Australian Caravan Park Reports

Australian Caravan Park Reports

Alice Springs Heritage Caravan & Tourist Park, Alice Springs (DFP)
G'day Mate Tourist Park, Alice Springs
Heavitree Gap Caravan Park, Alice Springs
MacDonnell Range Holiday Park, Alice Springs
Stuart Caravan Park, Alice Springs
Temple Bar Caravan Park, Alice Springs (DFP)
Wintersun Caravan Park, Alice Springs
Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve, Charlotte Range
Curtain Springs Station, Curtain Springs
Desert Oaks Caravan Park, Erldunda (DFP)
Gem Tree Caravan Park, Gem Tree (DFP)
Glen Helen Resort, Glen Helen
Ormiston Gorge Campground, Glen Helen (Campground)
Redbank Gorge Campground, Glen Helen (Campground)
Palm Valley Campground, Hermannsburg (Campground)
Kings Canyon Resort Caravan Park, Kings Canyon
Kings Creek Station Camping Ground, Kings Creek
Kulgera Roadhouse, Kulgera
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, Orange Creek (Campground)
N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park, Ross River (Campground)
Trephina Gorge Nature Park, Ross River (Campground)
Ti Tree Roadhouse Camping Ground, Ti Tree
Yulara Resort and Ayers Rock Campground, Yulara (DFP)

Alice Springs Heritage Caravan & Tourist Park, Alice Springs Ragonesi Road. Turn off Stuart Highway to Ross Highway access via bridge over Todd River (south of Heavitree Gap), then go straight ahead at roundabout, road then sweeps around to the right (park is on the right). About 5km south of town centre. OZ Parks member. Ph: 08 8952 3135 or 08 8953 1418. Dogs allowed.
Stayed 4 days, powered site, $33.00 per night OzParks member. We felt this was excessive for a dusty claustrophobic park. Friendly telephone booking but no mention made that they take a $50 bond for each dog, refundable when you are leaving after site inspection. You are given an 8 point "contract" to sign which notes, "Failure to comply with all or any of the above conditions will result in loss of the security deposit and eviction from the park. After you are clear of the exit gate please return this form for check out to have your site inspected in order to obtain full refund of deposit. No refunds before 8.00am" Seems very excessive to me. Reception exceeding exceedingly slow. Reception doubles as a kiosk/van parts shop. We were initially allocated Site 82 (behind the house and near the "artists"). When we saw this very tight site with house on one side and caravans up the drive and caravans on the fence line we panicked. There was no way that we could reverse our large van through this tight area and mid-way do a 90degree and back further onto the site. I asked Jeanette for another spot, which she did change with good grace. We were allocated Site 16, a short dirt site but it was ok. Most sites are pretty tight. At least we had nice neighbours who did not mind us pinching a bit of their site. Roads are dirt/dust so every van/car that comes past throws up dust. Only one amenities block was clean and well maintained with only 5 showers and 5 toilets (ladies area) – not enough for this large park. The showers had a door with a bar across the top which must have left a lot of sore heads. Whoever designed these doors must have been very short and why the bar? But it did give you a dry area to dress. There is only one amenities block which was situated right near the permanents so was very far from most sites. The dump point was out of order (since 2008). Laundry had two dryers (one out of order) and 4 washing machines ($4), so there was a constant queue for washing. Lots of laundry line space. Swimming pool area was fenced, dry grass surrounds and sparse, but was filled with water and was clean. Some shade cloth cover. Very little grass in park and mostly dry. Under cover camp kitchen/bbq area poor cleanliness. The pots and pans should have been thrown out a long time ago. As this is the only park in Alice Springs that allows dogs, so you take it or leave it. A total rip off. The park was full of dogs but they were no problem. Nights were very quiet. I asked Jeanette why more areas were not powered and she said that the place was up for sale so it was not worth doing anything, the next owners can do it. Strange attitude. Our personal experience is that if you want to sell your business, at a top price, you keep it very well maintained and with a good reputation. Park atmosphere was ok – our neighbours were all very friendly with friendly dogs. Night lighting minimal. The reason we stayed here for 4 days was because we were waiting for mail. Otherwise we would have only stayed here for one or two nights. On departure I had to wait over half an hour to get my $50 back as there was a long queue, all waiting for their $50. Reception was again exceedingly slow, making mistakes with bookings, our site number had not been changed so more confusion and delay to adjust the computer. The $50 dog bond creates long delays when leaving and should be scrapped. (Luckily they did not inspect the sites or else we all would have been there all day). Two years ago we stayed at the Stuart Caravan Park (Top Tourist) and hoped to stay there again but we found that they don't take dogs
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Malua Bay, NSW.

Almost everybody seems to have at least one dog. The sole ablution block is very clean and shiny but barely adequate. When closed for cleaning at an unspecified time, everybody must queue for the single, luxurious, disabled bathroom. The shower cubicles have ridiculously short doors/frames with danger signs on some (if you recognise the problem, why not fix it instead?). The metal top frame is just above eye level for this six-footer, leading to a couple of painful and bloody encounters from not stooping low enough to enter the shower. Where on earth did they find midget shower doors/frames? Excellent laundry with modern machines ($4). The large swimming pool appears derelict and the dump point is closed (nearest point is 1km away). Sites are fairly compact and a windy day turned the place into a dustbowl. $31 for 2A powered reflects the lack of choice in parks for dog owners. After four days we found a better, cheaper ($20) site nearby at Heavitree Gap Caravan Park where the head wound could begin to heal. Average management, friendly management Poor value for money. Very poor amenities, were clean, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Average sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate. Park atmosphere was okay, quiet. Suitable for a few days.
Local Information: There's plenty to see/do in Alice Springs.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Michael & Trish.

Res owners Paul & Jeanette Coffey. Several other parks in area. 10 minute drive to centre of town. Boom gate security at all times. Ladies at Reception friendly and painstaking, but painfully slow - a fact well known and discussed with humour amongst fellow guests. The owner, Paul, is a champ - very friendly, helpful with parking and runs a caravan workshop on the premises. Shop with frozen bread and meat, as well as comprehensive assortment of caravan "spares". Relaxed village atmosphere. Approx. two thirds of sites for tourists, with a few permanents to rear of park and several older style on-site vans for hire. Tall shady trees, sites level and quite spacious, some a little difficult to get into. Grass a bit worn. Large overflow area available for unpowered camping. Water, power and sullage close. Central potty dump. Night lighting minimal. Camp kitchen with bbqs is an open-sided UC space with seat benches, no tables; probably doubles as entertainment venue at times. Good sized pool under construction at time of our stay. Amenities sufficient in number, looked good after the daily clean but build up of grime and mould in corners and edges. Soap provided. Large individual bathroom, with ramps, for disabled. Big laundry and plenty of line space. Many dogs in residence. Well behaved, but quite a bit of inevitable doggy "conversation". Wouldn't knowingly stay in an advertised pet-friendly park another time. Suitable for stay of a week or more. Satisfactory value at $30 (2A powered).
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by E & AC, NSW.

Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($28.00 2A powered). 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. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, kiosk. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park.
Likes: This a great park, very friendly and helpful. Also had caravan repairs/accessories as part of the park. The best ablutions in whole of travel.
Local Information: So much to do here in this city, short or long trips, good shopping with supermarkets and eateries. Lovely town and a joy to visit.
Date 08/2006. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Allott family travelling.

