BEST NSW

FAMILY

Holiday Parks

Holiday parks are the ultimate choice for family fun in New South Wales! In this issue, we reveal the most family-friendly caravan and cabin stays across the state, as voted by Out & About with Kids readers.

Opening image: An aerial view of BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park in Kiama © NEG photography

BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park

Kiama, South Coast

The votes are in! BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park is the state’s best family-friendly holiday park for 2024, according to Out & About with Kids readers.

It’s easy to see why kids and parents love this Kiama holiday park: picture waking up to the beautiful Easts Beach right on your doorstep, minutes from family-friendly attractions like Illawarra Fly and Jamberoo Action Park.

But the water park fun doesn’t stop there – BIG4 Easts Beach’s heated Aquaventure Park will delight kids for hours with slides, a giant tipping bucket and shaded toddler’s area. Add two outdoor playgrounds, an on-site cafe and fabulous kids’ club, and this may just be the perfect South Coast getaway.

Images: Sunny's Aquaventure Park, The pool, Kids at Easts Beach

2

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

Umina Beach, Central Coast

Only 90 minutes from Sydney, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort has a plethora of family-friendly accommodation options. Stay your way in a self-contained loft, villa, cottage or pet-friendly van site – or for something different, take your clan clamping in a Safari Tent, Treehouse, or luxe ‘Glamtainer’ (all of which sleep a family of four). After all, who says a kid-friendly ‘adventure holiday’ can’t have all the modern mod cons?

At NRMA Ocean Beach, the perks just keep coming: a year-round kids’ club, heated pool and spa, waterslide, adventure playground, jumping pillows and games room. The calm, shallow waters of Umina Beach are made for paddling, and with the Ocean Breeze café on hand, this is a destination that parents will adore too.

Image: NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

North Star Holiday Resort

Between the tranquil Hastings Point beach, crystal-clear tidal estuary, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, you’ll have no trouble filling your days at North Star Holiday Resort.

Of course, this eco-resort in the Tweed delivers what every kid wants on holiday: an absolutely enormous water park. But there are more family-friendly delights to discover across the 10-hectare park, like the educational Marine Discovery Centre, full of interactive exhibits about our ocean ecosystems.

School holiday activities at Neptune’s Kids’ Club let parents take their choice of ‘vacation vacation’ – a relaxed meal at licensed restaurant Ripples, or an afternoon relaxing at Seascape, the resort’s adults-only retreat (featuring a 25-metre lap pool, temperature-controlled spas, sauna and gym).

Images: The view from the top of the super slides, Meals at Ripples Cafe, An aerial view of North Star Holiday Resort

4

Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort

Yamba, Clarence Valley

Looking for a peaceful riverside getaway? Head to family favourite Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort in the laid-back northern NSW town of Yamba to spend your days fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking and bushwalking.

It’s almost the Yamba beach holiday from your childhood memories, with more than a few modern perks: a pump track, 18 holes of mini golf, climbing wall and water park, complete with a billabong slide and giant tipping bucket. All this is just a short stroll from Yamba’s beach, shops and cafes. And speaking of convenience – the pool complex includes a swim-up bar overlooking the kids’ water park, ensuring everybody has a great time.

Images: Aerial shot of the pools and water park

Holiday Haven Culburra Beach

Shoalhaven Region, South Coast

Deciding between a family camping trip and hassle-free resort stay? You’ll find the right balance of outdoor fun and convenience at Holiday Haven Culburra Beach, about 22 kilometres southeast of Nowra.

Nestled between Culburra Beach and the waters of Lake Wollumboola, the park’s peaceful bush surroundings guarantee a refreshing family getaway. Kids can stay active from dawn to dusk with sandy shores just steps away, a playground with flying foxes, mini golf, cricket pitch and a heated pool complex to enjoy year-round.

And if you’re keen on family fishing trips, take note – Holiday Haven Culburra Beach has unbeatable access to some of Australia’s best deepwater and estuarine fishing areas.

