Fun-filled family holiday hotels in New South Wales

A 90-minute drive north of Sydney, NRMA Ocean Bay is the ideal spot to embrace some jaw-dropping natural scenery. From bushwalks past ancient Aboriginal rock carvings in Brisbane Waters National Park to surfing lessons on unspoilt Umina Beach, there are oodles of active options.

At the resort, keep the lively pace going in the adventure playground with kids’ club. There’s a half-court for tennis, too, so you can whack a few balls before cooking dinner at the camp kitchen. Groups staying in larger villas can soak up the sounds of nature from private verandas – and if you’ve booked the Seabreeze Spa Villa, you can listen to waves crashing on the shore before you call it a day in your Jacuzzi bath.

Spread across five acres of landscaped gardens, Quality Resort Siesta brings a taste of Mexico to the border town of Albury/Wodonga. Cacti and palm trees are scattered around communal areas, including the expansive lagoon pool, and the indoor pool’s Jacuzzi spa is shaped like a sombrero.

There are two onsite restaurants here, including a poolside Cantina where you can start your day with a buffet breakfast. The Bullring is the resort’s signature eatery and showcases prime cuts of local meat. If you prefer to do your own grilling, there’s a shaded barbeque area with picnic tables.

BIG4 NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort is all about the water. Little swashbucklers can explore Shipwreck Island Water Park’s four slides, skull-shaped cave and lagoon-style swimming pool. Or, paddle out on Saltwater Lagoon by canoe or stand-up paddleboard to search for kingfishers and black swans. You might even wander to the historic ruins of Trial Bay Gaol – a 7-minute drive away – then cool off in the clear waters of the nearby beach.

As for your guest space, the two-bedroom, two-storey Ngurra Lodge comes with a designer kitchen for whipping up family favourites, which you can eat on your outdoor dining area. Alternatively, choose the three-bedroom Freshwater Retreat for easy access to the resort’s playground and giant inflatable jumping pillow.

Elements of Byron – MGallery by Sofitel has direct access to Belongil Beach on New South Wales’ northern coast. Here, guests can soak up Byron Bay’s heady mix of photo-worthy landscapes and laidback lifestyle. If you’re a family of five or under, check into a two-bedroom freestanding villa and admire views over the surrounding bushland as you unpack.

After a day at the beach or by the pool, kids can challenge themselves on the Parkour-inspired playground. Watch them cross wobble bridges and scale climbing frames while you plan out your dream dinner to cook in your holiday kitchen.

On the shores of the Clarence River in Yamba, you’ll find Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort set in 15 acres of landscaped gardens. You’ll have direct access to 300 metres of river frontage, ideal for fishing or feeding pelicans from the private jetty. The hotel’s got its own rental hut, too, so you can explore nearby islands by kayak or hit the waves at high speeds on a jet-ski.

The adrenaline rush continues at the onsite waterpark, where kids can race down a billabong slide or get soaked under a tipping bucket. Parents can stretch out on a sunlounger at the tropical pool, or set up the communal barbeque for dinner. Once the sun goes down, guests in a Waterview Unit can take to their private balcony to watch the stars come out.

Nestled near the Queensland border, Big4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park caters to both kids and the young at heart. Green Cauldron Waterpark has something for all ages, from epic waterslides to splash zones and sea creatures. The underwater theme continues at Coral Cove, an indoor-outdoor play area for children under six.

Choose between four styles of cabins, which sleep up to six, or splash out on the four-bedroom house. If you’re bringing your camper or tent, there are ensuite sites shaded by rustling palm trees. You can even stay on the edge of the billabong and nab the best fishing spot as the sun comes up.

NRMA Merimbula Beach capitalises on its clifftop location. From the heated pool complex to back-to-nature tent sites to the luxe villas, you can expect staggering ocean views. Thanks to its spot on the south coast of New South Wales, the property’s on the humpback whale migration path, too. You might want to time your visit for the best chance of glimpsing one of the majestic marine mammals.

Take in the views over the water from the private deck on your Oceanfront Spa Villa, or light up the barbecue for dinner on the veranda of your three-bedroom Beach House. After a restful sleep, you’ll be ready for a family game of tennis or volleyball on the communal courts.

Chateau Elan at The Vintage is in the famed Hunter Valley wine region. Known for its 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman, this resort is ideal for both green-savvy parents and kids starting out on their golfing journey – the Club runs professional lessons for children.

If golf isn’t your thing, you can take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or challenge the family to a game of tennis. Take a stroll around the grounds before dinner, then tuck into mouthwatering plates like exotic mushroom cappellini and duck confit. Your two-bedroom apartment’s spacious terrace will be waiting for post-dinner kangaroo spotting at dusk – there’s even a cosy two-way fireplace for when the temperature drops.