Australian Caravan Park Reports

Tasmania
North East

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Bay of Fires Campground, Bay of Fires Conservation Park (Campground)
Redbill Point Caravan Park, Beauty Point (DFP)
Bicheno Cabin and Tourist Park, Bicheno
Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park, Bicheno
Bridport Caravan Park, Bridport
Apex Caravan Park, Deloraine (DFP)
Coles Bay Camping Area, Freycinet National Park (Campground)
Iluka Holiday Centre, Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park
Friendly Beaches Camping Area, Freycinet National Park (Campground)
Kelso Sands Holiday Park, Kelso
Launceston Cabin and Tourist Park, Launceston
Treasure Island Caravan Park, Launceston
Launceston Holiday Park, Legana
Longford Riverside Caravan Park, Longford (DFP)
Low Head Tourist Park, Low Head (DFP)
Ross Caravan Park, Ross (DFP)
Hillcrest Tourist Park & Minimarket, St Helens (Campground)
St. Helens Caravan Park, St Helens
Scamander Kookaburra Caravan Park, Scamander
North East Park, Scottsdale (DFP)
Swansea Holiday Park, Swansea

Bay of Fires Campground, Bay of Fires Conservation Park
Free campgrounds at the beautiful Bay of Fires, north of St Helens. Ph: 03 6376 1550.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Lovely white sand beaches with sites close to surf beach and creek/lagoon. Dispersed bush camping throughout the area. Pit toilets available at various locations. No drinking water available, you have to drive back to town to fill up. Campfires allowed, no rubbish bins so take rubbish with you. Beautiful location white sand beaches, lovely sunsets and very peaceful even in January.
Campground Rating 3:
Report submitted by Karen and Dale, Vic.

Redbill Point Caravan Park, Beauty Point
Follow West Tamar Highway from Launceston to Beauty point, caravan park well signposted as you leave the town. Ph: 03 6383 4536.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Well maintained park. Well organised park not really equipped to deal with large motorhomes but can cope with T3500 and Coasters. Very clean level area, good hot showers and clean toilets. Staff very obliging and friendly and helped us at the site. Price was higher than expected, reasonable value for money ($15.00 2A per night unpowered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, close to most sites, clean and in very good condition, water pressure is good with adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps and sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, secure entry. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Dogs on leash. Clean wood bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere. Good playground in good condition. No pool.
Likes: Easy level parking on grass.
Dislikes: lack of privacy.
Parking: Park outside electronic key controlled boom gate.
Local Information: Hotel within 5 minutes for counter meals, 10 mins to supermarket. Seahorse world, restaurant and platypus exhibition close by, wineries, lots of fishing.
Roads: Road conditions good
Park Rating 2.5: Suitable for few days.
Report submitted by Seabee.

Bicheno Cabin and Tourist Park, Bicheno
This is a Cabin Only park.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park, Bicheno
Bicheno is a lovely little town on the east coast of Tasmania. Champ Street, in middle of town, west side of main road. Ph: 03 6375 1999. Family Parks member. Allows dogs at manager's discretion.
This is just about the main caravan park in Bicheno - the BIG4 place is cabins only. It is a large and well established park that has recently undergone extensive renovations. Many of the permanent vans are located at the rear of the park. Unfortunately, the planning was a little poor as the main amenities block is set near the cabin area at the front of the park while the main bulk of van sites are served by 2 small en-suite type units further away. The amenities block has been refurbished and is modern and clean but is a long walk from most of the van sites. (150m from our site) There is a campers kitchen and laundry and management are welcoming. Many of the older sites are small and suitable for motorhomes only - motorhome rental is huge in Tassie and they easily outnumber caravans. There are around 20 larger 'new' sites towards the back of the park with cement slabs and new power poles. The supermarket and newsagent are just over the busy main road. Bicheno is a pretty town and well placed to visit Freycinet National Park. The wildlife park just north of the town is worth a visit to see a large display of Tassie devils and many other animals. Friendly management. Poor value for money.
Likes: Set in the centre of town
Dislikes: Poor design with main amenities block well away from most van sites.
Local Information: Penguins come in at the Blowhole around 6.30pm. There is an online access centre in town where you can check your email for a nominal charge.
Date 09/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by G&P, SA.

