http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/446013_articles-australia-holiday-coast.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:57:50 GMT Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:57:50 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/446013_articles-australia-holiday-coast.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184065_Yamba-The-hidden-jewel-of-New-South-Wales http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184065_Yamba-The-hidden-jewel-of-New-South-Wales Articles Australia Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:07:00 Yamba is one of my favourite places to visit, and tucked away like a hidden jewel of northern New South Wales, it offers something for everyone with its blend of panoramic scenery and perfect weather. -
Yamba is one of my favourite places to visit, and tucked away like a hidden jewel of northern New South Wales, it offers something for everyone with its blend of panoramic scenery and perfect weather.


Yamba is one of my favourite places to visit, and tucked away like a hidden jewel of northern New South Wales, it offers something for everyone with its blend of panoramic scenery and perfect weather. Word is spreading as more and more visitors search out the beaches, relaxing walks and fantastic fishing spots so common to this area. It's the ideal destination for a campervan holiday, with many great spots to stop for a while and perhaps set up home for a week or two.

Located at the top of the Clarence River, just north from Coffs Harbour or three hours south from Brisbane on the Pacific Highway, Yamba is still far enough away to keep its unique, relaxed atmosphere. There is so much to love about this destination, one of them being the view as you drive to the lookout of the beaches and jetty below. Easy to find, you just head to the end of the road, past the local shops, until you see the blue coastal waters stretching out to the horizon. There are plenty of grassy spots to set up a picnic and just enjoy the sea air while the kids stretch their legs. Then of course it's time to explore and head down the beach, jetty and rock pools.

This is the place to visit even if just for the incredible climate. Temperatures range from approximately 20 to 30 degrees in summer down to 10 to 20 in winter. Any time is a great time to come here, although in the summer months it is harder to find a place to stay so you will need to book early. Another plus is that you can swim in the beaches all year round.

There are eleven beautiful beaches to choose from, each with a diversity of its own. Turners Beach is great for the family, with rock pools, picnic tables, amenities and rock fishing. Whiting is protected so just as good although not patrolled. Main Beach is popular, with a huge salt water pool, picnic tables, caf and patrolled beach ideal for the kids. My favourite is Convent beach, tucked away from view and a great location to set up for the day. There is great snorkelling here and plenty of rock pools to explore. Turners and Pippis are the only other patrolled beaches in Yamba, so always keen a close eye on the kids wherever you go.

Shelley Beach is a fantastic destination if you are looking for some adventure. Taking close to two hours walk along the coast you will need to pack well and bring your camera for the stunning views along the way. Bring your fishing rod or line as the fishing is great here. Surfers will love Angourie Point, with the rolling waves drawing pros and amateurs to test their skill in the breaking waters. It is also a beautiful place just to walk along the beach, enjoy the stunning views and numerous rock pools.

Whale watching is another popular attraction. The two most common whales are the Southern Right Whale and the popular Humpback, normally seen between August to September. Head to the Yamba Lighthouse and Angourie for a better chance to watch them on their journey along the coast.

The Yuraygir National Park is a few minutes drive away, with incredible vegetation and bushwalking available. There is abundant birdlife and wildlife here, and raw beauty unequalled in other coastal regions. Being on the world heritage list, this stunning national park makes up many of the beaches and lake systems unique to Yamba.

My choice of caravan park is the Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, ideal for so many reasons. There is everything you need here, and more. It is the perfect base for the family, with an organised activity program, sites along the Clarence River, swimming lagoons, spa and toddler town. The list goes on. Once you are settled, you have the choice to go fishing, play tennis, hire a boat and explore the water ways, or head down to the beach to enjoy time with the family. In other words, it is the best environment to finally recharge those batteries and have some quality time with your favourite people. Powered grassed sites start from $40/night or $280/week.

