Whale watching at Nelson Bay

Are you one of those couples that used to camp before the kids came along, but now it seems too hard?  It seems like you would need to take everything but the kitchen sink and take a day to pack.  That’s not really the perfect holiday is it?

A solution that is being discovered more and more by young families is campervan hire or motorhome hire.  Being able to take the kids into the outdoors and teaching them about the wildlife is something we’ve always wanted to do for our children.

Recently we explored the coast north of Sydney in a campervan for a couple of weeks.  Hiring a 4 berth motorhome gave us plenty of space, and having the onboard toilet and shower made life so easy. (editor : easier still might be to take a Travel Potty if you are toilet training)

Pelicans at Port Stephens

The kids loved the places we explored.  We based ourselves at Port Stephens, about 2.5 hours north of Sydney. We spent the days exploring the area.  Nearby, Nelson Bay is a large sheltered bay with safe, calm beaches perfect for small children.  The days just disappeared as we checked out the surf beaches, taught the kids how to fish, did family walks and even some whale watching.

Whale watching begins in mid May as the humpback whales migrate north over about a 6-8 week period.  From September to October, the southern migration begins.  At this time there is also a large number of seabirds that migrate from the northern hemisphere to nest there.  If you can time your visit to experience the migration of the whales, you and the kids will not be disappointed.

Dolphins at Port Stephens

Port Stephens also is home to groups of bottlenose dolphins, which we were lucky enough to spot.  It was the first time the kids had seen dolphins in the wild, so saying they

were excited, was an understatement.  Nearby Tomaree National Park is the perfect headland to spot the whales, dolphins and other marine life.On our way back to Sydney, we spent a night in the Hunter Valley which is not that far from Port Stephens.  We enjoyed a couple of wine tastings and the scenery was spectacular.

We even found a few venues, like Potters Brewery which had playgrounds for the children and allowed us to relax over lunch.

All in all, a campervan holiday is perfect for a family holiday.  It is a great way to introduce the children into the marvels of nature without roughing it.

A great way to travel with kidstesy of Gallivanting Oz. Contact Gallivanting

The above post is courtesy of Gallivanting

Oz for assistance with campervan hire and motorhome hire in Australia http://www.gallivantingoz.com.au

Internal shot of a campervan

Please visit the Haggus and Stookles E-store, we sell a terrific Travel Potty, trust us it’s pretty useful.

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Great Camping at Kingscliff

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We have recently discovered a fantastic spot for people who like camping but don’t like lugging all the camping gear, putting up tents and sleeping on the ground!

The Surfari Tents at Kingscliff North Holiday Park are awesome.  Located just 2km from the relaxing township of Kingscliff, Kingscliff North is perfect for anyone wanting a beachfront holiday, without breaking the budget. With the Pacific Ocean on your doorstep peace and quiet are assured!

The Surfari Tents are camping in style! ‘Tents’ pitched on wooden floors – it’s the feeling of camping without the hard work!

What we love about the Surfari Tents

1. 20 meters from the beach

2. They have bathrooms with enormous showers, sinks and toilets

3. Also have kitchenettes with toaster, microwave, bar fridge and sink

4. Bedding includes queen size bed and bunk beds (sleeps 4)

5. TV (totally unnecessary while camping, but must admit, in the middle of the day ABC2 came in handy!!!)

6. No need to pitch tents, or bring camping chairs, as there is an outdoor setting there too

7. 300 meters from a park

8. Bike path just outside holiday park

Disadvantages of the tents

1. You have to bring your own linen - sheets, towels, blankets

2. No campfires

3. There is only one BBQ area for whole campsite… we recommend taking a small camping BBQ or Weber so you don’t have to rely on this area being free when you need it.

4. There is not much storage inside so you have to keep some things in the car.

Overall these tents are fantastic and high recommended for a family weekend away or holiday, and from only $85.00 per night, they are great value! See link here for further information and bookings.

Please visit Haggus and Stookles E-store. We sell Car Accesories and other high quality products for your kids. Visit our store, there are variety of products to choose from.

Other posts you might enjoy reading:

Kids and Campervan Hire – Port Stephens Review

Planning for Family Camping Fun

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Camp Sign

While getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life is one of the reasons families choose to go camping, for kids – it’s the ultimate adventure.   If you are planning a family camping trip this summer, here are some tips that will ensure your vacation is both a safe and fun experience.

1. If you are planning a car trip a  to get to your camp site, make sure you’ve had a recent car service and check the tyres etc.

2. Pre-camping preparation. If you have small children, you may want to select a tent that will accommodate all if you comfortably.  On the other hand, if you are camping with older children, it may be a good idea to purchase additional pup tents to give them some sense of independence.

Another great tip is to practice assembling the tents in your backyard so as to avoid wasting time at the camp site. Make it a game, who can get their tent up correctly in the best time?

3. Selecting a campsite. Depending upon whether you decide to “rough it” or choose a campsite that is close to amenities, you can research the many campsites online that offer great information on the area.  This will enable you to decide not only what equipment, clothing, and food you need to take, but the available hiking areas and points of interest as well.

Ensure that the campsite you select is an official campsite area. Moreover, when researching camping sites it’s a good idea to look for those areas that are on the high ground.  Thus, if it rains, your tent and equipment will not become water logged. There’s nothing worse than waking up with your head on a soggy pillow.

4. Make a checklist. This is very important to ensure you do not forget anything on your camping trip. Among the items on your checklist, some of the more important items you will need are:

* Cooking gear such as a frying pan, a few pots, a bucket, barbecue grill or gas stove, bags with a Ziploc, and cooking utensils. It is also recommended that you prepare meals at home and package them in containers for the trip.  Also bring water, water bottles, a can opener, hot water kettle and coffee pot, and a cooler with ice.

* Packing the appropriate clothing is essential.  Depending upon the location, wearing light layers is a good idea as well as packing some jumpers for the cooler evenings.  Extra socks, hats, and gloves may also be needed. If you intend to do a lot of bush walking or hiking, make sure you and the kids pack some decent shoes.

* Sleeping bags, first aid kit, flashlights, cell phone, garbage bags, toiletries, sunscreen, ointments, a map of the area, insect repellent, games for the kids, and rainwear.

For a complete checklist on what to bring on a camping trip, there are many camping websites that offer a myriad of suggestions.

5. When you reach the camp site, choose a place to pitch the tents away from rocks, debris and large trees.  Most campgrounds will post warning signs or instructions regarding specific animals and vegetation.

6. When preparing a campfire, if appropriate, ensure that it is set up further away from the tents.  After you have roasted the marshmallows, sang songs, and told ghost stories; put the fire out before going to bed.

Finally, enjoy the entire camping experience.  Sleeping under the stars, communing with nature,(ie collecting pockets full of rocks etc..) and relishing the time spent with family will not only bring a family closer together, but the memories of experiences like this will last forever.

Please visit Haggus and Stookles E-store. We sell Kids Water Bottles, Sleeping bags and other high quality products for your kids there. Visit now,  you can find variety of products to choose from!

Other posts you might enjoy reading:

Great Camping at Kingscliff

Kids and Campervan Hire – Port Stephens Review

School Day Holiday Fun – Tips for Kids Activities