tracey.spicer@fairfaxmedia.com.au
They're peppered along the Pacific: pretty pockets of green and gold.
Every family has a favourite but it's our patriotic duty to discover the full bounty of beaches along the New South Wales coast.
Over Christmas, we did our Griswold/Modern Family motor-home trip from Sydney to Brisbane (which will be explored in greater detail in a story I'm writing entitled, "It's a Miracle We're Still Married").
Here are our Top 5 Bonza Beaches:
■ Urunga
Yes, I know it sounds like an infection. But it's actually a picturesque town, where the Bellinger and Kalang rivers meet the sea, south of Coffs Harbour. We arrived at the North Coast Holiday Park at sunset to a glorious view of the gilded sea. It was five minutes' walk to the Ocean View Hotel, where they served swordfish caught that day. The following morning, I paddle-boarded on the river, while the kids climbed the casuarina trees. It was bliss.
Kids' best bit: "The playground at the holiday park."
■ Anna Bay
This is a small bay with gentle waves, at the end of Stockton Beach – famous for sand-boarding and shark-sighting. Frolic in the shallows, or fish from the rocks, but think twice before surfing here: past the breakers is a nursery for great white sharks. There's a very cool skateboard park behind the sand dunes. It's becoming quite busy, exemplified by the response when I called to book a table for lunch at CREST, a cafe overlooking the sea: "Mate, we're smashed today. Ya can't get in," came the quintessentially Aussie response.
Kids' best bit: "Excellent swimming but scary sharks."
■ Crescent Head
OK, last time I wrote about this place I received hate mail from a pride of locals, who want to lock the gate and throw away the key. Well, I don't care. It's paradise. A little north of Port Macquarie, you'll find a ripping point break, a creek perfect for paddling, and a country club with meat raffles. You can also get a soy latte and quinoa salad at one of the funky cafes. Go, before it becomes Byron Bay.
Kids' best bit: "There's heaps of marine life and most of the locals are friendly."
■ Byron Bay
The centre of town is too crowded during school holidays, so explore the surrounding beaches, such as Lennox, Brunswick, and Watego's. Just make sure your self-esteem is strong before visiting these shores: there are super-models everywhere. We loved having high tea at Summerland House Farm in Alstonville. It's run by the House With No Steps, providing employment for people with disabilities.
Kids' best bit: "The tomatoes from Summerland Farm are fresh, juicy and delicious."
■ Hawks Nest
Some folks think it's a bit daggy (since former PM John Howard announced he spent every holiday there, I suppose) but, for families, it's got it all. There's the choice of pumping surf or calm waters at Jimmy's Beach, terrific coffee at Benchmark on Booner, and beautiful bush walks. Cross the bridge to go kayaking on the Myall Lakes at Tea Gardens then take the kids to the iconic Ice Cream Shack for lots of old-fashioned lollies.
Kids' best bit: "The lollies!"
Talk to the family about trying somewhere different this year, for a true-blue Aussie adventure.
