Weekend getaways with friends

Planning a weekend getaway with your mates doesn’t need to be complicated. All you really need is a good location, a few solid activities, somewhere comfortable to stay and plenty of time to catch up. Luckily, NSW delivers on all fronts.

Here are some top NSW destinations for a friends’ getaway, all close to Reflections Holidays parks, so you’re never far from the action.

Evans Head – fishing, beach days and space for the whole crew

Evans Head is a go-to for a relaxed coastal weekend, especially if fishing is on the agenda. You’ve got great beach and estuary fishing, easy boat access, and a laid-back town vibe that’s perfect for groups. Spend your days casting a line, swimming or cruising along the river, then keep things simple with pub dinners and beach sunsets.

Where to stay:
The Evans Head Beach House at Reflections is ideal for group trips, sleeping up to 8 guests. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms, open-plan living and a big deck just steps from the sand, it’s made for easy weekends with mates.

Byron Bay – iconic surf and coastal energy

If surfing is high on the wish list, Byron Bay is hard to beat. Home to famous breaks like The Pass, Wategos and Clarkes Beach, it’s a spot where beginners and experienced surfers alike can get amongst it. Early morning surf sessions, beach swims and long afternoons wandering town are all part of the deal here.

Even if not everyone surfs, Byron’s cafes, coastal walks and relaxed nightlife make it a great all-round destination for a group.

Where to stay:
Reflections Byron Bay puts you close to the beach, town and surf, making it an easy base for a weekend with friends.

Moonee Beach – stand up paddleboarding and chilled coastal fun

For something a little more relaxed but still outdoorsy, Moonee Beach is perfect. The calm waters of Moonee Creek are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or just floating around with mates. It’s less about big adrenaline and more about laughs, sunshine and taking it easy on the water.

When you’re done paddling, you’ve got beaches, walking tracks and BBQs back at camp to round out the day.

Where to stay:
Reflections Moonee Beach offers easy access to the creek, beach and shared facilities — great for laid-back group stays.

Food and wine at Wyangala Waters Holiday Park

When it comes to wineries in NSW, the Cowra Wine Region is known for its personalised wine tasting experiences, boutique bottle shops and award-winning wines. The area is home to six Australian wine producers and hosts wine tours as well as markets for tasting.

If you and your mates are wine enthusiasts, the Cowra Wine Region is the perfect place to visit.

Where to stay:
Wyangala Waters Holiday Park is the nearest Reflections campsite, equipped with BBQ and kitchen facilities. Enjoy a wine or a few and unwind with your friends, surrounded by peaceful water views.

Seal Rocks – coastal hikes and glamping with views

Seal Rocks is ideal for an active weekend with friends, with some of the region’s best coastal and bushwalking tracks close by. A highlight is the walk to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, offering sweeping ocean views, while other nearby trails include the Seal Rocks Headland walk, Number One Beach track and walks through Myall Lakes National Park, all showcasing rugged coastline, bushland and beaches.

Where to stay:
Stay in the new Safari Lodge Glamping Tents at Reflections Seal Rocks, sleeping up to six. Set among bushland with ocean views, each tent features a queen bedroom, bunk room, kitchenette, indoor living space and a covered deck, an easy, comfortable base after a day on the trails.

Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest – golf, boating and easy weekends

Golfing is another memorable activity with your friends. Hawks Nest Golf Club is one of the best courses in New South Wales, and it's located just a few minutes away from Jimmys Beach Holiday Park. This park is also equipped with amenities including BBQ facilities, a camp kitchen and a playground for kids.

Hawks Nest Golf Club offers championship-rated 18-hole golf to challenge your skills as well as a clubhouse and restaurant. With its beautiful scenery and challenging course, you and your friends are sure to have an unforgettable road trip experience golfing at Jimmys Beach.

Paragliding at Bonny Hills Holiday Park

If you and your friends have always wanted to try paragliding, then Bonny Hills Holiday Park is the perfect spot. Located just north of Port Macquarie, this park offers spectacular views of the ocean and its coastline. From here, you can book in for paragliding with High Adventure Paragliding, a local crew offering tandem flights.

Bonny Hills offers modern and comfortable amenities such as BBQ facilities, a camp kitchen, and on-site laundry. With its stunning scenery and extensive activities, Bonny Hills is the perfect place to go for a fun road trip with your mates, and Bonny Hills Holiday Park is a great complementary accommodation.

Grabine Lakeside – boating, fishing and proper switch-off time

If the plan is to disconnect and get outdoors, Grabine Lakeside is hard to beat. Set on Wyangala Dam, it’s all about boating, fishing, watersports and evenings around the fire. There’s plenty of space, big skies and zero pressure to be anywhere at a certain time.

Bring the boat, pack the esky and enjoy a weekend that’s all about being outside with your mates.

Where to stay:
Reflections Grabine Lakeside, with lakeside camping and loads of room to spread out.

Final word

A great friends’ weekend isn’t about packing every minute, it’s about picking the right spot, doing a few things you enjoy and having somewhere comfortable to base yourselves. Whether you’re chasing surf, fishing, paddleboarding, golf or just an easy coastal escape, NSW has you covered.