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Reports by:- George and Cheryl

NSW, Buronga, Buronga Riverside Tourist Park

Date of Stay: December 2014 Rating: 5
Gay & Clinton run a great park. We have stayed here a number of times and never been disappointed. It was a last minute decision to go to Buronga/Mildura, and as this park is very popular, with many annuals, we didn't expect a good site, but when I rang Gay, around early Nov. and she gave us a choice of three sites. As we have a 23ft van, I picked the biggest site, on a corner. I think Gay must have picked our neighbours, as they were very friendly. We booked for two weeks, but are now extending. We experienced a few power outages, but this was caused by overloading the grid when temperature got over 40deg. Power was not out for long, before staff fixed the problem. We had one lot of van people, not far from us, that had airconditioner going 23/7, also an evaporative cooler going in their annexe, also two box fans going, and were sitting outside under a shady tree, then complained that power was going off intermittently. These are people who make it hard for the rest of us, who do the right thing. They are now gone, and no more power problems. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and will stay again.

Qld, Newell, Newell Beach Caravan Park

Date of Stay: May 2014 Rating: 4
Manager's name is Warren & Jenny.
Very friendly staff, no complaints, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Very good value for money $30.60 for 2A P/N, powered. Paid $26.23, reduced for Pay for 6, 7th night free. Amenities are close to most sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate medium to large vans, annex slabs to most sites, shade to most sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen, late checkout allowed, disabled facilities, van parking, book swap available, wireless internet is available, you can use your mobile, wireless carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 5. Quiet, open & roomy park, adequate shade, no permanents. Clean UC gas BBQs are free, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting. No playground. Clean pool. Suitable for month or longer, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe, park is considered suitable for mobility impaired persons.
Liked:- Close to beach & 2 creeks for fishing. Shop next to park. This has basic grocery lines, ice, bait and take away food,( good range ), including, pizza, hamburgers, and Fish n Chips to die for. They also sell papers, and staff are always friendly. Warren & Jenny at park are also friendly and outgoing. They sometimes have their meals in camp kitchen with fellow travelers.
Disliked:- That we had to leave, but we were booked further down the road.
Added Touches:- Sausage sizzles held in Winter months.
Local Information:- This park is only 27 km. from Port Douglas, when you consider you pay from, $40 per night for a powered site here, (unless you stay at the very noisy park in town, that is full of backpackers ), this park is a real gem. It is also not far from Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Markets are held in Mossman on Saturday morning, 4km drive, and Sunday morning & Wednesday nights at Port Douglas.
Road Conditions:- Good roads getting to Newell Beach

Qld, Capella, Capella Van Park

Date of Stay: April 2014 Rating: 4.5
This is the first time we have stayed at this park, and yes previous reports are spot on. Managers, David & Jodi, are a very friendly, and outgoing couple. Nothing is any trouble to them, and they love caravaners. We booked in for two nights, but then extended for another two nights. The happy hours are just great, and everyone is invited. Capella, is a small quiet town, which we found nice to chill out. We could recommend Dooley's Tavern, for a great meal. This venue has pokey machines, and a Courtesy Bus, that picks you up from the park, and brings you back, at no charge. Would stay here again anytime. Price paid $29.

Qld, Barcaldine, Barcaldine Homestead Caravan Park

Date of Stay: April 2014 Rating: 4
We have stayed at this park approx. 5 years back. We were pleasantly surprised . Last time there were drought conditions in the area, and parks was on limited water, so a lot of dust about. This time park looked great, lots of nice lush lawn on sites, and gardens were kept in peak condition. They have a man who lives on site, who keeps everything nice. The main amenity block, although not new, was clean at all times when we used them. There is a smaller block further down the park. Had a Chinese meal Friday night, from their kiosk at front of park .No complaints here, and good value at $15ea. Price charged was $24 per night. Others were paying $26 per night at Show Grounds, and $29, at other park in town. Will always stay at this park in future, as it is closest park to town as well as other features. You also get a discount on fuel at their servo at front of park.

Qld, Blackall, Barcoo Hotel Caravan Park

Date of Stay: April 2014 Rating: 1.5
Have stayed at this park around three times in three years. First year $15 first night, with $5 voucher, for meal in hotel. Each night after $12. Next time, $20 first night $15 each other night, no meal voucher for meal. This time, $25 each night. Consider this far to expensive considering amenities that you use, have not improved over times we have stayed here. They are very old, and not very inviting. Will not stay here again.

Qld, Mackay, Discovery Parks - Mackay

Date of Stay: July 2012 Rating: 3.5
Manager's name is Kathy. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Good value for money ($33 2A PN, powered, shoulder season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, some unlevel sites, good night lighting, annex slabs to some sites, shade to some sites, ensuite sites available, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen, dump point, secure entry, van parking, wireless internet is available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 5). Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, a few permanents. Clean UC gas bbq (pay), bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Good playground in good condition. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for month or longer, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe, park is considered suitable for mobility impaired persons.
Liked:- We stayed here last year and found it well located, and close to most things that were of interest to us. They have been doing a lot of work here, as they now are BIG4. They have put in a number of new cabins as well, as more caravan sites.
Parking:- Parking lane provided.
Local Information:- Since we were in Mackay last year, there is now a Myers store, joined onto Caneland Shopping Centre, also this centre has expanded, with many new shops, also WOW has now closed down. Great Fish n Chips at Mackay Harbour, just down the road.