G'day Mate Tourist Park, Alice Springs Palm Circuit. On the south side of the town, just before the gap. Ph: 08 8952 9589.
Manager's name is David & Lisa Smith. What a welcoming park. Current owners are new and are doing everything to make for an enjoyable stay. On arrival our site was advised and while one of us was checking in at the office the other had been personally escorted to the site and guided expertly and 'fuss-free' on to the right spot. This made for a good start and eliminated what is usually a bit of an issue between husband and wife. We had an ensuite site and there was lawn and a concrete slab. The ensuite was clean and came with shower curtain and plenty of area for drying and dressing. As each site is vacated the area is mowed and made ready for next guest. The laundry was one of the cleanest experienced, it was vacuumed every morning and the whole place was sparkling. There was no specific children's area. Unfortunately in extreme hot weather the unshaded swimming pool was out of action. Limited BBQs in the park. No internet facilities, nor is there a public phone close by. As this is early days for new management these problems will surely be rectified in the near future. A very pleasant place to stay for a week or so. Very friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site. Price was as expected, good value for money ($34 2A, ensuite). Good laundry, no rec room. Quiet, a few permanents. No playground.
Likes: The willingness to help with any problems, minor or major.
Dislikes: No phone or internet
Date 08/2009. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Wandering Walls.

Manager's name is Alex & Jeanette Muir. The best park in Alice Springs. Large grassy sites with shade and spotless amenities. The owners go out of their way to make sure everything is ok. Bus to town at gate (free public transport for Seniors in NT). If you don't have kids this is the place to stay.
Date 10/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Jean & Peter, Reynella SA.

Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site. Price was higher than expected, good value for money ($27.50 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade Suitable for month or longer, well maintained park.
Likes: Very clean and tidy
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by John.

From Adelaide, before Heavitree Gap. On the south side of town just before The Gap. Well signposted off to the right of the Stuart Highway and located in Palm Circuit. Manager's name is Alex & Jeanette Muir. Original owners have returned. Well grassed, green shady sites (they have their own bore). Plenty of room overhead for big rigs. If there is a branch in the way they are more than willing to assist in enabling your rig to fit. All RV's shown on to site by very cheerful attendants & location of various facilities made known. Majority of park caters for medium to large vans with level sites throughout and slabs available to en suite sites. Drive through available in some instances. Due to the layout of the park the two amenities blocks are close to all sites & spotlessly clean & tidy. Taps with town water & sullage to all powered sites. Adequate lighting at night. Laundry - 6 washing machines & 4 dryers - all coin operated - $3 per wash & $2 for 15 mins in dryer. Plenty of line space in 3 different areas around the park. (Don't know why so many need dryers in Alice as clothes line-dry in a couple of hours.) Under cover free gas BBQ at camper's kitchen. Swimming pool. Cabins available. No smelly rubbish bins around your site as it is not far for everyone to dump their rubbish in the big Cleanaway bin by the shed. This is cleared as soon as it is full. Quiet, shady, family friendly park. Yes, it is good value for money. Special rates if you stay a week or more and also aged pensioner rates apply. Office staff really make you welcome with such personalised service that we wouldn't look any further than G'day Mate every time we pass through Alice on our way north to follow the sun.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Helen & Neil.

Several parks in the vicinity and fairly well signposted. Plenty of potential, spoilt by a generally disinterested, not very friendly, management. The place was up for sale and needs a new broom. Good value for money. Average amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Average sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, annexe slabs were available, drive-through sites were available, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry. Park atmosphere was okay, quiet, open and roomy park, shady park, family-friendly park. UC gas free bbq.
Likes: The park had several ensuite sites that represent good value, although during a two week stay there was no effort to see if they needed cleaning.
Dislikes: The park has lots of potential but seemed in need of some TLC. No rubbish bins provided, just a trailer located close to the entrance that was emptied once a week. The park was very dry and no obvious signs of maintenance.
Local Information: Alice is a great place. We stayed for a fortnight and could have spent another couple of weeks there without seeing everything. A flight over the McDonnell ranges is recommended.
Date 08/2006. Park Rating 2.5: Suitable for a few days.
Report submitted by Bluey and Rose, Adelaide.

Heavitree Gap Caravan Park, Alice Springs Palm Circuit, 4 kms west of post office. Turn east off the Stuart Highway into Palm Circuit, adjacent to the Heavitree Gap, where the highway cuts through the rocky range south of town. The resort entrance (don't be fooled - it does lead to the caravan park) is the first on your left after you cross the dry Todd riverbed on a circuit that leads to three other caravan parks. Top Tourist member. Ph: 08 8950 4444. No pets allowed.
Average staff friendliness, bad staff response to complaints. Price was lower than expected, poor value for money ($140 2A per week powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, car wash. Quiet, open and roomy, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Dirty UC electric bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Good playground in good condition. Clean pool is open to the sun, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for a few days, suitable for families
Likes: Dreamtime show.
Dislikes: Showers were woeful. Some doors wouldn't shut (no lock), others had no taps. All were uncomfortable. No shelves to put gear on. Locals using tavern were allowed to use park's toilet facilities when tavern closed for an hour at 2pm. When we complained about this we were told that they could not discriminate against aboriginals doing this. They also couldn't put locks on the amenities because they'd have to 'issue over 500 keys to guests'. Never heard of keypads?
Added Touches: Internet: Pay office/rec room. Aboriginal Dreamtime show at park. Tavern and general store attached to park.
Local Information: TV reception - Analog only. Good reception most channels. Mobile phone reception - Good. Auto gas available locally. Several tourist opportunities in Alice Springs. Simpson's Gap worth a visit. Stanley Chasm has recently started charging $8 per person for visit. Not worth the money.
Date 08/2008. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Derek & Del.

This park is less than ten minutes drive south of town and the first you see in a group of four. The resort distances itself a bit from the park - as if it's a bit of an afterthought. Basically you drive in, find a vacant site, park on it and then tell the office where you are. It's cheap and there's nothing flash about it, but we moved to it from the Heritage Park after tiring of all the dogs, dust and ablutions queues. The sites are every bit as good as the more expensive parks nearby, maybe a little more spacious. Heavitree's ablutions are a bit run-down but there's plenty of them and they do the job just fine. Thoroughly enjoyed it as a base to explore the area (don't miss the Desert Park). Good mini-market and tavern alongside. We didn't ask, but we're sure the resort office has plenty of information about the area for those wishing to book tours, etc. Average staff friendliness. Price was lower than expected, very good value for money ($20 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, car wash. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Good playground in good condition. No pool. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park.
Likes: Excellent value.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Michael & Trish.

MacDonnell Range Holiday Park, Alice Springs Palm Place, which is off Palm Circuit. 4.5 kms south of town centre through Heavitree Gap, in a quiet bush setting at base of the MacDonnell Ranges. BIG4 member. Ph: 08 8952 6111 or 1800 808 373. No pets allowed.
Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, good value for money ($48 2A 2C per night, powered, off-peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, shade to most sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good rec room, good camp kitchen, kiosk, disabled facilities, dump point, secure entry. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Excellent playground in good condition. Clean pool is open to sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided, toddlers catered for. Suitable for month or longer, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Different entertainment most nights, 2 jumping pillows for kids, great playgrounds, great amenities.
Dislikes: Jumping pillows were not policed so big kids tried to take over.
Parking: At reception
Date 10/2009. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by The Nielsens.

