Camping on the coast

During the holidays we took the boys on a quick camping trip down the coast. We decided to try somewhere new and as it was a last minute decision and the school holidays most of the camping grounds close by were booked out. 

We wanted somewhere within 2 hours of home, lots of trees and space, somewhere the camp sites were not too close together and the beach nearby. I also needed an amenties block + hot showers. 

I'm more of a glamper than a camper! ;)

We found a great spot in the Killalea State Park that met all our needs. We set up camp, had lunch then headed to the beach for the afternoon. We headed to Mystics beach, it was a bit of a hike down the hill to the beach but worth it for the open space, great waves and a visit from some dolphins + a crab! There is also another beach nearby called The Farm if you want to try something different.

After the beach we all had hot showers to wash the sand off and chilled out for the rest of the afternoon. You could tell that Summer was over as it got dark quite early and you could feel the chill in the air. It was a bit of a shock to the system after our seemingly endless hot weather!

The sunset through the trees was amazing. Those colours....

As we were trying to keep things easy for ourselves we didn't pack a lot of food to make meals.

 Just mainly breakfast cereal, milk, drinks, bread, snacks/fruit and we decided to go into the nearest town Shellharbour to pick up some fish n chips for dinner. 

There is a cafe near the campsite called the Farm Cafe but they closed early afternoon. We did grab a coffee from here the next morning but the coffee was terrible! So couldn't really recommend it.

We stayed for 2 nights and the boys loved having the space to run around and "explore" 

I forgot how early you go to bed when you're camping, it must be that fresh air that gets you tired! As the boys and I got ready for bed and snuggled down for the night, Simon took a photo of the tent and night sky from outside with his GoPro. It looked beautiful and warm glowing in the night.

The glow was given by a few strings of lights hanging down from the tent pole.

They're battery run ones I got from Typo a few years ago.

The tent still fits us all as a family of 5 and even with the boys getting bigger. We have 1 x double inflatable mattress in there for Simon and I and 3 x single mattresses for the boys and there is still tons of space. We have the 4m bell tent from Wild Things.

I always take sheets and a doona for Simon and I but the boys are happy with sleeping bags on top of their mattresses. All our clothes and toiletries are kept in the car to free up space in the tent.

We also set up a portable 3m x 6m gazebo for shade + shelter, it has sides that can drop down to protect from the wind if needed

Have you been camping lately? Any favourite camping spots you'd like to share?

Summer Holidays - Gold Coast + Byron Bay.

We started our school holidays by driving to the Gold Coast to catch up with our QLD family before Christmas. We had a lovely relaxed day at their place with an amazing lunch and the cousins catching up and playing in the pool. The next day we all met up at White Water World for a day on the waterslides. As it was still early in the holidays we managed to beat the crowds which was great!

We stayed at Royal Pines Resort as it was near the family and the waterpark. It was such a great place that we will definitely be back. A great deal too if you're a member of NRMA or RACV.

Our room had a beautiful view over the golf course and the Gold Coast skyline.

After a few days we packed up the car, said goodbye and headed to Byron Bay. Along the way we had a little detour to Halycon House at Cabarita Beach. I've been wanting to check it out for a while and it was as lovely and as stylish as I had heard. I'll be back to stay one day.

We then arrived in Byron Bay. We've been coming here for about 12 years and have decided that this will be our last trip here for a while. We are ready for a change and to discover new places. 

So this trip was kind of poignant as we took pleasure in all of our favourite things that we love about Byron. We've got so many amazing memories!

All the boys have loved surfing at The Pass. Noah is following in his brother's footsteps. 

He couldn't get enough!

Our days fell into a routine of beach, eat, repeat. With a trip to town and a wander around the shops when the mood struck us. There are always so many amazing new places popping up in Byron so it is fun to discover something new and revisit old favourites. 

We're now enjoying the rest of the holidays at home. This is my favourite time of year when the days roll into each other and it's all about the fun stuff and no commitments. Bliss!

How have your holidays been so far?

Our Week - the holiday version

We are still in our lovely, lazy holiday bubble. The weather has been terrific so we have been utilising the beach and pool so much. We actually haven't really gone anywhere else or done any other activities. It's all been about the water! 

Meal times are loose and when we are hungry. Dinners are a scramble of what we have in the cupboards or a bbq chicken picked up on the way home or fish n chips at the beach. I'm only hitting the shops when it's a necessity. 

I am really stretching out this holiday vibe for as long as possible before the routine and hustle and bustle of the school year begins. Afternoon naps/quiet time are a regular part of the day for everyone. The hours of 1pm - 3pm is a lovely quiet time for everyone to rest, read and chill out.

Although I have found a little motivation to rearrange the shelves in the living area, paint the coffee tables and a surf board and change over the rugs. I wanted to create a fresh, clean look for the new year. I will have a post up shortly with all the little changes that I've made around the home.

Here are a few snaps from the week-

The lightbox sums up our week and holidays perfectly

Another day, another beach

Afternoon ice cream run

Escaping for some quiet time

Finding spots for Christmas presents and painting things black

The new vibe in the living areas

So happy with the rugs I picked up in the sales. They are from Freedom but are now discontinued.

Couldn't resist picking these pretty flowers up from the markets. 

Someone told me they're called "fairy floss"

Sweet treats for visitors coming over for afternoon tea

Pure Summer!

Boys and bubbles

Enjoying dinner out with friends on these balmy nights

 Picking people up from the Airport means a Krispy Kreme stop!

How has your week been? Are you still on holidays? 

Still clinging to that holiday vibe?

Our Byron Holiday

We managed to sneak in a lovely week away in Byron before Christmas.

The weather was gorgeous and our time was all about the sand, sun and surf.

After a busy year, it was exactly what we all needed.

We're now back home and deep in the midst of preparation for Christmas Day.
We're hosting at our place this year. Lunch for 14 :)

How is your Christmas prep going?
Do you have a holiday coming up that you are counting down too?