The team at Riverside Holiday Resort are jumping for joy after last Thursday night's win at the NSW Tourism Awards in the category "Excellence in Accessible Tourism".

Celebrations at the NSW Tourism Awards 2022

We set the New South Wales seaside village of Fingal Bay within the stunning holiday paradise of Port Stephens, 30 minutes from Newcastle and 2.5 hours north of Sydney. The region is renowned for its stunning beaches, great surf, koala habitat, the breathtaking coastal sand dunes which are also the largest moving dunes in the southern hemisphere, calm waters of the bay \where you will find the largest dolphin pod on the east coast, and incredible seaside dining.

We have put together a list of where you can eat out in Fingal Bay, and our other favourites to visit on your travels.

Breakfast at the Longboat Cafe, Fingal Bay

Haven Holiday Resort in Sussex Inlet will finally open all of its apartments to guests again from Friday the 18th November 2022, after undergoing extensive renovations since May earlier this year.

HotelsCombined recognises Haven Holiday Resort Sussex Inlet amongst the best hotels in Australia for its high star ratings from guests over several booking platforms.

HotelsCombined recognises Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga amongst the best accommodation providers in Australia, having now received the Recognition of Excellence Award in 2021 and again in 2022 for receiving consistently high rating reviews for its service, accommodation and facilities.

HotelsCombined recognises Seaside Holiday Resort Fingal Bay amongst the best hotels in Australia, having consistently received high star ratings from guests over a variety of categories.

The team at Riverside Holiday Resort in the Northern NSW coastal town of Urunga in the Bellingen Shire, is elated after being announced as a finalist in the category for Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the NSW Tourism Awards 2022.

Urunga has been a popular destination with keen anglers since its beginnings as a sleepy fishing village, now having grown into a favoured holiday destination for families, groups of friends and empty nesters alike.

With the ocean, breakwall, estuary, and the two rivers of the Kalang and Bellinger to choose from, there are plenty of catches available to suit all fishing styles.

Anchors Wharf cafe and restaurant, on the waters of the Kalang River in Urunga, is set to reopen its doors on Tuesday, October 4th 2022, after being devastated by fire on the 3rd of May 2021.

Story-based intervention to assist guests living with autism prepare for their holiday at Riverside Holiday Resort in Urunga, Bellingen Shire

Story-based intervention to assist guests living with autism prepare for their holiday at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay, Port Stephens

Going on a holiday can be enjoyable for those who want a break from their everyday routine and enjoy new experiences. For people living with dementia, a holiday can be an exciting time, but also be daunting with the pressures of coping with a new place and routine. Whether it is solo travel or accompanying a friend or loved one with dementia, a well-prepared plan can help reduce the stress of traveling, as well as create the best possible experience for them and their travel companions.  

Riverside Holiday Resort in Urunga on the Coffs Coast has been recognised as the Top Hotel in Bellingen and Urunga, as well as the Top 3 Luxury Accommodation in Bellingen by Travelmyth, and featured in a variety of traveller search categories for 2022.

Travelmyth uses search data from booking websites such as Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com, and ranks them in order of guests search preferences when looking at holiday accommodation in each area. Riverside features in the Accessible Accommodation, Eco-Friendly, 4-Star Hotels and Outdoor Pool categories to name a few.

Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay has been recognised as the #3 Top Accommodation in Fingal Bay by Travelmyth, and featured in a variety of traveller search categories for 2022.

Travelmyth uses search data from booking websites such as Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com, and ranks them in order of guests search preferences when looking at holiday accommodation in each area. Seaside features in the Accessible Accommodation, Pool for Children, and Outdoor Pool categories to name a few.

If you are passionate about your fishing, then you can't beat Port Stephens! Recognised internationally amongst the fishing community for the abundance of good sized, year round catches to be had, Port Stephens is known for its picturesque fresh and saltwater waterways, and boasts a harbour 2.5 larger than Sydney's with a coastline dotted with islands most of which fall under various protections of the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park.

