Winter Issue
2026
Campfire Stories
Reflections Wyangala Waters
WANDER WOMAN
The rise of the solo female traveller
NURTURING OUR PARKS
Brunswick Heads community projects
NEW WAVE
Surf Reflections lands at Urunga
COOL PURPOSE
Winter solstice swimming in Tumut
SMALL WONDERS Tiny homes on trend
Campfire Stories
MESSAGE FROM OUR
fortnightly surveys to understand how our members felt about rising fuel costs and the impact on travel.
CEO
While the Government looked to introduce measures to assist Australians, Reflections activated a range of offers, including fuel vouchers for our guests to help with their holiday expenses (and a suite of travel deals to help their bottom line), and a fuel rebate for staff in our regional parks who commute greater distances to and from work.
Australia is synonymous with summer as holiday scenes from the beach to the bush play out across the country, but I have a confession: I love winter … possibly more than summer. Sure, summer connects us with loved ones in sunshine and nature - but winter brings us even closer together, huddled around campfires with a cuppa, an indulgent glass of red or marshmallows with the kids. Can life be better? Winter is a fantastic time to travel, too. Our highways are less busy, opening up new opportunities to travel further and explore new destinations. Our beaches and oceans are also quieter, perfect for water activities like fishing and snorkelling (the latter is something I enjoyed recently alongside a giant cuttlefish). At Reflections, we’ve noticed the rise in the number of solo travellers in recent years, led firmly by females of all ages who are prioritising their wellbeing and seeking time out. Keen to understand their thoughts and motivations when exploring, we commissioned an industry-first, national survey to ask women what is important to them when they travel alone. In June, we launched the findings of the survey in our Wander Woman Report, which you can find on our website. The survey results, combined with feedback from our female park managers and staff, gave us a deeper understanding of what women want when they are travelling solo and, importantly, what makes them feel happier and safer when they choose to do so.
The good news is that, despite the fuel impact, road travel didn’t stop. Instead, our guests told us that their holidays remained important and they would simply tweak their planning to ensure they could keep their holiday traditions alive by choosing destinations closer to home. Importantly, the data collected by Reflections was available to our industry colleagues, who welcomed the information to inform their own strategies and planning. In times of uncertainty, we need to lean in and assist each other. As a Category 1 Crown Land manager, Reflections is privileged to manage 40 holiday parks in coastal and inland New South Wales, and it also cares for 45 community reserves near our holiday parks. Our parks play an integral role in their communities, supporting them in so many ways. Two examples of this are included in this issue – the inaugural Winter Solstice Swim at Reflections Tumut, and the first Surf Reflections event at Urunga. On other matters, if you had any doubt that tiny homes were a fad, dive into our story on how they hold big appeal for a range of travellers and will continue to add pizzazz in our parks. Enjoy this issue of Campfire Stories and may your winter be full of warm travel moments. Happy trails,
Reflections has also led the way in recent months amid the nationwide fuel crisis sparked by global uncertainty. Guest satisfaction is core to our team and with 380,000 loyalty members we were able to quickly activate 2
Nick Baker, CEO
Winter Issue
COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT
COLLABORATION CREATES OPPORTUNITY Brenton Lugnan, Chief Operations Officer of Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation, with Surfest Director Warren Smith (right)
Events that celebrate local places can have a lasting impact when they’re delivered through strong partnerships. At Hungry Head, Bellingen Shire Council worked alongside Reflections Holidays and event partners Surfest to deliver the Surf Reflections event, benefiting both the community and the local visitor economy.
“We’re grateful for Bellingen Shire Council’s support in helping bring the Surf Reflections event to Hungry Head,” said Peter.
Mark Griffioen, General Manager Bellingen Shire Council, said collaboration is key to delivering meaningful outcomes for regional communities.
“Successful events rely on strong partnerships, and by working together we’re able to showcase some of NSW’s most remarkable destinations, create memorable visitor experiences and deliver lasting economic benefits for regional communities.”
“Partnerships like the one we’ve built with Reflections Holidays demonstrate what’s possible when organisations work together with a shared vision”, said Mark. By combining our strengths, we’re able to create experiences that showcase the Bellingen Shire, support local businesses and reinforce our region as a destination people want to visit and return to.” Reflections Holidays Chief Marketing Officer, Peter Chapman, thanked Bellingen Shire Council for its collaborative approach in helping support the event at Hungry Head beach, Urunga.
We want your feedback on Campfire Stories.
Peter Chapman, Chief Marketing Officer, Reflections Holidays
Together, partnerships like this demonstrate how collaboration can unlock opportunities that strengthen regional communities, support local economies and showcase the unique places that make NSW such a special destination.
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Campfire Stories
Who is Reflections? We operate on
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first nations
Reflections is implementing its second Reconciliation Action Plan under the framework of Reconciliation Australia
wander woman
An industry-first survey by Reflections reveals how and why Australian women are choosing to travel solo. Reflections Jimmys Beach
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Winter Issue
Who is Reflections?
Reflections is a Crown Land Manager and we reinvest profit back into the 25,100 acres of the land we care for.
