Mr Turtle’s Van Life

Mr Turtle’s Van Life Come travel with Mr Turtle as he explores Australia on a slow paced adventure.

Today we stopped at Ocean Beach Holiday Park at Umina Beach. We stayed at an ensuite site, very nice spot close to the b...
25/07/2026

Today we stopped at Ocean Beach Holiday Park at Umina Beach. We stayed at an ensuite site, very nice spot close to the beach.

Ensuite was clean with a large shower (although we did only get half a roll of toilet paper). Site itself was large which is good with plenty of room to spread out.

We found it disappointing the amount of rubbish that was left at our site when we arrived, as well as around the grounds when we went for a walk.

The camp kitchen, of which there is only one fully enclosed, is way down one end of the park and not really accessible for everyone. It was also quite far away from where most people were camping when we were there.

They had two pool areas, one was smaller and quite busy and the best one (in my opinion) was much larger and completely empty of people.

There were lots of beautiful birds that were really friendly, including lorikeets, cockatoos, herons (bin chickens) and bush turkeys. Be warned, open a bag of bread at your peril.

Unfortunately someone left out their garbage bag and a bush turkey ended up with it wrapped around its legs (come on humans we can do better) when the bins were literally right across the road.

Overall a very nice place, but could do with a bit of a clean up.

By the way love this idea or the Adventure of the Travelling Critters will be on the look out for more 💖

Ps: We were promised Kombi Keg with B**r and Cocktails but all it was was a pizza truck😥

Turtle rating out of 5 is 3 turtles 🐢

Welcome folks to my very first adventure.Spent two days of the June long weekend at Nelson Bay, just north of Newcastle....
09/06/2026

Welcome folks to my very first adventure.

Spent two days of the June long weekend at Nelson Bay, just north of Newcastle. And what a lovely little area it is.

Pulled the van up at Halifax Holiday Park, which is just outside the C*D, right in the middle of Little Beach and Shoal Bay Beach, with access to both from the park.

First the park. The grounds are large, the double slab site we had was large (although we have stayed there previously and the site was had was a little smaller, although still large enough), and the park was clean. There were rabbits hopping all around the place, not to mention the bin chickens, so always something to watch. The amenities were super clean, with the showers being hot and powerful. Almost worth the trip just for the shower.

As to the location, like I said it’s right in between Little Beach and Shoal Bay Beach, but it’s also right next to the lighthouse, which is a nice (steep) walk up the hill where you can stop, admire the view of the entire area and have a nice cuppa at the cafe. If you feel like a trip into Nelson Bay, it’s only about a 15 minute walk. There is a hill but it’s an easy climb. You can also take a 5 minute walk to the Little Beach Boathouse for an evening cocktail on the waterfront, highly recommended.

Little Beach is well protected, so the little turtle pups can swim fairly safely and get their fins wet without risk of being washed away. Shoal Bay Beach is for the more adventurous chelonian, with bigger waves and more open to the elements, but also a nicer view because of it. It’s also the much, much bigger option.

All in all, well worth the visit. This little turtle will definitely be going back.

4 shells out of 5.

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Newcastle, NSW
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