Special Feature Australia’s favourite parks

offers some of the best food, wine and wildlife adventures in the state. But Brad said the EASY LIVING park’s popularity comes from being more than a sensational location. Escape 2 Victor Harbor “I think its popularity comes from the Beachfront Holiday Park location of the park and the attitude of the CROWNING guests and the staff. It’s just a relaxing place to is the place to relax in come to,” he said. South Australia. It has taken managers Brad and his wife Erin glory three years to build the park into an award Escape 2 Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday winner and develop just the right atmosphere. WORDS DAVID The Turu.com.au Australia’s Favourite Parks Park is a family-friendly park just an hour’s He said they would not have achieved that GILCHRIST drive from Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. result had owners Australian Tourist Park award winners are all places you will want to From the park, visitors can take in the beautiful Management not given the couple the support surroundings and history of Victor Harbor they needed. return to, time and time again. with walks to the bluff, a horse drawn tram to Brad also said that good staff is key to Granite Island, the chance to visit the penguins achieving the success that has come the way here are many things that can make a park Turu.com.au general manager Rob Gallagher or learn about the humpback whales at the local of Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park. “We stand apart from the crowd; it’s that perfect said the popularity of parks was continuing museum, or perhaps to eat out at one of the have good staff in place that have the right ideas combination of atmosphere, location, space to grow as more and more people were many restaurants and cafes. and believe in what management does as well,” and hospitality that come together to make experiencing caravan and camping. “We have, in total, 240 sites. There are 186 he said. aT park truly exceptional. “There was a perception that they (parks) powered sites, 39 cabins, two camp kitchens, a At the end of the day, Brad is counting his Above: Victor Harbor has 240 sites in With this in mind, the nation’s leading were not at the standard of other holiday heated swimming pool, a children’s playground, blessings as he looks out across the park to a total. Below: The relaxed vibes make destination for holiday park visitors, Turu. accommodation,” Gallagher said. “The industry jumping pillows and plans to do a kids’ water view of the Southern Ocean. for a relaxing seaside holiday. com.au, has completed a nationwide survey has done an amazing job of repositioning itself park. Walk out the gates of the park and you’re of holidaymakers to identify the top holiday so they really are a fantastic destination for straight onto the beach,” said park manager parks for 2015. The ‘Australia’s Favourite Parks families and travellers.” Brad Scofield, outlining the features and Awards’ recognise parks that give travellers the Winners are awarded across each state surrounds of South Australia’s Turu.com.au best holiday park experience, keeping visitors and territory around the country. The seven Australia’s Favourite Parks award winner. returning time and again. state winners of the Turu.com.au Australia’s The park also features water view villas Turu.com.au, owned by Caravan World Favourite Parks Awards strive to put in the hard with views of Encounter Bay and budget cabin publisher Bauer Trader Media, is a search work needed to make their guests feel at home. options, modern studio rooms and ensuite sites Top: Victor Harbor’s Beachfront Holiday engine for caravan and camping holidays, with Caravan World mustered the winners from each for caravanners. Park, with its prime location, took out more than three million visitors exploring over state to discover what it takes to be a Turu.com. If location counts for anything, then this park the South Australian award. 1800 holiday parks from around Australia. au winner. has the right stuff. The Fleurieu Peninsula

