Recently, one of our team embarked on her first family holiday , with dog in tow - here is what went down...
It was predicted to a be a gloriously sunny weekend for September in NSW, and everyone, including Dexter the Labrador was super excited! As we packed the car to set off on our very first dog holiday ('doliday' - is that a thing?) we briefly paused to wonder if this was going to be the biggest nightmare or the most fun!
And so, with two kids, a car full of luggage, and a dog in the back, we headed to Hawks Nest, on the mid north coast of NSW, for what turned out to be one of the best weekends we’ve had as a family.
Day 1
The Chaos of Packing
Packing for a trip is always an adventure when you have kids, and adding a dog into the mix made it even more complex - especially for the game of squeezing everything - thankfully we have some Tetris champs in the family! As now we had to add a dog bed, and food, bowls... yes there is something we forgot here - more on that later. With the Rav4 packed to the brim, with the roof racks taking the bulk of the luggage, leaving Dexter plenty of space to stretch out in the back, we hit the road late Friday afternoon.
Our dog-friendly accommodation
We booked the dog-friendly superior villa at Reflections Hawks Nest, and it was just what we needed for a comfortable family stay. When we got there, Dexter was immediately buzzing with excitement, exploring the cabin and sniffing out all the new smells from the gardens. That’s when we realized—oops!—we forgot the poo bags! Thankfully, the park had some next to the dog wash near the camp kitchen, so crisis averted.
Pizza and Pups at Benchmark on Booner
After getting settled, we headed across the road to Benchmark on Booner. They’re dog-friendly, so we sat outside with Dexter while we devoured some seriously delicious pizza. The kids loved it, and Dexter was happy to be part of the action, getting plenty of attention from other diners. After a couple of drinks and some family bonding, we headed back to our villa for a good night’s rest.
A Cosy Night’s Sleep
Dexter, completely worn out from all the excitement, curled up in the lounge on his bed, while the rest of us got comfy in our rooms. The villa was cosy, and we all slept like logs.
Day 2
Coffee and Beach Fun
The next morning, we kicked things off with a walk to Nest Café for coffee, a brekky roll and some snacks for the kids, where Dexter met some local dogs. Then it was off to Bennetts Beach, right on the holiday park's doorstep, which has a dog-friendly section a little further along from the Surf Club. Dexter had the best time running wild, chasing seagulls, splashing in the waves, and playing with a piece of driftwood he found. The kids had a blast, too, building sandcastles and soaking up the sun while Dexter entertained everyone with his beach antics.
Exploring Tea Gardens
Later that afternoon, we took a quick drive over to Tea Gardens for a walk along the river. Of course, Dexter couldn’t resist another dip, splashing around and making us laugh. We grabbed some pies from 2 Fat Bakers—seriously, some of the best pies we've had—and found a spot by the water for a picnic. It was such a relaxing afternoon.
BBQ Dinner and Live Music
That night, we fired up the BBQ back at the villa for a casual dinner, then headed back to Benchmark for some live music. It was a perfect way to wrap up the day—great food, good music, and having the whole family (including Dexter) together.
One Last Run on Jimmy’s Beach
Unfortunately, the Yacaaba Headland Trail was temporarily closed when we went up, but before we packed up to head home, we took Dexter for one last run on Jimmy’s Beach. He tore through the sand, loving every second of it. By the time we left, he was covered in more sand than the beach itself, but it was totally worth it.
A Fantastic Family Trip
All in all, our trip to Hawks Nest was better than we could’ve imagined. Traveling with Dexter turned out to be a lot easier than expected, and the whole family had an amazing time. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly spot for a getaway, Reflections Hawks Nest is definitely worth checking out!
Thinking about booking your trip?
If you're thinking about heading to Hawks Nest with your furry friend, you're in luck! The Hawks Nest Caravan Park has some awesome dog-friendly options that will make your stay a breeze.
For those who prefer camping, there are dog-friendly powered campsites, perfect for setting up your home away from home. You can choose between the Standard Powered Site or the Standard Powered Site with a Slab, depending on what suits your setup best. Either way, your pup is more than welcome to join the fun.
If you’d rather stay in a cabin, the park’s got you covered there too. You can book a Superior Cabin, which sleeps up to five people, or if you’ve got a smaller crew, the Superior Villa for 4 is perfect for a group of four. Want a little extra comfort? The Deluxe Cabin sleeps five and offers a bit more space to spread out. No matter which option you go for, your dog will feel right at home. Ready to book your Hawks Nest holiday? Book your holiday accommodation here.
Or head down to the road to Reflections Jimmys Beach - with more fab dog-friendly accommodation options, sure to please even the fussiest of furry friends.