Caravanning on the Macleay Coast, NSW

Article by · 26 May 2017 ·

Spend time on the Macleay Valley Coast and you’ll soon discover why it’s one of NSW’s most popular holiday destinations.

Located midway between Sydney and Brisbane, the Macleay Valley Coast is a diverse region of sub-tropical rainforests, sprawling rural pastures, plunging mountain gorges, and charming villages – and that’s only half the story.

The beachside havens of Grassy Head, Stuarts Point and Hat Head are unspoilt gems – places that still feel like holiday spots from years gone by. With kilometres of golden beaches, vast national parks, and waters brimming with marine life, it doesn’t take long to fall under their spell.

Just a short drive from the coast, the riverside villages of Gladstone and Smithtown are brimming with character and history, while the regional centre of Kempsey is an eclectic mix of old world charm and thriving river town.

Whether you’re planning to simply relax in nature, spend your days fishing from a tinny, or spend some quality time on the beach with family and friends, the Macleay Valley Coast is a destination worth checking out.

Find the getaway and the holiday park to suit you:

Stuarts Point. Macleay Valley Holiday Parks

Stuarts Point. Macleay Valley Holiday Parks

Family fun

Nestled on the banks of the magnificent Macleay River at Stuarts Point, between vast golden beaches, forest and rich pastures midway between Sydney and Brisbane, Stuarts Point Holiday Park is a secluded and serene riverside hideaway.

Like all Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks, Stuarts Point offers great facilities for the whole family, including a children’s playground. The river is also an idyllic place to enjoy a canoe or paddleboard and there are also courts available for a friendly game of tennis.

The park offers a boat ramp for launching and ample mooring for small boats, as well as a boat wash bay located near the main amenities block, fish cleaning tables and a camp kitchen to cook your catch.

Accommodation options range from powered sites, unpowered sites, self-contained cabins and bungalows.

Stuarts Point Holiday Park is pet friendly, although conditions apply and it does not include the cabins. Best to check when booking.

Stuarts Point. Macleay Valley Coast Holiday Parks

Stuarts Point. Macleay Valley Coast Holiday Parks

Back to Nature

Situated directly opposite the beach, Grassy Head Holiday Park is the perfect location to soak up the unique local environment and get back to nature.

Hidden among the lush coastal rainforest of the Way Way State Forest, Grassy Head feels like a well-kept secret. Each cabin has a covered deck where you can relax, recharge and create new memories.

Grassy Head Beach is located directly opposite the park, and is excellent for surfing or just catching a wave. On calm days, the beach is well suited to snorkelling, while the fish you’re likely to land in the area include bream, drummer, flathead, luderick, mulloway, rock blackfish, tailor, trevally and whiting.

A popular pastime is the easy River Walk, which follows the riverbank from Grassy Head to Stuarts Point and can take anywhere from 35 minutes to over an hour to complete, depending on your walking speed.

In Grassy Head you can escape from the pressures of the world – relax, unwind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this very special place.

Hat Head Holiday Park. Photo: Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks

Hat Head Holiday Park. Photo: Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks

Perfect Relaxation

Further south along the Macleay Coast you’ll find Hat Head Holiday Park, a secluded hideaway surrounded by the serene beauty of Hat Head National Park.

A real treat for nature fans, the park is sandwiched between the beach and the clear waters of Korogoro Creek – a top spot for snorkelling. From June to August you can see Humpbacks from the beach as they pass on their annual migration.

As the continental shelf is just 5.25 nautical miles from the coast, the waters of Hat Head are home to a plethora of fish species. Keen anglers will no doubt enjoy the thrill of landing a big catch. Fish cleaning facilities are provided at the boat ramp.

The park features a range of beachside bungalows, cabins and powered/non-powered sites, as well as undercover barbeques, a camp kitchen, and clean amenities. If you’re not in the mood for cooking, the nearby Beaches Restaurant at the Bowling Club serves tasty and affordable meals.

Hat Head is a handy base to explore nearby historical sites. Just 30 minutes north is Arakoon, home of the Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse, while nearby Gladstone is a town brimming with beautiful buildings. Be sure to check out the town’s monthly food, arts and craft market.

Find out more: mvcholidayparks.com.au

 

You might also like – Best things to do on the Macleay Coast

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