Holiday makers from across the country congregating at some of the most beautiful waterside spots in the state, welcoming one another like old friends. 

And that’s because the vast majority are. 

Their friendships are formed from years and years of returning to the same holiday spot and often encompasses multiple generations. 

For example, take Dick and Tamar Hooey, holiday makers from Blacksmiths at Lake Macquarie, who have returned to the Crescent Head caravan park for the fiftieth year in a row. 

The pair started holidaying there in 1967, bringing their two boys who have now got their own families and children. 

According to them, the bond struck up between long-time campers and holiday makers at the caravan park gives them a “community feel”. 

“Our boys grew up here virtually,” Tamar said.

“When we come up here, it’s like we’re being reunited with friends and family.” 

The closeness between campers was obvious when the pair posed for their photo with the Macleay Argus, quickly calling around for neighbouring campers to come and join in. 

While the duo would like to see some more funds dedicated to the up-keep of the park and its facilities, they acknowledge that the beauty of the area keeps them coming back. 

“It’s just the area – you come here and set up, park your vehicle, and then you don’t have to move it again for a couple of weeks,” Dick explained. 

Their views were echoed by Tom and Pearl Clarke of Newcastle, who have been holidaying in the area for 43 years. 

“The beach is good, it’s a good place for the kids and for the family,” Tom said. 

“It’s got a good community feeling,” Pearl said. 

With 50 years ticked down, Tamar doesn’t see an end to their Mid North Coast holidays anytime soon. 

“We’ll keep coming here as long as we can get the caravan up here,” she smiled. 

The packed out caravan parks around the region represent another busy summer holiday period for local tourism operators, with recent statistics from Tourism Research Australia showing a rise of seven per cent in the number of visitors to the Macleay Valley over the last 15 months.