NARRAWONG Island Holiday Park had been packed these past few weeks with Portland locals and people from other towns, travelling over to kick back and relax for the summer.

The park had been overrun by campers coming from close towns such as Heywood, Coleraine and Koroit, enjoying Narrawong’s weather (although a few days have not been so pleasant) and beach close by.

For Coleraine residents, Brad and Janice Brawne and their daughter Charlotte, it is their second year camping at the park.

Mr Brawne said he was grateful they didn’t have to travel so far and that Portland was close by to purchase other needs.

“This place is closer to home, which is especially good during COVID,” said Mr Brawne.

“There’s plenty to see and do, especially for a family like us.”

Settled in comfortably were Helen and Royce Holswick and their family, who travelled to the campsite from Koroit.

“We’ve been coming here for 13 years,” said Mrs Holswick.

“It’s just relaxing, and we really enjoy the river and the sea.

“While exploring the beach, we even found a shark’s tooth.”

A large amount of the campers knew each other quite well due to all returning every year after Christmas.

“We’ve made many friends over all the years we’ve been here, and we see them every time,” said Mr Holswick.

“We will be camping here for more years to come.”