The owners have spent a lot of money on this park in the last few years. Management was very friendly, recommended things to do and places to visit. Very large sites for vans. New ensuite- style amenities in the newer area but in busy times you will need to take a hike to the general amenities. The amenities have been redone and modernized and were spotless during our visit. Camp kitchen. Good water and large laundry. At $25 per night it was good value.
Date 04/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Maureen And Richard Hay.

Seaview Holiday Park, Bicheno
Banksia Street. Ph: 03 6375 1247, Fax: 6375 1155.
This park was previously a Church of Christ camp site which has been "inherited" (their words) from the two ladies who had been running it for 2 1/2 weeks when we stayed there. It has 9 powered sites, which are mostly level, dirt from memory, and 14 unpowered sites. Two of the sites are basically on the side of the road, and we managed to score one of these, but at the time were grateful to get a site anywhere in the area for two nights! There is a single site higher up in the park, basically behind the bunkrooms, which had a superb view. There are several bunkrooms (looked to be about 4 bunks to each room), and several units. The main amenities block (I only used the laundry) had been allowed to run down quite badly I was told, and at present are only being used by the school groups whose bookings they also inherited. They "probably" won't continue with these when the present commitments are over. The amenities which they are using for the other campers, are unisex. These had originally been used to service the bunk rooms, when used by the Church of Christ. Took a bit of remembering that "no, I wasn't in the wrong area" at first, but rather fun to use them as a couple. (The couple showering beside me on the first morning thought it was quite fun.) There are 3 toilets, and 3 showers, plenty of shelving, although too high to put your feet on to dry them. The shower unit I used the first morning, was missing its hooks, but there were three on the others. And the showers had screens. They are reasonably close to the sites, although an uphill walk, with steps, is involved from most of them. There is a single toilet, with a hand basin, set among the powered sites, on the lower level. The amenities were kept very clean. The laundry had 2 washing machines, and 1 dryer. The owners plan to do some work on the sites during winter, but they are perfectly acceptable now. Cost $25 per night, which was about average for our stay in February/March. You can walk down to the beach, about 7 minutes away. We did walk down to the Blowhole to see the Penguins along with a few others, and did manage to see some, but we could have done with a better torch. Might I suggest, as we soon found out, that bookings at this time of year are really advisable in Tasmania. We are not in the habit of having to plan ahead, we like our holidays to be spontaneous.
Date 03/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Carole and Terry, Bendigo.

Bridport Caravan Park, Bridport
Bridport is a lovely little town on the coast 80 km north east of Launceston. Ph: 03 6356 1227.
Follow the signs on the foreshore area in the town. This park gives and excellent first impression because of its location but I'm afraid it is all down hill from there. Management is probably the poorest we have encountered. The woman who sat in the office was totally off handed in her dealings. Her reaction to complaints was a stated, "I don't care". Amenities maintained without any thought. $1 fee for 7 minute shower, but it takes 2-3 minutes for hot water to come through and if you are first up in the morning, can take the full 7 minutes! Showers are so poorly designed that water sprays out under shower curtain (there is no retaining lip), through dressing area and out into main ablution area. Amenities are closed for cleaning between 7-8am, the highest demand period of the day. Consequently are dirty and untidy again almost immediately and stay that way for rest of day. Other facilities in the park are poorly maintained and quite dangerous. The park itself extend for a long way along the foreshore and it haphazardly laid out and generally untidy and unclean. It does nothing to encourage you to stay in the town. There has been a major investment in the town in a major golf resort that has the potential to bring major tourist dollars to the town. This point seems to have been lost on the local Council, whom I believe are the owners of this park, and who don't appear to be doing anything to make the area attractive to stay.
Date 11/2006. Park Rating 1: The park rates highly for location but zero for management and quality.
Report submitted by Vande, Bald Hills Qld.

