What began as a bach dream quickly turned into a shared passion, and Stuart, Sue, Aaron, and Brad soon found themselves embracing the rhythm of Park life and everything that came with it.
The McFarlane family quickly found joy in the connections they made with guests and the shared excitement when others fell in love with Shelly Beach, just as they had. Their goal at Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 has always been to keep enhancing the experience for visitors, while staying true to their commitment to creating Memories for Life™ with a strong family focus.
The family remains hands-on with the park. Aaron works across the park operations, Stuart is often seen cruising around in his RTV checking water supplies, Sue is always up for a friendly chat (often with an ice cream in hand for the kids!), and Brad engineers projects around the park (like the Splash Bucket). Working side by side as a family, on something they’ve built together, is a cherished part of their journey keeping that family focus.
Amelia and Cameron have recently become part of the Shelly Beach family, stepping into the role of Park Managers after five years at the much larger Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Bringing with them a wealth of experience and fresh ideas, they’re excited to carry forward the Park’s strong family focus while adding their own touch. Both are passionate about delivering memorable guest experiences and being part of a team that values connection, sustainability, and the natural beauty of the Coromandel. Since arriving, they’ve thrown themselves into local sports teams and environmental initiatives, quickly becoming a vibrant part of the wider community.
Giving back to the wider community has become a key focus at Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10. Whether its sponsorship of local events, fundraisers or community environmental groups – they are keen to support local where they can. One of their recent initiatives was investing in a candy floss machine, not just for Park events, but for the local community to use free of charge at school galas, sports fundraisers, and other local causes. It’s a small gesture with a big impact, and just one example of how the team continues to show their appreciation for the community they’re part of.
For the McFarlane family and the team at Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10, it’s the simple moments - shared stories, smiling kids, returning guests - that make it all worthwhile. It’s more than just running a Holiday Park; for them, it’s about being part of something bigger, and making a difference in the place they call home.
To learn more about the locals behind the Parks, click here.