This winter, Reflections Holidays released the inaugural Wander Woman Report, which explores the growing movement of Australian women embracing solo travel as a way to reset and reconnect with nature on their own terms. Developed in response to the increasing popularity of independent travel among women, the Wander Woman Report provides new insights into the motivations, preferences and barriers shaping solo female travel across the country. With Australian Bureau of Statistics 2025 data showing that more than one-third of Australian women frequently feel rushed or pressed for time, women are embracing solo travel as an opportunity to step away from everyday pressures, recharge and reconnect with nature. Solo travel isn’t something that just ‘happens’, it is now a deliberate lifestyle choice for many Australian women, with the research revealing that 72% are seeking relaxation and an escape from routine, and 64% hope to gain a sense of peace and clarity from their solo trip.
“
We commissioned this research to better understand what women are looking for, and how we can continue evolving our parks and guest experience to support them when travelling solo. Jacinta Campbell, Executive Manager, Government and Corporate Communications, Reflections Holidays
Reflections Lake Glenbawn
The research also highlights how women want to travel, finding that:
63 % 62 % 68 % 74
%
find that flexibility to travel on their own schedule is the key inspiration
of women wanted a mix between solo and group activities
are more likely to book if there’s a tailored female solo travel package
feel that personal safety and security are the biggest barriers for them to travel solo
56
good lighting % say and visibility is the best solution
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Campfire Stories
planting the seeds
Reflections CEO Nick Baker in the Coastal Cypress Pine forest in Brunswick Heads
working with ecologists, landscape architects and arborists to also create a regeneration zone for the precinct’s endangered Coastal Cypress Pine forest, in accordance with the park’s Vegetation Management Plan. Over an 18-month period, our Bruns team diligently collected seeds of the Cypress pines and partnered with a local nursery to propagate these seeds. The result is over 2,000 seedlings for replanting in the regeneration zone, within the park and throughout the village.
Coastal Cypress Pine seedlings
Brunswick Heads initiatives support community. Reflections manages three holiday parks in the beautiful coastal village of Brunswick Heads – our Brunswick holiday park and nearby parks at Massy Greene and Ferry Reserve. This year, there are many plans afoot to improve these parks for guests and visitors to the region, with these projects shared with community stakeholders as we move forward to completion. At our Brunswick Heads park, 10 low-impact eco tents were installed this winter in the southern precinct. Our team is 6
In addition, new and safe pedestrian access to Simpsons Creek has been installed and work has been done to ensure access to the river and precinct is open during construction. Also in Bruns, a new playground is being installed at Terrace Park, a popular space for local children and visitors. At Massy Greene, Reflections has applied for grant funding to complete much-needed and specialised maintenance work to repair the retaining wall and improve the walkway along the riverfront, both impacted by erosion following severe weather events.
Who is Reflections?of the land that Reflections
94%
cares for is nature reserve, and we work with local councils and community groups to protect it.
Winter Issue
Boambee Creek Reserve
Community space o life comes t Popular Boambee Creek Reserve receives a makeover as kiosk reopens.
A short drive south of Coffs Harbour, on the NSW Mid-North Coast, Boambee Creek Reserve is a tranquil and muchloved space for locals and visitors alike. As a Crown Land manager, Reflections cares for the Reserve and offers barbecue shelters for group hire, including two free picnic areas and amenities situated beside Boambee Creek. Visitors to the Reserve are seeking a place to relax and exercise, and dogs are also welcome on a lead.
Reflections is continuing its discussions with Council, Crown Lands and Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh to determine long-term remediation options to tackle the erosion, which has worsened amid some extreme weather patterns. In good news for visitors to the area, the kiosk at the Reserve has also reopened, with Coffs Harbour business Soley’s On the Creek Cafe and Cakery serving fantastic coffee and treats for visitors.
Reflections recently worked alongside the City of Coffs Harbour and Crown Lands to ensure short-term remedial work was completed to stabilise the bank.
the remaining of land in our care is where
6%
our holiday parks are located, from Byron Bay in the north and south to Eden, and inland.
L-R City of Coffs Harbour GM Murray Wood, Reflections park manager Melanie McLean, City of Coffs Harbour mayor Nikki Williams and Reflections CEO Nick Baker
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Campfire Stories
GROMS
AWAY
Friendly rivalry at Surf Reflections, Hungry Head beach
Surf Reflections is held at Urunga for the first time. Watching Surf Reflections live is a little like watching one of its young competitors – growing up and getting stronger by the minute. Surf Reflections began as a lone event at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills, in 2024, and quickly expanded to become three competitions per year, each a 5500-rated event on Surfing Australia’s National Series calendar, enabling the State’s most promising young surfers to aspire for the echelons of world surfing. In 2026, the first Surf Reflections event was held at Bonny Hills in February and the second competition was held for the first time at Hungry Head beach, Urunga, on the Mid North Coast. After three days of stiff competition, North Shelley Boardriders’ Alanni Morris, Palm Beach’s Max Goold and Byron Bay Boardriders’ Hugo Spierings claimed back-toback wins. Former World Surf League pro surfer Trent Munro and Newcastle pro surfer Jacko Baker were on hand to mentor the 82 young competitors from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. 10 8
Emerging victorious from the water, Alanni Morris said it was “so good” to back up from her Bonny Hills win and claim her Under 14s category: “It was a little bit hard getting a wave at times, but you just had to get on the right one,” she said. Surfest director Warren Smith said the young competitors were treated to near perfect conditions with a mix of swell and light winds across all three days of competition. “The Urunga community has welcomed us in with open arms and we’re excited to build on the success we’ve had here on the North Coast in future years,” Mr Smith said. Mr Smith said the Surf Reflections Junior Series was critical in nurturing surfing talent in Australia, giving young surfers a chance to compete at their home breaks and have access to mentoring from former and present pro surfers like Baker and Munro and, in previous competitions, Callum Robson, Matt Banting, and Jarvis Earle. “Our partnership with Reflections and the support from local councils has ensured the growth of this Series and it’s been fantastic to watch the growth in the level of surfing of the next generation of competitors,” Mr Smith said.