$37 per night with BIG4 discount. On south side of Alice Springs and signposted from highway. Well run park and very popular with caravanners. Sites are flat and most have some shade. Several toilet blocks, all clean and roomy. Shop, pools, playground, camp kitchens etc. Entertainment provided several times each week.
Date 07/2009. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Marg, Melbourne.

We stayed in an ensuite site and it was a good ensuite; it had no cupboard, but had a shelf for unpacking toiletries. The site was very short and the A frame of our 21ft van stuck out onto the road. Witches hats and milk crates were put out by park staff to notify people of this. Very friendly staff, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($46 2A per night, ensuite). Water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, shade to most sites, poor water quality, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good rec room, dump point, secure entry. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC electric bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Excellent playground in good condition. Clean pool is open to the sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided, toddlers catered for. Suitable for month or longer, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Added Touches: A different show almost every night. If you get there the Star Talk on Tuesday nights are very good. Free Pancake breakfast Sunday Mornings, bikes and trikes for hire around park. 2 Jumping Pillows for the young ones.
Local Information: If you go to Lassiter's Casino on Friday or Saturday night they have a very good $20 a head Seafood buffet in the Samphire Restaurant.
Date 05/2009. Park Rating 5:
Report submitted by Nicholstones.

Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, good value for money ($50.47 2A 2C per night, powered, 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, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, shade to some sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good rec room, good camp kitchen, disabled facilities, dump point, secure entry. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC bbq, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Excellent playground in good condition. Clean pool is open to the sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided, toddlers catered for. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: A couple of good playgrounds around the park as well as 2 jumping pillows undercover. Very neat, well organised park. We were here for 2 weeks & part of that was during the Finke Desert Race when the park was booked out but because the park is so well organised it didn't feel overcrowded.
Added Touches: Free entertainment 5 nights a week in peak season, free Pancake Breakfast on Sunday all year.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Bolzon Family, Adelaide.

Manager's name is Bev & Brendan Heenan. Look for caravan park signs. Excellent well managed and run park. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Reasonable value for money ($54 2A C3 per night powered). 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, separate bathroom, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good rec room, good camp kitchen, kiosk, dump point, secure entry, van parking. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No pets allowed. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Excellent playground in good condition. Clean pool is open to sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Good facilities for kids, entertainment most nights. Plenty of staff to help. Mini supermarket on site.
Added Touches: Free pancakes Sunday morning. Entertainment (free 5 nights per week). Jumping pillows which kids love. On-site cafe. On site fuel with prices same as in town
Local Information: The Alice is worth at least a week. Heaps of things to see and do within a 100k radius.
Roads: Good
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Des, Sippy Downs.

A large park 4kms south of town centre. A lot of trees, mostly grassy sites, some slabs. Busy office staff not very helpful, but they did offer to help us to get on site. The amenities blocks are modern, clean and well maintained, but no shower curtains. Laundries are huge and plenty of drying areas. The swimming pools and surrounds are pleasant and there is a jumping pillow for children. Internet in office.
Likes: Nightly entertainment during season and free pancakes on Sunday morning.
Visit: Alice Springs Desert Park, School of the Air, RFDS, Reptile Centre, Art Galleries.
Drive to: Simpsons Gap, Stanley Chasm (entry charge), Palm Valley (rough 4WD, but very pretty.)
Date 08/2006. Park Rating 3.5: Could stay a month
Report submitted by FnJ, Sunshine Coast.

Well signposted. Good site, good amenities, clean. Well set out park. Good camp kitchen, bbq's etc. Pancake breakfast on Sunday morning very good and friendly, eat as much as you like. We were there for the Finke Race, while the site was occupied by these people it was fine, but as they moved out bus loads of teenage school children arrived. Gents toilets and showers fine. Inundated by teenage school kids allowed to run amok until complaints lodged. Buses arriving at 10-1.30pm, ladies loo an absolute disgrace (block 3), due to teenage girls. At one stage over 30 counted in there (11pm) tampons on the floor, sanitary bags thrown over floor, toilet door bashed in. Lock broken from door, hair in every basin, all over the floors and in showers, very noisy at night - where were the teachers? Management came late at night and cleaned up the mess and sent students to their respective camps. Person cleaning Block 3 toilets deserved a medal for what he had to endure. Very good site spoilt by these kids. Stayed 8 nights.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 3: Rating should be 4 but due to excessive noise we only gave it a 3
Report submitted by Joan & Sam, Clifton Park WA.

Stuart Caravan Park, Alice Springs Larapinta Drive. From Adelaide, turn left at first set of lights, go through the roundabout, continue along Larapinta Drive; on right. Family Parks member. No dogs allowed. Ph: 08 8952 2547 or 0418 847 818.
Grassed sites medium to small with some shade. A basic park difficult to see how it has a four star rating. Not dog friendly. Just adequate amenities. Has a dump-site. Close to the main town center and opposite the cultural center. Good for a few nights.
Date 09/2009. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by S and S.

Manager's name is Bernard & Sharon Gwynne. Long established park, under new management, 110 powered sites only so is sometimes booked out. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($27 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided. Inadequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good rec room, good camp kitchen, kiosk, car wash, dump point, secure entry. Quiet, open and roomy, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Too many permanents. No pets allowed. Clean UC bbq (pay), congenial bbq area atmosphere, seating provided at bbq. Clean pool is shaded. Suitable for month or longer, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Closest to city.
Dislikes: Popular with backpackers - who, naturally, are having a great time. Lot of Britz type vehicles, coming and going
Parking: Easy to block off entrance - park well back from boom gate - plenty of room for this
Added Touches: Complementary bus into clubs at night, TV room, Broadband access at Shop. Phone box.
Local Information: Plenty of tourist activities and shopping for all ages and tastes
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Jim, Willunga.

Stayed 5 nights, $24.30 per night member discount powered site, plus $10.00 refundable boom gate key deposit. Very friendly reception (Clare and Sandy), which also doubles as a kiosk. This park advertises itself as the closest to the town center, which it probably is, but we found it still a bit of a distance to walk to town (approx 2 kms). But by being a little out of town, it did not have a problem with locals. The park is quite large with both cabins, powered and unpowered sites. Lots of campers. A lovely clean pool in the entrance. No pets allowed. There were 2 amenity blocks. The large one in the centre of the park had 6 toilets and 6 showers, all very clean and well maintained. The same block held a large laundry with 7 washing machines and 3 commercial dryers. Washing machine charge was $4.00 - the highest we had ever paid at any caravan park. Water pressure was good. Although the park was quite full, there was no waiting for washing machines or amenities. The smaller amenities block (3 toilets and 3 showers) was situated a short distance from the office. This was an older block but was also clean. Both amenity blocks had hand dryers and shower curtains. There was a camp kitchen in the centre of the park near the large amenities block which also had a bbq, and a grassed area for tents. There were some permanents situated around the park but they were no problem. We had originally planned to stay 1 day but ended up staying 5 days. We were given four sites to choose from, 3 drive throughs at the back of the park with concrete slabs and some shade, and another (site S-9) which we chose because it was large, level, dirt and little grass, lots of shade and closer to the small amenities block. It was in a little "cul-de-sac" so no dust from passing cars. Roads around the park are gravel and dirt. There was a dump point behind the office near the shed. Good town drinking water. We had great neighbours, so the 5 days we spent there were very enjoyable. Would definitely stay here again, and would hope to get site S-9 again. A great park for any length of stay.
Date 04/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Queanbeyan.

