3 family friendly holiday locations to visit in 2022

There are so many great reasons to visit the NSW south coast

We are fortunate in Australia with such an incredible number of family
friendly destinations are within a few hours driving distance of most
capital cities. Taking a road trip with the family is a fairly common way
for Australians to travel and many people consider it a part of our culture.
In fact, according to Destination NSW’s
report
for the year ended September 2012 there were 6.2 million domestic overnight
trips undertaken by NSW families versus just 0.9 million who went overseas.
Most of us have fond memories of playing games in the back seat of the car,
counting cars and asking my parents ‘are we there yet’.

Our landscape lends itself well to tourism given that along our coastline,
we have a number of stunning beaches and natural scenery that is unmatched
in the world. Several locations, such as the far north coast of NSW, the
central coast or even up near the border in Byron Bay, were considered by
Rob and myself when we thought about what makes a good location to manage
family friendly holiday rentals.

However, with the southern region of NSW only about 150 kms or so away from
Sydney, 200kms from Canberra or 350kms from Melbourne, the
Jervis Bay area
is probably one of, if not the best choice for taking your family on
holiday.

What makes the NSW south coast so unique?

The NSW South Coast is a unique combination of coastal scenery, lush grazing
plains, and a breathtaking hinterland. It boasts a wide array of natural
wonders which make it an ideal place to take part in a variety of outdoor
activities or go exploring. The best part is that they are all within easy
reach and only a short drive away from each other; there are more than 40
villages, close to 100 beaches and mountain ranges respectively.

The stretch of coast from Kiama to just past Nowra has countless beaches and
coastal spots to visit which provides choices both in and out of the water.
There is the pristine crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay with its gentle
waves and soft sand through to the fine dining options available in Berry or
Kangaroo Valley. Head away from the ocean and there are wildlife parks,
wineries, bushwalks, waterfalls & even the famous Robertson Pies.

While nearly any location is suitable for couples, the best part about the
places around the South Coast is how kid friendly they are. Many regard it
as one of Australia’s most beautiful natural regions for families to
visit & that is why we have a collection of luxury holiday rental
properties in this area.

Apart from the Daintree Rainforest in far north Queensland, the Shoalhaven
region is one of the few locations where the lush rainforest straddles the
rugged coastline to create an intoxicating mix of natural beauty with plenty
of wide open spaces & fresh air.

That is why Rob & I love it down here so much. Locations further north
are more developed, more heavily populated and a lot of the natural bushland
has been removed to make way for high density living.

Planning a trip with your family that is two hours from Sydney

Most Sydneysiders are constantly looking for new things to do. Driving up to
Palm Beach or over to Manly is nice, but as soon as the weather is warm both
locations are packed and the roads are congested, taking all the fun away
from travelling.

So, lots of people start turning their attention to locations a little
further away. With the upgraded freeways going north and south there are
quite a few locations that are now within an easy two hours drive of Sydney
which make them perfect for short holiday trips with the family.

Locations within 2 hours include;

• Central Coast – densely populated in most locations
  and quite busy with lots of development.
• Newcastle – next major city to Sydney, nice coastal
  location but busy.
• Port Stephens – our next choice compared to staying
  in Jervis Bay, but not as much to do for families.
• Hunter Valley – top destination in NSW, but if you
  don’t like wine and have kids it can reduce the amount of enjoyment
  had.
• Katoomba – many attractions but costs can add up if
  you have kids.
• Lithgow – sleepy historical town with not too much
  to do for kids.
• Bathurst – another major city centre famous for
  motor racing.
• Kiama – great little spot but does get busy on
  weekends.
• Jervis Bay – our favourite location for its
  untouched natural scenery.
• Kangaroo Valley – lush forest and rolling hills.
• Bowral – lovely old town with lots of charm.
• Berry – a great place for shopping, eating and
  visiting the nearby hinterland or wineries.

