Nambucca Headland Holiday Park {Review)

Nambucca Headland Holiday Park

The township of Nambucca Heads, has grown up and  seems busier since I was last there - almost 15 years ago. However, it still retains that small beach town feel,  and the same relaxed laid back atmosphere, from all those years ago.

One Hundred years ago, Nambucca Heads was a popular coastal port with ship building and timber being the main industries. Today Tourism is one of the growing industries with locals and travellers, happily mixing together with a cosmopolitan feel.

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The choice was a tough one here, as there were several holiday parks from which to choose, and we decided to look at each one. After looking at the options we chose the Nambucca Headland Holiday Park which is right on the headland with fantastic ocean views. 

They were happy to provide a map of the available sites so we could drive around and choose a site to pitch. There are fantastic oceanside cabins for that romantic getaway, or weekend away, however we tried out our 3 second pop up Malamoo tent, and within  a few minutes we were relaxing, with a cold drink in hand, settled, in our new camping chairs.

This park was a real find for us and we loved the peaceful surroundings and the layout of the park, which is on three different levels. It was a Saturday afternoon when we were there but there seemed to be plenty of sites available, although if coming during a peak period or on a weekend, it is definitely recommended you book in ahead.

Our Pitch in the 3 second tent! 

We didn't try out the camp kitchen as we just cooked on our small gas stove but the kitchen had all the necessities and was very clean and was centrally located.  There are also several barbecue areas and picnic spots with tables and chairs.

We loved the bathrooms, spotlessly clean!  Probably the cleanest amenities we have encountered in our travels.  They have retained their original features, such as lovely timber doors, now painted in bright colours, creating a seaside retro feel. 

There is a lot to see around this area, Coffs Harbour is only a short away, and with pristine beaches and national parks within close proximity, Nambucca Heads is a perfect place to spend a few days relaxing. 

The township hasn't changed too much over the years, there are all the facilities you need, with a supermarket, coffee shop, restaurants, and of course a good bookstore.

There are fantastic views from the headland and several good walks in the area. From the RSL club car park, a series of boardwalks take you over a path to the river, and the popular swimming creek beach is dog friendly.  We ran out of time this trip but have heard good things about a small company not far from Nambucca Heads that has a wetland canoe tour, with native animal and birdlife sightings. 

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For a well earned coffee, try the bookshop cafe which has a balcony where you can happily drink while perusing for a good read.

This holiday park is part of the North Coast Holiday Parks group which have 23 locations, all coastal throughout Northern NSW. They have a loyalty card whereby you can get it stamped each night you stay, at a combination of parks, and get your 7th night free. They have a range of fantastic parks, have a look online at their website, or look out for some more reviews shortly.  You may need to ask for the loyalty card, so ensure you do.  

If you want a weekend or a short break then try out Nambucca Heads, nicely situated halfway between Brisbane and Sydney, right on the coast.

Park features include:

• Pet friendly on sites AND cabins*conditions apply
• Direct access to the beach.
• Sensational ocean views
• Free Wifi
• Free dog bath

Management: Jack & Peggy Kelly
50 Liston Street, NAMBUCCA HEADS NSW 2448

Ph: 61-2 6568 6547
Fax: 61-2 6568 5247
Email: nambuccaheadland@nchp.com.au 
Web:www.northcoastholidayparks.com.au/nambuccaheadland
Office hours: 

8.00am – 6.00pm daily

Moonee Beach Holiday Park {Review}

Moonee Beach Holiday Park

Moonee Beach is located about 10 minutes drive north of Coffs Harbour.  It is one of our favourite spots to get away, and there really is a plethora of activities to keep you busy in this wonderful location right on the water. 

View from our tent site

To begin with, Moonee Beach Holiday Park is right on the water, fronting both the ocean beach and the Solitary Islands which is a shallow piece of water, fantastic for canoeing, kayaking or just shallow swimming - ideal for children. 

We have hired the canoes from the holiday park itself, to paddle on the river. It is  shallow and at various times we have walked across depending on the tides. There is a nice coastal walk that leaves from the park itself and winds around rainforest near the beach.  This is a fabulous location for bird watching if that if your thing! 

Being just 10 minutes from Coffs Harbour means you are sure to find a great feed of fish and chips from down at the harbour precinct. There is also not one but two markets here on a Sunday, with some great fresh food and locally made products on sale.  

We took a day trip to Dorrigo National Park which is just an hour's drive away. The drive is quite spectacular and you pass through the town of Bellingen or just Bello to the locals. Bellingen has a great arty vibe to it with some fantastic funky shops if you need some retail therapy, and when it is time for a bite to eat, or a coffee, then Bellingen is full of ample dining and cafe experiences.

We were in Dorrigo for their Sunday monthly market, and it seemed like every local in town was there.  We love Dorrigo and will be back soon to spend a few days in this little gem. The nearby National Park just on the edge of town, has a fantastic interactive centre and also interesting videos of wildlife. There are a few longer walks around but if you are not that energetic, then just stroll out to the boardwalk overlooking the forest for some fantastic scenery and photo opportunities. Bring a picnic as there are barbeque areas near the walks by the Glades area.  We really loved this area and what it offers. 

The holiday park is part of the North Coast brand, which has plenty of parks along the coast, most right on the water. There is a loyalty card which gives you the 7 th night free of charge after having stayed six nights at a total of at least two of their parks.

We love powered site number 73, but 74 is just as good, both front the water and have unobstructed views .  The unpowered section has some great sites too, and many front the water with beach views. 

The reception area stocks drinks and ice creams and has a selection of DVDs and board games for complimentary hire. Amenties are kept clean and tidy as are the grounds and the kitchen.

We liked the Moonee Beach Hotel which has a nice beergarden, with Jumping Castle ( and a mini football field!) . Each night of the week they have a different $10 meal selection. They also have local musicians playing outdoors, and movie nights for the  children on Sundays. 
Moonee Beach is a touch of paradise, hidden away just a minute off the Pacific Highway. 
You will be glad you found it, as we were.

Facilities include:

• 14 cabins
• 2 dog friendly cabins
• parking beside each cabin
• 54 powered sites
• 54 unpowered sites
• camp-kitchen with gas BBQs, toasters, jugs, microwave and communal fridge
• free WiFi connection
• table and chairs
• kids playground
• flat grounds
• amenities block
• guest laundry (washers, dryers & clothes lines)
• chemical dump point
• guest’s clothes lines
• dog friendly - all year

Onsite managers: Mark and Kelly Shaw
Moonee Beach Rd, MOONEE BEACH NSW 2450

Ph: 61-2 6653 6552
Fax: 61-2 6653 6803
Freecall: 1800 184 120
Email: mooneebeach@nchp.com.au 
Web:www.northcoastholidayparks.com.au/mooneebeach

Office hours: 8.00am – 6.00pm daily

Don't forget to tell them Posh Camping sent you!

Happy Camping!