There are plenty of great spots to fish off the banks, whether you prefer throwing in a line from the rocks, the sands, or one of the Port's jetties with the whole family, and the calm waters of the harbour make for fantastic fishing by kayak or boat, although there is also spectacular game fishing surrounding Port Stephens in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The team at Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga on the NSW North Coast are still celebrating their Bronze Award win for the Self Contained Accommodation category at the Australian Tourism Awards 2021.

Riverside Holiday Resort wins GOLD at the NSW Tourism Awards for Self-Contained Accommodation and Excellence in Accessible Accommodation and Enters the Hall of Fame.

We knew it already, but it seems that Port Stephens continues to be recognised as one of the top places to visit both domestically and now internationally!

The coastal village of Sussex Inlet in Shoalhaven on the NSW South Coast is famous amongst keen anglers for its superb fishing, with catches that have been luring fishing enthusiasts back year after year.

New South Wales possesses some of the most spectacular beaches in the country, and the beaches of the Mid North Coast certainly hold their own against the 'Bondi's and the 'Byron's, but unlike those world famous beaches, you are much more likely to get lucky and possibly have a few of these beaches almost all to yourself.

Port Stephens is home to some of the best beaches in the state, from the calm ocean waters in the bay to the surf along the Stockton Sand Dunes, and let's not forget for those who are old enough to remember the 2006 Tourism Australia commercial featuring Lara Bingle asking "So where the bloody hell are you?" at the stunning crescent shaped Fingal Beach.

The NSW South Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the State, if not the country. From the world renowned white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, to Mollymook's famous surf breaks and everything in-between, there is bound to be a beach close at hand that is just right for you when holidaying in Sussex Inlet.

The Bellingen Shire is renowned for its incredible natural environment and the diversity of landscapes. From the heritage Gondwana rainforest of the escarpment of the Great Dividing Range, lush valleys of sub-tropical vegetation and dairy farming paddocks surrounding Bellingen, to the long white stretches of sand and surf along the coastline near Urunga, the scenery continues to capture hearts and has people wanting to return over and over for more.

Port Stephens is one the most special places in the country, with the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, a thriving and diverse marine environment of the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park that stretches north from Birubi Beach to Forster and is home to various species of dolphins, turtles, fish, and seabirds, and mountains that look like they belong on a tropical island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean rather than the mainland.

Riverside Holiday Resort is ecstatic to yet again become a finalist of the NSW Tourism Awards for our contribution in the two categories of "Self Contained Accommodation" and "Excellence in Accessible Tourism".

Not only does Shoalhaven encompass the world-famous Jervis Bay with its pristine white sand beaches and rich and diverse marine life including many that are endemic to the area, but it is also home to ten National Parks, and as a consequence, it is no surprise that the region is a fantastic spot for avid bushwalkers as well as those just looking for a leisurely stroll in nature.

The one thing the pandemic has taught us, is how amazing discovering your own backyard can be! All those places close by that we have possibly shrugged off for not being exotic or far away enough, well they have turned out to be pretty amazing, especially when even travelling interstate, or to our closest cities, comes with so much uncertainty. 

Knowing where to get the best coffee in town, or the best place to grab a bite when on holidays, often requires a bit of trial and error without the help of a savvy local, so we thought we would put together a little guide of some of our favourite spots in Urunga and nearby Bellingen to help you pick what is best for you!

The Port Stephens Multisport Festival is set to return to stunning Fingal Bay on the weekend of the 18-19^th September 2021 with the TreX Port Stephens, Trail Run Australia Tomaree and Dirt Master Challenge after having been postponed last year due to Covid.

The town of Sussex Inlet in the Shoalhaven Region of NSW is set to come to life this coming long-weekend with the inaugural Scandinavian & Viking Festival, a family friendly two-day event with a range of activities and entertainment to be enjoyed by everyone.

As you may already know, Haven Holiday Resort is deeply dedicated to providing comfortable and safe accommodation to all of our valued members and guests, and we want to ensure all current and future guests that our commitment to providing a COVID Safe environment is stronger than ever following the recent contact tracing in the Jervis Bay region.