NT, Wauchope, Devils Marbles Hotel

Date of Stay: May 2012 Rating: 3
Dogs may be off leash in back caravan park. Manager's name is Bruce. This hotel is local watering hole for the area. Caravan park is at back of pub. You can pick your own site, on gravel. Friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Reasonable value for money ($20 2A, powered, off-peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with annex slabs, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, basic camp kitchen, late checkout allowed, secure entry, no wireless internet available, mobile wireless not available. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, a few permanents. Clean UC gas bbq, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting. No playground. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for overnighter, suitable for families, park is considered kid-safe.
Liked:- Open space. Hotel has dine in meals, or takeaway. Bar has canned beer only, mixed drinks & wine. We had evening meal in dining room and it was very good, and room was well set up, with nice tables, with nice outlook over pool area.
Disliked:- Hotel has no TV or internet reception. Drinks prices a bit steep, $6.50 can XXXX Gold, $7.00 VB. Mixed drinks from $5.50.
Parking:- Just park out front, check in, then open steel gates and pick your site. Petrol & Diesel is available from pumps at front of pub at average prices, ie $1.89 for petrol.
Local Information:- Only about 11km from Devils Marbles.

Vic, Seymour, Goulburn River Tourist Park

Date of Stay: January 2012 Rating: 4.5
Manager's name is Mathew & Nicole Parsons. We have stayed at this park a number of times, and always enjoy the pleasant and peaceful atmosphere. Park now has new owners & managers, but still remains the same. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Very good value for money ($28 2A PN, off-peak season). We paid $25.20 because of TT Member. Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, some unlevel sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, annex slabs to some sites, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, good rec room, good camp kitchen, late checkout allowed, kiosk, disabled facilities, dump point, secure entry, van parking, wireless internet is available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 5). Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, a few permanents. Clean UC gas bbq ($1), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Basic playground. No pool. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Liked:- Park is close to shopping centres, only 3 blocks from railway station. So, with Sprinter Trains leaving frequently, you can travel to Melbourne & back same day, to take in footy, cricket, tennis or shopping. It also is a great stopover point if you are leaving or going to Tassi on the ferry. Also noted on previous report, amenities wouldn't cope in peak period, reporter must not have walked further down park and noticed second amenities block. We found no crowding, even though park was pretty full.
Parking:- Parking lane provided.
Local Information:- I have listed highlights of region in previous report.

NSW, Hay, Hay Caravan Park

Date of Stay: December 2011 Rating: 3.5
Manager's name is the Robb Family. We had a nice stay here, for a reasonable price. Very friendly staff, who went out of their way to make you feel welcome. Very friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice. Good value for money ($27 2A PN, powered, off-peak season). We paid $24 because of TT Member. Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with annex slabs, shade to some sites, ensuite sites available, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, late checkout allowed, kiosk, disabled facilities, dump point, van parking, wireless internet is available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 5). Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, a few permanents. UC, seating provided at bbq. Clean pool, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for few days.
Liked:- As we were on a site that faced the Sturt Hwy, noise wasn't a problem, and we found it most entertaining enjoying a bottle of wine and watching the interstate transports passing by later in the day through till dusk. Yes, only 1 bottle of wine.
Disliked:- Although amenities were old, they were clean, with shower mats provided for wet feet, and to dry up wet areas.
Parking:- Plenty of room to park, with 2 driveways.
Local Information:- Although we didn't dine out, there are a large number of eating outlets, with plenty of variety to choose from.

Vic, Swan Hill, Swan Hill Holiday Park

Date of Stay: December 2011 Rating: 3.5
Manager's name is Peter & Judy Dowell. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Good value for money ($24 2A, off-peak season). We paid $21.60 because of FPA member. Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, annex slabs to some sites, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good rec room, good camp kitchen, late checkout allowed, kiosk, dump point, van parking, no wireless internet available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 5). Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, a few permanents. Clean UC gas bbq ($1), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground. Clean pool, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided, toddlers catered for. Suitable for a week or more
Liked:- Close to town, free courtesy bus to Murray Downs Golf Club.
Disliked:- Although amenity block was a bit rough, it was clean. Peter (manager) told me it had been knocked about by storm some time back and there are plans for new block.
Added Touches:- Park has a deal for off season. Stay 3 nights, and get 4th night free. And you will stay. Nice town. Make sure you do the river walk.
Local Information:- Many things to see & do in this town. Visit Tourist Information Centre for ideas. Quo-Vardis is best restaurant in town, with classic Fish Shop, the best fish & chips.