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.

Photo source

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. 

Image Source

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! 

Kingscliff North Holiday Park {Review}

Kingscliff North Holiday Park

Kingscliff is close by to the Tweed Heads area. It has been a popular spot for tourists for  a number of years. 

There are two Kingscliff Parks, North and South, we preferred the North. It offers a peaceful beachside setting and is a smaller park than its counterpart.  It is a small friendly park, right on the beach.  The beach is patrolled in the summer, on weekends and school holidays, but it is still quiet and free from crowds. 

The position is fantastic, there are some sites overlooking the beach, but you will pay a premium for these.   There are some 60 sites all up with a few permanents near the roadside.

For those that don't have time to set up a tent, or feel like something a little different, then the park offers Safari Tents, already set up with ocean views, as well as Deluxe Cabins.  The Safari Tents are perfectly positioned and fully equipped. 

Photos via Tweed Coast Holiday Parks

At the front of the park there is a walking track along the foreshore that also has a fitness circut . You can stop off the track to the local bowls club on the beach also offers $3.50 Schooners all day, every day! The town, which is 2km away,  has many restaurants to cater for the tourists with one or two good seafood restaurants, and even a Tibetan restaurant.

The area is a good base to explore the Tweed area, and also the nearby beaches of Fingal and the ever popular Cabarita, along with Hastings Point. These are popular spots for surfers and the holiday crowd, but being a small park at the northern end, means you won't have to share the beach with many.   Weekend markets are always a treat in this area.

As with all parks, email or give them a call if you want a beachside site, or a weekend booking.   The Safari Tents are often fully booked, so planning ahead is important if you want this option. 

Kingscliff North may not have all the bells and whistles of a Big 4, but it is our pick as the best gem around this coastal area. 

For more information including rates here is the link! 

Christmas Coleslaw {Recipe}

We thought we would share come easy, but delicious Christmas camping recipes over the next few weeks, for those lucky enough to be in the great outdoors this holiday season.  Of course of of these wonderful recipes can be made all year long and at home too! 

Recipe via taste.com.au

Christmas Coleslaw Ingredients

• 1/4 (400g) red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 large red capsicum, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, halved, thinly sliced
• 120g snow pea sprouts, trimmed

Creamy orange poppy seed dressing

• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2cm piece ginger, peeled, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons poppy seed

• Method

1. Step 1
   Make dressing: Whisk sour cream, orange juice, ginger and poppy seeds in a bowl until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2
   Combine cabbage, capsicum, onion and snow pea sprouts in a large bowl. Add dressing. Toss well to combine.

Woody Head Camping Ground Bundjalung National Park {Review}

Woody Head - a great place for exploring the rock pools - only metres away from your pitch.

Woody Head Camping Ground is in the Bundjalung National Park, not far from the small town of Iluka in Northern NSW.  This place is magnificent!  

Those that know this park will happily testify that it is one of their favourites in Australia. We happily agree. This is a place where you can camp right near the water, with stunning water views and also be away from the crowds (well at least during the week), a special piece of paradise.

Ocean views from many of the sites

Our pitch

We were lucky enough to see a school of stingrays on a walk around the craggy rocks, apparantly washed in from a tide but unable to get back out. The day we were leaving was the rescue attempt by the NSW Park and Wildlife.

We also went on a walk through the World Heritage National Park Rainforest walk, hoping to see a rare bird - the Noisy Pitta.  We didnt see it, but it was a good way to see other local wildlife, birds, kangaroos, skinks and the coastal emu - of which only a hundred or so survive.

All sites here are unpowered, but the park does have hot showers (20 cent charge, so bring change!) and flush toilets. The park is generally quiet during the week, but gets busy on the weekends and school holidays.  You can pre book online and even reserve a site though, so do your homework, pick a date and hop online and book. 

View from the beach to G1 - the best site at Woody Head in our opinion

Woody Head camping sites

I looked around the grounds and G1 was my pick of the sites as it is unobstructed views to the water. If you want some privacy and being on the water isn't a must then G9 is tucked away nicely, and has their own fire pit, as well as being reasonably close to the amenities block.

Each site has a levelled, shade-cloth covered pitch area, which makes pitching a breeze.  

This is a fantastic place for families as the water is shallow, lots of exploring the rock pools for kids, and fires at night to toast marshmallows.   Kangaroos feed late in the afternoon, and Plovers build their nests near sites, sitting patiently on their eggs.  You can also spot Goannas here too. 

We will be back here again soon.  This is one of the most magnificent places we have stayed to date.  Leave the window and door flaps open at night, and fall asleep star gazing! 

Woody Head is only a 2 minute drive from Iluka which has a new supermarket, a petrol station, and several shops. It is a nice village on the water with many holiday cottages. It is pleasant just ambling around the shops and taking in all the sea views. A short ferry ride will take you across to the more upmarket Yamba, which is  lively with tourists.  There is a good fisherman's co-op which sells fresh Yamba Prawns and seafood ( try the cooked whiting). 

The Iluka Sunset

We prefer  sleepy Iluka, which hasn't changed at all in 20 years. For a great sunset view, head to the Iluka Hotel on the Waterfront, take a table outside, a drink,  and relax and take in the views.  For dinner we chose the Chinese restaurant at the local Bowls Club - the prawns were fantastic! 

Happy Camping!

Twisty Campfire Bread {Recipe}

Twisty Campfire Bread!

3 cups plain flour
1/8 cup natural sugar
3 tsp sea salt
1 tbls baking powder
4 tbls very soft butter
2 tsp warm water

* Mix all the dry ingredients by hand in a bowl.
* Pour in the water and bring together. It may feel dry, in which case add water drop by drop.
* Cut up the soft butter and mix into the mixture, knead until soft and glossy.
* Split into equal size balls, about the size of a golfball, and roll out between your hands into a snake shape.
* Wind the snake around the green sticks (these must be green wood so that they don’t burn easily).
* You can, at this point, egg wash the bread and then cook over a hot flame until golden.

Source: The Girl with the Wooden Spoon

To Decal or not to Decal?

Well we just bought a "new" caravan.

New to us but pretty old.  I am guessing mid 70s but I am not really sure.  It is a York, it is going to be a challenge.  We were so desperate to buy a van, that we inspected with rose coloured glasses.  Today we went inside and spent some time in there.  There really is a lot of work.  We are probably going to have to do a total re-lining, not something that we originally wanted to do.  If you know us, you will know we are about as handy as a bikini in a snow storm!

....and ofcourse I am getting ahead of myself.  I have already chosen the fabric for our curtains.  We also have a vintage fabric store , so that part was easy.  I found an amazing bolt of vintage 70s orange and yellow fabric that will be perfect for the job.

I have also found the perfect awning and colour scheme.  I know I should probably keep it more original but brown is not very inspiring.  Below is what I had in mind.   I am going to order this awning from the US.  No one here seems to know what I want and they only make those roll out kind of awnings.  I want one more like the original.

From Vintage Trailer Supplies

My other question, which is really quite irrelevant at this stage is, to decal or not to decal.  I keep seeing gorgeous flower power looking vans and thought that ours could look sweet like that too.  Mr Posh Camping is not so convinced!  What do you think?  (photos via Pinterest)