One weekend, a firepit, and a whole lot of flavour – this is how Rachael turned Racecourse Beach into a feast.
There’s a kind of magic that happens when dinner meets a firepit. Smoke in your hair, salt on your lips, toes buried in the sand – suddenly even the simplest snack tastes like a memory in the making.
That’s exactly what unfolded when outdoor cook and flavour alchemist Rachael Minaway joined us at Tasman Holiday Parks Racecourse Beach. One weekend, a stack of firewood, and a whole lot of sparks later, she served up a line-up of dishes that ranged from lazy soups to café-level canapés – all born from the flames.
So, if you’re hungry for inspiration, here’s Rachael’s holiday-park-ready “menu,” complete with flavour, flair, and a touch of firepit magic.
🧑🍳 The no-panic plan for hungry crowds
Cooking for a crowd can feel like chaos – hungry faces, clattering plates, and someone always asking, “is it ready yet?” So how does Rachael keep things fun?
“I’ve learned the value of not overextending myself. By keeping meals simple yet full of flavour, I’m able to stay present and truly enjoy the company of those around me – rather than becoming overwhelmed or retreating into the task at hand.”
Her recipe for group cooking: flavour, not fuss. Enough intention to make it delicious, but never so much stress that you miss the moment.
🎉 The Firepit Showstopper
If there’s one trick that always draws a crowd, it’s this: hang the food, don’t just cook it.
“Hanging food to smoke is truly an art that catches everyone’s attention. People love watching the creativity and care that goes into the process, and they’re always amazed by how incredible the food tastes once it’s taken down and ready to serve. It’s a fascinating craft that really brings people together.”
Dinner and a show, all in one.
👉 Watch Rachael’s firepit magic
✨ Brunch Hero in Disguise
Some meals are pure theatre; others are pure efficiency. Rachael’s Smoked Salmon Waffles with cream cheese and capers fall somewhere in the middle.
They’re ready in 10–15 minutes but look like they’ve been lifted straight off a café menu. Rich smoked salmon, soft cream cheese, a sprinkle of capers – the kind of dish that feels fancy but doesn’t keep you stuck at the firepit all morning.
Holiday brunch = sorted.
👉Breakfast – but make it campsite chic
🍲 When effort’s low but flavour’s high
We asked Rachael for her go-to lazy holiday meal – the one she turns to when she wants comfort without the faff. Her answer came quick: Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup.
“It’s simple, quick, and wonderfully satisfying. If I have a bit longer, I’ll smoke the chicken and corn beforehand. That subtle smokiness adds such depth – it’s become our go-to meal during winter camping trips. There’s just something so cosy about enjoying a warm, nourishing bowl of this soup in the crisp outdoors.”
A bowl that proves sometimes the best holiday food is the easiest.
🥕 When dinner’s a game
Not every meal is about the adults – sometimes it’s about keeping little hands busy until the food’s ready. That’s where Rachael’s veggie critters come in.
“I love getting creative with fruits and vegetables by turning them into fun figurines. One of my favourites is making train carriages from whole capsicums, then filling them with veggie sticks as the cargo. You can also create butterflies and caterpillars using celery sticks topped with cream cheese, peanut butter, or even Nutella – whatever works. Then just decorate with fruit, pretzels, and other fun bits to bring them to life.”
Playful, healthy, and guaranteed to get kids excited about veggies.
Feeling inspired?
From nourishing soups to brunch heroes and edible crafts for kids, Rachael proves that holiday-park cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. The mess is part of the magic – and the flavours are worth every smoky moment.
Here’s a taste of our parks with firepits to get you started. Pull up a chair, spark up the coals, and let the flavours (and the stories) roll.
🔥 BIG4 Racecource Beach – NSW
🔥 South Bright – Victoria
🔥 BIG4 Bendigo – Victoria
🔥 Jervis Bay – NSW
🔥Serpentine Falls – WA **Winter campfires only
🔥Merimbula – NSW
Not really a fire-starter? No worries – you’ll find communal kitchens and BBQs ready and waiting across our parks in Australia, so there’s always an easy way to cook up a holiday feast.
👉 Ready to feast (and stay)? Find your perfect Tasman park.