Temple Bar Caravan Park, Alice Springs 8 kms West along Ilparpa Road, which leave the Stuart Highway 6 kms south of town centre. Ph: 8952 2533. Dogs allowed.
We had previously been told the Heritage was the only pet friendly park in Alice Springs. But we found another pet friendly park. We did not stay here and I did not inspect the amenities but I spoke to Mona the owner, and a lady caravanner staying there who had moved from the Heritage. She said it was a very basic bush park, old but clean amenities. $16.00 per night powered site, electricity extra but it comes to about 50 cents per day. Washing machine is $2.00 per wash. There are 2 toilets and 2 showers for the men, and 5 showers and 3 toilets for the women. It seems quite a few caravanners in this park are unhappy ex-Heritage clients.
Date 06/2009.
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Malua Bay, NSW.

Manager's name is Mona. Although this park has a high proportion of semi permanents working in the area, it is one of only two pet friendly parks, so accommodates tourists as well. It is well away from the noise of town, in a scenic location and has a safe and friendly community feel. The amenities are run down to say the least, but at $16 per night (plus what power you use), with seventh day free if booking weekly, it represents very good value compared to the other parks in town. We chose it for location and returned. Friendly staff. Price was lower than expected, good value for money ($16 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, large sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (past noon). Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade. All pets allowed. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Suitable for month or longer.
Likes: Grassy large sites, lovely location by Range, wildlife (birds, wallabies), very cheap price to match antiquated amenities block, very hot water.
Dislikes: Lack of privacy in shower room
Parking: Large parking space in front of park for visitors and waiting in.
Local Information: A town with lots of services, as well as a centre for tourism.
Date 08/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Wintersun Caravan Park, Alice Springs Top Tourist member. 2km north of town centre on Stuart Highway. Ph: 08 8952 4080.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Average size sites with grass covering. Busy park in peak, but quiet. Amenities clean, but they clean them too early (around 8 am) when most people are wanting showers. Friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($27.10 2A 2C per night powered). 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, soap provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, small sites. Good laundry, no rec room. Quiet. No pets allowed. Clean pool.
Park Rating 3: Suitable for a week or more.
Report submitted by Pete, Deb, Jack & Lucy, NSW.

Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve, Charlotte Range Managed by NT Parks and Wildlife Service. Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve lies 160 km south of Alice Springs, along the Old South Road then a signed turnoff through Maryvale Station. The road is unsealed and may be closed after rain. After the Maryvale station, a 4WD is required to negotiate the deep sand drifts, steep jump ups and dune crests. Announce approach to dune crests on the specified UHF channel. Picnic facilities, gas barbecue, wood barbecues, pit toilet, no water. Bollards limit camping. Eight camp sites only; very few are long enough for a big rig, but not level. Walks to Chambers Pillar and Castle Rock. Sunrise and sunset viewing areas. Price was as expected, good value for money ($6.60 2A per night unpowered), honesty box. Suitable for few days.
Likes: History of the area and remoteness
Dislikes: It is a long and not an easy drive to the park - not suitable for most caravans. High clearance camper trailers OK.
Roads: Track from Maryvale Station to Chambers Pillar not well maintained. Loose sandy patches near Maryvale, very steep track over Charlotte Range, narrow track over dune crests with no visibility.
Date 08/2008. Campground Rating 3:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Curtain Springs Station, Curtain Springs Lasseter Highway, approx 80km east of Ayers Rock. Ph: 08 8956 2906.
Manager's name is Severin Family. Decided to stay here to visit Ayers Rock & the Olgas as there is free unpowered camping available. There is also powered sites available at a cost of $27.50 plus $2.50 for showers. We thought this was too expensive for the powered sites as all sites are dirt. We only had to pay for the showers. The shower block was a disgrace. Only 2 showers with no doors and very dirty shower curtains that had also missing or broken shower rings. No dry change area. You had to walk out of your shower and around into a very small communal change area with again no door. There was no privacy at all. Also unfriendly staff and very expensive fuel. We were glad at least our site was free. Would not stay again.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 1:
Report submitted by Morris & Carolyn.

Desert Oaks Caravan Park, Erldunda Corner Stuart and Lasseter Highways, at turn off to Ayers Rock, 200 kms South of Alice Springs. Ph: 08 8956 0984.
$28 per night. Very conveniently situated for cravenness going to Yulura. Sites are all drive through with grass and shade. Pool. Toilet block is large and roomy. Some noise from the generator overnight so pick a site away from the main building. One of the better parks along the Stuart Highway. Restaurant in roadhouse.
Date 07/2009. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Marg, Melbourne.

Chose this park only for its convenience of location. The park was situated at the rear of the motel premises. Grassy sites with drive-throughs was welcome relief from the dry dusty sites of previous parks. As expected food and drinks at the tavern were not cheap although 'happy hour' was promoted. The motel caters for a large amount of travellers, and coach parties, mainly backpackers on their travels. Amenities were clean and pool was fenced and shady. A major problem was evident later in the afternoon when there was a terrible smell coming from the septic system I presume. It was nauseous and carried right across the park sites with the strong winds blowing. The stink was unbelievable. I approached reception about the matter but nothing was done about it. Generator noise was another problem and another addition to a very sleepless night. We had to close the windows and doors because of the smell and the noise. Because of these odours and noise I would never pay money to stay there again. Perhaps if concern was shown for the smell I would have been more understanding but it was the worst night ever. Average staff friendliness, bad staff response to complaints. Price was higher than expected, poor value for money ($28 2A per night, powered). Amenities are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, average sized sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, no sites are shaded, drive-through sites. Basic laundry. Peaceful, not enough shade.
Dislikes: Phew - smells were bad. Generator noise intolerable
Date 07/2009. Park Rating 1:
Report submitted by Wandering Walls.

Large complex providing all types of accommodation. Service station, restaurants, hotel, etc. Friendly staff, no complaints, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, reasonable value for money ($28 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, basic rec room, kiosk, secure entry. Quiet, open and roomy, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No permanents. Dogs on leash. Clean electric bbq (free). Pool is shaded. Suitable for a few days, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Tennis court, pool, mostly lawn sites
Local Information: Happy hour at tavern nightly, hotel has dining room and there is a takeaway
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Jim, Willunga.

