Northern star
From sandy toes and salty hair to some epic slides, everything you need to reset and recharge is on offer at North Star Holiday Resort, writes rebel wylie.
The kids are only just back from riding their bikes with the new friends they made at Neptune’s Castle Kids’ Club, when the eldest two grab their towels and make a break for the pool and slides.
“Sunscreen, guys!” I yell after them as I try to maintain a grip on my sweaty-haired youngest while he wriggles and contorts out of my grasp, desperate to join the others. I manage to get a little zinc across those chubby cheeks to save him from the racoon mask of sunburn that’s sure to come tonight without it, and grab my own towel and book as we head back to Sammy’s Adventure Lagoon.
Surrounded by tropical gardens and perfectly located to catch the fresh ocean breeze, the aqua playground, lagoon pool, wading pool and two giant ‘super slides’ here are the stuff of lifelong memory making.
As I stake my claim at one of the shaded cabanas, I survey Sammy’s to find my tribe. My freshly zinced youngest skips to join his sister in the two-storey water playground, ready to blast his new friends from one of the water cannons; his sister stands underneath the ‘Big Dripper’, eagerly awaiting the 600-litre bucket to tip and drench her with its cascade. I don’t even need to look for my eldest – I know he’s climbed to the platform for another go on one of two eight-metre-high tubular water slides that spiral 64 metres through a rainbow of technicolour light features, before splashing into the pool's landing strip.
I surrender to relaxation. The sunshine is giving us all an endorphin hit and I don’t even mind that my husband stayed back in the air-conditioned comfort of our cabin catching up on sports on the big screen upstairs.
Welcome to the Tweed Coast's North Star Holiday Resort, which not only offers endless
entertainment options, but also accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Guests can choose to experience the leafy campsites and caravan spots, or opt for well-equipped, practical holiday cabins, or even spacious villas – like the one we’re enjoying – with all the luxuries you would expect to find in a five-star hotel.
An idyllic family destination
From uncrowded beaches with worldrenowned surf breaks to crystal-clear estuaries that weave their way right through beachside communities before joining back up with the Pacific Ocean, the far North Coast of New South Wales is an idyllic family destination. North Star Holiday Resort boasts prime position, nestled beside pristine Maggie’s Beach and the tidal estuary at Hasting’s Point.
The multi-award-winning property is literally right at the heart of everything on offer for families in the glorious Tweed region – think modern conveniences paired with village living, and dining experiences that give the region its fast-growing reputation as an essential stop on any foodie trail.
However, it’s the kid-friendly activities on offer that are a major drawcard. There’s farm fun at Tropical Fruit World, plus surf schools and adventure-sports equipment hire at every local beach to get you started. Kids can also try their hand at clay throwing and pottery at Kingscliff’s Stone Studio, or head off on a crab-catching adventure with Tweed Eco Cruises.
Marine discovery
The estuary and rockpools on North Star’s doorstep are home to a kaleidoscope of local fauna for families to discover. And thanks to the resort’s very own Marine Discovery Centre, you’ll learn exactly what you should be looking for when you explore. Our family signs up for the 10am tour, which takes place just above the resort’s Seascape adults-only retreat.
In the recently refurbished centre, the kids are encouraged to explore and make the most of the state-of-the-art light and sound technology, plus the interactive digital terminals, as they look up in wonder at the realistic displays of life under the sea.
Family-friendly isn’t just for kids
Armed with new knowledge about what to look for outside, we jump on our bikes and head out of the resort, cycling the safe, wide paths to the nearby estuary where we spend the day exploring, before heading back for the afternoon Kids’ Club activities. Desperate to reconnect with friends they’ve made during our stay, the kids don’t need to be asked twice whether they’re keen to head to Neptune’s Castle for the second Kids’ Club session of the day.
As they burst out of the cabin, my husband and I hastily grab our own towels and try to catch up with them on the palm-shaded path. We’re making the most of the kids being safely entertained, and head next door to the luxurious Seascape adults retreat for a little pampering – there’s a day spa, hairdresser, heated lap pool, gym, jacuzzi and sauna. Bliss!
Kid-free for 90 minutes, we settle into the hot tub and take a breath to reflect on the fact that right now, our kids are happy – and so are we. After the last couple of years, it’s good to know that the simple things that make life enjoyable are still accessible. In a pandemic world, play, adventure and fun still exist, and at North Star, they are easily found. Which reminds us, North Star’s on-site restaurant, Ripples Licensed Cafe, has timed its happy hour to coincide with Kids’ Club diversions. Which means it’s time to jump out of the spa and head back for a cocktail. Cheers to that!