Ultimate Summer Packing Checklist for Your Coastal Holiday
Good news: We’ve had a rare opening—two park cabins from 9 January (7-night min) and a safari tent from 2–10 January. If that sounds like your kind of summer, don’t wait.
→ Book your coastal holiday now
→ Book your coastal holiday now
There’s nothing like summer on the Clarence Coast—golden afternoons, salt-kissed breezes, and a short stroll from your cabin or campsite to the water. If you’re planning a last-minute escape (or you’ve just snagged one of our rare christmas holiday openings), this ultimate summer packing checklist will help you travel lighter, stress less, and make the most of every seaside day.
The Essentials
Start with the stuff you’ll reach for every day:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and zinc for faces
- Wide-brim hats and polarised sunglasses
- Swimmers, rash vests, and quick-dry beach towels
- Lightweight layers for breezy evenings
- Reusable water bottles (stay hydrated when you’re out exploring)
- Eco-friendly insect repellent and aloe/after-sun gel
- Daypack for beach trips and walks
- Phone charger + power bank (photos + playlists = memories)
Beach & Water Gear
Make your days by the water easy and fun:
- Beach shade (umbrella or pop-up shelter)
- Sand-free picnic mat or compact beach blanket
- Bodyboards/snorkel sets for kids and grown-ups
- Collapsible esky + ice packs for snacks
- Mesh bag for sandy toys and shells
- Dry bag for phones and keys
- Microfibre towel for quick pack-ups
For Families
Happy kids, happy holidays:
- Snacks (fresh fruit, muesli bars, crackers, refillable containers)
- Reusable swim nappies (if needed)
- Simple beach games (frisbee, cricket set, sand toys)
- Books/activity pads for quiet time
- Lightweight stroller or carrier
- Compact first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)
Cabin Comforts
Settle into your holiday home with ease:
- Coffee kit (beans/pods, reusable cups)
- Favourite pantry basics (oil, spices, sauce, cereal)
- Breakfast basket (croissants, jam, fruit)
- Board games/cards for mellow evenings
- Bluetooth speaker for your summer playlist
- Reusable shopping bags (local markets + minimising plastic)
Camping Must-Haves
If you’re camping or glamping, bring:
- Headlamps/lanterns + spare batteries
- Tent pegs + mallet (and spares—thank us later)
- Guy ropes + sand pegs for coastal setups
- Camping chairs and folding table
- Non-stick pan & tongs, cutting board, sharp knife
- Biodegradable dish soap + tea towels
- Rubbish & recycling bags (Leave No Trace)
- Compact clothesline and pegs
Smart Tech & Little Luxuries
Make life smoother (and more fun):
- Portable fan for warm nights
- Kindle or favourite paperback
- Camera/GoPro for underwater adventures
- Offline maps (download ahead of time)
- Picnic kit for sunset dinners by the water
Beach Safety
A few simple steps go a long way:
- Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches
- Check conditions before you go (swell, wind, UV index)
- Know rip signs: deeper, darker water; fewer breaking waves; ripples heading out
- Stay sun-smart: reapply sunscreen every two hours; wear rash vests and hats
- Hydrate and take breaks—especially with little ones
Sustainable Travel Tips
Keep the coast pristine:
- Bring reusable containers and bottles
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen
- Dispose of rubbish responsibly and recycle where available
- Stick to paths—protect dunes and native habitat
- Leave shells and wildlife undisturbed (photos are perfect souvenirs)
Quick-Grab Checklist
Copy, save, and print:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hats, sunglasses
- Swimmers, rash vests, towels
- Water bottles, snacks, picnic kit
- Beach shade, esky, beach blanket
- First aid kit, insect repellent
- Phone charger, power bank, dry bag
- Light layers, daypack, games/books
- Camping/glamping extras (if applicable)
Ready for Your Coastal Escape?
Summer is calling—and we still have limited availability across our Clarence Coast Holiday Parks. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront cabin, a powered site for your caravan, or a glamping safari tent, now’s the time to lock in your spot before the school holidays hit full swing.
→ Check availability and book your summer escape today
Want more inspiration? Explore our Local Guides:
- Best coffee spots near the coast Yamba
- Family-friendly activities around Wooli & Minnie
- Hidden beaches and nature walks at Iluka
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