Russ and Inga live life for the now, travelling around Australia sleeping in their rooftop tent and exploring unforgettable destinations along the way. They say they’re living the ‘Great Aussie Dream’, and after hearing more about their recent travels, we agree!
On this leg of their adventure, the couple travelled along the eastern coast of Victoria and into New South Wales, some 1500km or so, from Lakes Entrance to Tweed Heads.
Calling all seafood lovers – Russ and Inga will tell you this is a destination not to be missed. Keep an eye out for the ‘fresh seafood’ signs that anglers put up along the esplanade when the boats return to their moorings.
“We lashed out on some fresh prawns, a must when visiting Lakes Entrance.”
A stay at BIG4 Whiters Holiday Village meant it was only a short walk to the lake, the surf beach, and town. With plenty of great places for dining, relaxing picnic areas right along the lake, picturesque strolls on the esplanade, and access to renowned Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes Entrance delivered the goods.
Arriving in Forster, NSW, Russ and Inga checked out Burgess Beach and the rocky headland end of One Mile Beach.
“A stunning part of the east coast of Australia.”
They checked in to NRMA Forster Tuncurry Holiday Park and set up their site, before exploring everything the park has to offer.
“Lap pool, main pool, café, kids’ play areas, BBQ facilities throughout, modern cabins, fishing in the lake, very neat caravan/camping sites, great camp kitchen, large picnic grounds, lakeside walkways, and very friendly staff.”
Next stop – South West Rocks, a picturesque location near the mouth of the Macleay River. Here, you’ll find gorgeous beaches, national parkland, stunning headlands, and a population of around 5500 people.
Exploring Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park was a highlight of Russ and Inga’s stay in the area, with historical ruins and stellar views to check out on your self-guided tour.
The gaol is located just a short drive from NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort.
“This park has everything you could want for a fantastic holiday. If you have kids, there is so much for them to do with activities and entertainment throughout the day and night! There are also e-bikes for adults if you want to hire them to explore the local area and plenty of wildlife in this beautiful park.”
Onwards and upwards to Nambucca Heads, a great spot for a beachy holiday. Staying at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks Nambucca Heads, the couple took advantage of easy access to Swimming Creek Beach, along which you can ride your bike all the way into town. For those travelling with their four-legged pals, it’s a dog-friendly beach!
The park itself is full of vibrant hues, with colourful cabins, water slides, and an eclectic games room, all set within natural, leafy surrounds.
“It was very relaxing. We fell asleep to the sound of waves crashing each night.”
On the road from Nambucca Heads to Yamba, Russ and Inga pulled in for a pit-stop to check out the small coastal town of Urunga.
Here, you can take a 1km stroll along the boardwalk over the crystal-clear waters of Urunga Lagoon, passing by the junction of the Bellinger and Kalang rivers and ending up at an unpatrolled surf beach. There’s plenty of fish to see in the water and stingray resting sites in the sand.
“A top spot to stop and rest the legs and have a cuppa!”
Back on the road, Russ and Inga rolled on towards their next destination: BIG4 Saltwater at Yamba Holiday Park.
Set on 52ha of open parklands on the banks of the Clarence River, with oodles of space, BIG4 Saltwater has everything your heart could possibly desire. Enjoy kayaking, fishing, boating, a kids’ water park, pool, open-air cinema, extensive grasslands, BBQ areas, pizza oven, camp kitchens, dog wash, caravan and camping sites, luxury dog-friendly cabins, and fire pits on every site.
The pair was lucky enough to spot the majestic albino kangaroo that resides in the park.
With an arctic blast hitting the east coast, the duo decided to trade in the rooftop tent for a cabin at BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Ballina. The upgrade delivered homestyle luxury, away from the wind and rain.
Once the weather settled, it was high time to explore the beaches between Lennox Head and Ballina. These were amazing spots for swimming, fishing, walking, relaxing, and sightseeing.
Camping right next to a saltwater billabong in the middle of a holiday park? That’s BIG4 Tweed Billabong for you! Another of the park’s highlights is the camp kitchen, a stunning, relaxing, entertaining area to BBQ, cook, and wine and dine with friends after a day out exploring the region. There’s also a coffee van just outside the complex for your morning caffeine fix.
So, where to next? The country is a blank canvas on which Russ and Inga will continue to paint their adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for their next instalment.
Planning your own east coast adventure? You can find each of the parks Russ and Inga visited below.