138 caravanworld.com.au The caravan you want is now easier to find tradervs.com.au 139 Special Feature Australia’s favourite parks FAMILY FAVOURITE WA’s family-owned Cable Beach Caravan Park is a real home-away-from-home. Given Cable Beach Caravan Park is the Turu. However, he said you don’t have to leave the com.au state winner for Western Australia, it’s park to enjoy a quality coffee as the park has clear there are many people who find the idea of its own cafe, offering breakfast, lunch and 22km of pure white sand and turquoise water coffee. Of course, the park offers much more lapping on the shores of the stunning Kimberley than that. It also has powered and unpowered region too much to resist. sites, a children’s playground, barbecues and Add to that the fact that this park is set near internet facilities. Cable Beach’s renowned backdrop of Indian Notwithstanding those conveniences, Greg Ocean-fringed red ochre cliffs, and you’re well said the climate, together with the gregarious on your way to discovering why this park is a ‘social atmosphere’, also play a role in the fine home-away-from-home. The park provides park’s popularity. the opportunity for travellers to take advantage By way of facilities, he said one of the prime of the many local adventures, from riding a park attractions during the warmer tropical camel along the beach at sunrise or sunset to Kimberley days and evenings is the 30m pool discovering the region’s pearling history and and waterfall. “It won awards for the best in WA HITTING THE ROAD colourful multicultural society. when it was built,” he said. Co-manager of the family-owned park Greg Beyond that, the park is somewhat of a Simplicity is the hallmark of Victoria’s Great Ocean Beacham said the park’s location is key to its northern caravanning Mecca with most of the Road Tourist Park. popularity. “We’re only a few minutes’ walk from park set aside for large caravan sites. the beach with shops and cafes down the road”. However, with 17 years’ experience running Anyone who’s travelled the Great Ocean Road ocean views. the park, it’s clear the Beacham family put has motored along a magnificently scenic However, for her, the park’s simplicity and something extra into making this park the best coastal drive that takes in inspirational sights atmosphere is the key to its success. “We don’t it can be. They contribute that extra something like the Twelve Apostles, iconic surf breaks have the bells and whistles that resort parks that makes visitors come back for more. and cascading waterfalls. This stretch offers have. We just work towards having a really well “Even though we are a fairly big park, we activities such as surfing, scuba diving and sea presented park that’s really family-friendly.” still try and keep it quiet and managed as kayaking blended with arts, fresh local cuisine Sarah said she and Dean also put their onus professionally as we can,” Greg explained. and more. on good customer service. Greg reckons that Cable Beach Caravan Those are some of the ingredients that make Thinking about the entire park experience at Park benefits from being a family-owned park the Great Ocean Road Tourist Park so alluring Great Ocean Road Tourist Park, Sarah reckons because the family take pride in their park and among a diversity of accommodation choices. the park offers the sort of camping holiday many the work they do. It’s an attitude that pays off. The park is set in Victoria’s Peterborough, travellers remember from childhood. “We try to provide guests with something decent just 10 minutes west of Port Campbell on the “That’s what people are looking for,” she said. and word of mouth gets people coming back,” Curdies River. This is a stretch of coastline that “They remember that sort of family holiday he said. provides great views, fishing and diving, and fondly and bring their families here for that. bird, whale and penguin watching. The park But with a few of the things that weren’t on offer has a clean, modern amenities block including back then – like jumping pillows and wi-fi and disabled facilities, a children’s playground with great camp kitchens.” jumping pillow, together with a spacious camp Sarah said her park fits well in Peterborough kitchen and more. – it suits the village. That’s because the village Top: The iconic Great Ocean Road Park owner Sarah Hellessey, who co-owns and is still a hidden gem without the hustle and is a popular destination for vanners. manages the park with her husband Dean, said bustle of some of the towns along the Great Below: Simple, relaxed cabin and winning the Turu.com.au award for Victoria, Ocean Road. camping accommodation is on offer. “was a reinforcement of the customer service we try and offer as well as the amenities we have on offer in the park. It is a tick of approval of all the hard work we’ve put in over the years.” Left: Cable Beach Caravan Park is a While Sarah agreed the location of the park big park, perfect for larger groups. on the Great Ocean Road is important, she said Above left: The 30m pool and the park’s popularity was growing because, waterfall won awards when it was “Peterborough is still a relatively untouched first built. town” and the park claims river frontage and

140 caravanworld.com.au The caravan you want is now easier to find tradervs.com.au 141 Special Feature Australia’s favourite parks SOUTH COAST SIZZLE The focus is on family fun and creating a memorable experience at NSW’s Jervis Bay Caravan Park.

