Plan your summer family holidays

Have you booked your summer trip away yet? I feel like this is the first year that we can comfortably book a summer holiday – or did I just jinx myself? Stay away rain and Covid!

Pre-2020, my family and friends used to book an annual New Year's holiday away. After Boxing Day, we'd pack ourselves into a car and meet our friends at a cheapish holiday house. Pre-2020, we also only had one child, so things will be different this year. But one thing remains the same – you have to get in there early.

I've summarised my treasured holiday spots from over the years.

1. Culburra Beach

We've stayed here a few times at a beach house a short walk away from the beach. You can either enjoy the surf beach or go exploring the riverside. It's also really close to Jim Wild's Oysters, a delicious oyster farm.

2. Narrawallee Beach

Great beach, just a short drive away from Mollymook and Ulladulla. With long breaking waves, it is a popular spot for learning to surf and families – plus we saw a seal around the headlands too.

3. Port Stephens

We are fortunate to have a friend with a house in Corlette, Port Stephens, right on Karuah River. With no waves, it's the perfect spot for little kiddies. You can also catch the Tea Gardens ferry.

4. Erowal Bay

My family owned a house in Erowal Bay, which is on the cusp of Booderee National Park. Our local favourites included Green Patch for the kangaroos and Cave Beach for swimming.

5. Orange

To throw in an inland option, we also loved Orange. The food and wine for the parents and all the farm animals for the kids. Top tip: you can roll them all into one at the Heifer Station Farm.