Remember the carefree travel of your twenties? Hiking overseas, skiing in Europe, road-tripping across Iceland. For many parents, those spontaneous adventures feel like a distant memory, replaced by the logistical marathon of travelling with young children.
From Holiday Stress to Pure Relaxation
A recent visit to Discovery Parks — Narooma Beach on the New South Wales south coast proved to be a revelation for one parent accustomed to packing everything including the kitchen sink. The experience was so transformative that they've become a devoted advocate, recommending it to every parent they meet.
So, what sets this particular holiday park apart and makes it a must-book destination for families?
The Idyllic Location and On-Site Perks
First and foremost is its stunning location. Nestled on the picturesque Handkerchief Beach, about a five-hour drive from Sydney, the park offers an immediate sense of escape. Days can be spent by the calm coastal inlet under a CoolCabana, where children can safely drift towards the ocean, or enjoying the park's superb facilities.
The accommodation options are diverse, ranging from deluxe three-bedroom cabins to glamping tents and powered or unpowered campsites. Just steps from your cabin, you'll find excellent playgrounds catering to all ages, a giant bouncing pillow that becomes the stuff of childhood legend, and a beautiful heated swimming pool—a saviour on a hot summer day.
The park's recent multi-million-dollar refurbishment shows. Additional amenities include:
- Tennis courts
- A flying fox
- Pedal karts for getting around
- A dedicated bike track for older kids
- On-site barbecue facilities
Ease and Relaxation for the Whole Family
The second major win is the unparalleled ease for both adults and children. From the comfort of your cabin balcony, you can keep an eye on the playground and activities while enjoying a moment of peace. It’s the rare holiday setup where parents can genuinely relax—sipping a drink and reading a book—while kids safely burn off energy nearby.
When you do venture off-site, the surrounding area is rich with activities. A short drive takes you into the town of Narooma and to beautiful coastal walks like the must-do Mill Bay Boardwalk, where spotting stingrays is a common delight. For a memorable meal, the Quarterdeck beach shack offers fresh local oysters, fish burgers, and classic holiday fare that pleased even a one-year-old food critic.
After a three-day stay, the feeling was clear: this was a holiday that actually restored the parents. The constant pressure of catering to young children in an unfamiliar place was gone, replaced by a genuine sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
With prices starting from just $60 for an unpowered site, Discovery Parks — Narooma Beach presents a compelling case for Australian families seeking a break that feels like a true holiday for everyone. It’s proof that modern holiday parks are a world away from the cramped caravan experiences of decades past.
