RECHARGE AND RELAX AT COFFS HARBOUR

FAMILY road trips don’t have to end up like Chevy Chase’s National Lampoon’s Vacation, where the parents and kids are caught up in a mobile, metal encased circus juggling a comedy of errors.

About four hours drive south of the Gold Coast is the popular tourist hamlet of Coffs Harbour. Just few minutes before Coffs and directly opposite the iconic Big Banana tourist attraction, is the hidden gem of Diggers Beach.

Positioned on absolute beachfront with magnificent ocean views from dining areas and surrounded by acres of wide open parklands, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort is nestled among tress on a natural reserve.

It’s the perfect, stopover to unwind for a night or two enroute to your destination – in our case Tamworth – or as a secluded weekend away from the Gold Coast.

The resort is a haven for couples and families and offers a blend of health, recreation and relaxation with accommodation from one bedroom villas up to four-bedroom spa villas.

Kids are well catered for at the Star Kids Club and there’s a variety of activities including mini putt putt golf, tennis and beach volleyball. There’s also a surf beach with a lifeguard on duty in NSW school holidays.

Five swimming pools including two lagoonstyle pools with waterfall and cave spa and a kids’ waterslide is popular, while mum and dad can relax under the shady palms and enjoy a soothing spa.

Beach lovers can enjoy the seclusion of picturesque Diggers Beach, which is literally at the resort’s doorstep, or sit back on the Casay Decks with a long drink and admire postcard views of the sweeping lawns stretching down to the beach.

There’s also the award-winning Finz restaurant (pictured) on the beach, featuring seasonal Pacific Rim cuisine.

Do it all or do nothing but relax and soak up the atmosphere at this award-winning 4.5 star resort, which also offers three conference venues and an on-site wedding chapel.

Located on the mid-north coast of NSW, Coffs Harbour is a popular tourist destination that is renowned for its pristine rainforests, quaint towns and a stunning string of white sand beaches.

Popular attractions include the Pet Porpoise Pool, Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, F1 Kart Hire (go karting), Solitary Islands Marine Park and Jetty Dive snorkelling and dive charters.