Stayed 2 days, $28.00 powered site, which we thought was a bit steep, but they do run a generator for power and take water from a long pipeline up the road. We were told to pick our site, and found most to be long drive-through sites. A fairly green area, with level dirt sites and some shade. Fairly clean amenities and laundry. Clean shaded swimming pool surrounded by palms. Traveller's restaurant was very pleasant and we had a reasonable meal there. Poor water quality. We were told that the water to sites was for washing only, not drinking. Pressure to caravan was good. We stayed 2 days because we drove to Kings Canyon, a spectacular area. We saw a very green, neat nice looking caravan park there and were disappointed that we had not towed our caravan there and spent a few days. But unfortunately reports for that park were not the best. We were going to visit Ayers Rock, but were told there is a charge of $25.00 each just to enter aboriginal land. As we had visited this area about 23 years ago (at no charge), and we were sure the Rock still looked the same, we did not bother to go. Erldunda is suitable for one or two days, and we would stay again.
Date 04/2007. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Queanbeyan.

Considering the barren landscape, this is a lovely park in the middle of nowhere. Worth the stop. Fuel is dearer than at Yulara. Friendly staff, no complaints, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($24 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, poor night lighting, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, kiosk. Peaceful, open and roomy, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No permanents. Clean gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere. No playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Good space for each van and satisfactory facilities, shop staff in cafeteria were also helpful.
Dislikes: BBQ facilities are poor. Fuel is cheaper at the Rock.
Parking: Good parking space whilst waiting to book in.
Added Touches: Emus & Kangaroos roam near BBQ area.
Roads: Good road conditions.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by J&K Melbourne.

Adequate toilet facilities. Well set out, clean and well used. Travellers' restaurant available.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Joan & Sam, Clifton Park WA.

Gem Tree Caravan Park, Gem Tree 70 kms north of Alice Springs turn right on to the Plenty Highway, a one lane bitumen road, and head east for another 70 kms. Ph: 08 8956 9855.
$24 p/n powered site. Stayed 2 days. Reception doubles as a gem- jewellery shop, with good kiosk next door. Very helpful and friendly owners who showed us to our site. Bore water to site (not recommended for drinking) with generator power switched off at 10.30pm and switched on at 6.30am. Tank drinking water. Bushland park with little shade, reasonably level drive through dirt sites. Amenities block was very clean with 2 washing machines, 0 dryers, 4 toilets and 4 showers. Soap and paper towels provided. They recommend you do not use bore water to wash white clothes because of red dust. Diesel/petrol available, but very expensive. Tag along tours can be booked at reception ($70.00) to fossicking fields, where they guarantee you will find a gem. Nine hole golf course - $5.00 to cover club hire and "green" fees. A very quiet peaceful, tidy camp park, with no frills, lots of dust, friendly reception and we found it a very pleasant stay. Suitable for a few days rest and fossicking.
Date 04/2007. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Queanbeyan.

Park well set back from road. Gravel sites, some shade trees, a mixture of powered and unpowered sites. Bore water good enough for dishes and cleaning teeth etc, no sullage, wastewater around trees. Rainwater tank available for drinking water. Some sites with bbq plates most had own fireplace with firewood supplied. Very peaceful campsite. Good fun fossicking for gems. Good for a 2/3 night stay. Would definitely stay again. Stayed 2 nights.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Joan & Sam, Clifton Park WA.

Glen Helen Resort, Glen Helen Glen Helen Gorge, West Macdonnel Ranges, 132 kms west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Road. Ph: 08 8956 7489.
Manager's name is Shelagh O'Brien. Easy to find, bitumen road all the way. New owners have been there 12 months and are trying to build up the resort, they have a long way to go! Staff reasonably friendly but not very helpful, we were not given information about camp facilities. Found out later there was a good camp kitchen closer to main building, but we could only find a run down shed with no facilities in it. A map should be supplied on arrival. We camped in the upper camping area and the red dirt was very hard so unable to put pegs into ground for awning. The sites were small and difficult to reverse into so had to park camper trailer at an angle. No shade. We were later told we could have camped on a grass section - but we should have been told on arrival. Powered site was $25 per night, which we felt was expensive for what was offered. Amenities are unisex, and in demountables. They get muddy floors but are cleaned daily. Would be better to have male and female facilities separate. These are adequate for the number who could camp there. There is a second amenities block, which is very run down. The main resort building is old but has a nice atmosphere in evenings with open fire, comfy lounges, live music in season; meals and snacks available, Aboriginal art for sale. The deck area out the back of the building has basic table and chairs for having a happy hour drink and watch the sun setting on the magnificent Macdonnel Ranges. There is a motel section, which is also very old and needs some attention to bring it up to scratch. There are some walks to do from the resort, the actual Gorge is an easy walk along the riverbed and reeds. Flocks of budgies were seen. There are helicopter rides available. Can drive to Ormiston Gorge, Serpentine Gorge, Ochre Pit; all good to visit. This is OK for 1-2 nights, but you could also make a day visit from Alice Springs as the road is bitumen all the way from Alice.
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Nerida and Brian, Sydney.

Ormiston Gorge Campground, Glen Helen West Macdonnel Ranges. 135 km west of Alice Springs, 4km sealed road in from Namatjira Drive and Glen Helen. Well signposted. Ph: 08 8956 7799. Managed by NT Parks and Wildlife Service. No pets allowed.
One of the higher profile parks in the West MacDonnells. Huge flat bitumised day car park, but small sloping dirt camping area. Very few spots to back a caravan into, and too much slope. Solar hot showers provided. Untreated bore water. Water tank in day area for drinking water. Free gas barbecues and burners. Sink for campers. Rubbish bins. Campsite not quiet or private, although location is scenic. Like NT Parks campsites with showers, higher fee of $6.60 per person per night which is still very good value. Good walks, including the longer "Pound Walk". Price was as expected, good value for money. Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, hot water was usually adequate but not when busy Inadequate number of tourist sites, mostly unlevel sites. Noisy, open & roomy park. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days.
Dislikes: Park caters for bus loads of day tourists with very good facilities. Camping area was second class to the day area.
Parking: No booking - popular park so get there early in the day to get a space.
Local Information: Walks in and around gorge. Wheelchair suitable boardwalk to main gorge.
Roads: Bitumen road access.
Date 09/2009. Campground Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Delightful bush camping ground. No power but free gas bbqs, drinking water, flush toilets and 2 hot showers (small queue in the late afternoon). Cleaned daily. Not many level sites. Definitely not suited to big vans. Only night lighting is by switch in amenities block. Ranger talks several nights per week in season. Good walks. Small kiosk. Suitable for a stay of several nights. Honour system payment. Excellent value at $6.60 per person.
Date 04/2007. Campground Rating 4:
Report submitted by E & AC, NSW.