Right in the heart of the New South Wales south coast, Jervis Bay ticks all the boxes with its fringe of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Add to this the superb marine and hinterland national parks, bushwalking, cycling, Indigenous culture, clifftop lookouts and maritime heritage, and this is a holiday destination with few rivals. It even has resident dolphins that frolic in the bay, year-round. Amid the bay’s ocean beaches, lagoons, secret coves and hidden creeks, Jervis Bay Caravan Park is among the best caravan accommodation resort-style pool for balmy summer days. on the coast and it now has the NSW/ACT Turu. Helen said the park will continue to grow com.au award to prove it. its ‘family-fun’ credentials with two new water TERRITORY TIME Helen and Scott Ball run the park, and Helen features and new waterfront cabins plus an said the Turu.com.au win is their first major improved boat ramp. Those improvements will BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park has that ‘Top End’ award and a huge compliment. She said that join the park’s existing facilities that include charm travellers go hunting for. as a small, family-run park, they constantly undercover gas barbecues, open fire barbecues strive to exceed customers’ expectations. and camp fires, a camp kitchen and a renovated Australia’s Top End, especially the Northern Then there’s the nearby waterhole of Berry Consequently, Helen and Scott are very thankful amenities block. Territory, has a certain attitude that charms Springs, the Adelaide River and the many other to Turu.com.au and their customers for this It’s not surprising the Jervis Bay Caravan many. And if the Turu.com.au award for the tourist attractions. recognition. Park is a leader in a region that centres its Northern Territory is anything to go by, then The park offers campers a family-friendly On reflection, Helen offered a pretty simple holiday entertainment on the water, given the BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park has experience in the campground or in the park’s but effective formula for their success. She its perfect location for swimming, kayaking, captured that ‘Top End’ charm perfectly. All cabins and villas. All are set in lush tropical said they’d worked hard with a dedicated team boating, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding and guests have to do is slow down and enjoy gardens. What’s more, BIG4 Howard Springs to provide “good customer service and make surfing in the aquamarine coastal waters. ‘Territory time’. Holiday Park is pet-friendly. The location, people’s holidays so special that they want to What’s more, a string of coastal and country Only 30 minutes from Darwin, this BIG4 facilities and amenities all make up a good slice return for more”. villages nearby have local produce markets, Above: BIG4 Howard Springs’ cabins Park is perfectly located for travellers to explore of the park’s successful formula. She also thinks it’s important to make sure boutique shops, art galleries and a terrific and campsites are set among the some of the gems in the Northern Territory’s Nonetheless, manager Vicki Hewitt says kids are happy, so that parents can relax and museum together with first-class cafes, Above: Jervis Bay’s resort-style pool extensive tropical gardens. Below: The wilderness crown, like Kakadu and Litchfield there’s more to Howard Springs Holiday Park’s have an enjoyable break. With that in mind, this restaurants, pubs, wine bars and a burgeoning is great for the kids. Below: Gathering pool is the perfect place to cool off at national parks, as well as the capital’s popularity. She reckons the village atmosphere park offers a beachside experience with a pirate music scene. That makes the Jervis Bay park around the fire pit at the end of the day the end of a day’s sightseeing. multicultural restaurants, clubs and cafes. in the surrounding community helps. Vicki ship and playground for the kids, together with a central to all the south coast has to offer. is one of the true joys of camping. said that charming village feel blends with the park’s ‘natural’ look that is maintained across its 20 hectares. According to Vicki, the layout and look of the park helps create an atmosphere that’s a lot more relaxed and consequently they get a lot of repeat visitors each high season. “Some have kept returning for the last 10 years,” she said. So what makes Howard Springs an award- winning park? Vicki believes that customer service and location have helped make the park popular. Her eyes twinkled as she said, “I think it has a really good feel to it.” She paused and added, “It’s a family-run park so it has a relaxed, welcoming feel.” As for winning the Turu.com.au award, Vicki said it will encourage them to continue to provide that little bit extra for customers.

