We had stayed in a garden cabin at this park for only 4 nights because at this insane price, we couldn't afford more. Perhaps, it's for the best. Here are my conclusions about this park.
PROS:
- Location - absolute beach front, beautiful sunsets, fresh salty air - can't be faulted;
- Family atmosphere with most guests having kids of various ages, people do look out for each other and help;
- Staff were responsive to our queries/issues, although could be a bit friendlier;
- sheets/bedding was clean and very soft;
- The cabin was in a clean state, although a few places haven't been cleaned for a long time (top of power points, room corners)
CONS:
- The biggest shock was zero connection to wifi, mobile data (3G/4G), or phone in the cabin. In order to make a call, send a message or look at social media/emails, I had to stand/sit in front of my cabin like a weirdo... I spoke to the staff and the response of the manager was quite astounding: "IF I COULD FIX INTERNET PROBLEMS, I WOULDN'T BE RUNNING A CARAVAN PARK". Ok... Surely, if you charge people $500 a night for a basic cabin, you can afford to hire an IT company to fix these things for you?
- I had a jellyfish injury on my hands, and ran into the office asking staff for first aid (just some hot water would have been helpful as time is of the essence. They provided none and said they will let me into my cabin, so I can "deal with it myself"... Thanks, guys, awesome.
- The cost of this 'superb', 'modern' 'RESORT' is probably the biggest shock to anyone making enquiries. A night in a 5-star hotel in Sydney, or any other major city in the world, costs less than this cabin. I understand that they are playing off the demand right now as people don't have any other choices besides staying in their own state, but the greed is just unbelievable.
- There was noise from kids hanging around the basketball court/ games area as late as 10pm. When I approached the guard, he said "Curfew is 10.30, I am not doing anything until then". That same guard (I think) was talking and swearing and laughing on his phone (or to someone else) so loudly one night around MIDNIGHT, I had to come out and yell to him, asking him to stop because we couldn't sleep. He didn't apologise, but argued with me instead, asking me "Am I talking to someone or on my phone?" - how the hell should I know and how is this RELEVANT??? Hard to believe this is the guy employed to keep things quiet.
- As our cabin was the nearest to the playground, pool, and games area, we had noise in the mornings as early as 7am. Not really conducive to rest and relaxation.
- For 800 people staying in the park, the pool is really small. The spa wasn't heated, and their reasoning is due to covid but people were really crowded in the pool, so why can't they be in the hot spa?
- No pets are allowed - this is sad as we love dogs, despite not being dog owners. Our friends wanted to visit with their little dog, but couldn't bring him along.
- The beach is not patrolled at any time.
- At every holiday park we've ever stayed in, we could stay and use the facilities after checkout on the last day. Here, we were told that their insurance doesn't allow this... So, no late checkout and no 'hanging around'.
- The room fan was noisy on medium and high settings.
- The light on the fan wasn't working.
- No smaller warm lights provided in the living room, only bright fluorescent lights, which are very harsh on the eyes and shouldn't be used for long periods.
- When I asked for one extra towel, as my daughter had dropped hers on the floor, receptionist said "we don't give more towels, you can use the laundry". I said I didn't bring any detergent and was told to pay for a sachet. Again... reminder: YOU ARE CHARGING PEOPLE $500 a NIGHT!!!
- Basic cheap toiletries provided. Not even a hygiene pack!
- Table tennis rackets all broken, only a couple of balls available.
- The bathroom and kitchen taps are very old and tight, yet the tap is still dripping.
We might stay here again but only for a few days. It really isn't good value, and the place is quite basic and run down.
We normally stay in Asia at this time of year, because the value is so much better - beautiful service; kind, polite, and friendly staff; immaculate properties; free meals and kids' entertainment. Holidaying in Australia really has a lot to be desired. People running holiday and hospitality in Australia need to learn a lot from places overseas, to provide better service with a genuine smile.