Winter Issue
DIVING INTO
THE CAUSE Community gathers for inaugural Winter Solstice Swim at Reflections Tumut River.
Who is Reflections?
Our Cultural Tourism Program shares indigenous cultures in our parks and includes yarning circles, didgeridoo playing and bush tucker gardens.
Anyone who has made a winter pilgrimage to Tumut in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, in the Riverina region of New South Wales, will know just how cold it is. Which is why the efforts of a small community group to organise the inaugural Winter Solstice Swim Tumut River is so audacious, with the coldwater plunge all for a good cause and supported by the local team at Reflections. After her breast cancer journey last year, local Donna Martin began swimming in the Tumut River, making the plunge at the beach near the Tumut racecourse. Before long, she had chatted to other local women who swam in the river, including one who had stayed at Reflections Tumut River and made a connection with its park manager, Bryan. When the women asked Bryan if they could host the inaugural Winter Solstice Swim Tumut River at the little beach at the Reflections park, Bryan and his team swung behind the event, organising the sausage sizzle and fire pits to keep participants warm. The event raised more than $4000 for the Tumut branch of Can Assist, which provides financial and emotional support to cancer patients. “Our park team supports other local charities in many different ways but this certainly raises the bar as far as being brave enough to plunge into the cold river,’ says Bryan, who was among those who participated in the swim.
Virginia Robinson (at left) and Cheryl Price were two of the locals who took part in the inaugural Winter Solstice Swim Tumut River
Who is Reflections? Reflections has a head office, or “base camp”, in Newcastle with a team of
95
and in its parks it employs a team of
422 9
Campfire Stories
small AND y t h g mi
Who is Reflections? We don’t develop our holiday parks with restaurants or shops. We encourage our guests to check in then check out their local surrounds, exploring all the activities in nature around them and to support local businesses such as cafes, tour operators, bike and equipment hire providers and supermarkets.
Tiny homes at Reflections Seal Rocks
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Tiny homes are held in high esteem by a growing number of travellers.
Winter Issue
The signature tiny homes at Reflections Byron Bay
With their small, modern and cosy footprint, Tiny Homes hold huge appeal for sole travellers and couples.
and couples because they are a cosy space to enjoy, with all the conveniences along with beautiful park and beach views,” he said.
With the number of sole travellers rising – in 2025, Reflections noted a 21% increase in this cohort compared to the previous year – we have responded by bringing more of this popular style of accommodation into our parks.
“Importantly, they’re small enough to encourage guests to step outside and explore all the nature around them.”
Reflections first introduced tiny homes to its portfolio in 2019 at picturesque Jimmys Beach, about an hour’s drive north of Newcastle. Since then, it has added them to another 12 of its 40 holiday parks: Lennox Heads, Ferry Reserve, Shaws Bay, Evans Head, Byron Bay, Moonee Beach, Mylestom, Scotts Head, Seal Rocks, North Haven, Bermagui and Tumut River.
In Byron Bay, two tiny homes installed in December offer a unique new design, with a spiral staircase leading to a generous roof top sundeck with unparalleled views over Clarkes Beach and The Pass. “Byron Bay is a magnet for travellers around the world, and our existing tiny homes were in such demand that we decided to install these two signature tiny homes, an accommodation first for Reflections Byron Bay and our organisation,” Mr Baker said.
While the initial tiny homes were in fact very small, measuring no more than nine metres square, those more recently installed (at Seal Rocks, Evans Head and Lennox Head) sleep four people and have a larger footprint of about 30 metres square.
“It’s a big call to say we think they offer the best view of the beach, but we reckon they do – and they are certainly turning heads by guests within our park and those who notice their discreet but stylish exteriors from the beach.”
Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the appeal of tiny homes lay in a combination of romance and novelty, assisted by the fact they were nestled in nature.
Meanwhile, just down the coastline, four tiny homes were installed for the first time at Reflections Seal Rocks. Sitting in the foothills of the mountain, the tiny homes sleep four people, have a generous deck and outdoor showers – all within a stroll to Number One beach.
“The popularity of our tiny homes is consistently strong: great for solo travellers
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Find us
@reflectionsholidays @reflectionsholidays
Visit us to book at reflectionsholidays.com.au