There is nothing better than getting the whole family together for a good old catch up. This is a great time to celebrate birthdays and personal achievements.
If you don’t want to have the stress of cramming all your family members into one hotel or finding one family member to be the host, which can cause a real headache, then a holiday park is the best answer and Port Stephens is the perfect location. At only a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney and a short 30-minute drive from Newcastle Airport, this is a perfect getaway location, accessible to everyone.
When it comes to the perfect place to hold a reunion look no further than The Retreat, Port Stephens which has accommodation options suitable for a variety of different group sizes. They have cabins, bungalows, duplexes, The Lodge, and The Ranch, which all are self-contained and with private bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, with a capacity to accommodate up 98 guests. This bush-land hideaway, located on 4 acres of beautiful native trees and landscape, makes you feel like you are a million miles from the rest of the world, but with easy access to the sand dunes and all that port Stephens has to offer.
There is nothing better than a family meal, and this is made easy with the covered BBQ areas that have large wooden tables making them perfect for extended families and large groups. We also have catering packages available if you fancy a night off cooking.
So, once you are here what will you do? Well making sure that everyone will be entertained is easy. There is the Saltwater Pool, children’s playground, and games room with indoor games like pool tables, table tennis, and fuse ball. Outdoor games are also available. This could be a perfect time to start a friendly family tournament of cricket, soccer, or volleyball. What will your choice of sport be? And who will organise the trophy?
Top 5 Things to do on a family reunion at your accommodation
The possibilities are endless when thinking of fun things which involve all the family, and here are 5 of the most popular.
Egg and Spoon Race
Take advantage of the open grass areas and set up your own egg and spoon race, this a family favourite and is sure to be a laugh.
Have everyone choose a partner, face each other, and then stand about 30 feet apart. All players should put spoons in their mouths. The first player places an egg on their spoon and runs it to their teammate across the way. They must transfer the egg from their spoon to their teammate’s spoon, without letting it fall. The teammate must then run the egg back to the other side to win.
Everyone is racing against each other, and if you drop the egg, your team is out.
Arts and Crafts
Everyone brings along a plain white t-shirt and some fabric markers and paints. This is a cheap and effective way to keep the children busy and everyone gets a reunion memento to take home.
Story Time
When the day is done there is nothing better than sitting around in a group and telling stories or reminiscing about previous family occasions.
Family Talent Show
Prepare a talent before you arrive and perform it in front of your family. Here are a few ideas to get you started;
- Sing a song
- Do a play or skit
- Play an instrument
- Juggle
- Do a dance
This would be great material for Story Time at the next family reunion.
A Family Reunion Book
Make sure everyone signs the book with a fond memory from the reunion and bring it along to the next get together, so you create a lovely memory book for years to come.
Top Group Must Do Activities
There are plenty of group activities to enjoy in Port Stephens, and we can assist with booking tours and attractions at the office. We also have maps and visitors guides available.
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Twilight Dinner Cruise
Don’t feel like taking the family for a memorable meal? Enjoy a Twilight Dinner Cruise with 360-degree views of the breath-taking sunsets that Port Stephens has to offer. Enjoy appetizers on arrival, followed by an Australian buffet, and finish with delicious desserts and coffee. The live entertainment will have you dancing the night away.
4wd Drive Tours
A fully guided 4-wheel-drive tour is perfect for groups. Learn about the history of the Dunes and landscape by exploring the 2,500 hectares of sand dunes that make up the Stockton Bight in a purpose built 4WD vehicle.
Toboggan Hill Park
Toboggan Hill Park is perfect for all the family. With a giant maze, mini golf, splash down, toboggan track, with the tractor train outside and a hot ice skating, jumping castles, creation point plaster painting, Kiddy Karz, Bertie Beetle kids’ racetrack, rock climbing and the pavilion indoors. There is something for every age group in the one location. Don’t forget to pack your own picnic and enjoy the view over the toboggan track, there is also a BBQ for hire
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Swim with Dolphins
Dolphin Swim Australia remains the only permitted wild dolphin swim in NSW. Dolphin Swim have a dedicated professional team with all equipment supplied, an educational commentary, a 4-hour cruise aboard a 52-foot catamaran, light breakfast, and photos included. This is must do when in Port Stephens and there are packages available. Whether you are swimming or an observer this is sure to be a magical day at sea.
Tomaree Head Summit Walk
Take the short hike to Tomaree Head, 161 metres above Port Stephens. From the summit you can see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boodelbah Islands, which are the only nesting sites in the world for the endangered Gould’s Petrel. Be sure to check out the historic World War II gun emplacements and remember to pack your binoculars in case you are lucky enough to spot some dolphins.
To make planning your family reunion stress free The Retreat Port Stephens has several packages available. Here is a quick planning guide to get you started –https://www.theretreatportstephens.com.au/family-reunion-accommodation-venue-nsw/
We look forward to welcoming your family to The Retreat Port Stephens.
