BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Racecourse Beach

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled into BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks at Racecourse Beach – you know how holiday parks can be hit or miss. But this place actually surprised me in the best way. It’s tucked right on Murramarang Road in Bawley Point, and I mean literally a stone’s throw from one of the most gorgeous stretches of beach on the South Coast. The moment you walk through the dunes (takes maybe two minutes from your cabin), you’re hit with this incredible sweep of golden sand that goes on forever. What really got me was how uncrowded it felt, even during school holidays – nothing like the chaos you get at places like Jervis Bay.

The park itself has this relaxed, family-friendly vibe that feels genuine rather than manufactured. The cabins are clean and practical – not fancy, but they’ve got everything you actually need, including proper air conditioning which saved us during that February heatwave. Staff at reception were surprisingly helpful too, giving us the inside scoop on where to spot kangaroos (spoiler: they literally hop through the campground at dusk) and which rock pools are best for kids at low tide. I loved that they knew their stuff about the local area – pointed us toward Pebbly Beach where we ended up having lunch with curious kangaroos literally sitting next to our picnic table. You can’t make that stuff up.

What really sets this place apart is the location within Murramarang National Park. Most people rush straight to the big-name destinations, but Bawley Point is sort of this hidden gem that locals have been keeping to themselves. The beach here faces east, so you get these incredible sunrises if you’re an early riser (which the kookaburras will make sure you are), and the swimming is fantastic – protected enough for kids but with decent waves if you want to bodysurf. Walking north along the beach, you’ll hit some amazing rock formations that are perfect for exploring, and honestly, we barely saw another soul. The park’s facilities are well-maintained without being sterile – clean amenities blocks, a decent camp kitchen, and a playground that actually keeps kids entertained. Sure, it’s not a luxury resort, but for families wanting that authentic Australian beach holiday experience without the crowds and inflated prices, it’s pretty much perfect. Just remember to book ahead during peak season – word’s getting out about this place, and for good reason.