Hills Mum Bec Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 DH has just returned from a work conference on the Central Coast and is keen to go back there for a family holiday. We already have our holidays for this year booked so it would have to be next year and we are limited to school holidays. January is not possible, April is Easter that we already have plans for and DD will be in year 12 next year so would prefer to avoid holidaying in Sep/Oct holidays in the lead up to exams. This only leaves the July holidays. What's the weather like? Don't mind holidaying when it's cold but it would be a shame if it was wet & windy for the whole time. We would be taking our caravan so any tips for a good caravan park (with a nice view would be a bonus) and must things to do for a family of 4, kids aged 11 & 18? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antifa Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 I’ve heard good reports of the Big 4 Umina caravan park from friends who have stayed there. If you’re down the southern end of the central coast, you can hire bikes to ride alongside the waterfront at Umina/ Ettalong and from memory there are mountain bike tours as well and lots of bushwalking. There’s a ferry from ettalong to palm beach which can become fun, especially if the sea is a bit rough crossing broken bay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustBeige Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Thats a bit "how long is a piece of string" tbh if its just cold but fine, even just hanging out at the beach is nice, and if you are caravanning you can also travel up to lake macq beaches. There is Treetops for outdoorsy stuff.If its raining, theres not a huge amount of indoor stuff with that age range.Umina Big 4 is very good and does have decent facilities and the park set up is nice too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seayork2002 Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 We loved Port Stephens/Nelson Ba area I am thinking this is not strictly the central coast though, we stayed in a hotel and though caravans looked nice but driving past they did look all packed in, That could have been as it was busy though so don't want to judge them totally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexicon Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 The coast is lovely in winter. You might get some cold rainy days, but it is unlikely to be many. The best thing about winter is the whale migration. You can take whale spotting boat trips (try fantasia) or for land based watching there are lookouts at Norah Head and Copacabana. I recommend the walk from McMasters Beach to Maitland Bay or Killcare, through Bouddi National Park. There are lots of little side tracks to headlands where you can sit with binoculars and a picnic and just enjoy the show.The reptile park might appeal to your 11 year old, maybe not the 18 year old unless she's a real animal lover. It's not just snakes and spiders, they have lots of birds and animals and they do permit some patting. There's ice skating and cinemas at Erina, which is a huge shopping mall if that is your thing. Also a cinema at Ettalong, which is close to the Umina Caravan Park. The Patonga Caravan Park is a bit more basic, but a nice setting. If you prefer to be further north there are lots of caravan parks around The Entrance.I agree with pp that there isn't much for older kids to do in wet weather, the real attractions of the coast are the beaches and national parks. If you need a break from the weather it's not far to Sydney by train, or take the ferry to the northern beaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifesGood Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 I'm a fan of the northern reaches of the central coast - Norah Head, Budgewoi, Toukley. All have lovely caravan parks.From there you are within easy reach of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley if the weather is really terrible.ETA: if you can, take bikes as there are miles and miles of fantastic bike paths around the lakes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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