Redbank Gorge Campground, Glen Helen 162 kms from Alice Springs via Namatjira Drive. 10 kms to ridge top via dirt road. Managed by NT Parks and Wildlife Service. No pets allowed.
Two camps at Redbank, with pit toilets. Free gas barbecues at lower level camp. Lower level consists of a large circle with well spaced bays for campers in a nice woodland area. Only two appeared long enough to drive through with a caravan. Not suitable for big rigs. Drive a little further up onto the ridge top where there are eight bays, some long enough to back a big caravan into. This is on the way to the Gorge. A quiet campsite with glorious views to Mt Sonder and surrounding West MacDonnell ranges. Wood fires only, picnic tables. Can be windy on the ridge top. Price was as expected, very good value for money ($3.30 per person per night honesty box camping). Peaceful, open & roomy park.
Likes: Glorious views from ridge top. Small and quiet campground.
Local Information: Short walk down riverbed to gorge. Water very cold. Can 'raft' through water to continue walking the gorge. Can do a full day walk to Mt Sonder starting at car park. Must register for long walks.
Roads: Dirt road access to camp and gorge from Namatjira Drive.
Date 09/2009. Campground Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Palm Valley Campground, Hermannsburg Turn off 1.5 kms west of Hermannsburg. Winding track follows Finke River bed much of the way. Around 18 kms to camp ground but takes quite a while to travel. Managed by NT Parks and Wildlife Service. No pets allowed.
A pleasant campsite in a very scenic location. This site is shared with tour groups and can be crowded, so get there early to get a good spot. Not many sites suited to caravans or big rigs. Solar showers, limited water, free gas barbecues at a semi covered picnic area. Disability toilet. Price was as expected, good value for money ($6.60 per person per night honesty box, unpowered). 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 inadequate hot water, disabled facilities. Mostly level sites. Peaceful, open & roomy park. UC gas bbq (free), seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: A lovely location. Nice walks in a unique area. Wildlife.
Roads: Road in best suited for 4wd. High clearance 4wd required to get from camp to Palm Valley. Can walk 4 kms from campground along creek to start of Palm Valley walk.
Date 09/2009. Campground Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Kings Canyon Resort Caravan Park, Kings Canyon In the Watarrka National Park, via Luritja Road from Lasseter Highway or via Mereenie Loop from Hermannsburg or Ernest Giles Road (4WD only) from the Stuart Highway then Luritja Road. Book in at Voyages Resort Reception. Ph: 08 8956 7442 or 1300 669 051. No pets.
Reception at this park is not just for caravanners. Check in for hotel and resort guests is at the same desk and staff numbers were quite inadequate at the time. Even though we had made a booking a sign at the entrance requests that you fill in a form 'before approaching desk'. This really didn't move things along very much. Considering we were in a unique part of Australia there was no information offered regarding walks, etc. and things to do. It was a matter of making our own enquiries and finding out for ourselves. The cost was $36 2A per night. As regards the park itself, it was very popular and surrounds were clean. Sandy soil can be a problem but to be expected in this part. Amenities were quite good with liquid soap and hair dryers. Interesting to note that guests are requested to keep the gate to the amenities closed at all times to keep the dingoes out. Also suggested that we remove everything from outside the van at night because of dingo presence. Phone coverage was non-existent. TV was on two channels. A beautiful pool featured highly in very warm weather. Food outlet seemed expensive with a steak $36. The pizza bar was out of order at the time. Peaceful. Suitable for few days.
Likes: The park is a starting point for access to some interesting walks such as the Kings Canyon Rim walk, which is for the fitter persons but a really interesting and shorter walk is at the start of the Rim Walk.
Dislikes: No phone coverage.
Date 08/2009. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Wandering Walls.

Lovely shady park, sites are not allocated you just pick where you want, although sites aren't strictly drive through unless it is more than half full you can drive through where you want. All sites shaded, but not very level. Sites are gravel, no concrete annex slabs. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($36 2A per night, powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly unlevel sites, good night lighting, large sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, dump point. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean gas bbq (free). Clean pool is open to the sun, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for few days, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Dislikes: Dingoes roam free in park, don't leave anything out (including shoes, bags) that they can get into. The onsite minimart is very basic, with no fresh meat and limited fruit and veg, so bring your own supplies.
Local Information: Make sure you do the Kathleen Springs walk as well as the King's Canyon walks.
Date 04/2009. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Nicholstones.

A pleasant park with views to the George Gill Ranges. Plenty of amenities blocks all with washing machines placed throughout park, although a little run down. Escorted to site and offered assistance with backing. Good sized level sites with water and power close to sites. Low impact night lighting. Treated bore water very good quality. Swimming pool. Rubbish and recycling bins. Pet friendly. Beware of dingoes roaming through park even in daylight. Very friendly staff. Price was as expected ($33 2A powered, $27 2A unpowered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites. Basic laundry. Quiet. Gas bbq (pay). Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: Location. Pleasant atmosphere. Good water.
Dislikes: No dump point. There are only two places with dump points in central NT; Alice Springs and Yulara. No mobile phone reception.
Parking: Plenty of room for vans behind the reception building (signed).
Local Information: Kings Canyon Rim walk is one of the best walks. Closed if weather becomes too hot.
Roads: Bitumen if coming from Lasseter Highway. Rough dirt road on Mereenie Loop from Hermannsburg.
Date 09/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Fabulous views from the grounds. Adjacent to bar, restaurant and service station which is good but expensive. Average management, friendly management. Good value for money. Good sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry, good camp kitchen, dump point. Very good park atmosphere, quiet, open and roomy park, shady park, family-friendly park. Clean gas bbq (free), with a congenial atmosphere, lit at night. Good playground in good condition. Good pool rating, kid-safe pool area, seating around the pool was provided. Suitable for a week or more, the park was well maintained, the park can be considered kid-safe.
Likes: Great views across the range from the park.
Parking: Vans go around the back of the building where you register. It is signed.
Local Information: Magnificent walks through Kings Canyon.
Roads: Good bitumen road from the south. The Meerenie Loop road varies greatly in condition but is generally a dodgy proposition for vans and campers unless off road (and even then care is needed).
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Des, Sippy Downs.

For a remote area the facilities are good however the booking organisation is very poor. Friendly staff, average staff response to complaints, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($29 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Inadequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, kiosk. Peaceful, open and roomy, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No permanents. Clean gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting. Basic playground in average condition. Clean pool is open to sun, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for a few days, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Good view of the Kings Canyon area.
Dislikes: The lack of organisation. Numerous people complaining at check-in about wrong sites or sites with vans already on them, and we also found our previously booked site was in fact wrongly recorded as a campsite. First replacement site (a bus spot) was found to have already been taken. Substitute bus site finally found. Friendly but confused booking desk. Fuel prices are the highest we have encountered.
Parking: Good parking space whilst waiting to book in.
Local Information: Good sunset view of the Range from the park. Music group on most nights at Roadhouse however meal cost was excessive.
Roads: Good road conditions.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by J&K Melbourne.

Location brilliant on edge of National Park, access to sites, even using their map not very clear. Van sites very tight to back into, not possible to park alongside van. Toilets were adequate for numbers but they need to be cleaned and maintained in a much better manner. Lost BIG 4 rating day before we arrived and we can see why.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Joan & Sam, Clifton Park WA.

Kings Creek Station, Kings Creek About 35km on Luritja Road before Kings Canyon. Ph: 08 8956 7474.
Manager's name is Ian & Lyn Conway. This station stay was a fantastic find. The station has retained all its bush ambience and you have all the comforts of the larger van parks without the hustle and bustle. There are 7 different helicopter flights, self drive quad bike tours ranging from 1 - 2 1/2 hrs to overnight trips, Camel rides for adults and children, again at various times throughout the day. Three times a week the station has an evening show highlighting life on the station, how they got started and a display of the animals on the station and in the area followed by billy tea and delicious damper, clotted cream and honey. The washing machine is a $2 donation to the RFDS. They have a fully licensed restaurant, mini shop and fuel. We highly recommend this venue and would definitely stay again. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, good value for money ($36 2A per night, powered, shoulder season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is 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, average sized sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, good camp kitchen, kiosk. Peaceful, open and roomy, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean UC bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground. Clean pool, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for a few days, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: The natural setting.
Parking: Outside reception
Local Information: Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Roads: Good.
Date 05/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Fran & Trevor, Melb.

