Nrma Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
Bus life or van life can be quite complicated when you are visiting Sydney. There is never an ample amount of parking for the smallest of cars let alone large vans and buses and even if you do manage to find a park, there are almost always limits. Most councils limit parking for oversize vehicles to 1 hour in built up areas and it is illegal to sleep in your vehicle overnight on the street. In short, Sydney is a tough gig for vanlifers and buslifers. So if life brings you to the hustle and bustle of Sydney and you need to park, here is the first spotlight on a safe van spot in Sydney.
NRMA SYDNEY LAKESIDE HOLIDAY PARK
This holiday park is nestled up on the Northern Beaches area of Sydney beside Narrabeen Lake. Besides being directly on the lake, it also has beachfront views from the park with only a small lagoon and road between the park and beach.
WHY VISIT?
The site itself is super quiet and chilled and you are surrounded by nature. And when you compare rental prices on properties with “ocean views” in Sydney, this place is a bargain!
LOCATION
Approx 40 minutes north of Sydney City (give or take depending on traffic) and approx 1 hour by bus.
SITE SIZES
All the powered sites are in the front of the park with cabins and bungalows further inland. If you choose to park in the southern end of the caravan park then you are surrounded by water with the sand and lakes literally steps away from the site. If you choose to park in the northern end of the park then you get a leafier outlook with more privacy. Both ends of park have facilities. The site sizes are quite generous with 1 vehicle allowed on site. The park only offers powered sites to large homes on wheels and although there are some unpowered sites, they are quite small with room for only a car and small tent.
MONEY MATTERS
Being one of the very few holiday parks in Sydney, this isn’t your cheapest stop. At peak times like the Long Easter weekend you could be paying around $65 per night (for 2 adults). However if you stay in off peak season and if you stay for 7 days you often get a huge discount and accomodation can come down to about $300/week. Also, if you are an NRMA member you are entitled to a 10% discount which can also reduce the price.
FACILITIES
Both the Southern and Northern ends have amenities blocks which are large and clean with unlimited hot water showers (however, I still like to limit water because it is so precious!) and toilets. There are coined laundry facilities (you are looking at $4 per wash and $4 per dry) with irons.
VIBE
I’ve been to this park during low peak and high peak times. Both times there has been a very chilled atmosphere with many families and children around. During low peak, it is super quiet, so if need a relax this is your time to go. At other times I have found a more festive feel with groups setting up over several sites and boogying all night long (well, until the 10pm noise curfew which is strictly adhered to it seems).
WHAT TO DO
For the kiddies there is an awesome, free water park inside the park where kids (or kid-like adults) can get wet and splash their feet in a safe environment. Kayaks are also for hire as well as go-karts for the kids. If you like swimming then you have the river, beach, or outdoor lap pool by the ocean. If swimming is not your thing, then there are also lots of beautiful coastal walks near by. There are plenty of site seeing options nearby including Palm Beach (30 mins north), Manly (25 minutes south), and the city of Sydney which is about an hour south by bus.
GETTING AROUND
If you want to just park and then explore, the bus stop is really close with local buses and express buses to the city.
EXTRAS
There is a wood fired pizza place on site that is open most nights during the week. Mmmm… And there are lots of birds that roam the site including Cockatoos and ducks. So gorgeous!
IN SHORT
If you are coming to Sydney and you don’t want the hassle of having to move all the time and have to watch over your shoulder then this is a great place to stay. Also being out of the city and beachside, it really does feel like a vacation!
For bookings head to https://www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au
Peace.
Love.
And Safe Travels.
Emma