Appeared to be part of a number of sections of park along several kilometres of coastline. Management recently taken on by local Shire who were going to call for tenders for future management. Can only comment on facilities where we stayed - unsure if other sections were part of the same park. Our block had been recently renovated and contained a large laundry room. Appeared to be lots of permanents or long term residents. Small sites, not level. Average staff friendliness, average staff response to complaints. Price was lower than expected, good value for money ($18 2A 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, extra charge for shower. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly unlevel sites, poor night lighting, small sites, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, no rec room. Quiet, claustrophobic park, plenty of shade, too many permanents. No bbqs, no playground, no pool.
Likes: Good bathroom and laundry.
Dislikes: Small and unlevel sites.
Roads: Bitumen road access.
Date 03/2006. Park Rating 3.5: Suitable for a week or more.
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Apex Caravan Park, Deloraine
West Parade between the Meander River and the railway line. On river near close to shopping centre. Ph: 03 6362 2345.
Manager's name is Ruth. A beautifully situated park that runs along the grassed banks of the Meander River. It is a long thin park with 2 lots of amenities - only the older and smaller block was open in September. The friendly caretaker lives over the road just near the park entrance. The amenities were basic and only of average cleanliness (they could have been better). 2 showers, 2 toilets. Water was always hot. Small laundry. There are some cement pads which are handy when it's wet but most of the sites are grassed. Many were damp and boggy in September. Deloraine is a lovely town to use as a base to explore the surrounding region. It has an excellent visitors centre with the famous Yarns display and an adjoining museum complex. There is a large Woolies supermarket just off the main street. TV reception is poor with no digital. The Emu Bay railway runs through the park and makes for an interesting diversion in the middle of the night. This is a simple park with no frills in a very pretty location but it provides all the basic requirements.
Likes: Location, location.
Date 09/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by G&P, SA.

Manager's name is Ruth. While not listed in detail in motoring directory, this park is a good, pet-friendly park located 49 kilometres south of the ferry terminal at Devonport. Caretakers are at house opposite park entrance; lovely lady, Ruth is great. Very friendly staff. Price was lower than expected, very good value for money ($18.00 2A). 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, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry. Peaceful, open & roomy park. Dogs on leash. Suitable for few days, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: We were charged a bit less as our site was newly developed and not yet fully grassed. Nice dog walk across little footbridge to grassed area on other side of river.
Dislikes: Beware of freight trains that run a few times at night on track immediately adjacent to park.
Date 03/2007. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Bellboize.

This park is one of the most picturesque parks that we have stayed in anywhere in Australia. Located on the banks of the Meeandah River the park is divided into two distinct sections. We stayed at the southern end. It is a short walk to the town centre. Sites are grassed, large and well maintained. Amenities are large, clean and adequate. Each section of the park has its own amenities block. Management is by a caretaker located at a house outside but near the entrance of the park. Management is helpful and friendly. It was lovely to sit outside one's van and watch platypus in the river only 8 metres away. Train line running along the boundary of the park provides an interesting diversion although, given that there are not many trains in Tasmania, it is difficult to understand why they need to schedule one at 3am each day! Suitable for overnight or longer. Deloraine is an interesting town and the park provides a good base for exploring attractions in the north of the state. Would definitely stay again.
Date 11/2006. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Vande, Bald Hills Qld.

Coles Bay Camping Area, Freycinet National Park
Stay on main road, leads into National Park. Once past the entrance, take first right turn into overflow car park. Turn right again into camping area. Pick a site and walk up to the Visitor Centre and pay. Ph: 03 6256 7070. No pets allowed.
Clean, tidy well maintained. No hot showers, only 1 cold shower. No laundry. Good toilet facilities and dump point. Good water and power at site. Good water pressure. Swimming close by at beach (around 30m). Good hard standing, no slabs or grass. Value for money doubtful, but as National Parks are required to be self funding in Tasmania with no support from Treasury, (according to Ranger), then the money goes to a worthwhile cause. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, reasonable value for money ($20 2A powered) plus must hold a parks pass. Inadequate number of amenities, are close to only some sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good. Inadequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by, dump point. Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, suitable for families, well maintained park.
Likes: Proximity to national park, cleanliness, peace and quiet.
Dislikes: Amenities; showers and laundry.
Parking: No, adequate parking for large vehicles.
Date 02/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Barry and Jo Konemann, Bathurst.