If you are looking for the perfect place to escape to for a weekend, week or more, there is no better place to unplug and reconnect with nature than stunning Shoalhaven on the New South Wales south coast. Stretching from Kangaroo Valley and the historic town of Berry in the north, almost all the way to Batemans Bay in the south, and with spectacular Jervis Bay to the east, this region has an abundance of natural beauty and potential for adventure on offer.

Ridge Rider Motorcycle Experience

Hunter Valley to the Gold Coast

The team at Urunga's Award-Winning Riverside Holiday Resort are incredibly proud of all their achievements during the past few years. Having been recognised again and again for our commitment to inclusive tourism and quality self-contained accommodation, we will continue to strive to provide the best family-friendly accessible accommodation and facilities so that all our members and guests are able to enjoy their holidays to the fullest.

Christmas in Australia is synonymous with summer and the outdoors, often consisting of the three B’s: barbeques, the beach, and backyard cricket. A time for gluttony, our tables adorned with ham, prawns, roasts and salads, along with a festive blowfly or 30 for that extra layer of authenticity.

Intersected by the winding Hunter River, flanked by highland areas to the north and south, and home to the country's oldest vineyards, and a mere three hours north of Sydney, and two hours from Newcastle, it is easy to see why the Hunter Valley continues to be such a popular holiday destination as well as the largest growth centre in the state of New South Wales. For those considering a holiday at Seaside Holiday Resort in Fingal Bay, the Hunter Valley is only a two-hour drive away and makes a perfect destination for a day trip.

Bellingen the Promised Land

It is no secret that the Bellingen Shire is the home to the creative hub and picturesque township of Bellingen which boasts some amazing coffee, delicious food, remarkable arts and crafts, markets, festivals, and a thriving live music scene, but what truly makes the Shire one of the most spectacular places in the country is the incredible variation in the landscape.

Nestled three hours south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is undoubtedly home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Australia. In fact, with its white sands and gorgeous aqua coloured waters, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed on your own Pacific Island paradise.

Worimi (Warrimay) Country – The Worimi Nation

We acknowledge the Traditional Worimi Owners and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Located in Worimi Country, Fingal Bay is a small coastal town nestled amidst the picture-perfect Tomaree National Park in Port Stephens, New South Wales. Less than a three-hour drive north of Sydney and an hour past Newcastle, Fingal Bay is only a hop, skip, jump, 12-minute drive away from the larger and slightly more famous township of Nelsons Bay. Originally named “False Bay” due to it often being mistaken as the entrance to Port Stephens harbour that is located just 4.5 kilometres to the north, it wasn’t until 1845 that the name Fingal Bay appeared on a chart drawn by Captain Phillip Parker King to become the official title we know it as today.

Keyword: Coffs Harbour, Things to do in Coffs Harbour

Urunga

Yurruun.Ga – long white sands

The stunning clear waters of Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven make for some remarkable whale watching. With sands that are the whitest of white, and an ocean teeming with marine life, the region is a favourite spot for romantics, families and adventurists alike.

Picturesque Fingal Bay is the perfect holiday destination for whale-watching aficionados and photography enthusiasts alike. Situated in New South Wales’ Port Stephens a mere two and a half hours north of Sydney, the region boasts the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern hemisphere and features a plethora of natural wonders from its pristine oceans to its enthralling national parks. 

The ultimate nature experience for the genuine wildlife lover is to view the majestic humpback whales on their yearly migration along the Australian eastern coastline. There truly is no way to adequately describe to someone the awe-inspiring feeling these gigantic mammals leave you with.

THE FIRST 66 YEARS 1949 - 2015   

Bob Broadfoot OAM JP

Bob Broadfoot OAM JP - Spent 50 years (1965 to 2015) involved with The Federation Of Community Sporting & Workers Clubs, from Northern Region Committee Member to Federation Secretary and assisted in the Development of the three Holiday Resorts In NSW. 

