An Outback Road Trip Closer than you Think..
By Peter Chapman, Chief Marketing Officer, Reflections Holidays
There’s a moment – usually about 45 minutes into any road trip – when everything starts to settle. The kids calm, the rhythm of the tyres on the road becomes background music, and the familiar buzz of busy life fades into the revision mirror. On this trip, that moment hit hard. Because this wasn’t just the mid north coast run we’ve done a million times (we live in Newcastle with family in Coffs) – it was a digital detox travelling roads none of us had ever been on. Five days, four wild locations, and zero screens.
One of the best parts of my job is that I get out and about a lot – often visiting beautiful parts of NSW. The worst part however, is that I usually have to say goodbye to my family in the process. As a rare treat, this time I got to take the kids while my wife took the opportunity to snag some child free time and focus on her working week back home. So for this trip it was me, my three kids – Ella (13), Joe (10), and Eve (7) – our go-anywhere 76 Series Land Cruiser, and a 14ft Jayco Expanda courtesy of our good friends at Jayco Newcastle. The best bit? No ipads, no phones, no streaming. Just bikes, fishing rods, books, and the open inland roads of NSW.
As someone who works in tourism, I talk a lot about “switching off.” But this time, we really did it. And what we found on the other side was pure gold.
Day 1: Red Rock – A Soft Start by the Sea
This trip started in Sawtell just south of Coffs Harbour. We rolled out just after breaky and took a gentle run north to Reflections Red Rock, a peaceful estuary spot where river meets ocean. A kind of relaxed paradise that takes us millennials straight back to our care free childhood. The kids were buzzing with excitement – first night in the caravan! A serious treat for us as we’re usually either in our tent or a cabin. The thing that always strikes me is just how we are all the best version of ourselves when away from the every day. The kids helped me unhitch, roll out the awning, and set up base like the seasoned campers I realised they have come to be. Watching them do that – working together, figuring things out – was a glimpse of what was to come.
We spent that afternoon exploring the riverbank, riding bikes, fishing off the rocks, and easing into the rhythm of being unplugged. As the sun dipped low, Joe and I barbecued in the camp kitchen while Ella and Eve joined Park Manager Ann making bush craft with other camping kids. After dinner, the heavens opened so we retreated to the van and Ella taught us all how to play card game, go fish. It was simple. And perfect.
Day 2: Copeton Waters – Wide Open Spaces
The next leg took us west into the high country, bound for Reflections Copeton Waters, just outside Inverell. The drive itself was a journey – winding roads, country towns, fields stretching to the horizon. Ella was DJ (old-school style, using my CDs which the kids found a novelty in itself), Joe and I theorised on the ideal NRL fantasy team and Eve counted cows until she lost track.
After climbing the Gibraltar Ranges, we stopped for lunch at beautiful Glenn Innes high above sea level on the NSW highlands. And just when I thought I was going to totally relive my childhood and introduce my kids to a traditional country bakery lunch, I was outvoted 3 to 1 and we pulled into the Maccas.
Next stop, Reflections Copeton. And it is next-level. A massive inland playground, a few thousand acres of open skies and shimmering water. We hit the mountain bike trails, spotted kangaroos, and fished from the bank. Again we set up camp as a team and quickly got to collecting wood to build a roaring campfire that would become the evenings entertainment. Park Manager Steve and wife Jules stopped by and we discussed the happenings of inland park life.
That night, the stars felt close enough to touch. We sat back on out chairs under a blanket of stars, pointing out constellations and wondering why we don’t do this more often.
Day 3: Lake Keepit – Pedal, Paddle, Peace
Heading off from Copeton, we headed south toward Lake Keepit and on the way stopped at Barraba for lunch. This time Dad won and we scored a brilliant country bakery lunch at the Barraba Milk Bar who catered perfect for a hungry family including great gluten free options. Another highlight on the trip was following the Silo Art Trail and Barraba presented what was probably the most breathtaking example with The Water Divider situated just out of town.
Next stop: Lake Keepit, just 40 mins outside of Tamworth. This place has an energy to it – wild, open, and inviting. We parked right near the water and spent the afternoon doing all the good stuff: biking, paddling and hiking. It was freedom in its purest form.
This time we had jaffles and marshmallows on the fire for dinner and then hit the van to read a bit before bed – Ella disappeared into her novel, Joe got hooked on wildlife facts, and Eve chose the Guiness Book of Records and pointed out all sorts of wonder. With such active days and such still nights, getting to sleep wasn’t hard. Watching the kids unwind without screens was a reminder: boredom is a gateway to imagination. And it truly seemed they didn’t miss their regular entertainment at all.
Day 4: Lake Glenbawn – One Last Campfire
Our final night was spent at Lake Glenbawn, nestled in the Upper Hunter Valley. It felt like arriving in a different world- greener, softer, surrounded by mountains. We set up camp in record time (the kids now competing for fastest setup crew) and went hiking along the nearby trails – collecting firewood as we went. For the last night we were joined by our great friends who had been on a bigger outback adventure of their own – all the way up into Central QLD and back. We picked up some beautiful beef from Scone on the way into Glenbawn so a big BBQ was the order of the night. More marshmallows on the fire, some great wine for the adults and plenty of stories of our respective travels shared. At dusk, we tried our luck fishing again – no bites this time, but plenty of laughs.
In the morning, we farewelled our friends as they took off early. We stoked the fire and cooked up breakfast. As the morning fog lifted and the sun shone through, we reflected on our favourite parts of the trip. The consensus? Copeton for the sense of wild, Keepit for the skies and Glenbawn for the views. But the real winner? The caravan trip itself. Eve loved the coziness of her bunk, Joe liked towing it (“like a turtle with a house on its back!”), and Ella appreciated the freedom to roam but always come back to base without having to roll away her sleeping quarters!
Day 5: Heading Home – Changed for the Better
The final stretch took us home to Newcastle, a little dustier, a little more sun-kissed, and a lot more connected. We’d swapped screen time for stargazing, streaming for paddling, scrolling for storytelling. And the time together was real.
No one asked for a device the whole trip. They didn’t even mention them. It was as if, given the space and time, the world outside had won our attention – and our hearts.
Reflections from the Road
As a dad, and as someone who spends his days encouraging others to explore NSW’s most beautiful places, this trip reminded me why it matters. Time in nature isn’t just good for the soul – it’s good for families. It teaches patience, resilience, curiosity. It builds bonds that last far beyond the holiday.
Our Reflections parks offered the perfect balance of wild and welcoming. Each one felt like a new world to discover, but all of them shared the same heartbeat: nature, connection, and the freedom to just be.
So next time you feel the pull to escape—really escape—consider this your sign. Pack the van. Ditch the devices. Hit the road. NSW’s inland routes are waiting, and they’ve got plenty to show you if you’re willing to look up.
See you out there.
Pete
Chief Marketing Officer
Reflections Holidays
Destinations