Boat Harbour

Boat Harbour

by | Jul 29, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Boat Harbour

Tasmania

Boat Harbour is one of the most incredible beaches, not just in Tasmania but in all of Australia. Nestled down a steep hill, this hidden gem offers a slice of paradise. This contrasts the usual rocky, uneven coastline typical of Northern Tasmania. Traveling to Boat Harbour as a family promises a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery.

The Hidden Gem of Tasmania’s North

Unlike much of the Northern Tasmanian coastline, which can be rugged and less inviting, Boat Harbour stands out with its pristine sands and clear waters. The small town of Boat Harbour is tucked away, providing a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While you’ll need to do your grocery shopping down the road at Burnie, once you’re settled in, you might find it hard to leave this coastal haven.

Activities and Adventures

Boat Harbour isn’t just about stunning views; it also offers a range of activities to keep the whole family entertained. We enjoyed mostly flat, beautiful days perfect for snorkeling and fishing. However, the area is also known for its surf, with waves rolling in when conditions are right.

The beach features a great café and a playground, providing a perfect spot for a relaxing day out. For those seeking more adventure, a trip to Sisters Beach offers more exploration opportunities. If you visit during the right time of year, the Tulip Farm at Table Cape, about 20 minutes east of Boat Harbour, is a must-see with its vibrant blooms.

Staying at Boat Harbour Beach Holiday Park

Our stay at the Boat Harbour Beach Holiday Park was a highlight of our trip. Although getting onto our site required some tricky driving and reversing our caravan up a hill. The stunning views made it all worthwhile. For those less inclined towards such challenges, easier sites are available. The park’s facilities were good, and it was a short walk down the hill to the beach. However, the steep walk back up led us to drive down most of the time.

Getting There

Reaching Boat Harbour involves a scenic drive down the highway, followed by a turn-off and a steep descent into the town. The road narrows significantly, so it’s important to take it easy and drive carefully.

Traveling to Boat Harbour as a family was an unforgettable experience, combining the serenity of a hidden beach paradise with various activities and adventures. Whether it’s snorkeling in calm waters, catching a wave, or exploring nearby attractions, Boat Harbour offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to create lasting memories in one of Tasmania’s most beautiful coastal towns.

Robe

Robe

by | Jul 29, 2024 | Locations, South Australia

Exploring
Robe

South Australia

Robe, situated as the primary town on the Limestone Coast, is an attractive destination for families traveling for a few key reasons. With its charming small-town atmosphere, Robe offers some of the best bakeries, cafes, and serene beaches. The town’s population more than quadruples during holiday periods due to its allure of peaceful living, so it’s best to head to Robe outside of school holidays for a more relaxed experience. We have made traveling to Robe as a family a little easier with the below suggestions.

Staying at Sea Vu Caravan Park

When it comes to accommodation, Robe has several caravan parks to choose from. We opted for Sea Vu Caravan Park, which provided us with easy walking access to shops, the beach, and the main playground in town. The convenience of this location made our stay enjoyable and stress-free, allowing us to explore the area without the need for extensive driving.

Beach Adventures and 4WD Fun

If you have a 4WD, heading down to Long Beach for some beach driving is a must. The beach was remarkably calm during our visit, making it perfect for swimming and surfing. The thrill of driving on the sand added an adventurous twist to our beach day.

Robe’s rugged coastline is dotted with intriguing features like the Obelisk and the lighthouse. These landmarks are perfect for a family exploration, providing both historical context and stunning views. For an added dose of adventure, 4WD down Evans Creek Road to navigate the dunes and check out the Southern beaches of Robe.

Savoring Local Flavors

No trip to Robe is complete without a visit to the local bakery, which has been running since 1884. Grabbing a pie here is not just a treat but a way to support a piece of Robe’s history. The bakery’s offerings are a testament to the town’s enduring charm and culinary tradition.

