It is a beautiful winter’s morning. The sun is high and bright, its beauty competing with the sparkling ocean that rolls beneath it. The sky is blue, the birds are singing and it’s peaceful.
I lean back in my chair on the wooden deck, soak up the rays, and enjoy my cup of steaming green tea.
I’m the first to admit that five-star resort stays are my kind of living. Luxury, infinity pools and relaxation – what’s not to love?
But, as it turns out, camping can be pretty great too.
Hastings Point – the smallest coastal community in the New South Wales Tweed Shire – has become a weekend escape for our young family. The site, which falls under the Tweed Coast Holiday Parks’ umbrella, overlooks one of the region’s famed beaches and sits on the banks of the peaceful Cudgera Creek.
The best part? It’s only a two-and-a-half hour drive from the Sunshine Coast.
On this particular weekend, we ditched real camping in the name of glamping and set up home in one of the park’s five Surfari tents.
The Cudgera tent comfortably sleeps four people and consists of a double bed and bunk. It also comes with its own ensuite, which is ideal when you have a three-year-old in tow. Hastings Point is an old-school campground with tent and caravan sites aplenty.
You won’t find a pool or playground here. Instead, the ocean and tidal creek will provide hours of family fun. It’s nature’s perfect playground.
We cart the kayak across the road to the creek and embark on a slow journey upstream, heading into the mangroves
and fishing haven that backs on to the campgrounds.
It’s hard to believe that this serene environment is located only 45 minutes from the vibrant heart of Surfers Paradise.
There is no shortage of fun – Hastings Point is the perfect base for surfing, fishing, kayaking, swimming and relaxing. From building sandcastles to collecting shells and barbecuing for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s living at its simplest, and its best.
It turns out that five-star family fun doesn’t have to mean costly resorts.
GETTING THERE
Hastings Point is located in the New South Wales Tweed Shire. The small beachside community is about a two-and-a-half hour drive south of the Sunshine Coast.
STAYING THERE
Hastings Point holiday park is one of seven destinations that form part of the Tweed Coast Holiday Park group. Rates start at $93 for a three-night weekend powered tent site. A weekend stay in the Cudgera Surfari tent starts at $320.
Visit tchp.com.au.
PLAYING THERE
Activities: Cudgera Creek is the perfect place to enjoy water activities, including swimming, fishing and kayaking.
Dining: If you feel the need to escape the campsite, head to neighbouring Salt Village at Kingscliff. There’s a bistro, Thai, Italian and cafe dining options.