Images: An aerial view of Culburra © Andy Hutchinson, Family at the pool

6

BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park

Tweed Heads, North Coast

Discover the natural beauty of Australia’s ‘Green Cauldron’ at BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park. The park’s tidal saltwater billabong is a stunning natural centrepiece – one where kids can swim, paddle and fish to their hearts’ content.

A themed water park also lets families interact with local Tweed landmarks in a whole new way; junior guests can waterslide down Mt Warning-Wollumbin, get drenched by a tipping bucket inspired by rocky Fingal Head, and splash in the toddler zone featuring colourful Cook Island marine life.

When it’s time for a break, the modern camp kitchen and lounge is a great place to relax (while kids run amok on the nearby adventure playground). Not your average amenities block, it even features a fireplace and stunning waterfront deck.

Image: BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park

NRMA Darlington Holiday Resort

Coffs Coast

Kids will love waking up to kangaroos and wallabies on their doorstep at eco-friendly NRMA Darlington Beach Resort & Holiday Park. Spanning almost 45 hectares of coastal rainforest, it’s the ideal base to explore Gumbaynggirr country.

Once you’ve settled into your comfortable cabin, caravan or campsite, yilaami (come along) on a bush tucker SUP adventure or walking tour with First Nations guides, take in the views from Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) and try traditional crafts at the Yarrawarra Cultural Centre, just 10 minutes from the resort.

As well as pristine Arrawarra Beach, NRMA Darlington Beach boasts an archery range, water park, pump track, licensed on-site café, year-round kids’ club and a nine-hole golf course.

Images: A family toasting marshmallows, Darlington Beach, Family at the pool

8

BIG4 NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort

Mid North Coast

There are countless ways for families to reconnect at BIG4 NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort, about an hour from Port Macquarie. Gather your crew for a round of Sharkey’s Putt Putt mini golf, go canoeing on the lagoon, visit historic Trial Bay Goal, or take a walk to family-friendly Trial Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Shipwreck Island Water Park provides hours of fun as kids climb the crow’s nest, dodge the water cannons, and hide out in towering Skull Cave. For more immersive outdoor fun, sign up for SHIPWRECKED by Bear Grylls Survival Academy, a kid-friendly adventure program exclusive to NRMA Holiday Parks.

Images: NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort

Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads

South Coast

Bordered by Seven Mile Beach and the Shoalhaven River, Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads might be the ‘tree change’ you need this year. This South Coast destination near Jervis Bay is the kind of place where treasured memories are made; little ones learn to fish, surf and kayak, and evenings end with outdoor movies under the stars.

Take your pick of shady riverbank campsites and self-contained waterfront villas, each with a private deck to soak up all that natural serenity. All kinds of families are accommodated here – the Dunes complex of ten two-bedroom cabins is perfect for reunion trips, and pets are welcome outside peak seasons.

10

NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Park

Sapphire Coast

It’s no wonder that NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort is a magnet for families – for one, it’s only three hours’ drive from Canberra. Kids’ club activities run all year round here, which is a major win for parents too. But it’s the great selection of family-friendly accommodation that makes this park truly special.

Big families will love the ocean-view villas that sleep up to eight people, while glamping-style Safari Tents are perfect for a family of four. Wherever you stay, you can make the most of the resort’s fabulous amenities: a pool, playground, jumping pillow, pedal karts, and even a pizza oven. E-bikes are available to hire, so you can explore Merimbula’s many attractions in eco-friendly style.

Image: Splash park fun at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort

NSW’S BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY PARKS

Travelling with your furry family members? Dog-friendly caravan and camping sites are available at Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads and select NRMA holiday resorts, including Ocean Beach, Merimbula Beach, South West Rocks and Darlington Beach. For pet-friendly cabins and villas, head to Blue Dolphin Yamba, NRMA Darlington Beach, BIG4 NRMA South West Rocks or Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads.

Note: Check each park’s pet policy, as conditions apply, including restrictions during peak times (like school holidays).

Images: Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads, NRMA Merimbula Beach