SALTY SKIN & SANDY TOES

Pottsville - Tweed Holiday Parks

BLISSED OUT BEACH STAYS

WRITTEN BY: ALISON BONE

Sparkling ocean views, salt on your skin, sand between your toes, nothing beats staying right on the beach, right? Whether indulging in a vacation or staycation, travelling on a shoestring or ready to splurge, here’s seven places to soak up some seaside bliss this summer.

Waterfront Cabins in Pottsville

Surrounded by miles of pristine beaches fringed by coastal forest, the laidback village of Pottsville is a haven for nature lovers. Comfortable, contemporary two-bedroom cabins perch on the banks of Moobal Creek, and are named for the osprey and pelicans that live here. Picturesque white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear waters make Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville South a perfect choice for families, with idyllic conditions for kayaking, fishing, and SUP. The surf beach is an easy wander down a sandy trail, and you can see the waves break at the creek mouth from your covered patio. Pottsville village has some lively cafes, a fabulous general store, and a vibrant Sunday market, while koalas are often spotted in the bushland tracks of nearby Pottsville Environmental Park.

tweedholidayparks.com.au

Beach Camp at Fingal Head

Keen to immerse yourself in the elements? Wake to the sunrise and the sound of waves crashing on the shore when you pitch a tent on a beachfront site at Tweed Holiday Parks, Fingal Head. Nestled between the Tweed River and the Pacific Ocean there is plenty to explore in this idyllic surfing and fishing village. Walk north to Letitia Spit and the river mouth or follow the trails through the pandanus groves to Dreamtime Beach, the historic lighthouse, and the spectacular volcanic headland with its distinctive hexagonal basalt columns. And make sure to stroll up the road to enjoy a coffee or a casual meal at quirky Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe.

tweedholidayparks.com.au

Beach Hotel Resort

Absolute Beachfront Lennox Head

With 180-degree views stretching from Lennox Point to Broken Head, the aptly named Absolute Beachfront Apartments come with choice of one or two bedrooms and spacious lounge rooms. With views like these you might find it hard to leave the apartment, but if you can tear yourself away, amble across the lawn to catch a wave off Seven Mile Beach or have a dip in the heated swimming pool. Travelling with little ones? There’s a shady children’s wading pool too. Keen to explore the area on foot? Dramatic views can be enjoyed on the coastal path that leads up to Lennox Point (twenty minutes) and continues all the way to Ballina (four hours) passing dramatic coastal scenery. Each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen, but if you don’t feel like cooking there is a great choice of eateries right on your doorstep.

lennoxheadapartments.com.au

Catch the Byron Buzz

Fancy a bit more of a buzz during your beach stay? Adjoining the iconic Beach Hotel (accessed via exclusive guest-only entrance,) the Beach Resort Byron Bay puts you right in the thick of all the action. Set around a tropical swimming pool fringed by lush greenery, 25 spacious rooms have either a courtyard garden or large sunny balcony, some with sea views. Celebrating something special? Opt for the luxurious Beachfront Penthouse which boasts a generous living area and lovely ocean views. Situated right across from world famous Main Beach, it’s an easy walk to all of Byron’s top attractions, from live music venues to cafes, boutiques, and restaurants as well as spectacular coastal walks. Complimentary bicycles are also offered – perfect for exploring nearby Arakwal National Park.

beachhotel.com.au

The Wow Factor at Wategos

Raes on Wategos hardly needs introduction but what exactly can you expect in this iconic boutique hotel? Stunning views over Wategos Beach for starters. With just five uniquely configured suites, and two opulent penthouses, exclusivity is guaranteed. Originally built in the 60’s, an extensive refurbishment in 2017 resulted in pared-back interiors that create a sense of effortless and eclectic Mediterranean chic. Think sunken stone bathtubs, decorative marble floors, sisal rugs, custom linens, and luxury amenities by Aesop. For the ultimate seaside splurge, Penthouse 1 has three balconies with views of the beach, lighthouse, and pool. Soak up the grandeur, indulge in a spa session, catch a wave off Wategos, and spot dolphins on the walk up to the lighthouse.

raes.com.au

Reflection Cooolangatta Beach

The Perfect Panorama

Prefer a little elevation when it comes to your beach views? How about a Skyhome? Straddling the NSW border, Reflections on Coolangatta Beach has two towers topped with luxuriously appointed, sub penthouse apartments with breathtaking ocean panoramas – perfect for an unforgettable family vacation. There are also a good range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that provide a stylish home away from home, as well as endless views of the sparkling sea. The heated swimming pool has surf views too, and there is a great choice of restaurants in the beachfront complex below. Take a swim at Greenmount Beach right across the road, where calm waters are protected by the headland, or follow the scenic trail around to stunning Rainbow Bay, Point Danger, and the iconic surf break of Snapper Rocks.

reflectionscoolangattabeach.com.au

Stay Seaside at Salt

Looking for a romantic escape? Embrace the art of seaside relaxation when you book an Ocean Spa Deluxe room at Mantra on Salt Beach. Whether you want to surf, pamper yourselves at the spa, or chill-out on a sun lounger by the sprawling lagoon pool - cocktail in hand - this classic Tweed Coast resort has you covered. Best of all, there is nothing between you and miles of golden sand, except for a lush swathe of pandanus and casuarina trees. Within the beautifully landscaped grounds you will find a restaurant, bar, gym, and tennis courts, or stroll through to Salt Village to discover more cafes, boutiques, and great dining options – from seafood to Thai and Indian – as well as Salt Bar & Bistro. Feeling active? Rent bicycles to explore the trails that lead north to Kingscliff and south to Casuarina and Cabarita.

mantraonsaltbeach.com.au

Mantra Salt Beach