Nelson Bay 3-Day, 2-Night Nature Adventure
Easter Family Getaway 🐪
Easter holidays are a popular time for Australians to plan short trips. This year, our family of four chose to visit Nelson Bay in northeastern New South Wales for a 3-day, 2-night nature adventure.
From sandboarding, family surfing, maze exploration to camel rides on the beach, each day offered a unique pace of activities, perfect for family outings while immersing in local experiences.
⛺ Accommodation: A Hidden Retreat in the Hills
We stayed at the well-known Wanderers Retreat, nestled in a nature reserve surrounded by trees. The cabins combine rustic wooden designs with modern amenities, creating a simple yet cozy atmosphere.
The hosts warmly welcomed us and thoughtfully provided surfboards and sandboarding plastic boards, saving us the hassle of renting and adding a personal touch. The cabin is surrounded by native forests, where you can hear kookaburras in the morning and enjoy the sounds of insects and sunsets in the evening—a truly relaxing natural environment. 🌿🏡
🏄♀️ Day 1: Sandboarding and Surfing
On the first afternoon, we headed to One Mile Beach, not far from our accommodation. The sand dunes here are perfect for family sandboarding activities. The kids repeatedly slid down the high slopes on plastic boards, enjoying the thrilling speed and fun. The beach's fresh air and open scenery were incredibly relaxing. 🛷
After sandboarding, we practiced surfing in the shallow waters using bodyboards. While One Mile Beach isn't a major surfing destination, its moderate waves are ideal for beginners. Many people were trying paddling and standing on boards, creating a lively scene. 🏄♂️
At the southern end of the beach, a short wooden boardwalk and gravel path wind uphill to a nearby lookout point. Along the way, you can see various native shrubs and wildflowers. The trail is gentle and easy to walk, taking about 15–20 minutes to reach the top. From there, you can overlook the crescent-shaped coastline of One Mile Beach and the distant wave lines—a vast and spectacular view, perfect for photography and a moment of tranquility.
The area has washing facilities and a coffee stand, making it convenient for resting and replenishing after activities. It's recommended to bring large towels, sunscreen, and plenty of water to cope with the sun and sand.
🎢 Day 2: Toboggan Hill Park Adventure
On the second day, we visited Toboggan Hill Park, a family-friendly theme park in the Nelson Bay area. The park offers a variety of activities, not just the signature toboggan ride but also the following:
• 🛷 Toboggan Ride: Glide quickly along the track, controlling the brakes yourself—exciting yet safe.
• 🧗♀️ Outdoor Climbing Wall: Equipped with safety ropes, suitable for all ages to enjoy climbing fun.
• ⛸ Roller Skating Rink: An indoor venue with music and lighting, creating a great atmosphere.
• 🌀 Giant Maze: Sprawling and cleverly designed, it's a favorite exploration spot for kids.
• ⛳ Mini Golf Course: Small but challenging, perfect for family fun.
The park also has snack and ice cream stands, with spacious rest areas, making it suitable for a half-day to full-day visit. Arriving early is recommended to avoid holiday crowds.
🐫 Day 3: Beach Camel Ride, A Perfect Finale
On the last day of our trip, before returning to Sydney, we arranged a special activity: a camel ride along the beach.
The activity took place near Stockton Beach at a camel camp. The organizers paired two people per camel, led by a guide, for a 30-minute coastal journey.
In the afternoon sunlight, the camel caravan moved slowly along the warm, soft golden sands, with the distant waves rolling and sunlight shimmering on the sea. The entire journey was slow and steady, exuding an exotic charm. The photography opportunities were abundant, making it the most memorable moment of the trip.
📌 Travel Tips and Reminders
• Best Travel Time: Easter holidays offer warm and pleasant weather but are peak season, so book accommodations in advance.
• Transportation: Driving is recommended. It's about a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, and driving is the most convenient way to get around local attractions.
• Activity Suggestions: Adjust the itinerary based on age and stamina. For example, younger children can skip climbing and surfing activities in favor of beach games or indoor facilities.
• Essentials to Bring: Beach towels, sunscreen, water bottles, a lightweight backpack, and a change of clothes are must-haves. If you have an action camera, it's great for capturing sandboarding and camel rides.
Nelson Bay not only boasts beautiful coastlines and natural landscapes but also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for family trips. From thrilling sandboarding and family surfing to all-age amusement facilities and beach camel rides, each day is filled with rich and diverse experiences.
This 3-day, 2-night Easter holiday combined relaxation and adventure, perfect for families looking to escape the city and immerse in nature without sacrificing convenience. We look forward to exploring more nearby national parks and water activities on our next visit.