Earlier this year we decided to take a family road trip south of Sydney. A mini break of sorts to test the kids (Thea 3, Harry 4 months) and our sanity before we got too excited about really exploring our vast land.
We packed up our shiny new Prado. To the roof. Surprising/not surprising just how much stuff a mini break requires. As mothers know we must be equipped for the impossible, the good, the bad and the plain shitty.
We prepped the children, a years supply of water and snack food and off we set on the four hour drive to Pebbly Beach Escape in the Murramarang National Park. Just a few hundred games of eye spy and not a single tantrum and we arrived, sanity in tact!
“We were greeted by the local wallabies who chill around the property and our laid back host, who hopped straight off the mower to shake our hands and show us our digs.”
We took the dirt road in to embrace the nature vibes. Driving through the beautiful Aussie bush took me back to my childhood and the simple uncomplicated holidays we spent camping by the beach and exploring the bush with friends … only this time we were doing the grown up version without the sandy wet tent and sandfly bites.
We were greeted by the local wallabies who chill around the property and our laid back host, who hopped straight off the mower to shake our hands and show us our digs. The accommodation was simple and stylish, fresh clean linen, natural bath products and the kitchen was stocked with quality appliances and cutlery etc. Thea loved the bunk beds and from the deck we could lounge around with the local fauna and the beach in sight.
There was no TV and the wifi was shady but that’s why we were there, to disconnect and reconnect as a family …and that is exactly what we did. Pebbly Beach has a rugged kind of beauty, tucked away in a bay with cliffs and rock pools at one end and an endless view of the old gum trees that follow the coast line further south. Walking the beach as the afternoon storm rolled in felt like being cleansed from city life.
“Pebbly Beach has a rugged kind of beauty, tucked away in a bay with cliffs and rock pools at one end and an endless view of the old gum trees that follow the coast line further south.”
There are plenty of beaches and bush to explore around the Murramarang National Park, our favourite was Pretty Beach, just 10mins away with gorgeous white sand, sparkling blue water and a “good little wave” for anyone who surfs. To make the most of your time at Pebbly Beach I’d recommend packing the esky with breakfast goodies and take advantage of the communal bbq area at dinner, dining alfresco on the deck. There are stand up paddle boards for the bigger kids to explore the coast, an outdoor rain shower to rinse off when you come up off the beach through the private bush track. They have also recently finished renovating a larger 3 bedroom house with a fireplace and views over the beach if you are looking for something a little fancier with friends.
We’ve ticked off a few holidays as a family this year and I can still say hands down that that weekend was my favourite adventure we have done so far. I didn’t think I’d ever say it but road tripping may just be my new favourite family escape. Time to go pack the Prado and find our next little hidden gem.
Mad x
Need more holiday inspiration? Check out our Byron Bay guide.