Family run park offering the desert camping experience. Friendly, obliging staff reception staff. Sites interestingly arranged, divided by native gardens with trees, some quite difficult to manoeuvre into. Fine red earth underfoot and dusty when the wind is up. Scattered picnic tables, some with thatched roof cover. Night lighting in amenities block only; all the better for enjoying the clear night sky. Amenities basic but satisfactory, numbers not adequate. Shaded pool, shop, licensed, meals, petrol, rides available on camels, quad bikes, Harleys and helicopters. A suitable alternative when Kings Canyon Resort was booked out, but at $28 (2A unpowered) a bit dear! Kings Canyon 5.5km walk very worthwhile if the first steep climb can be managed.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by E & AC, NSW.

Sites were dirt, which was to be expected, but were very small. This was unexpected as the place is a very large cattle station and we did not expect to be in such small campsites. We found it was expensive for the basic amenities. The showers were flooded with water and dirt and it was impossible to get dressed without getting wet. The doors on the showers allowed little privacy. There is only one washing machine in the whole place. The staff are backpackers from all around the world and some were not helpful but others were quite friendly. Price was $38 for 2A 2C per night. We were there in peak time and the amenities could not cope with the large number of people. Water pressure is good and there was enough hot water. Friendly staff. Price was higher than expected, poor value for money. Amenities are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, small sites, hard to negotiate into site. Basic laundry, no rec room. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade. No playground. Clean pool is open to sun, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for overnighter.
Dislikes: Showers, small sites.
Date 07/2006. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Lee.

Kulgera Roadhouse, Kulgera Also known as Kulgera Caravan Park. The Kulgera Roadhouse is situated on the east side of the Stuart Highway 20km north of SA border. 430km approximately from Ayer's Rock. Ph: 08 8956 0973.
Very basic park suitable only as an overnighter. Level, drive through sites, gravel, well spaced, choose your own. Some trees and grass in tent and cabin sections. Very bare elsewhere and could be unpleasant if windy. Amenities well lit, numbers sufficient, soap provided, cleaning only just adequate. Washing machine missing from laundry and night lighting not turned on during our stay. Shaded pool, small thatched roof bbq area with a few basic tables and plastic chairs, quaint playground with old tractor. Road house and pub facilities adjacent but not too close. Generator, highway traffic and late arriving road trains made for a fairly noisy night. $20 (2A powered) not particularly good value for money but OK as a place to break the journey.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by E & AC, NSW.

Checked site fee on way through town where petrol is expensive $1.64. Only a few (16?) powered sites at $20 (2A) per night. Just off highway adjacent to Service Station. Looked neat and tidy from the road. Friendly staff, very good value for money. Suitable for overnighter.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Jim, Willunga.

Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, Orange Creek Turnoff is 75 kms south of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, 20 kms north of Orange Creek Station, then 22 km dirt road heading roughly east. Managed by NT Parks and Wildlife Service. Pit toilet, No water. Small area for camping. Not suitable for caravans due to small size. Picnic facilities and gas barbecue. Price was as expected, good value for money ($6.60 2A per night unpowered), honesty box camping. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: Beauty of the soft and colourful sandstone. Sunset on the rocks.
Dislikes: Too small.
Roads: Dry weather road only.
Date 09/2008. Campground Rating 3:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park, Ross River 90 kms east of Alice Springs via Ross River Highway. Signed turnoff 500 metres before Ross River Homestead. 11 kms of 4WD track, sandy river crossings and some narrow patches (overhanging trees). Dry weather access only. Access unsuitable for caravans but OK for camper trailers. Managed by NT Parks and Wildlife Service. No pets allowed.
Camping permitted in car park. Pit toilet, no water. Gorge rich with Aboriginal etchings and colourful sandstone formations. Honesty box; park fees $3.30 per head per night. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money.
Date 08/2008. Campground Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Trephina Gorge Nature Park, Ross River 85 kms east of Alice Springs via Ross Highway. Turn off has 9 kms sealed road and 5 kms gravel road. East MacDonnell Ranges. Managed by NT Parks and Wildlife Service. No pets allowed. Main campground: A lovely medium sized park campground in a scenic location. Parking spots mostly around an oval area with trees, free gas and wood barbecues plus picnic tables. Pit toilets, taps throughout campground. There are two smaller campgrounds in the park suitable for tents but not as well appointed as main campground. Like NT parks, honesty box $3.30 per person per night. A good base for day trips to N'Dhala, Arltunga and Ruby Gap. Price was lower than expected, very good value for money ($6.60 2A per night unpowered). Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. Gas bbq (free). No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more.
Likes: Lovely scenic locations.
Local Information: Nice walks around the gorge.
Date 08/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Ti Tree Roadhouse Camping Ground, Ti Tree On the highway. Ph: 08 8956 9741.
Typical camping ground at rear of service station/tavern/snacks/mini mart. Gated and well fenced for exclusion of cattle etc. Need to open and close as your enter and leave. As good as most and a lot better than some. Would stay here again. $3 washing machine. Meals in dining room or bar. Meals close 8.30pm - Sunday's 8pm. Checkout 11am. Friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($17 2A per night powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to only some sites. Adequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, concrete annex slabs, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, good camp kitchen, secure entry. Quiet, open and roomy. Dogs on leash. Clean UC bbq, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter, well maintained park.
Likes: Grass around sites, large slabs for level parking. Entrance to tavern from sites
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Jim, Willunga.

Yulara Resort and Ayers Rock Campground, Yulara A Voyages Park. Ayers Rock, 443 kms South-West of Alice Springs. Follow the signs as you head into Yulara. Next door to the Outback Hotel. Ph: 08 8957 7001 or 1800 139 889. Check in at campground reception, not resort information centre. Dogs on leash.
Average staff friendliness, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, poor value for money ($50 A3 2C per night, powered, off-peak season). Inadequate number of amenities, are close to only some sites, were dirty, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was inadequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly unlevel sites, good night lighting, small sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, no sites are shaded, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, basic rec room, kiosk. Noisy, claustrophobic park, not enough shade. Gas bbq (pay), dismal bbq area atmosphere. Good playground in good condition. Clean pool is open to sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided, toddlers catered for. Suitable for few days, park is considered kid-safe.
Dislikes: Very noisy with new bus loads daily of tour groups who leave very early each morning and make a lot of noise each night & morning in the amenities, very dusty, only 2 sites for fifth wheelers / motorhomes and both were too small, only part of resort without a bar or restaurant, over rated.
Date 10/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by The Nielsens.

Large desert park with dirt and gravel sites for caravans and grassed for tents. Be away that the signage to the park does not mention caravan parks just campgrounds they are one of the same. Dog friendly. Good number of shady trees. Good amenity blocks, which appears to be adequate to cover the number of guests. No dump-site within the park with directions outside of the park to where toilets can be emptied. Good for 4 nights or more. Uluru passes are for 3 full days.
Date 09/2009. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by S and S.