Navigating the Roads

The drive to Robe from Mt Gambier, and when leaving to head west, requires some caution. The roads are tight, which made us a little apprehensive at first. However, they aren’t too busy, which is a relief. It’s important to stay alert, especially since we almost had an encounter with a moose on our way from Robe.

Traveling to Robe as a family was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, relaxation, and delightful discoveries. From the charming Sea Vu Caravan Park to the thrilling beach drives and historic landmarks, Robe offers a perfect blend of activities that cater to all ages. As you plan your visit, remember to savor the local flavors and stay cautious on the roads, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.

Torquay

Torquay

by | Jul 28, 2024 | Locations, Victoria

Exploring
Torquay

Victoria

Torquay, the first stop on your Great Ocean Road adventure, is a picturesque surf village about 20 minutes south of Geelong. With all the necessities available closer to Geelong and world-class beaches at your doorstep,  traveling to Torquay as a family is an excellent idea.

Staying at Breamlea Caravan Park

We chose to stay at Breamlea Caravan Park, located just five minutes east of Torquay. Our ten-day stay was perfect for its central location, allowing easy access to my work in Geelong and trips to Torquay, Anglesea, and Lorne. Additionally, the park was significantly cheaper than those in the nearby towns, making it an economical choice for families.

Surfing and Beach Fun

Torquay, Anglesea, and Lorne are renowned for their incredible surfing spots. We enjoyed hitting the waves at Point Impossible, Main Beach Torquay, and the iconic Bells Beach. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner, these beaches offer something for everyone.

Playground Adventures

Our kids had a blast at the playgrounds in both Torquay and Lorne. These massive free-play style parks provided endless entertainment, with new friends to meet and adventurous games to play. The playgrounds were a highlight of our trip, offering a perfect blend of fun and relaxation.

The Australia National Surfing Museum was an absolute treat and had lots of interactive opportunities for the kids to experience and learn through action.

Scenic Lookouts and Waterfalls

One of the most beautiful spots we visited was Point Addis, which boasts a raw and stunning lookout and beach to explore. Another highlight was Erskine Falls, located west of Lorne. The walk to the falls was enjoyable and gave us a chance to immerse ourselves in nature and explore with the kids.

The Great Ocean Road Drive

Driving along the Great Ocean Road is a marvel in itself. The route passes through multiple charming villages, with numerous lookouts and beaches to explore. The scenic beauty of this drive is unparalleled, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

Nearby Towns Worth Exploring

Barwon Heads is another beautiful town close to Torquay that’s worth exploring with the family. We also spent an afternoon at Queenscliff Jetty, soaking in the rich history of this part of Victoria. These towns offer additional attractions and experiences that complement the Torquay adventure.

Traveling to Torquay as a family offers a perfect blend of surf, sand, and scenic beauty. With its world-class beaches, adventurous playgrounds, and breathtaking lookouts, Torquay and its surrounding towns provide plenty to see and do for those looking to experience some of Australia’s best coastal and natural attractions.

Adelaide

Adelaide

by | Jul 26, 2024 | Locations, South Australia

Exploring
Adelaide

South Australia

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, holds a lot of opportunities for adventure. Traveling to Adelaide as a family promises a blend of beachside relaxation, historical exploration, and urban charm. We stayed for two weeks around Adelaide, splitting our time between different parts of the city and its surroundings.

Week One: Moana Beach Tourist Park

Our first week was spent at the Moana Beach Tourist Park. This park is perfect for families, with its relaxed atmosphere and amenities like two basketball courts for the kids to play on and close beach access. Its proximity to cafes, shops, and restaurants made it a convenient base for exploring the area.

Exploring Moana and Surrounds

The Sugarloaf – This beautiful landmark on Hallett Beach is a must-see. We spent some time exploring this unique rock structure before cooling off with a swim in the ocean. An ice cream and a visit to the nearby playground made it a perfect outing for the kids.

