Affordable family breaks in NSW

Dad and kids on beach by Jude Beck - Unsplash
Dad and kids on beach by Jude Beck - Unsplash

Planning a holiday the whole family will love doesn't mean breaking the bank or travelling to faraway destinations. Discover the best of your backyard with these six budget and kid-friendly places in NSW. 

Less than two hours from Sydney

 

NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, Mid North Coast

Calm, relaxing and restorative close to the city sounds like a paradox, but it can and does exist in the shape of NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park. Located just 45mins from Sydney CBD, the oceanfront suburb of Narrabeen on Sydney’s stunning northern beaches is one of the city’s best kept secrets. Here lies the only beachfront caravanning and camping location in Sydney just 45 minutes from the city and metres from the beach and sparkling shores of Narrabeen Lake. The park itself offers games and TV room, go kart hire, kid's playground, undercover barbecues and plenty of opportunity to get out onto the water, including kayak hire and a boat ramp for those who fancy fishing or meandering on the waterways. The Park's accommodation ranges from studio, one and two bedroom cabins and villas, bunkhouses and ensuite, powered and unpowered sites. And makes the perfect base to explore the sights of Sydney, see Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo, and visit the spectacular beaches nearby the park including Palm Beach - otherwise known as Summer Bay from Home and Away.

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Central Coast

Located on the NSW Central Coast and just a 1.5hrs minute drive north of Sydney, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort is a choice escape from the daily grind of city life to reconnect with the family, and it's clear why. Boasting a varied range of features, including a heated resort pool complex and waterslide, adventure playground, tennis and basketball courts, entertainment barn, go kart hire, holiday activity programs, as well as barbecue areas and dining at an on-site cafe, it's truly a place where adults can relax while the kids are kept well entertained. Accommodation-wise there are 20 different types here, ranging from ensuite powered and unpowered sites, glamping tents to cabins, cottages and villas, some of which open out into your private verandah and beachfront view of Umina Beach. For adventurers, hire a bike or a boat, learn to stand-up paddle board or surf, explore from above at TreeTops Adventure Park, or saddle up for a day of horse riding in Glenworth Valley.

Less than two hours from Newcastle

NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park

Situated on absolute lakefront within Myall Lakes National Park, NRMA Myall Shore Holiday Park shares its space with kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koalas, and hundreds of bird species, making it the ideal place to get back to nature. Accommodation, including villas, safari tents and powered sites ensure you'll wake up to water views. If you manage to pry yourself away from whiling your day happily away on the veranda taking it all in, the park offers a range of modern facilities including a pool, playground, on-site cafe and barbeque areas, DVD and board game rental and more. Those looking for a little more action can enjoy bush walking, bike riding, swimming, kayaking, fishing or visiting a number of secluded ocean beaches right on your doorstep.

NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park, Newcastle

If your idea of a family holiday includes a fur baby, then you're in luck with NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park. Just a short ferry ride from Newcastle CBD and two hours south of Forster, you'll find the pet-friendly park located behind the dunes of Stockton Beach in the relaxed coastal town of Stockton. Wake up to the sound of the ocean with our beachfront accommodation options, which include two and three bedroom villas and sites for those caravanning or camping. Park features include a modern camp kitchen, recreation room, outdoor barbeque and children's playground. While the list of activities is endless. Tackle the nearby sand dunes by 4WD, quad bike or board, go fishing, swimming and surfing, and don't forget to pack beach games. If you're looking for a change of pace, head to Newcastle to take your pick of any number of cafes, restaurants and bars, or the Hunter Valley for a taste of the wine country.

Less than two hours from the Blue Mountains and Orange

NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park, Central West

Centrally located five minutes drive from Bathurst Regional Airport and 4km drive from Bathurst city centre and Mount Panorama Circuit, lies NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park. Fun facilities include solar heated swimming pool with waterslide and separate kids wading pool, barbeque facilities, children's playground, giant humping pillows recreation lounge, games rooms and movie screen and lending library. The park offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cabins and cottages equipped with essentials including heating, TVs and private bathrooms, as well as studios and powered and unpowered sites. A 10 minute drive eastward you'll find yourself in Bathurst, where you'll be spoilt for dining selections. History buffs, visit the historic gold mining town of Hill End, where you can explore heritage buildings and mine relics; or stop at Mayfield, the world famous European inspired garden where you can forage in a 1.2ha kitchen garden, row across the lake or play croquet.

Less than two hours from Canberra

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort

Boasting absolute ocean frontage, overlooking the glistening waters of Beagle Bay, you'll be spoilt for choice when selecting your ocean view accommodation at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. Kid's will have plenty to keep them entertained, from splashing about in the heated swimming pool and mini-waterpark, children's playground, free loan board games and DVDs, bicycles and go-karts for hire. While the kids are at play, adults can relax at the poolside cocktail and snack bar or grab a bite at the fully licensed Beach Bistro with garden terraces and warm log fire. The resort is located on the NSW South Coast in the peaceful coastal town of South Durras and surrounded by national park, native animals are never far away so you can get a glimpse of wallabies, goannas, parrots and cockatoos on a daily basis. For a touch of active sightseeing, strap on the sneakers and take a walk to Wasp Head to spy golden beaches, hidden bays and ancient cliffs.

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