As we drove down the coast toward the Sunshine coast, we were naively hoping to snag ourselves a spot in a campground. (Here’s a tip: never assume campgrounds will be empty in peak Australian summer).

As we hit the Gold Coast, we discovered all campsites from there to Byron were fresh out of spots – thanks to school holidays.

I made a phone call to Tweed Coast National parks, went to press the number three to contact Kingscliff, but accidentally pressed five on the keypad, and was put through to Hastings Point.

With a whole lot of luck, Tanya (the lady on the phone) said she had three camp spots available. But, with a catch – they were unpowered, basic sites. Exactly what we were after.

Instead of the expected four hour drive, we clocked 490km, and drove an extra three and a half hours to far north NSW.

When we arrived, we were somewhat embarrassed to set up our lonely swag among a field of enormous tents and impressive camping set ups.

With an estuary to swim in, fishing spots all around, and a decent take-away joint right across the road, Hastings Point certainly exceeded our low expectations.