Iluka Holiday Centre, Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park
The Esplanade. Ph: 03 6257 0115. BIG4 member.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

The park was very crowded with lots of noise from a schoolies party, but this was dealt with the next day and we heard no more noise. Our site was very un-even and rocky, but this was the last site left. Good, helpful and friendly management, responsive to comments. Reasonable value for money. Average amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean and in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Average sites. Laundry, security entry to park. Park atmosphere was okay, open and roomy park, family-friendly park. Clean UC free bbq. Good playground, kid-safe pool area, toddlers were catered for. The park was well maintained.
Likes: Good location, friendly staff.
Dislikes: Our site was pretty rough.
Added Touches: Close to bakery, supermarket and pub.
Local Information: Good fishing from the jetty.
Park Rating 3: Suitable for a few days.
Report submitted by Steve C, Canberra.

Friendly Beaches Camping Area, Freycinet National Park
After turning off the Tasman Highway onto Coles Bay Road towards the National Park, the Friendly Beaches turnoff is to the left after about 8 kms, well marked. After turning off Coles Bay Road, the road is a good dirt road, which splits after 2 kms, heading off to separate camping and picnicing areas. Ph: 03 6256 7000. No pets or campfires allowed.
This is a basic bush camping site in a separate section of the national park to the main well tourist part near the Coles Bay township. It is about a 15 minute drive from Coles Bay, the last section being a 4 km unmade gravelled road. When we were there, the road was in poor condition, corrugated and potholed, and we had to drive very slowly with the van. The camp itself is right alongside the beach, which is a magnificent, wild white sand beach, with no crowds. The campsites are small private bays cut into the dense vegetation, and bordered by large rocks to prevent you enlarging them further. This means that many sites are unsuitable for caravans, but there are some good large sites if you look carefully. The only facilities are long drop toilets, which needed maintenance when we were there. Camping is free, but it is inside the national park, so you need a current parks pass. This is a lovely, quiet alternative to the crowds of Coles Bay area. Reasonable value for money. Sites were level, the site size was okay. Quiet, shady park. Suitable for a few days.
Date 04/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Jan and Michael, Victoria.

Kelso Sands Holiday Park, Kelso
18 km north of Beaconsfield at western side of Tamar River mouth. BIG4 member. Ph: 03 6383 9130.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Manager's name is Bob & Barbara Radley. Owners extremely friendly & helpful. Park does have concrete annexe pads, but lawn is so green & beautiful that we chose that. Sites are not regimental & are very spacious. Camp kitchen excellent with outdoor fire for heating, lots of seating, well lit & lots of cooking facilities. The wildlife is something not to be believed, especially wombats which appear around 3pm & stay till dawn, often scratching themselves under caravans. A fair amount of droppings to avoid, but we accepted that you don't get one without the other. If you like oysters, then this park is heaven, with Barbara telling us where to go & easily get as many as we could eat. Amenities are not new, but well maintained & cleaned, hand soap & driers, free showers & a lot of showers & toilets, very good laundry. 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 lower than expected, very good value for money ($98 2A per week 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, 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, large sites, concrete annex slabs, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, good rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen, kiosk, car wash, secure entry, van parking. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No pets allowed. Clean UC electric bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Excellent playground in good condition. Clean heated pool is open to sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for month or longer, suitable for families, well maintained park.
Likes: Owners were very friendly, always stopped to chat when passing, made us feel we were welcome. Park was serene & peaceful, beautiful big pine trees to walk through, lots of area & so spacious, tidy & clean ... & the oysters.
Parking: A big area to park without blocking entrance, room for more than 1 vehicle to park.
Added Touches: A big jumping pillow for kids (& big kids) The friendliness of Bob & Barb.
Local Information: Close to Beauty Point with great eating out actions & attractions, Beaconsfield with very good bakery & coffee shops & Grubb Shaft Museum & lots of short drives to nearby attractions. And the oysters. Also close to National Park & boat ramp.
Roads: Roads good, all sealed from Launceston which is only 60 km south.
Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Malanlyn, Bundaberg Qld.

