Spotlight: Belmont Pines Lakeside Holiday Park

One of the best situated caravan parks in NSW, just an hour’s drive north of Sydney, Belmont Pines Lakeside Holiday Park is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie.

The park is one of four council run facilities in the area and is uniquely positioned on a small island with isthmus access, so gives total seclusion while having all round lake views.

It’s a boaters’ heaven with private ramp, fish cleaning area and has enough free space to accommodate trailers. Another feature is its pet friendly policy.

SITE WITH A VIEW

Arriving during the off peak season in our campervan we opted for a powered site looking west over the lake ($27 per night), nearby the new camp kitchen.

Mature gum trees nicely shaded our spot and only a frisbee throw away, barbeque pits nestled under a shaded pagoda. The new camp kitchen featured plenty outdoor benches with both indoor and al fresco cooking facilities.

The immaculately clean inside had all stainless appliances and even a large flat screen television; not that you’d want to stare at the TV with all the stunning lake views to contend with.

Out on the water a late evening sailboat was returning home towards the 16 Footers Club, which is major events and eating venue a stroll along the walkway (or just catch the courtesy bus there).

Ideally sized, being not too big yet small enough for easy socialising among travellers, Belmont Pines comprises around 100 powered and spacious unpowered sites.

A variety of cabins (starting from $86 nightly, off peak), two bed villas and deluxe family cabins are available. The deluxe cabins come with air conditioning and lake views from their verandas while ensuite ablutions are available in some units as well.

The main ablutions are in an older red brick block but are very clean and have a large adjoining laundry with plenty outside taps.

Near the park entrance, the small swimming pool is shaded and handily beside the office, which sells essentials such as bait and ice creams. For more shopping, popping across the busy road takes you to the store and bakery.

Awaking in our van we heard the occasional bark as early morning dog walkers ventured out. Ambling over to the ablutions we bumped into Zeus, a cross Dalmatian Irish Wolfhound with owner Mark who was caravanning from his home in Narooma.

“Running the van rig isn’t cheap – about $100 fuel every day – but it’s worth it to stay in this lovely pet friendly park,” explained Mark who was heading to see the family in Brisbane.

Just be aware that pets are permitted at the discretion of managers and are welcome during the off peak and low seasons only (June to October).

PLENTY TO SEE

Belmont is surrounded by beaches, bush and of course the sheltered lake waters, so is an ideal base for fishing, swimming and all water sports.

Hire a small dinghy or even a yacht, or grab your surfboard and venture to the famous Caves Beach break. Perhaps take a lake cruise – the Belmont ferry calls at Wangi Point, Rathmines and Coal Point.

Wine buffs can drive over to the nearby Hunter Valley or book a tour to avoid the driving.

We chose to walk a section of the Fernleigh Track, a 15km route that passes through Glenrock State Conservation Area, Awabakal Nature Reserve, and the Belmont Wetlands State Park.

“This is a really cool place dad,” shouted my daughter from halfway up a gum tree as I reluctantly packed our campervan up.

Belmont Pines Lakeside Holiday Park
Managers: Allan and Annette Birse
24 Paley Crescent, Belmont South, NSW.
Ph: (02) 4945 4750
Website: Belmont Pines Lakeside Holiday Park