The Christmas season combines some of life’s most treasured pleasures – great food, great company and a lifetime worth of great memories writes Frida Horbino.
Christmas is just around the corner, and with a little forward planning you could be enjoying a BBQ or roast lamb and minced pies, all while enjoying a spectacular view from the comfort of your caravan or your cabin deck!
This Christmas, take your family and get back to the things you love most, pack up the caravan or recreational vehicle (RV)and meet some like minded people among some of Australia’s most scenic locations.
Whether it is a romantic getaway with your partner in a luxury cabin, a family holiday by the beach with the grandkids, or a good old fashion Aussie road trip, a caravanning holiday allows you to do as much or as little as you wish and offers the perfect solution for every budget.
According to Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA) CEO, Stuart Lamont, caravanning and camping is an essential part of the Australian culture with over 85 per cent of the Australian population having stayed in a caravan holiday park at least once in their lifetime.
“Over Christmas, it’s not uncommon to see two or three generations of families enjoy a caravanning holiday,” he says.“Caravan holiday parks are perfect for a family getaway; many offering space for the children to kick around the footy, barbeque facilities for fun twilight meals and great swimming pools and play areas to keep the grandkids entertained for hours,” he explains.
Before you hit the busy roads, it is always important to make sure your caravan, motorhome or other type of recreational vehicles (RV) is in good condition. Safety is paramount at this time of year, with an increased number of vehicles on the road, and drivers often rushing to reach their destination.
Mr Lamont recommends that while on the road, try to stay to the left where possible in order to give overtaking vehicles as much space as possible. If you are in an area where overtaking is difficult ensure you pull over regularly to allow following vehicles to pass you. “Stay alert when driving and take time to enjoy the journey,” advises Mr Lamont. “Plan plenty of rest stops to avoid fatigue and share the driving, but remember that the only cure for fatigue is sleep, so if you’re tired, don’t drive,” he adds.
“Over Christmas, it’s not uncommon to see two or three generations of families enjoy a caravanning holiday” – Stuart Lamond
Where to go?
Fishing is a classic Australian outdoor activity that goes hand in hand with caravanning and a perfect activity to enjoy during the festive season. BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park is a caravan holiday park located on the Clarence River and has their own private boat ramp, so whether you’re a mad keen fisherman or just love to try your luck, then the Clarence River, Saltwater @ Yamba can cater for your needs! Many retirees come back to this caravan holiday park year after year forthe community feeling, fantastic fishing, and open space and of course the weather! It’s not uncommon for fish and mud crabs to be caught right off their very own boat ramp. To make it easier for you, tackle, fishing licences and kids fishing rodsare all available for purchase from the park’s reception. Many lifelong friendships started here and guests love their yearly catch up.
So why not throw a line in off the rocks or launch your boat and enjoy a day of cruising around the beautiful Clarence River
For the fly and drive traveller, just south of Sydney lies Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park which has something for every one with a range of accommodation options available including luxury cabins right through to beachside Surf Shaks and Safari Tents that the grandkids can enjoy. Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park is perfect for those looking for a comfortable holiday in a relaxed beach front atmosphere with the beach literally at your doorstep. Seven Mile Beach is Australia’s best “learn to surf” beach. You can enjoy surfing, canoeing, fishing and / or simply unwind and listen to the rolling waves. Whether you are looking to work on your tan or learn to surf, all is less than a stone’s throw away.
Experience the best that an Aussie holiday has to offer at the kid friendly One Mile Beach Holiday Park, located right on this world famous beach. Bring your caravan or motorhome, pitch your tent or stay in one of their comfy cabins or villas, the choice is yours. The holiday park is just a short walk to the beach and is priced to suit every family’s budget. Their new luxury villas are all ensuite and self-contained with free Foxtel and most have videos and DVD’s provided as standard fittings. Some even have spas! One this is certain, you are sure to enjoy the resort style facilities including the best pool in the Port Stephens Area, tennis court, putt putt course and children’s playground.
Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park sits on the waterfront of the beautiful Tallebudgera Estuary. This is definitely the place for a water-based holiday, so be sure to pack your gear for swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, windsurfing and canoeing.
For those who prefer the waves, the park is just across the road from the Tallebudgera surf beach and is also a short stroll away from Burleigh Heads National Park, which offers beautiful scenic walks and a lush rainforest to explore.
A wide range of accommodation options include 31 waterfront and garden villas, 7 lodging rooms and sites that provide picturesque views looking over the water to the treetops of the Burleigh Ridge Park and Tallebudgera Conservation Park.
Quick Christmas planning tips:
- Plan your Christmas activities in advance to ensure that you can maintain a fun and family focused atmosphere through out your holiday.
- Take the stress out of preparing a huge spread, and instead aim to combine simple, fresh ingredients with easy-to-prepare dishes.
- Decorate your caravan or motorhome with trinkets found during your trip. Why not hang banners made of your travel photos and postcards from the roof and create decorations from driftwood or shells?
- An outside barbecue Christmas lunch creates a sense of community and allows you to enjoy the summer sun and outdoors.
Safety caravanning tips:
- Ensure the car is not overloaded, and the driver can see out of the back window without their vision being obscured. Visibility is particularly important when towing a caravan or any RV so ensure you can see clearly out of all mirrors before leaving home.
- Take the time to ensure everything in your caravan, motorhome or other type of RV is secure. By ensuring everything is distributed evenly through your RV you can reduce the chance of the caravan swaying.
- Ensure your RV is correctly coupled to the tow vehicle and the safety chain is fitted. Also check brake lights, taillights, clearance lights and electric brakes are all working.
- While on the road, try to stay to the left in order to give overtaking vehicles as much space as possible. If you are in an area where overtaking is difficult ensure you pull over regularly to allow following vehicles to pass you if possible.
- Lastly, don’t forget to keep a cool head while travelling and remember to stop regularly on long haul trips.
By taking a well deserved break this Christmas, you will enjoy the lifestyle benefits that a caravanning and camping holiday provides, and most importantly, enjoy the company of your family and friends. Many of today’s caravan holiday parks also offer special kids’ club activities over Christmas, with activities ranging from outdoor sports to arts and crafts.
HITTING THE ROAD
For all your caravanning and camping needs, visit ExperienceCaravanningandCamping.com.au. The website offers a range of over800 quality caravan holiday parks conveniently found using the ‘Find a Holiday Park’ function on the home page. While there, you can also sign up to the FREE VIP Club for interesting and exciting editorials which can help assist you with planning your next adventure on the road.
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