November 2021 - Tasman Holiday Parks

Better than just sandcastles; 6 beach activities for kids

by tasmanholidayparks

You pack the car, load in the kids, and venture out to spend a day on the sand. The kids are excited, you’re excited, and you plan to spend the whole day exploring rock pools, splashing about in the waves, building sandcastles, getting salty and sandy – you could never get bored.

However, if you’re after some fun beach activities a little out of the box, read on for some top activities to keep the whole family entertained whilst soaking up the summer sun.

1. Beach scavenger hunt

A beach scavenger hunt is a great way to entertain the kids whilst exploring the beach.

Give each participant a list of items that you would typically find at the beach like a shell, a feather, seaweed, or pebbles. The aim is to find every item on that list to win the game. The kids will love the challenge and a little bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone.

Tip: Type “beach scavenger hunt” into your search engine and you will find a bunch of free printable scavenger hunt lists. Just print them off and away you go.

2. Make beach art with natural materials

Get the creative juices flowing with a little beach art using items found on the beach.

The first step is to gather bits and pieces you find on the beach to create your masterpiece. Shells are always a great option along with pebbles, seaweed, driftwood, and sticks.

Use the sand as your canvas and let your imaginations run wild by placing your treasures in some sort of pattern. Don’t forget to take a picture of your work of art, this one can’t come home with you.

3. Transform your kids into mermaids

Try your hand at sculpting a mermaid tail to transform yourself or the kids into a mythical sea creature. Bury your little mermaid’s legs in the sand and build a tail with sand over the top.

Get creative and add a few shells or seaweed to jazz it up a little. Once again, make sure you pose for a happy snap before switching back to a human.

4. Hide hand-painted rocks

Get on board with the latest craze – hand-painted rocks. Kids are loving collecting small rocks, painting them, and hiding them for others to find. This requires a little preparation before your beach day.

First, you must collect the rocks then paint them. Try sticking to the beach theme and paint some little beach critters on them with a positive message on the back.

Hide them in places where others will find them like in the beach playground, footpath or under a tree. It’s a nice way to be creative, spread positivity and put a smile on a stranger’s face.

5. Slip and slide

A slip and slide is a summer favourite in many Aussie backyards, but why not bring it to the beach?

Pack thick plastic sheeting (at least 10 foot long) to make your slide. Place it on the sand, anchor it down by digging sand onto the edges, add water and away you go.

For a little extra slip and slide, add environmentally friendly soap with water on the plastic sheet. Once the slide is ready, take a run-up and dive onto the slide gliding along your belly all the way to the end. You are sure to get some attention with this one with many other beachgoers wanting to join in on the fun.

6. Beach cricket

You can’t go wrong with a little beach cricket. It’s not as intense as the game you watch on the telly – the rules are changed a little to suit the players.

For starters, the ball can be switched for a tennis ball, the cricket bat is often plastic and the stumps can be made from driftwood or sticks found at the beach. Bring your cricket bat, make up some rules, get some people involved and have a little fun in the sun with an Aussie favourite.

Check out some fun summer getaway ideas where you can try out our beach activities the whole family can enjoy.

Fraser Coast

For a beach with plenty of activities for kids and their parents, check out our Fraser Coast Holiday Park.

The Fraser Coast is Queensland’s hidden gem, and our holiday park truly shines. Look for whales in season. Visit the world’s largest sand island. Laze by the pool or explore the kilometres of glorious coastline.

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Eat Like a Local in Airlie Beach

by tasmanholidayparks

Not only does Airlie beach have beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and a plethora of water-based activities, it’s home to some amazing restaurants and cafes. There is a range of dining options and cuisines to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. Discover the best places to dine when visiting Airlie Beach and experience the local flavours on offer.

1. Cool La La

Head on over to Cool La La for some Asian Fusion cuisine.

This funky little restaurant is located off the main street in Airlie Beach. The chefs use traditional Asian techniques and flavours, delivered with a modern twist. It’s also popular for its bubble tea – a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day.

2. Garuma

For a European style breakfast, lunch, and a good coffee, you can’t go past Garuma. Their menu has many European dishes as well as some classic comfort foods.