You can also quickly discover what other people think about each destination
by reading some of the reviews for the location. Location reviews are
generic & not connected directly with a business, hotel or tourist
attraction, so they are a great way to get a general ‘feel’ for
a location you are thinking of travelling to.

Jervis Bay for example has more than
600 reviews
from people who have visited.

Huskisson, Vincentia & Callala Beach

Stunning crystal clear beach coastline

Mostly visited for:

• White sand beaches
• Snorkelling and diving
• Maritime history
• Whale watching in winter

Just past Wollongong is the seaside community of Jervis Bay, which includes
Huskisson,
Vincentia
and
Callala Beach. They may not be as popular as Byron Bay, Nelson Bay or Terrigal but if
you want to have a holiday with your family where it isn’t too busy,
there aren’t too many crowds and it doesn’t feel overly
‘touristy’ then these three locations should be on your list for
2022.

This area has a history of shipbuilding at its heart and the protected bay
showcases some of Australia’s best beaches, including
Hyam’s Beach, renowned for the softest, whitest sand in the
world. We have a number of
luxury holiday rental properties
in the area that can be rented for a few days (or weeks) where you get
complete use of the whole holiday house, just as if it was your own.

For many families, Huskisson is the perfect ‘jump-off point’ to
base yourself. This area is surrounded by a marine park full of sea life and
untouched bushland with lots of options for animal spotting cruises,
stand-up paddle boarding and other water-sports.

Best of all, it is just a short 40-50 minute drive to locations like Berry
or Kangaroo Valley to get a taste of the rainforest, waterfalls and some
incredible mountain pass driving roads, or to take the kids to
Jamberoo Recreation Park
in the summer months.

The Jervis Bay holiday rental houses from Supercalla Private Properties
include: 

• Luna
• Beachstone
• Bethany Beach House
• Minerva Cottage
• Bay Keepers
• Atra at Callala Beach
• Shearwater

Things to do around Jervis Bay

• Kid-friendly swimming; Moona Moona Creek in Huskisson is
  perfect for swimming with young ones. The waters are calm and for the more
  adventurous kids (and big kids) there is a bridge that everyone jumps off.
  Orions Beach in Vincentia is another family secret with its calm waters
  and exclusive enclaves, ideal for a day picnicking and splashing about.

• Water sports; Water lovers might want to learn to surf at
  the http://www.jbsurfschool.com.au/. Alternatively, go underwater with
  https://www.divejervisbay.com/, which offers scuba lessons and daily dive
  charters to explore the rich plant and animal life that calls Jervis Bay
  Marine Park home.

• Beachside bushwalks; There are numerous bushwalking
  options near Vincentia and Huskisson, but the White Sands walk in Jervis
  Bay National Park, which strolls across Greenfield Beach, Chinamans Beach,
  and returns into the Scribbly Gum track in a 2.5km loop is the simplest
  for tiny feet. The trip is popular because it goes to Hyams Beach and
  provides many opportunities for rock-hopping and splashing along the way.
  Keep an eye on the bay throughout May through November for whales
  breaching out of the water.Another popular choice is the Granite Falls
  Walking Track in Morton National Park, which offers beautiful scenery and
  lots of bushwalking opportunities. Visit Bomaderry Creek, an ecosystem
  surrounded by wooded hills and hanging swamps.

• Meet the wildlife at Shoalhaven Zoo; Shoalhaven Zoo
  offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with over 100
  species of animals including monkeys, big cats and Australian natives such
  as koalas, wombats, kangaroos and crocodiles.Shoalhaven Zoo is open every
  day of the year, with the exception on Christmas Day. A family pass for
  two adults and two children (aged 3-15) costs $85. You can even pre-book
  unique wildlife experiences such as feeding a meerkat, monkey or lion and
  you can even cuddle a koala if you’re lucky.

