Catch up on the latest news at Catalina

Lock and Leave: Hook up the caravan and head north

One of the great things about being retired is having time. Time to explore. Time to relax. Time to travel and rediscover yourself. One of the advantages of living in a retirement village like Catalina Lake Macquarie is, not only the caravan parking, but the ability to safely lock up and leave whenever you want for as long as you want. You can uncover some new caravan spots north of Newcastle along the coast with the peace of mind that your belongings, home and gardens are safe and well-looked after whilst you’re away.

Catalina’s central location offers easy access to the North Coast, peppered with its beautiful coastal inlets and great caravan parks. Here are a few options we think are worth a visit:

Reflections Holiday Parks: managed by the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Land Manager Board, these caravan parks are conveniently positioned on crown land nearby some of the most iconic beaches, inland dams, landmarks and pristine reserves across NSW. Even better, is their commitment to redirect funds into the local communities and the regular upkeep of the parks.

Bask by the Seaside: Jimmys Beach (dog friendly), Hawks Nest (dog friendly), Seal Rocks, Forster Beach, Tuncurry (dog friendly), North Haven (dog friendly), Bonny Hills (dog friendly). Relax in the country: Lake Glenbawn (dog friendly)

Great Lakes Riverside Living: Just outside of Nabiac in the town of Failford you’ll find this dog friendly, family-owned and operated caravan park near the Wallamba River. With many services available, like BBQ areas and laundry facilities, you can launch your kayaks or boat from the boat ramp for a spot of fishing on the river or relax with friends at sunset as sausages sizzle nearby.

Hallidays Point Caravan Park: Located 15km north of Forster/Tuncurry this new resort is situated on 100 rural acres near Tallwood’s Village and caters for caravans, camping and even has horse stables and yards onsite. The sites are extra-large so you can fit two cars and a caravan if need be with room to spare. If you’re a keen golfer, Tallwood’s Golf Course is at Blackhead Beach just 3km away. This park offers full amenities and is dog friendly.

NRMA Parks and Resorts – Port Macquarie Breakwall: If you’re looking at heading a little further north, you must stay at this park. Offering breathtaking views, landscaped gardens and spacious caravan sites it’s no wonder they won Gold in the 2019 Tourism Awards and Bronze in the 2019 Australian Tourism Awards. Relax on the beach, shop in the city centre or explore the Hastings River. This park is also dog friendly and offers a tech-free detox holiday if you’re interested – ask them how.

Tattersalls Campground: If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track and a little more self-sufficient, there are many spots within our National Parks to discover. This remote campground is situated alongside the Karuah River in the Karuah National Park. It offers camper trailer sites with an amenities block, BBQ and picnic facilities and a boat ramp. Best of all, it’s a free site. It’s a stunning place to relax with a book or show off your fishing skills. Simply bring your own firewood, cooking and drinking water and insect repellent. Being a National Park, this site is not pet friendly.

Local Showgrounds: If you’re looking for somewhere for a short stay or are watching your budget, be sure to look into the local council showgrounds. They are usually close to town centres and offer all the basics you need for a comfortable stay such as accessibility, bathrooms and plenty of parking. Got friends or family visiting with their caravan from out of the area? Tell them about Morisset Showground.

So, where are you thinking of heading to next?