Heavily influenced by a combination of German and Portuguese flavours, you will find traditional meals like Weisswurst, Potato Rosti, and Bratwurst which is bound to get you salivating.

3 . KC’s Bar & Grill

This is the place to be to enjoy live music, a cold beer, and a good feed.

The menu has a combination of chargrilled steaks, burgers, salads, chicken wings, chicken parmigiana and their signature dish, the Australian Game Testing Platter which is a mix of kangaroo, crocodile, emu, and buffalo.

4. Mika Airlie

For a taste of Latin-Oz, Hispanic vibes, and an unbeatable rooftop view overlooking Airlie Beach, look no further than Mika Airlie. It’s great for tapas and cocktails after a day exploring the beautiful beaches in the Whitsundays.

Fish and Chips in the Tropics? Yes please!

5. Fish D’vine and Rum Bar

Enjoy an authentic taste of the Whitsundays at Fish D’vine and Rum Bar.

This award-winning venue has plenty of local seafood on the menu that flows with the seasons. Finish up with a refreshing cocktail at the Rum Bar where the bar staff believe there is a rum for everyone.

6. La Tabella Trattoria

Embrace the Italian style long lunch or communal dinner in the heart of Airlie Beach. Positioned on the beachfront, enjoy Al Fresco dining whilst experiencing traditional Italian flavours and locally caught seafood.

You can’t leave without trying the Limoncello which is crafted by the restaurant owner from organic lemons grown in her home garden.

7. Anchor Bar

Enjoy this laid-back vibe whilst taking in the views of the surrounding bay and islands. On Sundays, they have live music which is popular for both locals and tourists.

The menu has a range of dishes created by amazing chefs, local fresh produce and speciality imported goods. You will find burgers, salads seafood and more accompanied by a wide range of local and imported beers, wines, and spirits.

8. 20 Degrees South Bar & Restaurant

20 Degrees South is a restaurant within the Whitsundays Sailing Club. With breathtaking views of the ocean, it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a pub feed with a cold beverage.

There is something here for everyone with a range of seafood, steak, salads, and kids’ meals. The perfect place to end your busy day exploring the stunning Whitsundays.

9. Fat Frog Beach Cafe

This funky little café has a friendly and unique vibe and a delicious, wholesome menu.

Located in Cannonvale Beach, you will enjoy views of the ocean whilst taking in that beautiful sea breeze. They use the freshest ingredients and present each meal as a work of art. It’s not hard to see why this is a local favourite.

10. Paradiso Rooftop Restaurant and Bar

At Paradiso Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, you will find a unique blend of cuisines from around the world served as tapas-style dishes as well as pasta, pizza and more.

It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is a great spot to listen to some live music, enjoy a cocktail or two whilst looking over Airlie Beach from the rooftop bar.

Where to stay in Airlie Beach?

Tasman Holiday Parks – Airlie Beach has everything you need to kick back, relax, and enjoy the laid-back tropical lifestyle. This Airlie Beach caravan park features a resort pool with sun lounges and BBQ areas, a kids’ playground, a kiosk for those last-minute essentials, pristine amenities, and laundry facilities.

There is a range of accommodation available to suit every taste and budget from unpowered, powered and en-suited sites, cabins, and luxury villas.

Book your Airlie Beach getaway today and you will be dining with the locals before you know it.

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Self Drive or Guided Tour to Milford Sound

by tasmanholidayparks

One question our guests ask a lot is whether they should drive to Milford Sound to catch a coach. Sure, some have reasons why the self-drive option suits them but my personal preference it to climb into that coach first thing in the morning and skip the pressure of timelines and windy alpine roads.

The road to Milford Sound is equally as impressive as the sound itself but even the most experienced driver will miss a lot of the magnificent scenery. The drive truly requires so much concentration. You’re better off letting a knowledgeable local driver chauffeur you and your loved ones safely over the mountainous pass and around the blind bends that is Milford Road.

Driving Independently

I’ve driven independently and caught buses to Milford various times and managed to almost miss my connecting cruise each time I made the trip in my own vehicle! I’d planned my trip and stops and determined I would arrive with plenty of time to spare. To my embarrassment, the wait at the Homer tunnel took longer than expected and each stop demanded more time to get that perfect photo.