• Ropes courses at Trees Adventure; Trees Adventure
  provides fun for children of all ages. This climbing course is located in
  Nowra at Shoalhaven Park, on the banks of the Shoalhaven River. The
  courses and rock climbing activities are designed to take advantage of the
  trees and natural rock faces.In this game, children of all ages can test
  their skills on six long courses with more than 70 challenges. Fly through
  the air on flying foxes, scale rocky slopes, or put your climbing ability
  to the test. Begin only two metres from the ground and work your way up to
  a height of 25 metres in this thrill-a-minute adventure. You may also take
  a sneaky birds’ eye view into Shoalhaven Zoo’s animal
  enclosures, which are only adjacent.There are two sessions each day and
  they last around 2.5 hours. Adult tickets are $51, youngsters are $28, and
  spectator entry is free.

• Get on Board an Eco Cruise; What is the most important
  thing to do with children in Jervis Bay? It has to be the renowned eco
  cruises from Jervis Bay Wild. From the dolphin cruise to whale viewing
  excursion, and everything in between, Jervis Bay Wild provides a variety
  of wildlife-focused boat tours. These last a few hours and depart every
  day, so you’ll get great views as well as animal sightings that will
  stick with you forever. Make a reservation right away and don’t miss
  out on this must-do family vacation activity.

• Indoors fun; The area surrounding the Shoalhaven is
  jam-packed with exciting outdoor activities but there are also plenty of
  things to do if the weather isn’t so good. The Huskisson Pictures
  (also known as the Husky Pictures) is a fantastic place to relax, unwind,
  and getaway for a couple of hours to watch a movie. There is ten-pin
  bowling in Nowra for a barrel of laughs and some healthy rivalry. There is
  also the Flip Out Trampoline Park in Nowra, where the kids can bounce,
  flip, jump, and play till they are exhausted to help use up some of that
  pent up energy.

Berry, Nowra & Mayfield

Eat, shop & discover history

Renowned for:

• History & country charm
• Sweet treats
• Boutique wineries

Berry
has a beautiful main street lined with traditional shop fronts housing an
array of delectable shopping activities; food, clothing, wine, art &
craft. It is a very popular getaway for families with its safe streets that
have been made a little quieter since the bypass was built. It has retained
its charm and this exquisite hamlet on the NSW South Coast gives you lots of
options to dine at wonderful restaurants, do a spot of boutique shopping
& of course there is a wide array of luxury holiday rental homes that
are either within walking distance from to the main road or on acreage not
too far away.

Visit the Berry Historic Museum to learn more about the town’s
history, go antiquing and collect antiques in one of the town’s
historical structures, or try an arts and crafts class at This Old House
Studio.

The holiday house rental properties you can stay in that are near
Berry: 

• The Berry Lake House
• Mayfield Farm
• Serenity Gerringong

Things to do in Berry

• Get sticky fingers at The Berry Donut Van; A visit to the
  Shoalhaven wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the renowned Berry
  Donut Van, which has been operating in the historic town for over 50
  years. The distinctive food truck provides a delicious selection that will
  satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Hot dogs and meat pies are available,
  as well as milkshakes and slushies (along with coffee for mum and dad),
  but we all know that everyone’s coming for the cinnamon donuts.
  They’re cooked from a secret recipe using fresh ingredients, served
  piping hot in paper bags (be careful of burnt fingertips) and are best
  consumed right away on the street

• Shop Local at the Berry Farmers Market; The Berry
  Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday afternoon. Focused on the
  food’s origin and shining a spotlight on growers, producers and
  makers. Fresh seafood, locally farmed beef, eggs, milk, honey, gelato made
  with local milk, wine, cider, fresh vegetables, cakes and tarts produced
  from local produce are generally always on hand.

• Satisfy cravings at Milkwood Bakery; Milkwood Bakery is
  THE spot to grab delectable treats such as cakes, bread and the most
  magnificent pastries. Grab a coffee and a treat to fuel your Berry village
  explorations. The kiddies will love you for the treat while you shop!