Yamba is a perfect idea for a campervan holiday. Ideal for water lovers, there are so many activities to choose from, or you can while away the time just reading and relaxing. You can set up your home away from home and head in any direction for adventure, great family fun and wonderful holiday memories. Make sure you start planning a holiday here soon.
Details & Reservations: Yamba The hidden jewel of New South Wales
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]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1162207_Its-All-Good-in-Port-Macquarie http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1162207_Its-All-Good-in-Port-Macquarie Articles Australia Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:06:14 Located about 400 kilometres north of Sydney on the New South Wales Central Coast lies one of the most diverse seaside destinations in Australia. Port Macquarie, with its population of 40 000 people, has everything you would want from a campervan tou -
Located about 400 kilometres north of Sydney on the New South Wales Central Coast lies one of the most diverse seaside destinations in Australia. Port Macquarie, with its population of 40 000 people, has everything you would want from a campervan tou


Located about 400 kilometres north of Sydney on the New South Wales Central Coast lies one of the most diverse seaside destinations in Australia. Port Macquarie, with its population of 40 000 people, has everything you would want from a campervan touring holiday lovely beaches, clusters of interesting little settlements nearby, a rich hinterland that boasts plenty of nature reserves and a long history dating back to convict times that reflects itself in the numerous historical buildings of the region. As it is firmly established as a tourist destination, everything you may need on your holiday is just a stones throw away, and there are a number of caravan parks where you can base your campervan while you explore the region.

Obviously on a visit to a coastal town like this the beaches are of the utmost importance, and Port Macquarie does not fail to deliver. It is situated where the Hastings River enters the sea, and much of the towns recreational activity is based around these two aquatic playgrounds. Town Beach is right on the river mouth, and across from it is the 16 kilometre long North Beach. Both are very popular amongst surfers in fact surfing is just one of many watersports that is popular here. Windsurfing is also a favourite, especially at Big Bay, Pilot Beach and Trial Bay. Heading south there are more beaches that have good swell and good wind, such as Bonny Hills and North Haven. Closer to the centre of town one can hire jetskis, and of course boats are also available for hire. This is a favourite option amongst anglers, who can explore both the river and the coastline and try their luck with the numerous species of fish here. Favourite shoreline fishing spots include the Coop Wharf, the Regatta Ground and Settlement Point Reserve.

If you get the exploring bug and fancy seeing a bit of the area, then hop into your motorhome and head south to the Camden Haven, which is about a thirty minute drive away. Here there are a number of small communities gathered around the point where the Camden River flows into the sea. It is a picturesque and unspoilt region that is perfect for outdoor pursuits of all kinds, including walking, sightseeing and fishing. At the very north of the Haven is the township of Lake Cathie, which boasts a modest population of just 1500 people. The highlight here is the lake itself it is a seawater lake that has long sandy beaches along its foreshore, almost like a miniature ocean. It is perfectly safe for swimming, which makes it a popular destination amongst young families. Its surrounds consists of thick bush, much of which is protected by nature reserves, so hiking and bushwalking is also a popular option here.

In fact bushwalking is a popular pasttime closer to Port Macquarie as well, where people love to explore the rocky headlands and the many gardens of the town. One of the favourite spots is Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park, a 50 hectare area designed to preserve natural bushland and provide a series of walks through different ecosystems, varying from forests to estuarine regions. there are plenty of birds and animals here too, so keep your eyes peeled for koalas, sugar gliders and a number of reptiles. If its animals you'd like to see then head on down to the Billabong Koala and Aussie Wildlife Park, which consists of seven acres of beautifully landscaped gardens criss crossed with easy walkways that take you past enclosures housing over 50 species of Australian animals.

Its always nice to indulge in a bit of history when on holiday you get a better feel for a place when you know a bit about its past and can appreciate the events it has been through. As an established coastal town Port Macquarie has a rich history, one that is represented in the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum, on the corner of Hayward Street and Ocean Drive. Close to Flagstaff Hill, which is a former naval lookout station, it houses a series of artefacts and displays documenting the maritime history of the town. The Port Macquarie Historical Museum on Clarence Street is also a favourite hangout for history buffs, with numerous artefacts and ephemera from the towns past. Nearby is the Historic Grave Yard, which was a major burial ground for early settlers, and is a shady and pleasant place to walk through.

There are numerous accommodation options available for tourists in Port Macquaire, but of course if you are in a camper then caravan parks or camping grounds will be your choice of place to stay. You are spoiled for choice in that department, and should have no problems finding a place to bunk down. In the summer months its probably a good idea to book well in advance, as the town becomes a bustling centre of activity as the tourists flood in. So book that holiday and enjoy!
Details & Reservations: Its All Good in Port Macquarie
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

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