Planning a coastal getaway and wondering which NRMA park is actually worth booking? This guide rounds up the best NRMA holiday parks on the NSW coast for families, from beachside stays with water parks to quieter spots near lakes and national parks. Whether you’re after cabins, glamping or a good old-fashioned caravan park holiday, these are the NRMA parks in NSW we’d shortlist first.
Quick picks: Best NRMA holiday parks in NSW
| Park | Best for | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|
| NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort | Families wanting beaches + activities | Clifftop setting, water park, go-karts |
| NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort | Big family resort feel | Water park, kids club, coastal forest setting |
| NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort | Nature lovers | Beachfront location near Murramarang National Park |
| NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park | Relaxed lake holidays | Lakefront setting in Myall Lakes National Park |
| NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort | Kids who love water play | Pirate-ship water park |
| NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort | Easy Sydney getaway | Umina Beach location, glamtainers, family facilities |
NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort (Sapphire Coast)
Why families like it
Set on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, this park feels like a proper holiday from the moment you arrive. The water park, go-karts and games room make it an easy win with kids, while the coastal views keep it appealing for parents too.
Best things to do nearby
Explore Merimbula’s calm, family-friendly beaches, walk the Merimbula Boardwalk (keep an eye out for seals), visit the Merimbula Aquarium or head to Potoroo Palace Wildlife Sanctuary. Short Point is perfect for surfers, while Spencer Park is ideal for younger kids.
Best for
Families wanting a mix of beach time and built-in park entertainment.
Accommodation options
Everything from powered and unpowered sites to glamping safari tents and fully equipped villas.
NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort (Coffs Coast)
Why families like it
This one feels more like a full-blown resort than a caravan park. It’s got a huge water park, kids club, jumping pillow and loads of space to run around – all set within a coastal forest.
Best things to do nearby
Visit the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, explore Dorrigo National Park, check out local beaches like Arrawarra and Corindi, or stop by one of the region’s blueberry farms.
Best for
Families who want a big, activity-packed holiday without leaving the park too often.
Accommodation options
Camping and caravan sites through to modern villas, including spacious multi-bedroom options for larger families.
NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort (South Coast)
Why families like it
Kangaroos on the beach, ocean views and direct access to nature – this one feels a little more unique than your typical holiday park. It’s peaceful, scenic and still very family-friendly.
Best things to do nearby
Explore Murramarang National Park, snorkel in rock pools, walk to Wasp Head, visit the Moruya Markets or paddleboard on Durras Lake.
Best for
Families who love nature, wildlife and a quieter coastal escape.
Accommodation options
Unpowered and powered sites, safari-style glamping tents and beachfront villas.
NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park (Myall Lakes)
Why families like it
Right on the lake and surrounded by national park, this is the kind of place where you slow down a bit. It’s less about water slides and more about space, nature and simple family time.
Best things to do nearby
Visit Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, explore Myall Lakes National Park, go kayaking or fishing on the lake, or enjoy uncrowded beaches nearby.
Best for
Families wanting a relaxed, low-key holiday away from the crowds.
Accommodation options
Campsites, cabins, glamping options and lakefront villas.
NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort (Mid-North Coast)
Why families like it
The standout here is the water park – complete with a giant pirate ship, slides and tipping bucket. It’s the kind of place where kids could happily spend the entire day.
Best things to do nearby
Visit Trial Bay Gaol, explore nearby beaches, snorkel or dive at Fish Rock Cave, or check out the surrounding national parks.
Best for
Families with younger kids who want a fun, water-focused holiday.
Accommodation options
A mix of camping sites, glamping tents and modern villas, including larger family-friendly options.
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort (Central Coast)
Why families like it
Just 90 minutes from Sydney, this is one of the easiest coastal getaways. There’s plenty to keep kids busy such as a pool, water park and jumping pillow, plus theirs direct access to a great family beach.
Best things to do nearby
Swim at Umina Beach, visit the pelican feeding at The Entrance, explore Avoca Rock Pools, Somersby Falls or the Australian Reptile Park.
Best for
Families looking for a quick and easy beach holiday close to Sydney.
Accommodation options
Camping and caravan sites, villas and the unique “Glamtainers” for a more fun glamping-style stay.
Which NRMA holiday park in NSW is best for your family?
- Best for water parks and big resort energy: Darlington Beach or South West Rocks
- Best for beachfront scenery: Murramarang
- Best for a quieter nature escape: Myall Shores
- Best for an easy weekend from Sydney: Ocean Beach
- Best all-rounder: Merimbula
FAQs
Some of the best NRMA holiday parks in NSW for families include Merimbula Beach, Darlington Beach, Murramarang Beachfront, Myall Shores, South West Rocks and Ocean Beach. The best one for you depends on whether you want a water park, beachfront stay, lake access or an easy drive from Sydney.
Yes, many people use the terms interchangeably. NRMA holiday parks and NRMA caravan parks generally refer to the same group of family-friendly holiday parks offering cabins, campsites, caravan sites and resort-style facilities.
South West Rocks and Darlington Beach are two of the standout options for families wanting a big water play area, while Merimbula and Ocean Beach also have strong family facilities.
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort on the Central Coast is one of the best options near Sydney, especially for families wanting a beach holiday without a long drive.
Many do. Depending on the park, you’ll find everything from powered sites and camping to villas, safari tents and glamping-style stays.
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