• Catch the Sea breeze at Seven Mile Beach; In between
  Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads is Seven Mile Beach. Famous for its golden
  beach that stretches for miles, this famous location is the perfect spot
  to catch the sea breeze while straying in Berry. Relax beachside or wander
  through the ancient blackbutt forest before heading home for sunset.

• Indulge in sweet treats; The Treat Factory & Dairy
  Bar in Berry is a must-see for families! Sample some of their handcrafted
  chocolates, breathe in the delectable scents of confectionery as
  they’re made, and be amazed as your favourite foods are prepared
  right in front of your eyes. Alternatively, pick up a scoop of locally
  produced South Coast gelato! What youngster wouldn’t want to take a
  rest here?

Kangaroo Valley

Wildlife, rainforests, countryside & waterfalls

Renowned for:

• Waterfalls and rivers
• Fascinating colonial history
• Delicious food and wine

Yes, there are lots of wild kangaroos in
Kangaroo Valley, so let’s get that out of the way quickly. This is an idyllic
location nestled between mountain ranges and sits in the valley with
beautiful cliffs and forest on either side.

Spanning the Kangaroo Valley River, the
Hampden Bridge
with its castle looking sandstone towers, is a Kangaroo Valley icon. The
river below winds through the region’s dense rainforests, and lush
dairy farming countryside.

It is the sort of location you would see car manufacturers use for their ads
with a sports car taking on the curves of the mountain passes lined with
lush rainforest or a 4WD taking a family out to their farm. 

Not too far away is the Morton National Park that is home to the dramatic,
and one of the tallest, waterfalls in NSW called Fitzroy Falls. For those
who are a little more adventurous there are lots of other places to explore
like Belmont Falls and Upper Kangaroo Valley where you can swim in the
fresh, crystal clear, river.

Our holiday rental properties in Kangaroo Valley include:

• Barranca Kangaroo Valley
• The Berry Lake House

Things to do in Kangaroo Valley

• Check out ‘SWEET AS’ sweet shop; Sweet As
  Kangaroo Valley specialises in cult confectionery, gelato, chocolate,
  fudge and other goodies. The past 20 years in business is a testament to
  their success and popularity. A stop by their shop located in the village
  is a ‘must visit’ on your itinerary.

• Try Wombat spotting; When staying in Kangaroo Valley, you
  will see wombats, wallabies and kangaroos in the wild. If you’re
  lucky, you might also spot a koala! Wombats are famous for their digging
  abilities, and you can see their characteristic holes all over the place.
  The best time to spot wombats is early in the morning or late evening.

• Go wild swimming; If you’re lucky enough to secure
  a booking at Barranca, Kangaroo Valley you will enjoy exclusive access to
  a beautiful freshwater creek. Bordered by soaring trees and lush
  rainforest, wild swimming with kids is a must do! If you would like to
  explore a little further, Flat Rock Waterhole in Kangaroo Valley has to be
  the next best find!

• Fudge it and the Kangaroo Valley Fudge House; A trip to
  the Kangaroo Valley Fudge House is a must for anybody with family. The
  multi-award-winning fudge, which is handmade the traditional way and is
  said to be the best you’ll ever eat, makes a wonderful memento of
  your trip.

• Experience nature by water; Ready for some adventure!?
  Kangaroo Valley boasts numerous outdoor adventure providers. Check out
  award winning Kangaroo Valley Safaris for self guided eco tours or
  Kangaroo Valley Adventure Company for a variety of healthy outdoor
  activities such as bushwalking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, rock
  climbing and abseiling.

What makes a holiday in a Supercalla managed property family friendly

We’re baby and kid friendly

We do our best to try to make things as easy as possible for parents by
having useful equipment available. Having items like high chairs and cots
means parents can travel lighter. We also provide cutlery for toddlers,
toys, books and games.

Each property is equipped with a microwave for warming up baby meals and a
dishwasher to help make sure everything is properly sterilised.

Kids are easily entertained

Our homes all have generous outdoor areas and if you’re lucky enough
to secure a stay at Atra at Callala Beach and Shearwater, the beach is
literally at your doorstep.

