Coral Bay

Coral Bay

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Western Australia

Exploring
Coral Bay

Western Australia

Coral Bay is a tourist gold mine. I think there would be 200 locals and 2000 tourists at one time, and with a new caravan park being built, this will only expand. Traveling to Coral Bay as a family is worthwhile, even if the cost seems high.

Things to do in Coral Bay.

For those with a 4wd there are two main spots to explore. 5 Fingers Reef is an exceptional snorkeling, swimming and fishing spot and a lot of fun driving to. There is probably one section on the return that is a bit tricky, but if Brad can manage it, most people can. You can go abit further south to Turtle Rock, but there wasn’t much there apart from a lot of fun 4wding.

Oyster Bridge and the Lagoon are north of Coral Bay and are a bit tougher of a drive. There are multiple sections we had to have multiple attempts on BUT it was well worth it in the end. Both spots have amazing snorkeling and swimming (no fishing) and are worth doing a full day at.

There is so much on offer if your wallet is full and your up for adventure. Boat tours, diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boats, ATV’s and more.

Getting to Coral Bay.

This is an easy drive from both directions, with a turn off the highway and easy drive into town.

Things to know.

Coral Bay is expensive. The fuel is expensive. Groceries are more expensive than Exmouth (no idea why). So budget accordingly. Once your there though, you may never want to leave. So if your driving from Carnavon or Exmouth, stock up.

The bakery is a treasure. Good food. Decent coffee. The local pizza place does great pizza too.

Traveling to Coral Bay as a family was one on the spots list we had to tick. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Exmouth

Exmouth

by | Aug 13, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
Exmouth

Western Australia

Exmouth, Western Australia, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and families alike. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary marine life, it offers an unparalleled experience for those traveling to Exmouth as a family. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone looking to unwind amidst nature, Exmouth has something for everyone.

Where We Stayed

During our time in Exmouth, we had the pleasure of staying in various locations that perfectly suited our family’s needs. We began our journey by settling into a spot just south of Exmouth on the East side, recommended by a friend of a friend. This location became our home for the first week and the final three weeks of our trip. It offered a peaceful retreat close enough to the town while still allowing us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Off Grid Adventures

For a more adventurous experience, we also spent six nights at Osprey and five nights at Mesa campgrounds within the Cape Range National Park. These off-grid sites were a dream come true for snorkelling enthusiasts. We swam with turtles, explored vibrant coral reefs, and enjoyed fishing and easy access to boat and diving tours. The proximity to these activities made our stay truly unforgettable.

Things to Do in Exmouth

Exmouth offers an abundance of activities, from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to canyon hikes that reveal stunning vistas. Families will love the diversity of experiences available, with something for every budget. While Exmouth is known for its premium-priced activities and accommodations, there are still plenty of affordable options for those looking to enjoy this spectacular destination without breaking the bank.

The town itself is RV-friendly, with ample dump points and a convenient water filling station (just 5c per litre). However, due to its remote location, be prepared to pay a premium for essentials like petrol and groceries. Despite this, we found a gem in the Whalebone Brewery, where we enjoyed incredible food, great drinks, and surprisingly reasonable prices—a welcome break from the typical high costs in the area.

Getting around Exmouth

Getting around Exmouth is a breeze, thanks to its small-town layout designed with tourists in mind. Towing a caravan or maneuvering an RV here is far easier compared to similar tourist hotspots on the East Coast.

Traveling to Exmouth as a family is an experience like no other. With its unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities, it’s a destination that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour

by | Jul 31, 2024 | New South Wales

Exploring
Longford

Tasmania

Coffs Harbour is where Ella and I grew up, so if there is any place we know best, it is here. Traveling to Coffs Harbour as a family offers a unique opportunity to explore a town rich in natural beauty, fantastic caravan parks, and a plethora of activities for all ages. Let’s break it down.

North of Coffs Harbour

One of our favorite spots is Darlington Park, which we consider one of the top caravan parks in Australia. This park is packed with activities and is conveniently close to Arrawarra for surfing and Woolgoolga for shopping, cafés, and beach life. The epic playground at Woolgoolga is a must-visit for the kids, providing hours of fun and entertainment.

In Coffs Harbour

In the heart of Coffs Harbour, we love staying at the Big 4 Holiday Park, which is close to the beach and Park Beach Reserve. This park boasts a large pool with waterslides, a games room, and a massive enclosed common area, making it perfect for family fun.

When it comes to activities, there is plenty to see and do around Coffs Harbour. The Big Banana is a classic family attraction offering a day full of fun. For indoor play, especially on windy or rainy days, the Playhouse is an excellent option with its large play areas. Brelsford Park is another fantastic spot, featuring a great playground and a large field for ball sports. There’s also a skate park nearby for older kids.

