THE PLACE
This household pleasant park presents a plum beachfront setting on the southern finish of the NSW Central Coast recognized domestically because the peninsula. Bordered by bushland and the gorgeous Brisbane Water National Park the favored (and historic) park presents 25 completely different lodging choices starting from three-bedroom villas, glamping tents via to tenting and caravan websites; the glamtainers being the latest addition. It additionally presents a day by day youngsters membership, resort fashion swimming pools, waterpark, leaping pillows, go kart rent and terrific onsite kiosk.
THE LOCATION
City life makes manner for riverside cities, huge tracts of bushland, dramatic waterways and coastal inlets on the 90-minute drive from Sydney. Feel your shoulders drop as you cross the Mooney Mooney Bridge earlier than veering off for the coast. Far reaching vistas over Brisbane Waters unfold on the ascent in direction of Woy Woy earlier than arriving at Umina’s lengthy sweep of protected beachfront. The two glamtainers are positioned on the southern finish of the park, overlooking Ettalong Creek and rolling waves.
THE LOOK
Even essentially the most ardent non-camper will likely be gained over by the fashionable interiors and creature comforts of the glamtainers constructed by Melbourne-based GlamXperience. Converted from working transport containers, lodge fashion luxuries like hairdryers, heating and cooling, heated towel rack and rustic bohemian interiors await. There are queen and double sized beds, kitchenette with fridge and microwave, compact residing space, TV, trendy toilet and outside deck with BBQ and seating. Floor to ceiling home windows permit gentle to stream in whereas blinds and reflective glass permit for privateness. Booked solidly since arriving in 2020, a 3rd glamtainer is on order.
THE ROOM
The queen measurement mattress with bedside lamps sits inside an open plan area with timber flooring. A cute bunk room housing the double mattress presents its personal air conditioner, studying lights and may be shut off if travelling with youngsters or one other grownup. There’s no wardrobe, nevertheless you’ll be able to stash your belongings on cabinets (tip: pack gentle).
THE FOOD
The onsite Beach Kiosk is a step up out of your common vacation park outlet. Expect egg and bacon burgers, salmon bagels, first rate espresso, fish and chips and freshly made salads. There’s additionally an excellent deli and confectionary choice whereas the park holds pop up occasions like Spanish paella and sangria or margarita nights. After the kiosk shuts at 3pm you’ll be able to order meals supply (gather from the park entrance) or make a BBQ and watch the sundown, G&T in hand, on the deck.
STEPPING OUT
Kids are by no means going to wish to go away the park (now providing the brand new Bear Grylls survival and journey program) nevertheless it is price trekking alongside the seaside at low tide (drive in any other case) for Margarita Daze. Known for its artistic cocktails, informal bites and ocean vistas stretching all the best way to Palm Beach lighthouse, chances are you’ll recognise this seaside eatery from the Netflix sequence Pieces of Her starring Toni Collette. The soft-shell crab tacos, jalapeno and watermelon margaritas go down a deal with on a sunny autumn day. Neighbouring Ettalong can be dwelling to quite a few cafes and eateries together with Lords of Pour, Coast, Safran and quaint artwork deco Cinema Paradiso. Alternatively work up a sweat on the Pearl Beach to Patonga stroll via Brisbane Water National Park adopted by a bucket of prawns and well-earned ale on the Boathouse Patonga.
THE VERDICT
Glamtainers are a revelation for many who like the thought of tenting within the nice outside however are daunted by the set-up, leaky air mattresses and midnight run to the facilities block. And staying in a vacation park makes you’re feeling like a child once more particularly once you get to whiz round in a go kart.
ESSENTIALS
90 Sydney Ave, Umina Beach; nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/ocean-beach. Glamtainers begin from $155 per evening. Discount for NRMA members.
HIGHLIGHT
Cooking a BBQ beneath the celebs to the soundtrack of crashing waves.
LOWLIGHT
Staying in a giant, fashionable vacation park means loads of visitors (on foot and on wheels) passing by whereas the glamtainer’s compact measurement makes it finest suited to {couples}.
Sheriden Rhodes stayed as a visitor of NRMA Parks and Resorts.
Source: traveller.com.au