The larger properties have a separate playroom for the kids to make their
own for the holiday. We provide SMART TV sets with easy access to Netflix as
well as plenty of toys, games (expect a plethora of cards and classic school
board games!), and beach equipment, so kids can amuse themselves and give
overworked parents some rest. Handy information is at your fingertips

We appreciate that most families probably aren’t going to want to
arrive at their holiday property with a week’s supply of food, so we
let you know well in advance where the best places are to shop.

With enough notice, we can also coordinate for your food to be delivered to
the door of your holiday home on the day of arrival so it’s in the
fridge for when you arrive.

We know the best child-friendly places to eat and attractions
nearby

Let’s face it, a holiday for families should be about getting away
from it all and relaxing, so it’s likely guests will want to go out to
eat at least one evening. We provide a digital compendium that includes
information on any local cafes and restaurants that are particularly
accommodating to babies and children.

Time for a bath!

We recognise that having a bath in a holiday property can be a godsend for
parents of small children, so most of our properties include a full size
bath and baby baths are available on request.

Well equipped

Our homes are meticulously maintained and fully equipped so parents can book
with confidence knowing their stay will be easy and stress free. Guests
often comment that a stay with Supercalla is unlike any other and they
instantly feel like they have stepped into their home away from home

Dog friendly holiday rentals

Australians have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world and for
many families a holiday is not complete without being able to take their dog
with them. We have three properties on the NSW south coast that are dog
friendly;

• Luna
• Minerva
• Bay Keepers

What’s the difference between a holiday rental and a luxury holiday
home?

Luxury accomodation that is perfect for families

If you have never rented a holiday home before it can be a little daunting
choosing the right house to stay in. These days you can find properties on
Airbnb, Booking.com, Stayz and other booking platforms with thousands of
rental accommodation choices available.

Although, there is a difference.

Obviously the very first thing you will notice is the price and how the
property lookss. There are lots of holiday home rentals that are simply
someone’s home where they are not currently staying. So things
don’t match, aren’t new and it feels a bit like staying at your
grandmother’s house.

Supercalla Private Properties has a carefully chosen selection of houses
which are the absolute opposite of this. For a family renting one of our
properties we want them to feel like it is their home, we exist to make sure
you enjoy a holiday that is comfortable and a luxurious escape from the day
to day grind. From the linen sheets, the luxury Appelles toiletries, the
guest hamper you received or our signature Supercalla Gin and tonic that
awaits you for your arrival.

We pay attention to every detail, we are doyens of hospitality and that is
what makes the difference.

Why is renting a holiday house in NSW a good idea in 2022?

Renting a holiday house is safe for a family

One of the big considerations for families thinking about going on holidays
in 2022 will be where is it safe to go. With the constant threat of border
closures or needing to quarantine as the health of our society ebbs and
flows it becomes a dilemma when it comes to choosing a location.

For people living in New South Wales, the South Coast becomes one of the top
destinations to travel to in 2022 because of the abundance of wide open
spaces available that makes it one of the safest locations to visit with a
family.

Consider the options: 

• Getting a motorhome means you can keep to yourselves, but
  then have to share space in a holiday park where other people are coming
  and going, maybe even shared toilets or showers.

• Renting a room in a hotel means you are sharing
  facilities with other people including stairs, lifts & dining areas.

• Booking a unit or studio on Airbnb could mean you are
  sharing common facilities and spaces in a building block or other common
  areas like stairs etc. 

All of these holiday options pose potential health risks. Although, by
renting a holiday house you can avoid all of these issues because you will
have exclusive use of the property with plenty of space for people to enjoy
themselves and most importantly it is the best way to enjoy a holiday while
keeping safe compared to the alternatives.

