ROAD TRIPPING WITH NATALIE BASSINGTHWAIGHTE
We chatted with singer, actress, mum and ambassador for #RoadTripPledge, an Australian regeneration promise created by holiday rental website Stayz to support regional towns and families impacted by the terrible bushfires and then by COVID-19 travel bans.
It is so important to support regional Aussie towns during this devastating time in our history. Why did you lend your name to this campaign?
As soon as I heard about it, I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of the #RoadTripPledge. Aside from the fact [husband] Cam and I strongly believe in spending quality time as a family unit, it was an honour to take part in such a meaningful campaign. With all that has played out over the past six months – from years of drought to the January fires and floods and now COVID-19 – it is more important than ever to support our fellow Australians and show we care.
There are a lot of people who have suffered so much and if we can help by returning to their towns and spending just a little, I believe it will make a huge difference. Where do you and your family plan on visiting this year?
There are so many amazing places to visit in Australia. We are spoiled for choice. As a kid, we would drive from Wollongong to Narooma on the NSW South Coast and then visit places like Merimbula and Bega. I would love to show my kids these incredible places and relive some of my childhood too. We would then continue the drive through to Melbourne to see more family and friends. The annual Parkes Elvis Festival sounds like a bit of fun too!
Do you have a favourite holiday spot you visit with your family within Australia, and what do you love most about it?
We love the Mornington Peninsula. My husband used to travel there as a kid, and it has now become a place that is special to our family, particularly Flinders. I have to say I also love Red Hill, for the beaches, the landscape and those incredible vineyards! Can you share a precious family holiday moment with us?
We took a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide last year with the kids. We stopped
off along the way at Mount Gambier and saw the Umpherston Sinkhole, then travelled to the seaside town of Robe and onto McLaren Vale. It was great reliving my childhood memories of travelling by car together in a family unit and visiting Australia at its best!
Travelling with children can be an enriching experience, but it can also be stressful if the kids are tired or upset. Do you have any road trip tips to share to ensure the holiday is memorable – for all of the right reasons?
[Laughs] Try and find humour in the smallest things, appreciate everything you see, hear and smell – just stop to really experience the beauty of the adventure. Hold off on the iPads for when you really need them and pack a sick bag – just in case!
You’ve recently moved to Byron Bay. Can you share a hidden gem for those who planning on visiting this year?
Every little part of Byron fills my heart. We love the great food and places that appeal to our whole family. The Farm in Ewingsdale is a must as is Doma Café at Federal, the Crystal Castle, the Pass Cafe and Wategos Beach.