By Rama Gaind.
Kiama Lighthouse in the Illawarra-Southern Highlands.
As the border restrictions ease around Australia, opportunities are opening up for relaxing breaks at numerous domestic holiday destinations. Spend your summer in NSW.
You can relax in Sydney, explore the best in the state’s surf beaches or head out on a caravan and camping road trip. Alternatively, cruise the coastline for the perfect waves, celebrate as you partake of the best local brews and spirits.
Perhaps, hit the road and make the most of the spectacular Sapphire Coast and Murray Riverina regions with a caravan and camping getaway. Apart from soaking up the natural beauty of this part of NSW, taking a holiday in the far south will support local communities who have been impacted by bushfires and border closures.
There are plenty of options and some affordable deals with flexible booking policies from now through to March 2021. Whether it’s villas, cabins, camping or glamping, then head down south, where the locals will give you a warm welcome.
Positioned in prime locations next to national parks, beaches and major attractions are caravan, holiday and tourist parks across NSW. Whatever way you choose to travel for your next break – a caravan, motor home, camper trailer or stay in a tent or cabin – there are a range of parks to suit every budget, making your next getaway reasonably priced and etched in your mind.
Book a cabin or pitch a tent at Murramarang National Park near Batemans Bay on the NSW south coast.
On the South Coast, visit Eurobodalla Coast, Illawarra & Southern Highlands, Sapphire Coast Shoalhaven North and South. Go inland to Canberra and the Snowy, Central NSW, England and North Western NSW, Outback NSW or Riverina and The Murray. Options are also available on the North Coast, Sydney and the surrounds.
Eurobodalla Coast is the ‘land of many waters’ where you get the chance to discover the 83 beaches for a family fun holiday or romantic getaway. Surround yourself with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. You will want to return to further explore the vast rivers and lakes to islands, nature reserves, pristine beaches and quaint heritage towns.
If seeking ‘life’s simple pleasures’ is your preference, then the Illawarra-Southern Highlands offer the best of everything. It’s rightly been said the Illawarra’s dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, scenic drives and towns are full of character and complemented by the Southern Highlands’ diverse landscape, colourful gardens, history, heritage and leisurely pursuits.
Tour highlights
The Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive from the Royal National Park, Loftus down to Nowra.
You will not have any problems in surrounding yourself with natural beauty on the Sapphire Coast. Set your own pace as you tow your caravan or drive through the scenic brilliance and quaint townships of the Sapphire Coast. “A visual delight, the region will tantalise your senses as you wind your way along the unspoilt coastline of golden beaches, sparkling seas and leafy national parks.”
Become friends with the local wildlife including dolphins, whales, sea eagles and fairy penguins or find out the secrets of deserted beaches. Stroll down the old wharf at Tathra or take a dip in the pristine waters of Merimbula. The unspoilt beauty of this region makes it the perfect holiday spot.
Located on Blowhole Point, the Kiama Lighthouse is hard to miss in the Illawarra-Southern Highlands. There is no access available to the inside of the lighthouse which was established in 1887, 10 years after the creation of the Robertson Basin, the man-made Kiama Harbour. The lighthouse sits 36.5 metres above sea level.
You’ll spot eastern grey kangaroos and abundant birdlife while enjoying opportunities to walk, fish, swim or surf at Murramarang National Park near Batemans Bay on the NSW south coast. Spanning 44km of dramatic coastline, it’s the ultimate spot to explore the cliffs, headlands and pristine beaches. This is one of the rare spots in Australia where the spotted gums grow right down to the ocean.
Nan Tien Temple is a Buddhist temple complex located in Berkeley, on the southern outskirts of Wollongong.
You can also opt to canoe or walk around Durras Lake instead. There’s a good choice of campgrounds, including caravan and motorhome sites with a range of facilities or you can book into one of the park accommodation options like Depot Beach cabins, Pretty Beach cabins, Pebbly Beach shacks or Yellow Rock beach house.
The 665-metre-long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive which takes in 140 km worth of coastal scenery from the Royal National Park, Loftus down to Nowra. Opened in December 2005, the bridge is also a great viewing platform for migrating whales heading north/south during migrating season.
Bookings are essential before you visit the Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong. It’s a Buddhist temple complex located in Berkeley, on the southern outskirts, approximately 80 kilometres, south of Sydney. It is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the southern hemisphere.
Wherever you travel … stay inspired, be safe and reclaim your sunny days!
DETAILS BOX
https://www.visitnsw.com
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
