Family getaways are fun for everyone at holiday parks in NSW. Here are the top kid-friendly spots featuring water slides, mini golf, go-karts, beach and bushland access and more, plus what to see and do nearby.
Umina
About a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort on the Central Coast is all set for a family getaway. Featuring new twin water slides and two swimming pools, there’s also a year-round kids’ club for non-stop fun – not to mention the total beachfront location. Staying here also puts you close to experiences including Treetops Adventure Central Coast, where you can fly along NSW’s longest zipcoaster and climb rope courses for ages three and up. For animal encounters, climb aboard with Terrigal Ocean Tours for whale-, dolphin- and seal-spotting or head to Iris Lodge Alpacas for an unforgettable brunch with the resident alpacas.
Bateau Bay
If you’re seeking a digital detox, Blue Lagoon Beach Resort in Bateau Bay puts you between the ocean and the pristine Wyrrabalong National Park. The protected waters of the bay invite play for all ages and the rockpools along the shore are waiting to be explored. From here you can check out the Strickland State Forest with suspension bridge and an abundance of native animal and plant life, tackle the 8.5km one-way Bouddi Coastal Walk (with smaller sections suited to little legs) or nurture young nature lovers by exploring the Australian Reptile Park where you can book an experience with a koala, cassowary or komodo dragon.
With a huge splash park, a mini golf course, bouncing pillow and more, Ingenia Holidays Bonny Hills in Port Macquarie may just be kid paradise. With the beach steps away and plenty of room to zip around on bikes, this spot with cottages, cabins and powered and unpowered sites is ideal for a North Coast escape. Close to Sea Acres National Park and the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, you’re also not far from the Port Macquarie Observatory for stargazing experiences. For additional fun, visit the amazing Bago Maze then WildNets Adventure Park, which offers more than 100 challenges including ziplines, rock climbing and rope courses.
Pirate adventures await at BIG4 NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Park – the Shipwreck Island water park will see kids playing out all their swashbuckling fantasies. A walk from Trial Bay Beach, this park with cabins, villas, glamping and camping options is immersed in South West Rock’s landscape, so you may spot kangaroos and kookaburras during your stay. There’s also the ‘Shipwrecked’ survival and adventure program for kids, so you’ll find activities for every age. From here you can explore the historic Trial Bay Goal, which opened in 1886 and promises incredible views of the Arakoon National Park from the sentry tower, with nearby Hat Head National Park giving you lots of walking tracks and fishing spots to choose from.
Made for relaxing and reconnecting outdoors, Ballina Beach Nature Resort in Ballina is surrounded by nine hectares of coastal bushland. With a bike track, giant sandpit playground and beachfront access, you’re well situated to find the balance of rest and play. Book in a surf lesson with Lets Go Surfing Ballina (for ages seven and up) or hit the high seas with Fozie’s Fishing Adventures. Don’t miss the mesmerising waters of Lake Ainsworth, which can vary in colour due to the tannins from surrounding paperbark trees.
Kiama’s rolling hills and white sands set the scene for a picture-perfect coastal getaway and BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park caters for the whole family. With a massive heated pool, ‘aquaventure’ park, jumping pillow and lots of space to ride bikes, the park is all about leisure for the little ones. Further afield, you’ll find more fun at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures with a treetop walk or zipline tour and a stand-up paddleboarding lesson with Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour (for ages eight and up) lets the whole family explore the Minnamurra River. You can also hit up the Kiama Farmers’ Market for fresh produce to cook in the camp kitchen (plus all manner of tasty treats), then walk a section of the 20km Kiama Coast Walk to marvel at the stunning coastline and rock formations.
Lake Conjola itself is a natural playground with so many ways to have fun on the water – take your pick from boating, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding or simply splashing in the shallows. Holiday Haven Lake Conjola gives you easy access to all of the above, with additional perks of an outdoor cinema, mega swimming pool, tennis court, splash pad and onsite coffee van (for mum and dad). Staying at this park connects you with even more natural beauty care of the Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track and the Gondwana Coast Fossil Walk – perfect for budding geologists. And the Walking On Water Ulladulla Surf School is ideal for any youngsters with dreams of riding a wave.
No matter the weather, kids are free to swim, slide and splash at Monty Island Oasis, the indoor water park at BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park. With pedal go-karts, jumping pillow, outdoor chess and tennis court on offer too, fun is the order of the day, plus you’re not too far from Narooma itself for bites, brews and ice-creams. While here, the Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness experience will help you connect with Country and sacred dreaming stories of the Yuin people. Introduce your kids to the magic of the ocean with a Squid Squad session with Underwater Safaris, which will teach them the basics of snorkelling at protected Bar Beach. Or you can explore the bush on your mountain bike following the 85km network of Narooma Trails.
Forster
Right on the banks of the Wallamba River, Discovery Parks – Forster is an ideal stop for families who love water activities. Down time after kayaking, water-skiing, fishing or paddleboarding can be spent at the slide-equipped water park or zipping around on a pedal go-kart. Outside the park, you can take a dolphin-spotting tour with Epic Surf Ocean Adventures, with the potential to see whales if you’re in Forster between May and November. Take a hike to the majestic 200m Ellenborough Falls or keep things lowkey with a relaxing day at Forster Main Beach or Tuncurry Rock Pool.
Tea Gardens
If you’re visiting Barrington Coast, BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park near Tea Gardens is a tranquil stop along the way. With newly fitted out modern cabins featuring jetty views, you’re right on the river and within reach of the natural playground that is Port Stephens. The jumping pillow, volleyball court and playground will keep the kids entertained. Explore one of the state’s largest lake systems by kayak, paddleboard or boat – Myall Lakes National Park is a haven of plant and animal life. Lazy Paddles can take you on a guided stand-up paddleboard tour, if you’re keen to make the most of your visit. Or feed stingrays and learn about these incredible creatures up close with Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters.
