Travel: Seal Rocks, NSW

THERE IS SOMETHING uniquely Australian about the beach holiday;the long hours spent playing in the sand, mucking around in the surf, or throwing a line into the waves while enjoying a cold one.Seal Rocks, an easy three hour drive north of Sydney, is the ideal location to indulge in such activities. With four stunning beaches to choose from and a vast national park at your feet, running out of things to do here will never be a problem.

There are two camping grounds to choose from, Seal Rocks Holiday Park and Treachery Camp. Seal Rocks Holiday Park is located near the small township and is popular with families and caravaners, as it has powered sites. A short distance down the road is Treachery Camp, a secluded private campground over 38 acres within Myall Lakes National Park. On offer is a plethora of private sites, as well as a few private cabins. Camper trailers and caravans can be accommodated.

Both camps are just a few minutes walk from a beach and both have toilets, showers and cooking facilities.

While at Seal Rocks I stayed at Treachery Camp and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the peaceful surroundings, abundant wildlife, seaside walks and sparkling water. The sites are shaded by trees and surrounded by native seaside scrub, there is a strong emphasis on preserving the environment which really shines through.You cannot see the beach from the camp but you can always hear the gentle sound of the waves breaking nearby. Small fires are permitted but collecting wood from the park is banned, so head to the kiosk to purchase some there.

Treachery Beach is a short stroll over the vegetated sand dune and is an excellent place to snorkel, swim, fish, fly a kite or just fool around with a ball or frisbee. There is an easy walk up to the headland at the north end of the beach which affords a stunning 280° view. From here you can see Lighthouse Beach to the north,which is accessible by 4WD. At the north end of Lighthouse Beach is the lighthouse for which it is named. Built in 1875 it is well worth visiting at night so you can see the unique, and very beautiful, light in action. It is a 4km walk along the beach from the campsite to the lighthouse.

Further north of these two beaches are Boat Beach and Number One.Seal Rocks Holiday Park is across the road from Number One, which is very child friendly as the southern end is protected and calm.Boats can be launched from Boat Beach and there is excellent fishing on reefs off the coast.

There is a marine park area where fishing is banned so make sure you know where this is before you head out.

Treachery Camp is chock full of native wildlife and during my short weekend stay I saw multiple goannas, brush turkeys, and even an antechinus (a small native marsupial). There is also a plethora of birdlife and their constant songs combine with the crashing wavesand private sites to give this campground its peaceful atmosphere.

A weekend away at Seal Rocks is guaranteed to please even the fussiest member of your family. Your only regret will be that you didn't have a few more days in which to enjoy it!

FAST FACTS

Treachery Camp, (02) 4997 6138, http://www.treacherycamp.com.au/

Seal Rocks Holiday Park, (02) 4997 6164, http://www.sealrocksholidaypark.com.au/

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, (02) 4997 6590, http://www.sealrockslighthouseaccommodation.com.au/

Source: Camper Trailer Australia #40