Guest Requirements prior to arrival at FCSWC Holiday Resorts

The Federation of Community Sporting & Workers Clubs and their three Holiday Resorts is asking holidaymakers to follow all recommendations that are currently in place from the NSW Government in regards to travel during the recent Covid-19 outbreaks. 

Top 15 things to do seasonally around Fingal Bay 

Fingal Bay is the eastern-most suburb in the Port Stephens community. Fingal Headland marks the north-eastern head of the bay (the bay itself is less than two kilometres at its widest point) and is connected to the mainland via a sand spit. Much of Fingal Bay is part of the Tomaree National Park. The park provides a striking backdrop to the bays and beaches of the area. Whether it’s kayaking, fishing, surfing, mountain biking, bush-walking or bird-watching, or even just enjoying lunch on the beach, Fingal Bay and the Port Stephens area have a multitude of activities. Here are some of the best things to do while staying at Seaside Holiday Resort Fingal Bay.

The Federation of Community Sporting & Workers Clubs offer affordable accommodation at three New South Wales holiday resorts on the East Coast of Australia.  All resorts have been registered as Covid Safe businesses through the NSW Government and have Covid-19 safety plans in place. In addition to this, each individual resort has strict cleaning & sanitation procedures in place to protect our staff & guests.

Health & Safety has always been the Federation's primary concern, we will continue to do our part to contain & reduce the spread of Covid-19 throughout the local shires and the wider community of our three-holiday resorts. 

Top 20 seasonal things to do around Urunga 

The Riverside Holiday Resort is located right on the river at Urunga and boasts wildlife galore – including native birds, fish and reptiles. Part of the Bellingen Shire, the relaxed little town of Urunga is located just 20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour, making it perfectly accessible for a quick run to the larger shopping centres, cinemas, sporting fields or a night out. Urunga boasts a great boardwalk, close to one kilometre in length that takes you from the tidal lagoon out to the beach – perfect for a little exploration or fish spotting. As a tributary to the Pacific Ocean, this area offers numerous great beaches and surf spots close by such as Hungry Head and North Beach at Mylestom. The town of Urunga also has many local cafes, stores and shops to casually peruse. 

Looking for the perfect holiday destination? Riverside Resort Urunga has what you need

Top 10 Seasonal Activities to do around Sussex Inlet

A quiet but spirited town, Sussex Inlet is located just 45 kilometres south of Nowra on the New South Wales south coast. Serene, isolated and tranquil, you’ll be surprised to discover Jervis Bay territory just 30 kilometres away, perfect for shopping and taking advantage of the world-famous attractions for a quarter of the cost.
Sussex Inlet isn’t just your next seaside break – it’s a place you’ll be sad to leave and eager to return, year after year. Here are some of the best things to do, whenever you decide to visit Haven Holiday Resort in Sussex Inlet.

There is so much to see & do while staying in Urunga and visiting our Award Winning Riverside Holiday Resort 

Looking for the perfect holiday destination? Seaside Resort Fingal Bay has what you need

The True History of Sussex Inlet

Looking for the perfect holiday destination?  Haven Resort Sussex Inlet has what you need

Urunga Mylestom Chamber, along with Bellingen Shire go over and above to support local business through the cOVID-19 Crisis.

The Federation Holiday Resorts are here for the Community through the COVID-19 crisis

The Health & Safety of resort guests and staff is the main concern at our three-holiday resorts during the COVID–19 pandemic.

The Federation of Community, Sporting & Workers Clubs, management, and staff at our three NSW holiday resorts located at Sussex Inlet, Fingal Bay & Urunga, have your Health & Safety as our main concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

HAVEN RESORT CLEANING & SANITATION  (UPDATED 29th November 2021) 

SEASIDE RESORT CLEANING & SANITATION  (UPDATED 26th March 2020)

 RIVERSIDE RESORT CLEANING & SANITATION  (UPDATED 29th November 2021)