront location.
It’s all about getting amongst nature at Jimmy’s Beach with a walk through Mungo Rainforest and up to Yacaaba Headland both being a must. Jimmy’s Beach is also just a short drive from Tea Gardens which means lunch, or dinner, at Tillermans at least once on your visit. The ferry to Port Stephens makes for a great day trip, the relaxing hour trip also doubles nicely as a dolphin spotting cruise.
Killalea Reserve
If you’re done heading north and would like some new scenery, turn the car south and make your first stop at Killalea Reserve located within the Reflections Holiday Park.
One for the surfers with popular surf breaks Mystics (or Minnamurra) and The Farm just a walk away Killalea is also the land of green pastures. An hour drive south of Sydney it allows you to get away but is still close enough should you need your big city fix.
This beautiful seaside village also comes with its very own markets, The Farm’s Markets are held on the first Sunday of each month. Located within the Reflections Killalea Reserve and overlooking the ocean the markets have become a one-stop shop for fresh food, produce and fashion.
We've only scratched the surface with these Holiday Park selections, there's loads more to consider on the South Coast and for more caravanning, cabin and camping holiday location ideas head to Reflections Holiday Parks to start making your holiday plans.