Beyond the beach

A holiday spent dipping our toes in sand and exploring vacation ownership reveals fresh perspectives on travel.

You would think launching a kayak would be easy, but we’re quite the clumsy bunch. My husband and eldest are struggling to manoeuvre the vessel into position, while I stand nearby with the youngest, ensuring she doesn’t bolt into the kayak (or the water) until the time is right. After a prolonged struggle with sand and stairs we’re ready, with our life jackets and hats on, and a sense of adventure pulsating through us.

The time passes quickly. We have a two-hour complimentary kayak rental booked as part of our stay at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay, but with little ones in tow, we tire within the hour.

Also, we’re only here for a few days and there’s lots to fit in. We’ve already been to the resort pool twice, our eldest wants to join the evening movie by the pool, and I'd like to cycle around Shoal Bay. Club Wyndham South Pacific owners can enjoy complimentary equipment hire and free activities across their resorts, and at Ramada Shoal Bay there’s everything from kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to e-bikes and fishing gear to enjoy.

We paddle along the perimeter of the bay, marvelling at the scenery and glimpses of marine life through the transparent base of the kayak. The sun kisses our skin with its warm rays, and the gentle breeze carries the scent of mellow autumnal holidays.

When we return to the resort, our youngest needs a nap, so my husband and I decide to alternate between caring for each child. This arrangement allows one of us to enjoy the resort’s pools and spas, while the other savours reading time on the spacious balcony as the little one dozes.

We’re staying in a two-bedroom deluxe apartment, which is nice and bright after a recent refurbishment. There’s room to move, and the apartment is well appointed for a family holiday, with two bathrooms and a full kitchen. We don’t cook though… we’re on holidays and enjoy lazy breakfasts at the adjoining Shoal Bay Country Club complete with water views, and at night indulge in a Greek feast at Atmos.

When it’s my turn to relax on the balcony, I decide to delve further into my Club Wyndham timeshare research. Ownership with Club Wyndham South Pacific offers families the opportunity to secure accommodation at premier destinations like Shoal Bay for a fraction of the typical cost of a hotel. Through membership (which comes with an annual levy that goes towards paying resort staff, for member services, and property improvements like refurbishments), we gain access to vacation credits that can be redeemed for stays at numerous resorts worldwide. And these credits can be saved from the previous year and/or borrowed from the next, ensuring that owners can have a much longer holiday in resorts of their choosing. And unlike traditional ownership – where the responsibility for maintenance and upkeep falls on the owner – proprietorship with Club Wyndham South Pacific relieves us of these responsibilities.

For us it really comes down to time. We’re low on it, so when we do holiday, we want to seize every moment, as well as enjoy each other’s company, the facilities in the resort, and the destination we’re visiting.

This is the first time we’ve taken the kids to Shoal Bay, and I have fond memories from my childhood of undulating sand dunes and camels at the nearby Anna Bay and Birubi Beach, so we drive the 15 minutes to this patch of paradise.

Birubi Beach seems to stretch endlessly along the coastline, and we plant ourselves near the waves so the kids can play in the water. They giggle with delight as they chase the foamy crests… that is until our eldest’s gaze is drawn to a line of camel riders further along the shoreline.

There aren’t too many places you can ride camels in New South Wales, and the sight of them strolling leisurely along the beach comes as a big surprise to the kids.

Our eldest tugs at our sleeves, pleading to get closer for a better look, and we move closer. Although we don’t go on a camel ride, after we check out, we find ourselves back at Shoal Bay Country Club. One of their school holiday activities is an on-site petting zoo and pony rides, and the kids are overjoyed that they get to interact with ponies, ducks, sheep, pigs and goats, among other furry and feathered critters.

Our plan to have a quick lunch before the drive home changes. A long lunch surrounded by animals and laughter is a perfect way to end a relaxing weekend.