Close to Heaven at Hastings Point

Hastings Point is ideal for a couple getaway, single's retreat, family break or fun trip away with friends. Basically anyone would love it! When we visited not long ago, it was like stumbling into an oasis of white untouched beaches, shallow waters, rock pools, pretty walks and fresh seafood. Excellent for a campervan holiday, or at least a few days stopover, start planning to visit this enticing coastal town.

Only half an hour from the Gold Coast and an extra hour from Brisbane, Hastings Point is accessible from all directions. Located on the northern coast of New South Wales, there are so many interesting towns in all directions if you want to take your time. Sandwiched between the Cabarita and Pottsville beaches, this is a great place to stop for a while.

The weather is moderate, with summer temperatures no higher than thirty degrees and winter down to seven if that. I only needed a light jumper for nights, with tee shirt, shorts and thongs are the most comfortable attire.

We stayed at the North Star Caravan Park, (freecall 1800 645 790) right on the ocean road and just a minute from the beach. There are many reasons why this place has been given five stars! It could be for the tennis court, huge swimming pools with waterslides, top quality restaurant or perhaps the heated floor tiles in the loo? My guess is the Neptune's Castle Kids Club, a gigantic indoor play area supervised daily so parents can get away and have some relaxing time together. Visitors come from far and wide as word has spread about the high standards of this park, and the surrounding natural attractions complete a wonderful holiday.

Fishing (off the rocks) here is great, plus there is a wide range of more energetic activities such as golf, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, canoeing, and plenty of walks in all directions. The beach is great in the morning, with seagulls overhead and dolphins occasionally spotted through the waves, so a morning or afternoon stroll is a must no matter how much you might want to laze the days away. Another place the family will love is the Cudgera Creek estuary, shallow enough for the kids to play in safely and a popular place to hire a kayak or enjoy some of the walking trails that lead to some of the surrounding towns.

Another must see are the majestic humpback whales, usually spotted between May to October on their long journey from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef. There is no guarantee you will see one close up, but if you pack a pair of binoculars or maybe join a whale watching tour you will more than likely come home with a story to tell.

There are a number of attractions within driving distance if you decide to stay on and enjoy longer day trips. Head to Coolangatta on the Queensland border, or down to Byron Bay which is just over thirty minutes to the south. Pretty Murwillumbah is further inland if you are in the mood for a country visit, and you might decide to visit one of the many theme parks on the Gold Coast. Currumbin Bird Sanctuary is always a great day out for the kids, and you will still be home in time for dinner.

Hastings Point has many drawcards, the scenic views, water activities and natural attractions all playing their part in bringing many visitors year after year. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, combined with lots of fun and attractions, you will enjoy a campervan holiday here. There's no better time than now to start planning your trip to this small slice of heaven.