ADULTS’ RETREAT REVAMP

It's long been recognised as one of the most family-friendly resorts in Australia, now North Star Holiday Resort on the NSW Tweed coast provides even greater appeal for parents as well. The resort, at Hastings Point, has given its adults' retreat, Seascape, a major makeover. The new look reflects the resort's beachside location, with natural timbers and tones and a cool coastal palette. While the kids are being entertained at Neptune's Castle Kids Club, mum and dad can make the most of the leisure centre's day spa, hair and beauty salon, heated pool, gym, spas and sauna.

Just 30 minutes' south of the Gold Coast and 30 minutes north of Byron Bay, North Star is spread across 10ha of sub-tropical gardens with pools, a beautiful beach and a crystal-clear tidal estuary. As well as its giant twolevel water park, Sammy's Adventure Lagoon, the resort has an outdoor playground, a games room with pool tables, an air hockey table, table tennis, pinball machines and arcade games, as well as a tennis court. Little Treasures play corner is a fun and entertaining area for children aged up to three-years-old that features a colourful ocean mural, toys and climbing equipment especially designed for toddlers.

There are accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, from campsites and caravan spots to cabins, cottages, apartments and luxury villas.

North Star's onsite restaurant, Ripples, is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and take-away. It serves fresh local seafood and Aussie favourites, as well as Thai, Japanese and Italian dishes, and a great selection of beer and wine.

North Star has also been awarded Eco-Tourism Australia certification, which is recognised through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, with more than 50 environmental or sustainable initiatives. It is one of only two holiday parks in NSW to achieve the certification. The new Marine Discovery Centre, which is open on Saturdays and during school holidays, aims to help people understand and care for the aquatic environment, its inhabitants and vital eco-systems, and learn about the challenges of climate change, marine litter, plastic waste, pollutants and fishing. northstar.com.au