DITCH THE CROWDS, NOT THE HOLIDAY: SIX SUMMER ESCAPES IN NSW
Summer holidays don't have to mean packed beaches, traffic jams, and paying a fortune to get away.
Sometimes, the best escape is a few hours from home, with a swimming spot, a decent walking track and absolutely nothing in the diary.
The trick is to look beyond the usual holiday hotspots. Take the scenic route, stop for coffee in a country town, buy some local produce and resist the urge to turn every day into a military operation.
Six places to escape the summer crowds
NSW has plenty of quieter corners worth exploring, from coastal hideaways to inland lakes where the pace is a little slower.
On the North Coast, Reflections Evans Head offers a relaxed coastal break, while Lennox Head combines beautiful beaches with nature walks and access to the Byron hinterland.
Further south along the Coffs Coast, Reflections Corindi Beach and Hungry Head offer beachside escapes with national parks and room to slow down.
Prefer lakes and bushland to beach umbrellas? Head inland to Reflections Lake Keepit, near Tamworth, or explore Lake Burrendong and Wyangala Waters. Fishing, kayaking and wide-open spaces make these spots appealing for families keen to trade crowded coastal strips for something quieter.
Keep the holiday budget under control
Camping and holiday parks offer a welcome alternative to expensive accommodation, especially for families.
Pack your own food, spend the day swimming or walking, explore a nearby town and save the restaurant meals for when you really feel like them.
Reflections Holidays parks are near beaches, walking tracks, rivers, and other local attractions, making it easier to leave the car parked when you arrive.
Another simple trick is the one-tank holiday. Choose somewhere within a few hours of home, and you'll spend less on fuel and more on enjoying yourself.
Because the best summer memories don't necessarily come with a hefty price tag. Sometimes all you need is a patch of sand, somewhere to swim and a few days without having to be anywhere in particular.