If you’re up for a little adventure, head west to explore the incredible swimming holes in Coramba and Nana Glen. Our family favorite is the Friday Creek swimming hole, which offers a refreshing and scenic escape.

Beaches in Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour has no shortage of beautiful beaches. For family time, our top picks are Jetty Beach and Diggers Beach to the south. Moonee Beach, with its great creek for swimming and water play, is another fantastic option.

South of Coffs Harbour

To the south of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell is a must-visit. This charming village, with its amazing beaches and vibrant community, is where Ella and I spent our childhood. Boambee Bay Reserve is perfect for family time, offering swimming, fishing, picnics, and play areas. Southies Rock Pool and Bonville Creek are also incredible spots to spend the day with family. You can even enjoy pizzas on the headland starting from late afternoons on weekends.

Traveling to Coffs Harbour as a family is an unforgettable experience. With its mix of beautiful beaches, fantastic parks, and countless family-friendly activities, Coffs Harbour is an incredible town. We love our home, and we hope you enjoy it when you stay.

Streaky Bay

Streaky Bay

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Locations, South Australia

Exploring
Longford

Tasmania

Streaky Bay, a picturesque coastal town located in the southwest of South Australia, offers a delightful escape for families seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. With its charming cafés and essential services like IGA and FoodWorks, Streaky Bay is not only perfect for a family holiday but also a great spot to stock up on supplies before heading across the Nullarbor. Here’s a glimpse into our family adventure while traveling to Streaky Bay as a family.

A Stay at Discovery Park

Our home base in Streaky Bay was the Discovery Park, perfectly situated right on the beach. This location made it ideal for swimming and fishing, allowing us to make the most of the beautiful coastal setting. The park itself was very family-friendly, featuring a small park, a playroom, and a kids’ room that kept our children entertained. For more fun, there was a larger playground within walking distance, ensuring plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy.

Exploring the Rugged Coastline

One of the highlights of our trip was exploring the rugged coastline surrounding Streaky Bay. We started with a visit to the Whistling Rocks, a fascinating natural phenomenon where the ocean waves create a whistling sound as they push through the rocks. Nearby, Hally’s Beach offered a serene spot to enjoy the stunning views and relax on the sand. We also ventured to Tractor Beach and Yanerbie, both offering breathtaking landscapes and unique coastal experiences.

Adventures in the Sand Dunes

South of Streaky Bay, we discovered the impressive sand dunes, a geographical standout in the region. These towering dunes provided endless fun for the whole family. We spent hours climbing, sliding, and simply marveling at the vast sandy landscape. It was an unforgettable adventure that added a touch of excitement to our coastal holiday.

A Unique Experience at Perlubie Beach

Our exploration didn’t stop there. We headed north to Perlubie Beach, a unique destination where we could camp right at the water’s edge. The pristine beach and tranquil waters created a perfect setting for a family picnic and a day of relaxation. The novelty of camping so close to the shoreline was a highlight of our trip, making it a memorable experience for everyone.

Traveling to Streaky Bay as a family was a truly enriching experience. The combination of stunning natural beauty, family-friendly accommodations, and a variety of activities made it an ideal destination for us. Whether it was playing on the beach, exploring the rugged coastline, or enjoying the unique charm of Perlubie Beach, Streaky Bay provided countless opportunities for making lasting memories. For any family looking for a coastal getaway filled with adventure and relaxation, Streaky Bay is a perfect choice.

Nullarbor

Nullarbor

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
The Nullarbor

Tasmania

Like any rational person living in Australia, we had some queries (or straight-out anxiety) about crossing the Nullarbor. It’s one of the most significant challenges for anyone doing a lap or traveling from the East to the West Coast, but it’s easier than you think it will be. With proper planning, traveling across the Nullarbor as a family can be a breeze. Here’s how we did it.

Fuel Planning

Fuel is a critical concern when traversing the Nullarbor. To ensure you make it across, you need to:

  1. Know your vehicle’s range on a full tank: Calculate how far you can drive before needing to refuel.
  2. Research fuel stop hours: Make sure they align with your travel plans.
  3. Use apps like Fuel Spy: This can help you save some dollars along the way, as fuel prices can be steep.

Adding a can of fuel for the trip might be a good idea, but with careful planning, it’s unnecessary. However, having one could make you someone else’s hero if they run out of fuel.

Food Options

For lunches, we pre-made chicken and rice wraps, which our kids call burritos. For dinners, we pre-made pasta and heated it up at each stop. This approach saved water for washing up, time cooking, and made the trip food-wise a breeze. We also had plenty of snacks for both days.

