 When we decided to have a weekend away, my daughter Cara rushed to her computer to research where we would go. The criteria: an easy drive from home, reasonably priced, kitchen facilities, beach or lake, water activities, nice restaurant nearby and good for bike riding.
Cara went onto the Holidays with Kids website and chose Rafferty’s Resort. Her selection criteria: separate accommodation from adults in the form of a loft equipped with her own stereo, TV inclusive of Foxtel, room service, four swimming pools – one indoor, heated with a spa and water activities. Oh, and it did fit Mum’s criteria perfectly too.
Rafferty’s is only a 90-minute drive from Sydney. The gates into the resort reveal a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney life.
Cara had chosen the loft cottage and we were pleasantly surprised to see that it had full kitchen and laundry facilities, was like new and tastefully furnished. Very comfortable. The accommodation is all on two levels and they have gates that can be fixed at the top of the stairs to keep smaller kids safe.
There is a kids’ club that operates on weekends and during school holidays and a daily activities board outside reception. On offer are kids’ fishing clinics, trivia nights, exercise classes and afternoon family activities which often include feeding the resident pelicans.
We noticed that many of the guests were with other families or had grandparents along. As most of the accommodation sleeps up to six  people this is a great place to go with extended family.
The first night we dined in Rafferty’s Restaurant. The food was great and as for dessert, well, that got the coveted Cara award for being the ‘best ever’. The restaurant has glass windows all around making the most of the stunning views of the lake. There are other dining options there but as we enjoyed this restaurant so much the first night we did end up having all of our meals here.
Apparently there are national parks, beautiful beaches and historic towns all within easy reach of Rafferty’s – but there really isn’t any reason to leave Rafferty’s.
|
