Nelligen Holiday Park, NSW

Wide open spaces

It-s always a pleasure to find a peaceful retreat that-s close to a tourist town, yet far away from the associated hustle and bustle.

Nelligen Holiday Park, a BIG4 park two hours- drive south-east from Canberra, is just 10km north-west of Batemans Bay and is awash with wide open spaces set against picturesque bush. The 16-acre property is horseshoed by the Nelligen Creek, which is fed by the Clyde River.

Ron and Gloria Cregan have owned Nelligen Holiday Park for five years, and have slowly introduced improvements such as a children-s water park, swimming pool and a tennis court, widening its appeal for all.

GOOD SPORT
Vast communal areas are what define this park. The site is suitable for a range of activities from walks and picnics, through to high-speed water sports or gruelling games of tennis, most of which are free to visitors staying at the park.

All campsites and cabins are a short walk from the water-s edge, and surround a large, flat oval at the centre of the property.

A boat ramp, along with canoe and tinny hire, open the protected shores to boaties of all skills, and at low tide, the creek-s sandy bed on the left-hand side of the park becomes a small beach. The fishing here is excellent too.

Parents can keep a watchful eye on their kids, with a jumping pillow, swimming pool and adjacent children-s water park all close to each other.

There are two barbecue areas at opposite ends of the park. The larger area is undercover and features a huge gas barbecue, tables and chairs, and a camp kitchen with hot plates, a kettle and toaster, plus a microwave, oven and fridge.

SITES TO SUIT
Nelligen Holiday Park has several accommodation options, from unpowered sites through to four-and-a-half-star villas.

The deluxe villas feature a spa, air-conditioning, bathroom and laundry facilities, a fully-equipped kitchen and tepanyaki-style barbecue.

All of the sites are grassed and large - starting at 20 x 20ft (6.1 x 6.1m) in size - with some sites up to 30ft (9.1m) long for the grandest of rigs. Most have power, a few have drive-through access - two come with ensuites - some are on concrete slabs and some have fire pits and tables. Most have coaxial points for excellent TV reception.

There-s a dump point on-site that-s easy to manoeuvre around, and, as with all BIG4 parks, visitors can tap into the Net4 network for wireless internet service.

As the region is under water restrictions, fresh, clean water is trucked in. Travellers therefore need to be aware that a small fee - 40 cents for three minutes - applies to showers. Hot meals are available at the charming country pub directly opposite the park.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
For those who like to explore the neighbouring region, there-s plenty to do. A daily cruise by Merinda Cruises stops at the historic town of Nelligen, which is just 1km from the park, and concludes at Batemans Bay. The cruise passes through daily, and provides a great way to discover the coast.

There are a few golf courses close by, and Batemans Bay has a thriving bowling community, which is very welcoming to newcomers.

Avid walkers can explore the nearby national parks, which include Monga, Murramarang and Deua. Further south is the town of Mogo, which supports a vibrant arts and crafts community and is home to the acclaimed Mogo Zoo.

Nelligen Holiday Park
Kings Highway
Nelligen, NSW 2536
1300 784 446
www.nelligenpark.com.au