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The great outdoors is the only medicine you need

167299664“You’ll hardly notice the exercise you’re doing when you are absorbing the unspoilt natural Australian landscape around you”

Health benefits are a big part of what motivates so many people to experience a caravanning and camping holiday, writes Frida Horbino from the Caravan RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA).

It’s not uncommon to hear people talking about caravanning and camping these days.

Whether you’re at the office, your local club or sporting event it seems you are bound to hear a story starting with: “When I went caravanning and camping last weekend …”

So, what’s all the fuss about? Why are more and more people experiencing these kinds of holidays in their spare  time? It’s time to find out why so many people  love the caravanning and camping lifestyle, and why you should consider experiencing the great outdoors on your next trip away.

There are many health benefits that come with a good caravanning and camping trip.

You’ll be surprised to learn when you are in the great outdoors how simple tasks become a great way to stretch your legs, stay active and exercise. A short walk to collect some water can give you a chance to enjoy the nature and fauna around you. You’ll hardly notice the exercise you’re doing when you are absorbing the unspoilt natural Australian landscape around you.

According to Kaye Richards and Jenny Peel, authors of the article Outdoor Cure, anyone who has climbed a mountain, walked in a forest, paddled a river or swum in an ocean will recall a wide range of emotions associated with such experiences. It might be a feeling of excitement, exhilaration, achievement, connection, awe or wonder, along with all the other associated benefits of physical activity.

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“Thanks to modern equipment and facilities, caravanning and camping today is also a much more comfortable experience and the simple act of taking ourselves from our normal environment and into a different one, surrounded by nature, means we work, think and even speak differently with one another.”

Stuart Lamont

These collective responses to outdoor experiences can add up to a greater self-awareness, feelings of well-being and a sense of connection with others and the world.

 For many people, camping means time away from the city and all of the stress that’s part of daily life. Weekend escapes are very popular for people who grow tired of the everyday routine and are looking for something out of the ordinary to do in their free time.

According to Stuart Lamont, chief executive officer of Caravan, Recreational Vehicles and Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA), many families are often surprised by the immediate health benefits of an Australian caravanning and camping holiday.

“I regularly hear about how much people achieve from getting out there and seeing Australia through caravanning and camping,” Mr Lamont says. “For some, it’s about fresh air and the ability to unwind without the hustle and bustle of the city.

“For others, it’s about family and the lifetime friendships they make with fellow caravanners and campers. Caravanning and camping allows you to get away from your daily routine and reconnect with your families.

“Thanks to modern equipment and facilities, caravanning and camping today is also a much more comfortable experience and the simple act of taking ourselves from our normal environment and into a different one, surrounded  by nature, means we work, think andeven speak differently with one another,” he says.

Caravanning and camping is an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends and create life-long memories. Caravanning and camping is also a great way to see Australia. When we’re living the fast paced city life it’s easy to forget about the magnificence of nature in its untouched state.

When you’re camping, it’s easier to appreciate this beauty and really relax, unwind and get back to nature.

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Tee off and Experience the Breathtaking Region of NSW North Coast

A great activity to enjoy while you’re in the outdoors on a caravanning and camping holiday is golf. Golfing is the perfect way to spend time with family and friends as it can be played by all ages and with people of differing skill levels from beginner to expert.

Australia has hundreds of stunning courses around Australia all the way from the outback to the coasts. Many caravan holiday parks have mini golf or putt putt courses, and some even have their own golf courses providing a chance to practise your game before heading out to the links.

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Northern New South Wales is renowned for its golf courses and holiday parks, all situated on the stunning coastline. Here are just a few great places you can tee off and stay nearby.

Where to Play

COFFS HARBOUR GOLF CLUB

Coffs Harbour Golf Club is a 27-hole championship golf course situated just five  minutes from the centre of Coffs Harbour. The clubhouse is fully air conditioned with a restaurant and bar facilities and golfers have the choice between three course layouts; The Lakes, EastLakes and Westlakes. Social members are welcome to the club seven days a week.

WOOLGOOGLA RSL GOLF CLUB

The Woolgoolga RSL Golf Club is located in right near Coff’s Harbour’s famous  beach and boasts a challenging 18 hole layout suited to avid golfers and social golfers alike. For the social player hire clubs and buggies are available as are motorised golf carts, making the club a perfect place to visit if you haven’t brought clubs on the road with you.

Where to Stay

NRMA DARLINGTON BEACH

Darlington Beach Holiday Park is a family holiday park and resort located on Arrawarra Beach just north of Coffs Harbour. The holiday park features swimming pools, water slides, tennis courts and many more facilities for holidaymakers. For golfers, there is a nine-hole golf course and friendly golf competitions weekly.

Phone 1800 888 999
Address 104-134 Eggins Drive, Arrawarra, NSW, 2456
Website www.darlingtonbeach.com.au

LORIKEET HOLIDAY PARK

The Lorikeet Tourist Park is located between Coffs Harbour and Grafton, in one of the most delightful areas of the subtropical holiday coast. The Lorikeet is set in natural bushland fronting onto 7kms of unspoilt beach. Facilities include a pool, hot spa, tennis court and much more for those looking to unwind, relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Phone 1800 555 858
Address 210 Eggins Drive, Arrawarra NSW 2456
Website www.thelorikeet.com.au

SAPPHIRE BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

Just 6km from Coffs Harbour’s famous Big Banana the Sapphire Beach Holiday Park offers a quiet, shady getaway surrounded by sub-tropical greenery and its own billabong. Sapphire Beach is located only 9 minutes from the centre of Coffs Harbour and is the perfect location for whale watching, body boarding, snorkelling, fishing and much more. Facilities include a nine-hole putt putt course which is perfect to practise your short game.

Phone 02 6653 6212
Address 48 Split Solitary Rd, Sapphire Beach, NSW, 2450
Website www.splitsolitarycaravanpark.com

WOOLGOOLGA BEACH CARAVAN PARK

Woolgoolga Beach Caravan Park is located 20 minutes from Coffs harbour along absolute beach frontage on the beautiful Woolgoolga Beach. Facilities include a shaded children’s playground, a modern barbecue area, shaded picnic areas, nature walks and much more. Activities in the area include four-wheel driving, mountain bike riding and fishing.

Phone 1800 200 555
Address 55 Beach Street, Woolgoolga NSW 2456
Website www.coffscoastholidayparks.com.au/woolgoolgabeach-caravan-park

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For all your caravanning and camping needs, visit ExperienceCaravanningandCamping.com.au. The website offers a range of over 800 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.