Settling In To Van Life On The NSW Coast
Want to know what Van life is really like with a one year old? Read more on the blog.
Hi Friends thanks for visiting. Well its been 5 weeks on this adventure of ours and what a change in pace it has been. We were so use to the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast it has been so nice to take a step back and enjoy some quality time as a family with no interruptions .
We can't say it has been easy. Travelling with an energetic, strong willed one year old has its challenges and its been a roller coaster ride. Ziggy decided to have 3 teeth come through the week we left so there have been a few too many restless nights with not much sleep trying to stop the screaming so our poor camping neighbours don't start thinking the worst! He also took some time adjusting to his new home and bed which is to be expected..he is definitely getting into the swing of things now and loving the van. He has also had a major milestone and started walking! EEEEK we are in trouble now! He is a born explorer and wants to get into everything. Camping babies are definitely not clean babies... constant gruby hands and faces. I would much rather him being into the out doors than wanting to be inside watching an iPad or tv so I catch complain, he is loving it. We definitely would have liked to stay at a few more bush style camps as we are set up for free camping with water and solar but have to be careful as the size of our Van doesn't always fit ands it can be hard to manoeuvre around certain spots.
For all the links and info to the places we have stayed along the way while travelling NSW read on ...
THE TRIP SO FAR
1. Woody Head
Our first stop was our good old favourite spots Woody Head Camp Ground located in the Bundjalung National Park in the North Coast region.We love it here as there are Kangaroos everywhere, amazing sunsets at night and you can have fires with wood supplied. Not far from the beautiful Illuka and Yamba.
2. Coffs harbour
We loved exploring beautiful Coffs Harbour. So many pretty beaches and cool rides along the foreshore. While we were there there was also a funky little food market on in the park in front of the Caravan Park.. definitely worth a stop. The Big4 caravan park is pretty awesome if you have kids with an amazing pool area and kids play ground.
3. South West Rocks
We unfortunately only had 1 night at this beautiful place but the views from the sites at the caravan park is incredible..ocean and creek view throughout the relatively small but scenic park at South West Rocks. Leather bag and dress by Mahiya.
4. Hat Head
One of our favourite spots to date. Tucked away in the Hat Head National Park, 12 km of uninterrupted beachfront and the Korogoro Creek. The creek was just so spectacular ...the pic says it all. The campsite Hat Head Camp Ground is in the bush and around the creek. Little boat ramp right to your left too. We had a sneaky dinner at the Bowls club with some new friends we met and the food was surprisingly amazing! If you can't be bothered cooking and feel like something delicious check it out!
5. Point Plomer
Not far from Cresent Heads in the Limeburners Creek National Park in the North Coast region, Point Plomer is a must visit. No set sites just rock up and find a spot. Located on a beautiful headland by the ocean. There are loads of cool little camp spots along this part of the park. Its accessed by a dirt road so be prepared. Bonfires are also allowed. Check out our video here!
6. Port Macquarie
What a pretty town and the Breakwall Caravan Park is not bad either. Located right on the river not far from the Main Street of Port Maquarie town centre, worth a visit if you are passing by.
7. Treachery Seal Rocks
Trechery Camp Ground is a really cool little spot just back from the sand dunes, this camp ground is set in the bushed has basic amentities. The walk through the dunes to the beach is so pretty...only bad thing was the dirt was black so Ziggy got soooo filthy. Fires allowed which is a bonus! If you have a large van we would suggest walking in first to check it out as we had trouble manoeuvring around to find a spot. Check out our video here!
8. Shell Harbour
Home to many of Ryans Family Shell Harbour is a beautiful little fishing town. We loved the drive to Kiama which is only 15 minutes away..gorgeous Markets and lots of cute shops and cafes. Definitely reccomend the Thai restaurant located up stairs across from the Pub.
9. Green Patch Jervis Bay
What a spectacular spot. Located in Booderee National Park, Green Patch Camp Ground is a must on our list! Be surrounded by so much wild life with Wallabys, Lorrakeets, Kangaroos and wild Peacocks visiting on the daily this place is so beautiful. Lots of other incredible beaches to visit all around Jervis Bay. The showers here were next level..not the newest but the heat and pressure was spot on!
10. Ulladulla
We had to make a stop past Ulladulla as my dad used to be a Tuna Fisherman here when he was younger so I really wanted to see where he lived. Im sure its changed heaps since he was here but still a cute little town. We really loved exploring Mollymook (shown) and also Dolphin Point where we would probably stay next time. We visited The Holiday Haven Camp Ground which was really nice with a great kids splash park, Ziggy absolutely loved it !!
11. Boydtown
Our last stop in NSW. This little gem we found on Google maps. We were looking around near Eden and saw this bush camp near the ocean which you could have fires so we found it and added it got our Wiki Camp Trip Planner and boy we were pleasantly surprised. We had loads of space for our set up and Ziggy to safely roam free so we actually had a pretty relaxing stress free stay.There is a gorgeous old hotel really close by called the Seahorse Inn which has great food and a beautiful view of the bay. There is so much Whaling history in this little place, we loved it . Check out our video here!
NEXT STOP VICTORIA Until next time....
Happy and Safe Travels
Alex , Ryan and Ziggy xx
