Lakeside ... (clockwise from main) Raffertys Resort; words of warning; a deluxe terrace.Credit: Daniel Fallon
Daniel Fallon and family launch into non-stop activity at a resort with Raffertys' rules.
"We're going on holidaays. We're going on holidaaaays. We're going to stay at a hotelll!" Two things become apparent when my four-year-old daughter sings at full lung capacity at 6.30am. The first: it's a good idea to book a weekend getaway – the kids seem excited. I stumble out of bed and follow a trail of clothes outside to discover our seven-year-old son dragging bags into the family vehicle. He hasmy keys. "C'mon, dad!" he beams. "It's time to go." The second thing that's apparent – given the check-in time at our destination is 2pm – it's going to be a long day.
For parents of young children, a getaway can become something to fear, especially when travelling to an unknown and untested destination. Our three children include a keen sportsman, a creative (think Pro Hart) artist and a six-month-old baby who is displaying the early characteristics of a nightclubber. The challenge is to keep the tribe happy, occupied and safe while snatching the odd moment as a couple.
We are hopeful of all this as we drive into Raffertys Resort. On the eastern side of Lake Macquarie and about one-and-a-half hours north of Sydney, the resort promotes itself as child-friendly. Activities include tennis, volleyball, cycling, kayaking, pedal boating and pelican feeding. And a supervised kids' club called Rascals (school and public holidays) means they can have fun while parents have a break.
The first thing that strikes me is the development's size. There are several laneways on which 110 terrace suites and cottages (two, three and four bedrooms in size) sit together like a regular suburb. Driving down one, we notice a hazard sign, "Caution: Free-range children 15km/h".
After a short drive, we find the reception desk and check into our two-bedroom, two-storey terrace suite. There is ample room for our clan. Modern apartment-style living comes with a compact kitchen and dining space and a lounge area with a small television.
I soon discover the Foxtel channel scheduled to carry my much-anticipated rugby match has a snowy transmission. The reception desk promises to have it serviced well before kick-off. A test of the queen beds upstairs shows them to be a little too firm for us. There's air-conditioning and each bedroom has an ensuite but no bath. A list of "Raffertys' Rules" is displayed on the fridge (no pets, no bath towels outside, remove rubbish when leaving etc).
Raffertys' strength is in its activities – there are loads of things to do with children. After unpacking, the first thing we do is swim. The resort has four pools, one of which is heated. After a 10-minute walk, we are enjoying the lukewarm water. Navigating our way back in the dark is more difficult.
The next day, our son is booked into Rascals, where he joins a group of young people and two adult supervisors to play soccer, beach volleyball and, finally, some hit-and-run cricket. Club activities are scheduled for blocks of one to three hours, allowing parents some downtime.My wife heads to the impressive main pool to do laps while our older daughter starts collecting flowers. The baby and I sun ourselves and enjoy the tranquil scene over Lake Macquarie.
Outside Rascals is a challenging gym set for kids, who need to use all their strength and balance to carry themselves around a circuit. Our boy has already lifted himself up when I recognise Stuart MacGill and his partner, Rachel Friend, watching their own tribe in action.
"G'day, I'm Stuey, Stu, Stuart," the affable former leg-spin bowler introduces himself. "Whatever you like."
They are also enjoying their first visit to Raffertys. Friend and I discuss the lack of good holiday resorts within easy reach of Sydney that cater to young families. All the while, I can't help wondering whether their Foxtel is working. Before I can ask, it's time for the next club activity – "MasterChef for kids," MacGill says. In no time, the youngsters are inside wearing aprons and whipping up chocolate balls. The results are surprisingly palatable.
In the afternoon, we hire a tinnie from the boat shop, which also stocks bait and rents kayaks and pedal boats. The conditions are fine: a light breeze ripples the lake's surface as the kids secure their lifejackets and we climb from the wharf on to our humble craft. The maximum speed is under 10 knots so visitors don't require a licence.
Before long, we're at trolling speed and have a line out. In keeping with Fallon tradition, nothing is caught but sunshine as we put-put along the eastern shore of Lake Macquarie.
We're hungry by the time we disembark. Raffertys has three restaurants, two of which serve dinner: Al Lago has affordable Italian and Baan Naam serves Thai.We opt for takeaway from the latter and I'm soon tucking into some acceptable chicken panang and rice as I watch the rugby on a snowy screen.
The next day, checkout is easily organised for 11am, which allows more swimming.
Despite a strong westerly that's blowing, our son is determined to go fishing. We buy some prawns and find a spot on a nearby jetty next to several other families. It is an extraordinary scene. At the end of the jetty, a group of overweight children launch themselves into the water.
Metres away, people are reeling in small bream almost as soon as they cast.We're losing our bait and catching nothing.
It isn't until a kind-hearted mother and her four-year-old daughter hand us some squid that our luck changes. My son quickly lands three small fish, one about the size of a fish finger. "They all count," he says triumphantly. "You've caught nothing. It's 3-0."
I do hope he plays State of Origin one day.
Weekends Away are reviewed anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
VISITORS' BOOK
Raffertys Resort
Address 1 Wild Duck Drive via Raffertys Road, CamsWharf, Lake Macquarie. The verdictWe thoroughly enjoy our family getaway. Although not luxury accommodation, the terrace suite is comfortable and the staff are friendly. There are plenty of outdoor activities (including tennis, swimming, cycling, kayaking and boating) and the kids' club provides even more fun while giving parents a break.
Price A two-bedroom terrace suite costs $398 for a two-night minimum stay, not including breakfast. A three-bedroom cottage costs $518 for two nights.
Bookings Phone 4972 5555, see raffertysresort.com.au. Getting there Head north on the F3 Freeway, take the Swansea exit and, after 25 kilometres, turn left at the NordsWharf exit.
Wheelchair access Two cottages have wheelchair access.
Perfect for A family holiday.
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