$38 per night. Signposted from highway. Two toilet blocks were not as clean as they should have been and always looked grubby. Toilet paper not replenished and often cubicles were without paper all day. Sites were on dirt or gravel, some concrete slabs. Not good value for the money but as it is the only campground/caravan park in the resort, there isn't any choice. No dump point in park and a few kilometres drive to find one.
Date 07/2009. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Marg, Melbourne.

Massive park, with 176 powered sites in main area, plus room for at least 4 tourist camping buses. This area has 2 large facilities blocks, so if it was full the facilities are unlikely to cope. There is a totally separate area with cabins and grassed tent sites, also another 20 or so powered sites for overflow. With this number of sites there are large, small and medium sites, although none are strictly drive through if the park is not full a lot of the sites can be easily got into. A lot aren't level. Around 3/4 are pebbled with small concrete annexe slab, the rest are red dirt. Unless the park is full, if you don't like the site you are allocated park in another one and let them know the change. Generally quiet, with lots of barbecue areas, only some with seating and lighting. Prices are apparently high per night, we booked 7 nights powered, 2A, and were quoted $216, extended to 8 nights and paid the same, so very reasonable. Reasonable supermarket, but beer prices are through the roof, almost $40 for a 6-pack of stubbies. Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Clean pool is open to the sun, pool area not considered kid-safe, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Date 04/2009. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Nicholstones.

Small sites, dusty (red dirt). Concrete annex slab. Two large amenities blocks, with washing machines and dryers, but facilities a bit run down. Additional dedicated laundry block. Swimming pool. Friendly staff. Price was higher than expected ($36.00 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, some level sites, good night lighting, small sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, hard to negotiate into site; water, power and sullage close to sites. Basic laundry. Noisy, claustrophobic park. Good playground in good condition. Suitable for few days
Likes: Large shower cubicles with dressing area separated by shower curtain. Staff very helpful in finding a site we could fit into. To drive through and remain hitched would have taken two sites and cost us double.
Dislikes: Very small dusty sites with noisy tourists very close around us. Yulara power generator nearby and noisy. Showers had 'communal drain' running through them, and shower water splashed into adjoining cubicles.
Parking: Short parking space only - fitted around three rigs at a time. Service can be slow.
Added Touches: Free shuttle bus around Yulara Resort Village.
Local Information: Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. Park entry $25 per person for three days.
Roads: Bitumen from Stuart Highway to Kata Tjuta.
Date 09/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Ayer's Rock Resort is attractive and quite interesting. However, the camping ground itself is not as good as first appears. Large and well laid out, sites are a reasonable size, many not level. Some have small annex pad, some newly laid blue metal gravel but most have just natural red sand. Power, water and sullage close. Night lighting good. Large laundry and two amenities blocks not coping with the numbers in the school holidays. Toilets and shower cubicles showing signs of wear and in need of a good scrub. Hot water fine, drainage not quite right - used shower water runs over your feet. On the plus side - free gas bbqs nearby, good sized pool and reasonable playground away from the main van area, internet without USB. At $34 per night (2A powered) not good value for money. Reception was understaffed and slightly arrogantly unhurried at all times of the day. From 2pm people were waiting in a queue of cars and vans for over an hour for site allocation. Most goods and services unnecessarily expensive. Definite elements of captive market syndrome. Suitable for a stay of however long you need to explore and enjoy Uluru and the Olgas but bring your own groceries!
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by E & AC, NSW.

Yulara township has all services and is within minutes form the park. Good management, friendly management, management was helpful. Reasonable value for money. Average amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were in good condition, water pressure was okay. Average sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry, good camp kitchen, kiosk. Good atmosphere to park, quiet, open and roomy park, shady park, family-friendly park. Dogs allowed. Clean UC gas bbq (free), with a congenial atmosphere, lit at night, with seating provided. Good playground in good condition. Suitable for a week or more, the park was well maintained, the park can be considered kid-safe.
Likes: Many sites had good shade.
Added Touches: Free bus around Yulara township which stops at the campground. It runs every 20 minutes.
Local Information: The Rock and The Olgas. The next-door Outback hotel has a good BBQ with entertainment and Aussie food (emu, roo, crocodile etc). It's worth a visit.
Roads: Main road access is good
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Des, Sippy Downs.

Park has gravel roads and sites. Sand dunes surround the park, so the lovely red dust is everywhere. There is a pool, playground and internet and it is just a walk across the dunes to Yulara Village. Amenities were quite dirty after only one daily clean and obviously no one checking other times. Laundry not clean either. It is though, the only place to stay for as long as necessary to see everything in the area. Quite expensive at $31/night 2A. Will certainly have to stay again. The area is awesome.
Likes: Towel rails in shower cubicles. Outback Hotel for BBQ.
Dislikes: Dirty amenities and laundry.
Date 08/2006. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by FnJ Sunshine Coast.

Right by the Rock. Follow the signs as you enter Yulara. A huge park with plenty of traffic. As one would expect, the ablutions were only fair as they are used by hundreds of people in the peak season. Very good, friendly and helpful management, responsive to comments. Reasonable value for money. Average amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Average sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, annexe slabs were available, adequate taps close by. Laundry, good camp kitchen. Park atmosphere was okay, quiet, open and roomy park. Clean free UC bbq, lit at night.
Likes: Close to everything. Being Ayers Rock, it is the tourist mecca, so expect to have plenty of movement just before dawn and at sunset. Well organised, although everything is quite pricey - make sure you take enough beer as you will need to part with some serious gold for a six pack.
Dislikes: The cleanliness of the ablutions block was questionable. They were looking for cleaning staff when we were there.
Local Information: A fabulous place. The Olgas are equally as good as the Rock. Worth spending a week here if you can. The dusk helicopter flight is a must if you can muster a spare couple of hundred.
Roads: Road conditions are superb, just look out for the wandering beasts.
Date 07/2006. Park Rating 3: Suitable for a few days.
Report submitted by Bluey and Rose, Adelaide.

A lovely park in a very remote area. Most sites had a small concrete pad or crushed rock base. Fuel was way cheaper than at Erldunda. Friendly staff, no complaints, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($28 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, good night lighting, large sites, concrete annex slabs, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, kiosk. Peaceful, open and roomy, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No permanents, No pets allowed. Clean gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting. Good playground in average condition. Clean pool. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Nicely laid out and good space for all Clients. Free shuttle bus to local shops etc.
Parking: Good parking space whilst waiting to book in.
Roads: Road from Erldunda is narrower than Stuart Highway but well maintained. Beware of Eagles eating road kill - They only rise at last minute and can smash car windows.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by J&K Melbourne.

Good campsite, clean, showers and toilets back to back, good set up. Plenty of toilets and showers. Laundry adequate, prompt service for faulty machine. Security were prompt when called out to other campers partying until late, arguing and throwing bottles. Music from staff accommodation (just over hill from us) was horrific, woken at 6am by thudding music. Stopped during the day and started again around 4pm, went on until about 10pm. Wrote letter of complaint but no reply to date (12th October, 06). We found this the noisiest campsite so far, considering we were in the centre of Australia the noise was ludicrous. Expected some piece and quiet, especially here. Disappointed.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 3.5: Should have rated higher, but for the disturbances.
Report submitted by Joan & Sam, Clifton Park WA.

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