You could eat at the roadhouses, but for a family, it gets quite expensive. Remember, you’ll need to dump all your fruits and veggies before the border, so eat those as snacks before heading into WA.

Do You Need a UHF Radio?

The short answer is no. Ours broke beforehand. Despite the amount of traffic, especially road trains, there is plenty of empty, straight road for overtaking. Using your indicator to signal when it’s safe for trucks to overtake is sufficient.

How Much iPad Time for the Kids?

We aimed for the first 3-4 hours without iPads. After lunch, they could watch a movie or two, which helped keep them entertained during the long stretches.

Duration of the Trip

With young kids (under 5), you’ll likely need a minimum of 2 nights, depending on where you start and end. When we traveled from Streaky Bay to Perth, we realized it would have been better to do 3 nights. Here’s a breakdown of our journey:

Day 1: Streaky Bay to Eucla (7 hours)

  • Filled up at Streaky Bay.
  • Stopped at Caiguna for a toilet break and stretch.
  • Stopped at Yalata for fuel.
  • Filled up again at Eucla.

We camped for free near the beach at Eucla. This part of the trip was the best as we hugged the coastline, experiencing some truly unique parts of Australia.

Day 2: Eucla to Norseman (7 hours)

  • Fueled up at Caiguna and Balladonia.

We stayed at a free camp 5 km before Norseman. This was the most monotonous part of the trip—very straight, very boring, with not much to see.

Day 3: Norseman to Perth (10 hours)

  • Fueled up at Norseman.
  • Stopped for lunch and fuel at Southern Cross.
  • Fueled up at Kellerberrin to ensure we had enough for Perth.

This was the longest leg of the trip, but it was more enjoyable than the day before. The first three-quarters of the drive had varying scenery and less straight roads. About 90 minutes out of Perth, the traffic increased, and we had to be more driver aware as we reentered civilization.

Traveling across the Nullarbor as a family is a big task, but it’s not insurmountable. It’s a true adventure and one we’re excited to do again on our way back to the east coast, this time leaving from Esperance and stopping at Fowler’s Point to cut down the travel time. The Nullarbor is more than just a road—it’s an experience, and with the right preparation, it can be an unforgettable journey for the whole family.

Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay

by | Jul 30, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Wineglass Bay

Tasmania

Traveling to Coles Bay as a family is a must as it is the base for all things Freycinet National Park.

Coles Bay, a charming town on the east coast of Tasmania. It is the gateway to the breathtaking Freycinet National Park. Coles Bay is quaint with essential services, but its natural wonders draw thousands of tourists annually. Our family’s stay at the Big4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park was the perfect base for exploring this stunning area.

Accommodation

We stayed at the Big4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park, which provided excellent family-friendly facilities. Its proximity to local cafes and the general store was a plus, making it convenient to grab a quick coffee or essentials before heading out for the day’s adventures.

Wineglass Bay

One of the must-see spots in Freycinet National Park is Wineglass Bay. The walk to the lookout was quite an undertaking for our family, taking about an hour with some steep sections. For families with older children, the hike down to the beach adds another hour or so, but it’s worth every minute. The view from the lookout is iconic, and the beach itself is a stunning reward for those who make the journey.

Friendly Beaches

A short drive north from Coles Bay brings you to Friendly Beaches, a fantastic spot for surfing. Sadly, the camping area was burnt down when we visite. The beach remains one of the best in the region. Its pristine sands and clear waters make it a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Honeymoon Bay

Honeymoon Bay quickly became our favorite spot. After a short drive and walk, we found ourselves in a picturesque bay perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The tranquil waters and vibrant marine life make it an ideal location for a family outing.

Sleepy Bay

The walk down to Sleepy Bay was about 30 minutes with the kids, and it turned out to be a fun and engaging trail. This beach stands out for its unique features compared to other beaches in the area. It offers a different kind of adventure for the kids to enjoy.

More Nature Adventures

It is limiting what a family can achieve with small children.
If you can do more, there is so much more to do around Freycinet National Park. From cruises and hikes to mountain climbs and camping spots, there’s no shortage of nature adventures. For those with older kids or a bit more flexibility, doing some research can reveal even more spectacular areas to explore.

Tips for Traveling with a Caravan

Getting into Coles Bay was relatively straightforward, but navigating the town with a caravan can be tricky due to narrow roads. It’s essential to know where you can and can’t go while towing, as access to Freycinet National Park doesn’t allow caravans.

Traveling to Coles Bay as a family was a memorable experience filled with natural beauty and adventure. Whether you’re tackling the steep paths to Wineglass Bay, surfing at Friendly Beaches, or snorkeling in the serene waters of Honeymoon Bay, Coles Bay offers something special for every family. The town’s simplicity contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of its natural surroundings, making it a perfect destination for family travel.