Next thing I know I’m hustling my “out of town” friends out of the car and racing towards the terminal. All the while, two lunches, and a drink bottle lay untouched on the back seat as we pounded the pavement. Luckily, I was aware of the extra time it would take us to find a park then make our way to check-in.

Catching a coach

In comparison, my coach experiences were much more stress-free. They still included my favorite stops and had the bonus of an in-depth commentary throughout (I’d trust their facts over my rusty Milford Knowledge any day!). Before we knew it, we had parked up outside the terminal’s front doors and were able to join our cruise at a much more leisurely pace.

In comparison, my coach experiences were much more stress-free.

The benefits of joining a coach and cruise package are year-round. During the winter the road can be very dangerous with snow and ice and chains are to be carried at all times. The thought of laying in the dirt and snow, prying on snow chains is enough to have me asking “where do I sign up for this coach?!”

During the summer the car parks full up causing a very stressful few moments as you get pushed to the secondary carpark further down the road with not enough time to get back for your expedition. During these months it is essential to allow up to an hour just for car parking! Stepping off the coach at the front door of the terminal has never sounded better.

The verdict?

I could not recommend VIP Milford enough.

From the friendly, knowledgeable drivers down to the luxury Mercedes coach with its comfy leather seats, this is an experience you don’t want to miss. Pick up was from Tasman’s Te Anau reception at 7.45 am ready to head out before the much bigger busses. The coach could only fit 18 people so we didn’t spend all morning picking up others.

The local driver knew of scenic stops for photo opportunities I wasn’t even aware of. From Eglington Valley to Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek, The Chasm, and everywhere in between. He also had the inside expertise and knew which stop was best visited on the way in or out, eluding large buses that come with large crowds.

VIP Milford offers the choice of two different cruises both with delicious lunch options. We cruised so close to the glistening waterfalls we were practically underneath the water as it plummeted down onto the bow of our vessel. The viewing decks had plenty of space for everyone to sightsee hoping to spot seals, penguins, or dolphins.

As we disembarked the boat and headed towards the awaiting coach I couldn’t help but think how different this experience was compared to taking the wheel myself. When I drive, I’m constantly checking my watch, worried I’m running late. In fact, I even managed a short nap on the way home and arrived in Te Anau feeling pretty good about myself.

Whether you choose to self-drive or join a coach, the Milford Road is a beautiful part of Fiordland National Park. With over 400,000 people visiting the sound each year the road can become congested. It’s a challenging and, in places, narrow and winding drive so please take care.

The Perfect Itinerary for Serpentine Falls: Two Days

by tasmanholidayparks

Just a 50-minute drive southeast of Perth, water cascades over a 15-metre-high granite rock face into a rock pool below. Apart from the Serpentine Falls, there are many other things to see and do in the surrounding area.

From stunning walking trails, historic towns, and native wildlife, there is so much to explore. Check out our two-day itinerary for some inspiration exploring this magnificent part of Western Australia.

Day One

Check in to your accommodation at Tasman Holiday Parks – Serpentine Falls. After you have settled in your room or parked your caravan, take some time to explore the holiday park. Head on over to our stunning village gardens for a picnic lunch and a chance to unwind after your travels.

After lunch, make your way to the Serpentine Dam located on the Serpentine River. Enjoy a stunning nature walk along the marked trails and stop by the scenic lookout points to take in the surroundings. There are many native animals about so keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, kookaburras, black cockatoos, parrots, and magpies.

After spending the afternoon exploring the Serpentine Dam, head on back to your accommodation and get ready for a fantastic dining experience at Millbrook Winery. This little slice of heaven is situated in the picturesque Chestnut Farm that backs onto the Serpentine River.

Nestled amongst Jarrah Forests, you will experience stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Millbrook restaurant features multi-award-winning chefs that cook up some incredible modern Australian meals.

All ingredients are locally and ethically sourced – in fact, there are over 100 varieties of heirloom vegetables, fruits, free-range eggs, olives, and honey that are grown and picked daily from the Millbrook garden. Partner your meal with some of the finest wines available in Western Australia and you have yourself the perfect dining experience.

