Three Aspen Holidays Parks that invite you to make the most of summer

Discover three holiday parks on New South Wales’ sun-kissed coastline where summer feels fun, relaxed and made for families.

Sometimes the best summer breaks are the ones that feel wonderfully simple: sunshine, salt water and time together – and they’re often the holidays kids remember most fondly once they grow up. Aspen Holidays’ three NSW parks bring that classic summer magic to life. Located at some of the best-loved holiday spots on the coast – Tween Waters in Merimbula, Koala Shores in Port Stephens and Barlings Beach on the Eurobodalla coast – each park delivers that sought-after mix of comfort, play and laid-back summer vibes, with pools, splash parks, bouncing cushions, playgrounds and safe, spacious areas for kids to explore while parents relax.

Made for holidays

Holiday mode kicks in the second you pull in: all three Aspen Holidays parks are right on the water or just steps from it. Think kayaking in the cool of the early morning, the kids trying their luck with a fishing line, or strolling down to the beach with nothing more than a towel and sunscreen – followed by a sunset game of cricket or an after-dinner walk along the sand. These are the summer moments that happen when the ocean is on your doorstep. The parks are designed for kids to find endless ways to play while parents settle into an easy holiday flow. Koala Shores has a sparkling, resort-style pool, bouncing cushion, tennis and pedal karts to fill the days. At Tween Waters in Merimbula, families can choose between two pools, a fun splash park and a bouncing cushion. You’ll be just 100 metres from the beach yet still close to all the action with Merimbula’s colourful pubs, cafes and parks just a hop and a skip away. Barlings Beach offers a pool, playgrounds and shaded barbecue areas for relaxed outdoor meals, direct beach access and is a little more secluded, providing a quieter stay for families looking for a flop and drop experience.

Furry family members

Summer holidays feel even better when the whole family is together – paws included. All three Aspen Holidays parks welcome dogs (not just tolerate them), making it easy to enjoy a coastal break without leaving your furry pal behind. It’s one of the reasons so many families keep coming back. Aspen Holidays has also been investing in fresh upgrades across the parks. Koala Shores in Port Stephens now features a fully renovated pool area, creating a modern, resort-style space for cooling off. At Tween Waters, soon to be renamed the Black Dolphin Motel + Holiday Park, the newly renovated retro-vibe motel offers updated, comfortable rooms for families craving extra convenience.

Each park has its own personality. Tween Waters delivers breezy beachside living and easy access to Merimbula’s attractions. Koala Shores sits in a tranquil Port Stephens pocket surrounded by nature (and even the odd koala!) and Barlings Beach is all about absolute beachfront serenity, upgraded cabins and plenty of space for easy coastal living. With summer, Christmas and school holidays in high demand, these parks fill fast – now’s the perfect time to secure your spot for an unforgettable NSW coastal escape.

Aspen Holidays Barlings Beach, Tomakin

At Aspen Holidays Barlings Beach, families can saunter directly from their cabins to the water – enjoying private access to the beach’s powdery sands and crystalline swell. There is also a convenient food truck on-site, providing delicious and accessible dining options without having to venture outside the park.

Location: Situated between Bateman’s Bay and Moruya, Barlings Beach Holiday Park boasts a sterling beachside location. The park is also conveniently located in walking distance from a range of artisan boutiques, galleries, clubs, cafes and a golf course. Just six minutes away by car is family-friendly Mogo Wildlife Park and the historic gold mining town of Mogo.

Accommodation: Choose from dog-friendly cabins, hotel-like villas with multiple bedrooms or grassy dog-friendly campsites. There are also spacious cottages available that sleep up to six and eight and are perfect for larger groups.

Things to do in Barlings Beach: Barlings Beach and its surrounds have no shortage of things to do, either. Start the morning with a gentle splash in the sparkling aqua waters of Barlings Beach, or perhaps try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Then, drive around five minutes to the impressive Mogo Wildlife Park to get up close and personal with a range of threatened animals including lions, hyenas and red pandas.