Launceston Cabin and Tourist Park, Launceston
Old Bass Highway, Hadspen, 10 kms west of Launceston. Turn off highway. Ph: 03 6393 6391.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Mainly cabin accommodation but about 12 van sites. Clean amenity block - watch your step in the men's. Nowhere to put clothes while showering, just one small peg - ridiculous. Very friendly management who travel extensively themselves so can offer good advice about road suitability, etc. Good UC gas bbq, with tables and night lighting, combined with small camp kitchen. Advertised above-ground pool, sauna and spa were not operable and had not been for some time. Rec room was also closed for renovations. Half-size tennis court.
Dislikes: Shower cubicles; inoperable extra facilities.
Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Badger.

Treasure Island Caravan Park, Launceston
94 Glen Dhu Street at bottom of hill off A1 road coming from Devonport. Just follow the signs to the park, signposts on several roads including main highway. Ph: 03 6344 2600.
This is the worst caravan park I have ever stayed in - booked 3 nights but only lasted 2 as the noise was so bad from the adjacent freeway - the amenities were OK although old and in need of repair. The only good thing about the park is the proximity to the city. Friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, poor value for money ($29 A1 per night, off-peak period). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, 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, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, shade to some sites, hard to negotiate into site. Good laundry, basic rec room. Noisy. Dismal UC bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Basic playground in average condition. No pool.
Likes: Close to Launceston.
Dislikes: Noise, noise and noise – cars, trucks and motorbikes going up and down the hill beside the park.
Date 02/2009.
Report submitted by Swanny.

I didn't want to stay here because of previous reports I had read, but it was the first caravan park we came across, on our way back to Wynyard from Bicheno. The park isn't difficult to access when coming from that direction. We must have stayed there on a quieter night (Friday) as the traffic noise didn't worry us that much, and we couldn't have got much closer to the road! Our site wasn't very level, and we were unable to make our van really level, but we had taken the last available site for our 20ft van, and were only staying for the one night. The amenities block is old, but clean, water hot, and water pressure good. The one I used was a fair distance from our van. There was a camp kitchen attached to this, which was getting quite a lot of use. No sullage point near our van, or even in sight.
Date 03/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Carole and Terry, Bendigo.

This park which is very difficult to access, on a road right beside the major A1 road to Devonport and so trucks and other traffic are passing all through the night. As there is a steep hill, brakes are being engaged all the time. Although there was ample space on the far side of the park we were allocated a site very close to the highway. We had set up before several other people told us they had insisted on being moved, as they had no sleep on that site. We found our electrical connection was being used by another van. The owner said his wasn't working. We tried it and it kept cutting out. Four times we complained to the office and the man sent to see it said there was nothing wrong. In the end we used an extension cable and used the one for an unused site. For two nights we suffered yelling, screaming tourists in tents right near us as well as the loud traffic. No night security patrolled to curb the noise, which went on after midnight. On the third night we had 5-6 drunken men in a cabin right across from our van. They ran around the park naked, fought and threw things around the cabin all night. I tried to go to the office to call the night emergency but was terrified by the state of the men who were fighting outside the cabin. At 6 in the morning I eventually raced down to the office to discover it wouldn't open until 8.30 am. My husband decided we would no longer stay in the park although we had pre-paid for another night. I wrote a note and put it under the office door explaining why we had left. I have not received any acknowledgement or apology whatsoever from the managers/owners. In every other park we have stayed in around Australia we have had a phone number on our info sheet, to call for night help and were not expected to "run the gauntlet" of crazed drunks, to a buzzer at the office. Because this is the only van park in Launceston, I feel others need to be warned. Unfriendly staff, bad staff response to complaints. Price was as expected, poor value for money ($26 2A powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to only some sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites. Basic laundry, basic rec room. Noisy, open & roomy park, not enough shade. No pets allowed. Dirty bbq. No pool.
Dislikes: A camp kitchen such as we expected from our experiences with hundreds of other parks could not be found. There seemed to be a small barbecue area dominated by backpackers who stayed around it all night after cooking there.
Local Information: This is the only van/cabin park in Launceston and was very disappointing.
Date 04/2007.
Report submitted by Eileen Walder.

