Relax in nature at these six serene holiday parks in the Northern Rivers
Whether you seek zen or covet adventures in the wild, these Northern Rivers holiday parks provide the perfect base to recharge within fertile valleys, lush rainforest, rolling rivers and long stretches of pristine beach. Â
Perched on the banks of the Richmond River, hugged by coastal bushland and a short walk to the powdery white sand of South Ballina Beach, this waterfront spot bodes well for revitalisation and active pursuits.
The stretch of nearby coast attract surfers and novices alike, you could hire a tinny for river cruising or hike the South Ballina and Tuckeroo Trails. Back at the park, which caters for camping and luxe glamping, families are front of mind with two pools, a playground, kids club, go karts and a wildlife education program. Bookend your days with a coffee from the park’s Turtle Café and a sundowner at Sunset Bar.
This breathtaking mountainous landscape in the Tweed is a prime setting to exhale. Cloaked within a lush green rainforest and bordered by Korrumbyn Creek, Mount Warning Rainforest Park sits at the foot of hulking Wollumbin (Mount Warning), a World Heritage-listed extinct volcano. Join a yoga class, go fishing, try to spot an elusive platypus or venture to quaint towns of the undulating Tweed Valley.
Stay in an eco-cottage or riverside cabin, and spend evenings around a campfire, under a blanket of uninterrupted stars.
Slip between the beauty of beach and rainforest at this Coffs Coast resort wedged between Wedding Bells State Forest — popular for mountain biking and hiking — and Arrawarra Beach, a pristine stretch of coast great for surfing. Here you’ll fill your days without leaving the resort.
There’s a kids ’ club, nine-hole golf course, waterpark, bowls, archery and more. If, or when, you can pull yourself away, the Coffs Coast is brimming with activities, including 25 waterfalls such as Ellenborough Falls (the tallest single drop in NSW at 200 metres), cultural walks in Orara East State Forest, stand-up paddleboarding tours led by local Aboriginal guides, and Australia’s original Big Thing – the Big Banana.
Evans Head is a sleepy coastal town, where laidback escapes brim with sun, sand, sea and seafood. This sprawling park sits at the mouth of Evans River, its currents ripe for kayaking and cruising. It’s a stroll from Airforce Beach, where days can be spent ocean dipping, horse riding and four-wheel driving, and nearby Bundjalung National Park’s three-kilometre Gummigurrah walking track is prime for spotting koalas in the treetops.
Across the river, an easy hike to Razorback Lookout provides stunning turquoise views and the chance to spot whales during migration season. There’s a kids’ playground, riverfront café and kiosk and sleek villas with river views, for those wanting something a little more luxe.
Be at one with the ocean at this waterfront park, quartered within the Lennox National Surfing Reserve, famous for its epic right-hand point break. Let the waves invigorate, upskill on surfing or stroll the sands of Seven Mile Beach, by foot or noble steed.
Across the way, neighbouring Lake Ainsworth, tinted by the fringing tea trees, welcomes stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. A worthy note: Lennox is just a short drive from Byron Bay — close enough for a jaunt but a comfy distance from the hustle and bustle.
Balance serenity with the super-charged at this Wooli park, perched on the banks of the Wooli Wooli River and hugged by national park. Discover a treasure trove of family activities within the park or explore the crystal-clear waters with free kayaks and paddleboards available. Soak up the splash park, mini golf, swimming pool, jumping pillow and a waterslide aptly named the Wooli Wedgie or test your strength on the ninja course.
The Yuraygir National Park — home to kangaroos, whale watching view points and stunning walking tracks — is countered by the Solitary Islands Marine Park, where coral reefs hum with more reef fish, coral and molluscs. Will it be snorkelling, kayaking or wildlife spotting? You decide.
