30 Jun 2020
Pile the fam bam in the car for an adventure in your backyard and drive in to stay at Discovery Parks NSW. You won’t need your passport to explore these incredible locations, just some local travel tips direct from our park staff. We promise it’ll be a family getaway that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
__________________________________________________________________________________
BREEZE INTO DISCOVERY PARKS – BYRON BAY
What is the best thing to do in your park?
This one is a no-brainer for Park Manager Troy, “our waterpark, no matter your age!”. The waterpark has a pirate ship theme and is perfect for the kids to run amok in the octopus spray zone, giggle their way down the 3m high waterslide and get a soaking from the tipping bucket. 
What is the best thing to do on the North Coast?
Troy recommends driving just over 20 minutes from the park to “enjoy half a day wondering around Crystal Castle. The garden and atmosphere is very relaxing and beautiful. The kids will just enjoy this place”. Afterwards, treat yourself to lunch or dinner at one of Byron Bay’s many fantastic restaurants. A couple of staff favourites: The Treehouse on Belongil or The Farm Byron Bay. 
What is the best free thing to do on the North Coast?
Gorgeous beaches and a lush green hinterland are highlights of this region and cannot be missed. Troy says you need get out into the fresh air and “go for a loooooong beach walk or do the Light House Walk, the views are beyond amazing!”
ESCAPE TO DISCOVERY PARKS – EMERALD BEACH
What is the best thing to do in your park?
Park Manager Di says you can’t go past their waterpark which is a hop, skip and splash from your cabin or caravan doorstep. The kids will spend hours on the slides, being dunked by the tip bucket, loving the sprayzones and making new holiday friends. 
What is the best thing to do in Coffs Harbour?
Take the less than 15-minute drive from the park for a mandatory holiday snap with the Big Banana. Di says a visit to this “theme park” is a full, fun day out for the family as, “the Big Banana Fun Park has ice skating, a reptile park, giant slide, mini golf, laser tag...” and so much more!
What is the best free thing to do in Coffs Harbour?
Di suggests booking in a few extra nights so you can take the true coastal paradise of the Coffs Coast with the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk; “it’s a 34km walk and takes 4 days to complete. There is awesome scenery, flora and fauna”.
PLAY AROUND AT DISCOVERY PARKS – PAMBULA BEACH
What is the best thing to do in your park?
While there is so much to keep you busy in-park, Park Manager Sharon says it’s all ultimately about one thing; “catch up with family and friends and create memories together”. Meet other families over a BBQ or meal in the Camp Kitchen, let the kid’s make new friends playing in the swimming pool, a round of mini-golf or a basketball match in the Rage Cage or, head to The Banksia Room for a game of cards and a cuppa.
What is the best thing to do on the Sapphire Coast?
Jump in the car and take the short 6-minute drive from park to Oaklands Barn for a fun day out. Sharon says “it’s a must visit destination. Home to a number of businesses including a cafe, art gallery, gift shop, Longstocking Brewery, animal barn with pony rides... there really is something for everyone!”.
What is the best free thing to do on the Sapphire Coast?
Sharon says you simply must take in the beautiful natural scenery from every angle! “A stroll on Pambula Beach is a must and it’s on our doorstep. Stroll, swim or fish the calm water of the river mouth, it’s particularly safe for the kids. Or, explore on a mountain bike through Ben Boyd National Park, Panboola wetlands or seaside Merimbula”.
FOLLOW THE RIVER TO DISCOVERY PARKS - FORSTER
What is the best thing to do in your park?
Park Manager Jane says the best activities are anything river-related; “it’s all about the Wallamba River! From barefooting to watching the sunset, walking the boardwalk, paddling, fishing, skiing, or barbecuing with a view. On the water or off the water, the Wallamba is what we are!”
If you’re bringing your four-legged sidekick on your family adventure, Rastus, Forster’s furriest staff member, has some fun pet-friendly advice. He loves running and rolling around with his pup-mates in the off-leash dog area and enjoys finishing his day’s with a warm bath in the on-site dog wash.
What is the best thing to do on the Barrington Coast?
“Getting out on the water is the only way to have a full Forster experience”, says Jane. Get up early for a fishing trip with Luke from Great Lakes Tackle, jump onboard a whale and dolphin spotting charter with Amaroo Cruises or have a relaxing lunch on the water with Free Spirit Cruises.
While Rastus’ likes a ride on a boat, he also enjoys keeping his paws on firm land taking his humans out for brunch on a weekend. Most of the local cafes are pet-friendly but, don’t ask him to pick his favourite spot, he can’t choose, as all the café staff members give him a little pat and lots of attention.
What is the best free thing to do on the Barrington Coast?
Put on your comfiest shoes and simply walk by the water’s edge. Jane’s says “you’re bound to spot fish, dolphins and lots of sea creatures as you head out the break walls or over the bridge. Your walk may even take you to lookouts where you can see whales and people having fun sand boarding on the biggest sand dune”.
Rastus however much prefers the wide-open spaces of the white sandy beaches for his daily strolls.
________________________________________________________________________________
Pack a sense of adventure, a Discovery Parks NSW location is waiting for you and the family!
** Due to the current uncertainty regarding COVID-19, local businesses may be closed or operating on reduced trading hours. Before attending local activities, please check business websites for the most up to date trading information (posted 25 June 2020).