Staff supplied us with a map of the park with clear directions to our site and the nearest amenities block. No drive through sites. Friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, reasonable value for money ($25 2A per night powered). Amenities are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No pets allowed. A well maintained park.
Likes: Unannounced late arrival by us was met with friendliness and good service. Even though the park was pretty full, they still found us a quiet spot close to amenities.
Dislikes: Went to dump our rubbish in the designated spot and found the big bin already overfull.
Date 02/2006. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Chris & Jeanette, Toowoomba Qld.

Launceston Holiday Park, Legana
711 West Tamar Highway. Legana is 12 km (10 minutes) from Launceston on the West Tamar Highway. Ph: 03 6330 1714. Family Parks member.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Manager's name is Peter. We were up the back on a gravel site, not very level. There were good sites at the front. Ask if one of these is available. Excellent TV reception, digital available. Friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($20 2A 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, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, some unlevel sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen, kiosk. Quiet, claustrophobic park. No pets allowed. Clean free gas bbq, in congenial UC bbq area, with lighting, seating provided. Good playground in average condition. No pool. Suitable for a few days. A well maintained park.
Likes: Free internet access in office. Helpful staff.
Dislikes: Two sections to the park, old and new. Old is well established with grass sites and lots of trees. New part is all gravel and some sites are a long way from the amenities.
Parking: Drive in about 40m. Parking beside office.
Local Information: On the Tamar River. Very nice area.
Park Rating 3: Suitable for a week or more.
Report submitted by Cruiserman.

Longford Riverside Caravan Park, Longford
Archer Street. Just off the main road into Longford. Well sign posted. Ph: 03 6391 1470. Dogs on leash.
Manager's name is Karen. What a beautiful park, immaculate grounds spotless ablution blocks. We had a lovely site on the river it was glorious. Great help with info about the area, it is only 20mins from Launceston. 20 cents for 3 minute shower, water was very hot so well worth it. We stayed 3 nights first time and done touristy things in the north, we stayed 2 nights on the way back. The bird life in the morning is great, a nice walk into a lovely village with supermarket, pubs etc. Only reason haven't given the park 5 as it doesn't have ensuites which we can do without but I think a lot of people can't. Lovely walks in the morning along the river. Karen suggested a different sit on our return journey and lent us an extension lead, she was right as our sliding door opened onto the river view in the morning. We have done a lot of caravanning over the years and this is one of the best parks we have been to, the grounds are very spacious more like a huge park and kept immaculate. A job well done to all in this 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. Price was as expected, very good value for money ($25.00 2A 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, extra charge for shower, soap provided, 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 some sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, small camp kitchen, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), disabled facilities, 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. No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park.
Likes: peace and quiet and river outlook, bird life, walks,
Parking: just parked outside office
Local Information: nice village pub meals if needed, fuel etc, some heritage listed properties which are nice to look at nice playground close to park, fishing in the river in the caravan park itself.
Roads: all bitumen roads.
Date 10/2009. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Kevin & Fran Ringvall.

We stayed for 7 nights @ $25 per night powered site, good value for money. Well maintained park with friendly and most helpful owners. Park is on the banks of river with lush green lawn. We had good size site on river front, no slab, 12 sites away from amenities, ideal spot made up for that. Slab sites available in middle of park. Sites further from the reception area and past the second block of amenities are bigger. Amenities are spotless, 20c for 3 minute shower, works well! This park is very popular with regulars from all over Tasmania descending on it long-weekends etc. 20 minutes drive along freeway to Launceston and beautiful Cataract Gorge. Did day trips to Tamar Valley, Beaconsfield, Georgetown, Low Heads.
Date 02/2009. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by stockos.

