We’ll always be fond of NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park because it was the very first place we stayed after we handed in the keys to our house and hit the road. Located on the south end of the Central Coast, it sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. It’s also a really easy (as in, you couldn’t get it any easier) drive from Sydney, hence it’s a popular spot for weekend getaways.

And last weekend, as we walked from the van to the beach, we commented on how great it was to see so many families spending their weekends outdoors. Weekends here are one big, community get together with kids a plenty and a chorus of giggles and shrieks. During the week it’s a bit quieter but still as fun; there’s two pools and a waterpark, a games room and a fabulous playgound, two jumping pillows and go-karts for hire.

But in all honesty, our favourite part is the beach with its creek, rockwall and gentle waves. If you walk onto the sand directly in front of the holiday park, there’s a strip of native trees that create an abundance of shade from late afternoon which makes beach time so much easier with little kids.

I often remark that our traveling journey isn’t so much about the places we visit but the experiences we have and this week, as we’ve wandered down to the beach each afternoon and whiled away the hours, they’ve gone down as some of our favourite moments. The kids swam and played on the shore and when they got too cold they got dressed and jumped from the hill onto the sand – over and over and over again until we decided to walk back to the van for dinner.

Simple, beautiful moments in nature.

At this time of year the Central Coast is buzzing with summery vibes and Umina, Ettalong, Way Woy, Pearl Beach and Patonga have so much to offer locals and tourists. Aside from the picturesque natural setting, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park is a beautiful place for a holiday (interestingly, it’s a really popular destination for Central Coast locals who don’t want to drive far but want a holiday!). It’s won a slew of travel awards and it’s not hard to see why. There are a variety of accomodation options including powered and unpowered sites, ensuite sites, safari tents, ocean view cabins and one, two and three-bedroom cabins.

And it’s so close to so much! It’s an easy five minute walk to Umina Playground (one of the best on the coast) and the adjoining Jasmine Greens Kiosk and Cafe which is one of the most eco-aware I’ve come across in our travels (the coffee and food is superb). Ettalong Foreshore is brimming with beautiful spots to explore with your family and if you drive over the hill you’ll be rewarded with the beauty that is Pearl Beach and Patonga; small, seaside towns that boast stunning beaches and lovely places to eat. The Boathouse Hotel at Patonga has just opened (another fabulous addition to The Boat House Group) and offers the perfect spot to enjoy dinner and drinks on the weekend. If you’re after laid-back fish & chips and the chance to feed the pelicans, head to Fisherman’s Wharf at Woy Woy – it’s an iconic Central Coast establishment and the food is spot on.

And if you just want to check-in to NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park and stay put, you can. Because there really is everything you could want here. And your kids will be in holiday heaven!

I’m sharing my favourite family-friendly destinations in collaboration with NRMA Parks & Resorts as we travel the East Coast of Queensland and NSW.