Darlington Beach

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

Flood plains near Kempsey

McLeay River

View from our "patio"

Friendly locals

Lily pond/water hole

Hazards on the 9th fairway

Darlington Beach to the north

Darlington Beach to the south

After being lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea, we awoke to a crisp and clear morning.  Somehow, it didn’t take long to pack up and be on the road at 8.30 for the 200 km drive to our next destination.  However, we didn’t factor roadworks into our time calculations and took over 30 minutes longer than anticipated.  The dual highway came to an end at Port Macquarie and we then had continuous roadworks for the next 150 kms.  This section of road would have to be the remaining single carriage section of the Pacific Highway, but not for long.  Billions of dollars are being spent on creating a new highway alongside the old and work is happening for the complete length.  We travelled at 80 km/h, occasionally dropping to 60, but the road surface was good and traffic flowed well.

We travelled over some large rivers (it must rain an awful lot in the mountains), bypassed Kempsey but drove right through Coffs Harbour, with a quick glimpse of the Big Banana as we continued north.  We are staying about 30 minutes north of Coffs Harbour at the Big4 Darlington Beach Holiday Park.  It is absolutely fabulous and we would love to stay longer than three nights.  It is right on the beach but not beachy.  Lovely green grass, gum trees, very tropical; even has a three rink bowling green, a nine hole golf course, archery, tennis, pool, spa, jumping pillow, restaurant and kiosk, kangaroos wandering around and an abundance of bird life.  Reception staff were very friendly and helpful and the amenities are modern and excellent.

After setting up and enjoying lunch in the fresh air and sunshine, we set off on a discovery walk around the park, taking particular note of the three rink bowling green (artificial and well maintained).  The park has a very tropical feel to it and the golf course come complete with natural hazards.  We were able to have a long walk on the beach without encountering any nasty water obstacles.