THE FORGOTTEN FAMILY HOLIDAY YOU NEED TO REVISIT NOW

BY GEORGIE WATTS

The caravan park has long been an Aussie institution, and most Australians of a certain age would have spent some time holidaying in them over the years. But with the increase in ease and affordability of overseas travel, the popularity of these holiday parks has waned a little. There are families who have not yet experienced the nostalgic magic of these spots, and who might even be hesitant to try them out, particularly if concerned about giving up creature comforts…

As a family, we’ve racked up plenty of miles driving all over this huge country of ours; driving from Sydney to Perth, back and forth to Adelaide, and even from Sydney up past Brissie to Noosa and back. Along the way we’ve stayed in some pretty interesting places, and of course we’ve done plenty of holiday park time.

Most recently we stayed at the newest Reflections Holiday Park in Seal Rocks, and we’re happy to report that it is the best holiday park cabin we have ever stayed at!

Here are a few reasons why we think it is a great first caravan park experience for families…

  • The layout of the cabins is supremely family friendly. The kitchen and living space can be closed off (via a hidden sliding door) to allow life to go on without disturbing sleeping youngsters (or snoozing parents).
  • The close proximity to the beach means no worrying about finding a carpark…you just walk out the front AND THE BEACH IS RIGHT THERE! Handy when travelling with small kids who need all the gear; toys, shelters, multiple towels… and likewise for older children who have surf gear, snorkelling stuff, umbrellas, eskies… The beach is 25 metres from the front porch. Really! We did not get into our car until it was time to leave. So good.

 

  • There is a social lounge area overlooking the playground on one side and the beach on the other, so you can have eyes on small people at all times. If you’re travelling with friends/multiple families this is a top spot to congregate, without having to cram into someones cabin.
  • The cabins are equiped with all the mod cons you have at home! A large fridge and freezer, a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer… a really great, hot shower, and reverse cycle air conditioners! What’s more, the linen is lovely quality, and the bed rooms have two sets of blinds to really block out all the light. Magic! There are tv’s in both bedrooms and also in the living room, and in the living room there is Foxtel! BYO popcorn for family movie night.

  • We felt very safe letting our kids go ‘free range’, to the playground by themselves and to the beach by themselves (they had to ask an adult to go with them if they wanted to swim). In front of the cabins is a nice big lawn where kids played ball games, and just ran around. Entry to the camp grounds is via a coded boom gate, so that added to our sense of security. It felt like the closest thing to our own childhood, and how we were had more freedom to come and go as we pleased…
  • There is loads to do (beach, swims, walks, snorkelling, fishing) but it’s also the perfect spot to just do nothing.
  • The camp ground is not a hotspot for schoolies or young folk; it’s families and serious campers. Theres no loud music, no messy/drunk behaviour, no broken glass.

THE DETAILS

Seal Rocks is a 3.5 hour drive north of Sydney. For more information, click here for more info.

A bit about Georgie Watts:

I’m never not scheming, plotting and planning for my next trip. Always daydreaming of unique destinations & experiences. I LOVE AUSTRALIA, and am determined to see as much of it as possible… I also love many other places, that are not Australia! I am excited by cultural experiences, by food, sights and smells! I am mum to two junior frequent flyers, Wolfie and Kinga. My all time favourite travel companion is my love, Merrick. 

For more of Georgie's tales of adventure, head to her blog http://thewindowseat.net.

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