Facilities at Aspen Holidays Barlings Beach: 

• Swimming pool
• Pedal carts
• BBQ area
• Kids playground
• Recreation room
• Onsite café
• Laundry facilities
• Camp kitchen

Does Aspen Holidays Barlings Beach have Wi-Fi?

Aspen Holidays does not currently offer Wi-Fi onsite at their Barlings Beach location. Guests may wish to bring their own portable Wi-Fi dongle to stay connected or enjoy a few serene days off-grid.

Barlings Beach Holiday Park map

Aspen Holidays Tween Waters, Merimbula (soon to be The Black Dolphin Motel & Holiday Park)

Whether you’re spotting dolphins and whales at Merimbula Beach, cooling off in the ever-popular splash park or jumping for joy at the onsite bouncing cushion, Aspen Holidays Tween Waters promises next-level family entertainment all day, every day.

Location: Boasting a prime perch on the exclusive Fishpen Peninsular, Aspen Holidays Tween Waters is just a quick stroll from Merimbula’s spectacular five-kilometre stretch of beach (ideal for surfing, swimming and relaxing) and charming town centre.

Accommodation: Stay in bright and airy one- to three-bedroom cabins (dog-friendly options available), bunker down in Aspen Holiday Parks’ comfy new motel-style rooms or opt for a powered slab site with a private ensuite option for a back-to-basics holiday approach.

Things to do in Tween Waters: Tween Waters is a hub for adventure, and the Aspen Holiday Parks team is happy to dish out local tips and advice during your stay. Spend your days kitesurfing or windsurfing off the beach or embarking on fishing or whale watching trips from Merimbula Marina. Make sure to tick off Magic Mountain, too – a kid-approved amusement park packed with topsy-turvy turns, saucer spins and dodgem cars to delight a range of ages.

Facilities at Aspen Holidays Tween Waters:

• Swimming pool and splash park
• Bouncing cushion
• Camp kitchen
• BBQ area
• Laundry room and services
• Recreation room
• Games room

Aspen Holidays Tween Waters map

Koala Shores Port Stephens

Boasting a bouncing cushion, playground and a pool as well as a waterfront position, Koala Shores is a fantastic place for families to unwind while camping, caravanning, or in a cabin. The best part? This park is dog-friendly, so you can bring your beloved pooch on vacation, too.

Location: Perched on the Tilligerry Peninsula with direct access to the water, Koala Shores is the ideal spot for kayaking, fishing, paddle boating and sunset views over the creek

Accommodation: Koala Shores welcomes holidaymakers of every ilk with powered camp sites, ensuite sites, caravan sites, cabins, and the plush Koala House, a light-filled private home that sleeps up to 12 guests.

Things to do in Port Stephens: You can enjoy scenic wildlife and animal encounters at Oakvale Wildlife Park or get hands‑on with marine life at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters. For active fun, try water play at SPLASH Waterpark NELSON BAY, sandboarding or 4WD tours on the Sand Dunes Anna Bay, and calm bay beaches like Little Beach Reserve and One Mile Beach for swimming and play.

Facilities at Aspen Holidays Koala Shores:

• Swimming pool
• Bouncing cushion
• Camp kitchen
• BBQ area
• Guest laundry
• Reception
• WiFi

Aspen Holidays Koal Shores map

Other Aspen Holidays properties

• Aspen Holidays Adelaide Caravan Park, SA
• Aspen Holidays Highway 1, SA
• Aspen Holidays Koala Shores, Port Stephens, NSW
• Aspen Living Karratha, WA
• Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit, NT
• Aspen Living CoVE Cooks Hills, NSW
• Aspen Living Karratha, WA

Keep reading:

Aspen Holiday Parks guide
33 easy camping meals the whole family will love
The ultimate Margaret River Region road trip itinerary

This article originally appeared in Issue 80 of Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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