142 caravanworld.com.au The caravan you want is now easier to find tradervs.com.au 143 Special Feature Australia’s favourite parks GOLDEN GLORY HISTORIC BEAUTY Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park is a customer- Tassie’s BIG4 Port Arthur Holiday Park focused haven on Queensland’s southern Gold Coast. combines wilderness and history with a Considered a glamour strip, the playground barbecues, a playground and recreation room, a whole lot of hospitality. that is Queensland’s Gold Coast has long drawn tennis court, a kiosk and a boat ramp. crowds to a superb seaside with a fast-paced Donna and Clarrie say they keep the busy Wild landscapes and friendly people are two of Park managers Steve and Leanne Sowerby party atmosphere. park going thanks to a strong team, who they Tasmania’s hallmarks, blending beautifully with have found an extra skip in their step since Over the years, the quieter southern end pin together with an unusual ideal. “We love the island state’s relaxed lifestyle, wonderful learning Port Arthur Holiday Park had picked of the Gold Coast, including Burleigh Heads, creating memories with them,” Donna said. “We food and wine, and haunting evocative history. up a Turu.com.au award. “It’s quite rewarding Tallebudgera, Palm Beach, Currumbin and build smiles!” In keeping with that, BIG4 Port Arthur because of the effort we put in,” Steve explained. Coolangatta on the Queensland-NSW border, With that philosophy, the Tallebudgera team Holiday Park on the Tasman Peninsula sits in “We do go out of our way to ensure the has become the forgotten cousin to glitzy put customer service at the heart of everything a quiet village that is home to one such historic customers have a good stay.” Surfers Paradise and the adrenalin-pumping they do. Clarrie said they believe in creating site and is a base from which travellers can It’s recognition that Steve and Leanne have theme park precinct at the northern Coomera- positive and memorable customer experiences explore that site and the towering cliffs and won after just six years managing the park. Oxenford gateway. and focus on ensuring “the park’s standards are dramatic coastal rock formations nearby. Steve said he believes the park has become Nonetheless, at roughly an hour’s drive from consistent with customer expectations”. This park is nestled on 16 hectares of lush popular for several reasons. Brisbane, the southern coast’s Tallebudgera Beyond that, they believe Tallebudgera Creek grounds that provide enough space for cricket First up, he says the park is a base from which Creek Tourist Park is a beaut haven for a restful Tourist Park is popular because of its natural with the kids or picnicking with friends. tourists explore the nearby historic penal site. weekend or long-stay holiday. So it is little advantage as a hub for a water-based holiday Accommodation options here include new They then gradually work their way around the wonder the park picked up the Turu.com.au full of swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, peninsula cabins, water view cabins, ensuite Tasman Peninsula, including the many walks Clockwise from bottom: Tallebudgera award for Queensland. windsurfing and canoeing. For those who prefer Creek Tourist Park offers a wide range sites, unpowered sites and a bunkhouse for and popular surfing spots like the renowned Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park managers the waves, the park is just across the road from of facilities and accommodation groups. There are 20 fully self-contained Shipstern Bluff. Donna and Clarrie Harrison live and love the the Tallebudgera surf beach and is also a short options; the park’s waterfront position cabins, 10 with water views and private Surrounded by such natural beauty, it’s not busy lifestyle synonymous with running a stroll away from Burleigh Heads National Park, is perfect for all types of water balconies. Port Arthur Holiday Park also surprising this park keeps a bush-style look caravan park located on a tourist strip. which offers beautiful scenic walks and a lush activities; there are multiple swimming features private caravan and camping sites with about it with shrubs and trees between each “Gold Coast Tourist Parks has seven parks rainforest to explore. areas at the park. wood barbecues. site. “There is a lot of privacy here and the and we have managed a number of these parks sites are very big also,” Steve said. “We’ve had over the years, with this one being the biggest people coming back every year for 20 to 30 and busiest in our experience,” Donna said. years.” While there are any number of reasons for Clearly blending into the wilderness pays off. the park’s popularity, among them is the fact It’s a point well taken, considering Caravan that Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park proffers World spoke to Steve just moments after he had a range of accommodation choices from luxury to wait by the boom gate just to let an echidna to Clockwise from bottom left: The and waterfront villas to budget lodge rooms and pass-by so it wouldn’t get hurt by traffic. park’s location on the Tasman a variety of camping and caravan sites. This Despite all the natural and historic Peninsula makes it a popular base; makes it suited to all kinds of travellers, each attractions, Steve insists the biggest drawcard the wood-fired pizza oven is a bonus; able to access a range of facilities that include for his park is the high standard of customer a point of difference is the park’s multiple swimming areas, waterfront access, service they offer. comfortable safari tents.

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