Day Two

After breakfast, set out on foot to Serpentine Falls. It’s only a two kilometre walk but if you prefer to drive, there is plenty of parking available at a fee (make sure you bring cash). During the warmer months, take a dip in the rock pools or relax by the water’s edge.

There is plenty of beauty to admire here from the water-polished granite, native floral display of wildflowers from July to November, and the local birds and native wildlife. Summer isn’t the only good time to visit the Falls, in winter the Falls are flowing far more rapidly.

There are many family-friendly picnic areas, picnic tables, barbeques and toilets so pack a picnic lunch and spend the whole morning enjoying the beautiful Serpentine Falls.

After lunch, spend the afternoon as you please. For the keen golfer, why not play a round of nine or 18 holes at the Serpentine Golf Club. For those travelling with kids, check out the Cohunu Koala Park. The kids will love getting up close and personal with the animals that live here like emus, wallabies, owls, dingos, deer and of course the cuddly koala.

For dinner, head to the Jarrahdale Tavern for a good pub feed. This historic Tavern is situated in the beautiful timber town in the hills of Jarrahdale. The kids will love the playground in the tavern’s beer garden and if you are here on a Sunday night, you can enjoy live music showcasing the local talent.

Your Tasman Holiday Park is planned with the convenience and ease to eat, play, and stay in comfort. Book your Serpentine Falls escape today.

Your base to explore Serpentine Falls

Stay and play in our stunning natural playground, only 50 minutes from Perth and a world away from cares.

In the heart of the captivating Darling Ranges, Tasman Holiday Parks – Serpentine Falls offers a warm welcome, flexible accommodation and a wealth of attractions for travellers in search of escape.

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Winter Camping – Why We Secretly Love It

by tasmanholidayparks

Picture snuggling up next to a roaring fire under a beautiful starry sky. There are no mosquitos buzzing in your ear, the campsite is peaceful and quiet, and you are out in nature embracing its beauty. Here are just a few reasons we love camping in winter.

Who doesn’t love a campfire?

There is nothing better than roasting a marshmallow on a roaring campfire.

Sure, you can enjoy a fire any time of year but in winter there are fewer fire bans and the campfire has a little more purpose to keep you warm. Sitting around a fire, sharing stories, singing songs, playing games, and of course toasting that marshmallow are all bonding experiences that will leave lasting memories for the whole family.

Camp under a brighter starry sky

Have you ever noticed there appears to be more stars in the sky during winter? There are a few reasons for that, during the cooler months there is less humidity and clouds, which gives you a sharper view of the night sky.

Winter is also the time of year we have the best view of the Milky Way. It’s a great opportunity to pack the binoculars to get a closer view and point out a few constellations like The Southern Cross.

No mosquitos or other annoying insects

How annoying are mosquitos buzzing about in summer? That constant buzz in your ear, sucking your blood, buzzing about your food, and leaving irritating itchy bites on your skin.

The good news is there is hardly any about during winter, so you can leave the insect repellent at home. Most insects are cold-blooded so they will either die off or hibernate during the cooler months. This is definitely a bonus for our winter campers.

It’s a bit romantic

Snuggled together beside a toasty campfire under a stunning starry night sky with a full-bodied glass of red or hot chocolate – sounds a bit romantic huh!

Camping during winter is the perfect opportunity to get a little closer with your partner or love interest.

Not only do the elements set the mood, but the best way to warm up is with body heat. So, cuddle up close in a sleeping bag for two for a little holiday romance.

Beat the crowds

Camping during winter is reserved for those brave enough to experience a winter wonderland.

Most prefer to camp during the warmer months leaving the campgrounds quiet in the cooler months. Camping when it’s quieter means you will hear more of nature’s sounds, have a more peaceful time, and won’t have to battle the crowds for the perfect campsite. It’s the perfect opportunity to bliss out and enjoy nature.

It’s a bit cheaper

During the cooler months is considered low season. During this time camping fees, national park entry fees and other tourist attractions may be slightly cheaper than during peak season. Save your cash and put it aside for your next winter getaway.

Let Tasman Tourism’s timeless locations inspire your next camping trip. Find peace and relaxation as you explore all that your holiday destination has to offer in our safe, clean, and friendly holiday parks across Australia and New Zealand. We create beautiful holiday parks so you can have beautiful moments.