"The Bay..."

If you follow the Coast line North form Newcastle you'll arrive at a spectacular area that has calm pristine beaches, Hawaiian type headlands coupled with increasingly well developed commercial/residential dwellings that look almost European in parts.

Of Course we are talking about the Nelson Bay, Shoal bay, Salamander bay and Fingal bay areas.

The only Drawback...

There is one slight drawback to this picturesque setting. This is where all the Miners, Crims and Houso's migrate to in the Summer. This explains the plethora of caravan parks smattered throughout the region.

You see, as discussed earlier, Hunter people are subconsciously trapped in the Hunter Valley. So rather than venture interstate (or God forbid overseas) it is inevitable that they end up in a caravan somewhere in "The Bay"

This has become such an entrenched tradition that it's a giveaway you're not from the Hunter if you call it anything but "The Bay..."

Class system

Don't be fooled into thinking there isn't a class system within this blue collar heaven though. Those that have really "made it" have a permanent caravan site which is passed on like a golden chalice from generation to generation..thus ensuring their offspring a bragging right for years

The only acceptable alternative

There is one holiday alternative that Hunter folk can opt for without reproach from their fellow peers. It could be argued that this holiday is the pinnacle of holidays:

THE CRUISE!!!! (pronounced: the crieuwz)

Probably the attraction to a cruise is it's like a giant floating Mcdonalds/RSL/Aldi/Supa-centa all in one place.....and don't forget the final attribute that get's 'em in like flies:

ALL YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK

Anecdotal evidence suggests many passengers will spend the entire cruise playing poker machines (and eating, of course).There is only one cruise option though, which is the South Pacific type of cruise (Isle of pines/Vanuatu/Fiji). Anything out of this area would be way too adventurous and would run the risk of you being called the worst insult known in the Hunter:

"You're up ya-self"