Summer on the South Coast
Slow down this summer with a break on the NSW’s South Coast, a region just north of the Victorian border and close enough to Canberra and Sydney for a short weekend getaway. This classic seaside destination boasts many of the country’s most beautiful beaches, some with squeaky white sand and calm turquoise bays, others claiming incredible surf breaks, and a favourite lounging spot for eastern grey kangaroos. Backed by rolling hinterland, with kilometres of bush and coastal tracks, the South Coast is a natural playground, dotted with sleepy seaside villages and towns, as well as farm gates and wineries surrounded by bucolic scenery. Book yourself a spot at one of these South Coast holiday parks this summer.
Fringed by national park and sapphire sea lapping onto the sand, Tathra Beach Eco Camp is all about nature immersion, just three hours from Canberra. Ride uncrowded waves, glide around on a paddle board, head into the bush for some mountain biking or tackle the epic 27-kilometre Wharf to Wharf Walk that traces the coast along cliffs, bays and isolated beaches. Nestled among eucalypts, the bespoke accommodation at this eco camp is the very definition of glamping, particularly the brand-new ultra-comfortable Black Cockatoo cabins, which sleep up to six and feature full kitchens, stone bathrooms and a deck with wide stacker doors. There’s also rustic yet luxe safari tents, architecturally designed two-person ‘Gumnut Pods’, or bring your tent or caravan to completely unplug on a shady, unpowered site. When you can tear yourself away from this tranquil haven, head to town to snorkel the historic 1860s Tathra Wharf, which is also home to a charming café, or sample some of the region’s celebrated seafood, such as Tathra oysters.
The local eastern grey kangaroos know a good thing when they find one: you’ll regularly spot them lazing about on the unspoiled stretch of sand directly out the front of this holiday resort. Wedged between bush and beach in South Durras, a two-hour drive from Canberra and less than four from Sydney, this park is a favourite for families, given its prime position for swimming, surfing, beachcombing and fishing. The lagoon-style pool, pedal karts and playground are a pleasant bonus. Accommodation ranges from contemporary beachfront villas to African-style safari tents and spacious sites. And while there are BBQs for quintessential camp cook-ups, the on-site bistro and takeaway shop are an attractive prospect for delicious meals that you don’t have to prepare or clean up yourself!
Just minutes from Batemans Bay, Clyde View Holiday Park is what classic summer holidays are made of. Less than two hours from Canberra, the region boasts two national parks, 80-plus beaches and the Clyde River, making it a natural playground for coastal walks, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing. Grab a map from reception for the Eurobodalla Food Trail to seek out fresh food markets and farm gates and to sample some of the region’s famous seafood. Just a stone’s throw from the park, Berny’s at Batehaven is a local fish and chip shop that has been serving local oysters for more than 50 years. The park has a range of villas and powered sites, including beachfront options with views of Corrigans Beach and towards the 20 islands that dot the region’s coast.
Located on the serene shores of Lake Conjola, this holiday park ticks all the boxes for everyone in your travel camp. Fishing enthusiasts, boaties and kayakers are spoilt for choice with the lakeside locale, which is also popular for waterskiing and pedal boats. Wildlife lovers should keep their eye out for local eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, black swans and herons. And families will have their cup filled with the mini golf course, pool and water playground, jumping pillow, indoor play area, kids’ club and games area. Less than three hours from Sydney and two from Canberra, the park’s accommodation ranges from powered sites to lakeview and lakefront villas, including the unique Lagoon Lodges, which seemingly hover on the edge of the park’s lagoon.
Tucked away in Bawley Point, some 2.5 hours from Canberra, this beachfront holiday park is a dreamy spot for summer breaks. At the mouth of a creek where it runs into the ocean, the setting is not only a beauty, it’s brilliant for families with small kids who can splash about safely and enjoy wide stretches of sand to run about. It’s a tug-o-war between the natural waterways and the park’s resort-style swimming pool and waterslide though, where there can be endless hours of fun. Young ones are also spoilt with the jumping pillow, mini golf and a kids’ activity centre. The contemporary coastal-style accommodation is a drawcard with options that can sleep up to eight people, from premium beachfront villas where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of waves to poolside villas, as well as campsites set under tall gum trees.
Just 3.5 hours south of Sydney and 2.5 from Canberra, the postcard-pretty stretch of sand named Merry Beach is a favourite spot for some very chilled-out kangaroos. Some clued-up humans are also inclined to flock here during the summer months, to swim, surf, fish and unwind. The holiday park has a range of accommodation, from simple cabins to beach houses with ocean views, as well as both powered and unpowered sites just steps from the sand so you can roll out of your sleeping bag and practically into the sea. The park is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry mate along, and there’s also a swimming pool, jumping pillow and playground for the little campers.
