A four-day weekend and camping go together like chocolate and Easter. With Easter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning and prepping your long weekend camping getaway. And boy, do we have some egg-cellent Easter getaway tips for you…
From prime camping positions to local chocolate fixes and the greatest Greater Hamilton spots for an egg hunt, we’ve got your Easter sorted and it is set to be a very hoppy one!
The camping…
Offering up a multitude of camping locales is Balmoral’s mighty Rocklands Reservoir. Stretching across a spectacular natural landscape, the Reservoir itself is 67.5 square kilometres and has six secluded free camping grounds dotted around its vast expanse, and nearby Rocklands Caravan Park. Spend your Easter break fishing, hiking, water skiing and relaxing – what long weekends are for!
And while Balmoral bound, the Balmoral Easter Market takes over the main street on Saturday too, with over 60 local stallholders to explore, and it’s in the heart of this charming town (yes, the one with THAT mural).
In Hamilton, the Lake Hamilton Caravan Park not only affords visitors a tranquil escape with its quiet riverside setting but a fantastic base for exploration of Hamilton’s CBD (only a short walk away). Equipped with top-notch amenities, the park also offers a solar-heated pool, well-appointed camp kitchen and a great games room.
Lake Hamilton Caravan Park @the_bryant_tribe (via Insta)
Sitting snug at the foot of the Grampians, Dunkeld Caravan Park is the ideal base for adventure-seeking campers with a host of bush walks and hikes at your doorstep (or should we say, tent zip). Settle in each night, weary feet up, red in hand with the looming rugged mountain peaks forming your ultimate camping backdrop.
In nearby Cavendish, the community-run Cavendish Campground effortlessly places visitors on the banks of the picturesque Wannon River and under the sensational star scape of the western side of Gariwerd (Grampians). This peaceful spot has plenty of space to spread out camp and settle in for some beautiful back-to-nature basics. Equipped with toilets and showers, the campground ensures there are some creature comforts for your enjoyment too.
The chocolate…
Now that you are settled into your supreme camp location, it is time to equip yourself with the all-important Easter supplies… chocolate! And local legend, Erika of Glenelg Fine Chocolates is just the person to seek out.
Creating irresistible, traditional, handmade chocolates, Glenelg Fine Chocolates in Coleraine is famed far and wide. Its range of German-style, continental chocolate is rich in flavour, sweet in sensation and the embodiment of Easter choccie goodness. Stock up on eggs, blocks, truffles, creams and anything else that captures your sweet tooth.
Local legend Erika of Glenelg Fine Chocolates, Coleraine
The egg hunt…
Easter isn’t complete without the always entertaining (and sometimes competitive) egg hunt. You have the chocolate, all you need is the place…
The Old Coleraine Train Station sets the scene for an egg-stravagant Easter egg hunt. Originally opened in 1888, the now retired railway station is placed lakeside with towering trees and ample egg-hiding places! The kids will love running around the lush lawns, seeking out their choccie delights. With amenities onsite, why not pack a picnic and spend the day relaxing, fishing and playing. No need to pack dessert though, the eggs have that sorted!
Know other awesome local spots for an Easter Egg hunt? Tag us (@visitgreaterhamilton) on Insta.
The Old Coleraine Train Station
Have a safe and happy Easter everyone! Love, Team Visit Greater Hamilton ❤️️