Our team also practices the highest levels of accommodation cleaning by
taking the following precautions:

1. Wearing protective gear while cleaning. We use disposable gloves, aprons
   and facial coverings.
2. Ventilate rooms before cleaning. We open doors and windows while using
   ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the space before beginning
   to clean and disinfect.
3. Washing hands thoroughly before and after each clean. We make sure to use
   soap and water, washing for at least 20 seconds.
4. Clean, then disinfect. We use detergent or soap and water to remove dirt,
   grease, dust, and germs. Once the surface is clean, we spray with a
   disinfectant. We let it stand for a few minutes, then wipe. We will always
   use a new cleaning cloth for each new guest.
5. Avoid touching face while cleaning. We prevent the spread of germs by not
   touching our face, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands.
6. Use the right disinfectant. Most common household disinfectants registered
   by the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as cleaning solutions with
   diluted household bleach or at least 70% alcohol, are believed to be
   effective against the coronavirus. We pay special attention to frequently
   touched surfaces, like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and
   faucet handles.
7. We don’t forget about sofas, rugs, curtains and other soft, porous
   surfaces. We carefully remove any visible dirt or grime, then clean with
   the appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. If possible,
   we will machine-wash items according to the manufacturer’s
   instructions.
8. Wash all linens at the highest heat setting recommended by the
   manufacturer. This includes bed sheets, mattress covers, hand and bath
   towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. We will always wear gloves when
   handling dirty laundry, and take care to avoid shaking laundry, which
   could increase the spread of germs.
9. Clean and disinfect laundry baskets and hampers.
10. Empty the vacuum cleaner after every cleaning. We wipe down the vacuum
    cleaner with disinfectant, along with appliances like the dishwasher and
    washing machine.
11. Dispose of cleaning supplies. Paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and other
    disposable cleaning supplies are disposed of.

How can you travel to the South Coast in NSW?

There are many options available to get to the south coast

Car; 

Getting a family to the South Coast of NSW is really easy, it is less than
two hours drive from Sydney, about four hours from Melbourne or around two
hours from Canberra. Obviously most people will drive their own car, but
renting
a vehicle is also an option, the roads are safe, wide and there isn’t
much traffic.

Plane; 

You can catch a
plane
to Shellharbour Airport & then get local transport, although hiring a
car or SUV after you land will be your best bet so that you can enjoy some
of the locations in the area. If you are planning on just spending time in
the holiday home we can organise transfers for you.

Boat; 

You can drive your boat down to Jervis Bay if you have a vessel that can be
taken on the open ocean. If you have a trailer boat it can be towed down and
put in the water as there are mooring options at Huskinson or Jervis Bay
Boat Storage with plenty of boat ramps located around the bay that can be
used too.

There are
boat transport companies
who can also move your boat from another location if you don’t want to
drive it or tow it. They can even put it in the water for you, ready to use
as you need it.

Helicopter; 

If you are thinking about treating the family (or a loved one) then you can
create the ultimate luxury experience and get a
helicopter
transfer down to Wollongong which takes as little as 25 minutes to get down
there. It’s the ultimate way to maximise your holiday time.

What is the best place to go for a weekend in NSW

A family holiday for a weekend

For many families in 2022 they will be juggling university, school, full
time work and most likely a mix of working or schooling from home. It will
mean families are under each other’s noses more than ever before.

So while it may not be possible to take an extended holiday during the year
for a week or so, you might be trying to figure out what is the best place
to go just for a weekend with the NSW South Coast one of the best choices
considering its close proximity to Sydney.

You could take a day off on Friday & if you left early in the morning
you’d arrive by morning tea time to create a really laid back long
weekend. We offer late check out options which means you can stay until late
Sunday and make it home with plenty of time to kick off the week on Monday.

A weekend getaway in southern New South Wales is easily to achieve while
giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourself. So many people think
about Byron Bay, Port Macquarie or Taree but they are between four and eight
hours hours drive away thus taking up too much time from a weekend.

So many travel guides recommend the South Coast as a place to visit for a
weekend including
Escape,
VroomVroomVroom,
The Urban List
&
Trip Advisor.

What is the best time to visit?

See our holiday houses for rent