Sellicks Beach – Driving on Sellicks Beach was a thrilling experience. We found a spot to swim and play, enjoying the incredible cliff structures that provided shelter from the wind.

Port Willunga – The Jetty Pylons and the carved-out caves in the cliffs at Port Willunga are steeped in history. It was fascinating to explore these with the kids, imagining the stories behind them.

Brighton Jetty – This jetty offered a mix of fun activities like exploring, fishing, and swimming. With its close proximity to town, we had plenty of food and drink options from nearby cafes and restaurants.

Jubilee Park – An epic playground for kids! We had such a blast at this playground that we came back a few times

Week 2: West Beach

We stayed at the Big 4 at West Beach. This is one of the best caravan parks in Australia. Large sites, heated swimming pool, indoor play room, camp kitchen, great amenities and located on the beach.

We were hear after two weeks in Bali, so our adventure levels were an all time low. We barely left the park as we prepared for our adventure across the Nullarbor.

Navigating Adelaide with a Caravan

Getting around Adelaide with a caravan can be tricky at times. Navigating suburbia required patience and caution, especially with two lanes merging into one with little warning. However, with a bit of planning and careful driving, we managed to get around smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Adelaide as a family offered us a wonderful mix of beach days, historical exploration, and urban adventures. Our stay at Moana Beach Tourist Park provided the perfect balance of relaxation and activity, making our family trip to Adelaide truly memorable. Whether you’re driving on scenic beaches, exploring unique rock structures, or enjoying the urban vibe of Brighton Jetty, Adelaide has something for every family member to enjoy.

Lancelin

Lancelin

by | Jul 25, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
Lancelin

Western Australia

If you’re traveling with your family around Australia, you need to stay at this hidden gem of a town called Lancelin. Nestled along the coast, Lancelin may be small, but it packs a big wow factor. From thrilling outdoor adventures to family-friendly accommodations, traveling to Lancelin as a family offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.

Surfing at Back Beach

One of the highlights of our trip was surfing at Back Beach. This fun, open beach boasts crystal clear waters and offers a fantastic spot for both novice and experienced surfers. The beach is easily accessible, with a car park nearby, or you can drive up and over the dunes for an added element of adventure. The kids loved the freedom of the open space, and the waves provided just the right amount of challenge.

Fishing at the Jetty

Fishing enthusiasts in the family will be thrilled with the opportunities at the Lancelin Jetty. Brad caught a massive snapper off the jetty, earning him fifteen minutes of fame around town. We also had luck catching squid, a trumpeter, and a herring. The excitement of reeling in such a variety of fish made for some unforgettable family moments. The jetty is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery while waiting for a bite.

Exploring the Dunes

The Lancelin Sand Dunes are nothing short of incredible. We spent an entire day exploring these massive dunes, which offer a range of activities for all ages. You can hire sand boards, ATVs, and motorbikes, or simply drive around in your car. The vastness of the dunes means you have plenty of space to enjoy without worrying too much about other visitors. The kids had a blast racing down the dunes on sand boards, and the thrill of riding an ATV was a highlight for everyone.

Staying at Experience Lancelin Holiday Park

Our stay at Experience Lancelin Holiday Park was fantastic. Located on the south side of town, the park offers beach access, a caravan café, a playroom, an indoor heated swimming pool and spa, and the biggest jumping pillow in Australia. The park also features a great playground for the kids. The large, recently renovated sites and family-friendly facilities made our stay comfortable and enjoyable. The park’s popularity became apparent over the weekend when it filled up quickly, a testament to its appeal and convenient proximity to Perth.

Traveling to Lancelin as a family provides a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and quality time together. Whether you’re surfing at Back Beach, fishing at the jetty, or exploring the vast sand dunes, Lancelin offers something for everyone. Our stay at the Experience Lancelin Holiday Park added to the charm of this hidden gem, making it a must-visit destination for families exploring Australia.