Spotlight: Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

Located 17km north of the Sydney CBD and surrounded by more than 20 surfing and swimming beaches, Big4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park appeals to outdoorsy types as well as retirees who may want to just kick back under its shady pine trees.

The council owned coastal holiday park was taken over by the Big4 franchise in recent times and boasts an online booking system, which is good for grabbing a camping spot, van park or chalet at this very popular site, nestling on the sandy banks of Narrabeen lake.

The shallow incline of the lake’s beach is a safe kayaking and swimming spot - just don’t let the littlies head off down toward the river end though, where the current increases.

This is where the surfers can jump in for a free ride down the few hundred metres to the sea to enjoy top class waves at North Narrabeen. Also here is a rock swimming pool under the rugged headland.

Park managers Jennifer and Neall Scott, an experienced husband and wife team recently moved down the coast from running a similar site to take over Narrabeen.

"We aim to provide the experience we’d like to receive ourselves," Jennifer told us during our visit. She explained that they prided themselves in offering good service in a really clean park, all set in a natural environment.

PLENTY OF FACILITIES

Spread over a large area, there are 200 powered sites, 48 villas and bungalows with 16 ensuites.

Prices range from $42 for a powered site to $170 for an entry-level bungalow. If the budget stretches opt for one of the Lake Villas, which are near where the river pours into the sea and provide a great location for some breakfast on the balcony.

For campervanners there’s plenty of space and concrete hard standing under shady tree berths. Van services include a porta-a-loo and cassette toilet disposal as well as grey water sullage intakes.

Local businesses also visit occasionally to use the air conditioned conference centre facilities, and a marquee tent is available for performance artists and other entertainers

For larger groups 20 bunkhouses are on hand and amenities include two large modern blocks with a games room nearby as well. Several play areas cater for the younger ones while mums and dads can relax nearby under the shaded barbeque kitchen areas.

CAFE CLOSE BY

Checking in at reception is a good time to also pick up some newspapers and ice cream or even a fishing rod. There isn’t a kiosk but just outside the gate is a fully catered cafe.

Alternatively, a scenic five minute walk over the river beach bridge brings you into the Narrabeen town, with several take-aways to choose from.

For evening entertainment the courtesy bus can be taken into town and to the RSL. Or you could stay in and watch your site on TV – it’s had appearances on episodes of Home and Away as well as Better Homes and Gardens.

Another attraction is the Coastal Environment Centre that shares part of the park, allowing visitors to learn about the rocky shores and high headlands nearby where a myriad of birds can be spotted. And all this just a short drive from busy Sydney!

BIG4 SYDNEY LAKESIDE HOLIDAY PARK

Proprietors: Jennifer and Neall Scott
Address: Lake Park Road, North Narrabeen, NSW
Phone: 02 9913 7845
Website: sydneylakeside.com.au