Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park

Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park sits on 21 acres of pasture and bushland at Wardell, just off the Pacific Highway and a short hop from Ballina. It is a genuinely relaxed, dog-friendly stopover rather than a busy holiday park, and the big drawcard for dog owners is the five-minute drive to off-leash Patches Beach.

Dog access and setup. Dogs are welcome on the park's powered and camping sites, and in select cabins, though cabin conditions vary, so confirm at booking which cabins currently accept pets and whether a fee applies. Pets should stay on lead around the grounds to keep things easy for other guests. It is a rural-style park rather than a resort, so bring your own water bowls and food rather than expecting on-site pet amenities.

The place. Spacious, level powered sites suit vans and motorhomes, with shady unpowered camping spots as well. On-site amenities include a swimming pool and clean shared facilities, and the property's size gives dogs plenty of room to stretch their legs before you head out.

Getting there and parking. The park is at 978 Pimlico Road, Wardell, about 12 km south of Ballina and right off the Pacific Highway, so it is easy to find and pull into with a full rig.

Nearby with the dogs. Patches Beach is a five-minute drive and allows off-leash running. Wardell village, with its wharf and boat ramp on the Richmond River, is about a kilometre's stroll from the park. Ballina is a short drive further for more cafes and river walks.

Best treated as a peaceful base for a night or two rather than a destination in itself. Good for travellers who want space, a quiet paddock outlook, and an easy off-leash beach run nearby.

Sources

• Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park · sandalwoodvanpark.com.au
• Sandalwood Van and Leisure Park | Wardell - Discover Ballina · discoverballina.com.au
• Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park - Caravan Camping NSW · caravancampingnsw.com
• Sandalwood Van and Leisure Park - Ballina - Visit NSW · visitnsw.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.