This is a lovely park located on a riverbank on the edge of town. The park is in two levels. The upper level is the oldest and the sites are tight and not very level. Those on the lower level are flat and large. The amenities are clean and adequate. Management is friendly and helpful. Longford is a pleasant town, well sited for exploring Tamar Valley area. The local bakery and butcher shop are must visit locations. It is suitable for overnight or extended stay. Reasonable value for money. We would stay again.
Date 09/2006. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Vande, Bald Hills Qld.

Low Head Tourist Park, Low Head
Travel through Georgetown heading north on the East Tamar Highway. Park is on the right as you head to Low Head. Dogs on leash. Ph: 03 6382 1573.
The park has very spacious, flat sites, not many trees but they are growing them. The sites are level and all within reach of the very modern amenities block. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, very good value for money ($28.50 2Aper 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, dry change area, 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 most sites, very few sites are shaded, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen, disabled facilities, dump point, van parking. Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Very helpful and friendly staff. The park is beautifully maintained. Plenty of wallabies around at night but the Manager cleans up after them every morning.
Dislikes: Not enough shade trees. They are growing them but the wallabies keep eating them.
Parking: Parking at reception.
Local Information: The Low Head Tourist Park provides the perfect resting point for those wishing to explore the historic Tamar Valley region and experience the sometimes raw, sometimes tranquil but always beautiful waters of Bass Strait and the majestic Tamar River. Explore East Beach, the Tamar River, Low Head Lighthouse, Maritime Museum & Pilot Station, Fairy Penguin Parade, and Historic George Town. Drive the wine route and whatever you do don’t miss lunch at Pipers Brook Vineyard.
Roads: Excellent Highway and main roads to the park.
Date 03/2009. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by TassieD & Rusty.

Ross Caravan Park, Ross
Bridge Street, 300m south of post office. This is a small Council caravan park in the middle of town. Right next to the river and the historic Ross Bridge. You cross the bridge coming from the south and turn left after one block, then left and left again to access the park. Ph: 03 6381 5224.
Ross is a lovely little town just off the main Hobart/Launceston highway and is well worth a visit. Cost $16.00. Very ordinary. No resident manager. Pay dues at nearby motel and chose your own site. Well situated for historic attractions of Ross. Most expensive laundry we have encountered ($4/load). Amenities clean but old and badly in need of upgrading. Most complicated system of water delivery in showers. Ross is a lovely town with a number of well kept historic places as well as the Wool and Timber museum. It deserves a better caravan park than this. OK for overnight.
Date 11/2006. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Vande, Bald Hills Qld.

Hillcrest Tourist Park & Minimarket, St Helens
10 Chimney Heights Road. This is about 6kms south of St Helens. Ph: 03 6376 3298. Dog friendly.
Convenient with mini market, petrol pump, pizzas, etc. Some sites are better than others. Good boat washing area that can also be used for washing your caravan. Old but clean amenities. Cost $22 per night. Beautiful area with lots to see.
Date 04/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Maureen And Richard Hay.

St. Helens Caravan Park, St Helens
Penelope Street. St Helens is a large busy fishing town on the east coast. Follow signs, south end of town, turn off to left on main highway coming in from the south. Well signposted. BIG4 member. Ph: 03 6376 1290 or 1300 559 745.
This park is set on a sloping bushland area but sites are generally flat and spacious. Being a popular holiday spot there are many permanent vans/shacks. Generally speaking Tasmanian parks are below the standard of those on the 'north island' but this was one of the best we experienced in a 6 week trip around this magnificent island. This large park has been extensively renovated with still a little landscaping work to be done. The new amenities block is magnificent in blue and white tiles, there is a well equipped laundry, camp kitchen, children's playroom etc. There are a couple of en-suite sites with more being added. Digital TV reception was OK with a little aerial twiddling. St Helens is a very pretty town set on the sheltered Georges Bay. It is a useful base to explore the Blue Tier, Mt William National Park, Binalong Bay, St Columba's Falls, Pyengana, etc. It is worth a stay of 4 or 5 days. The visitors centre has an informative history room with wonderful displays. Friendly management Good value for money.
Likes: Amenities
Date 09/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by G&P, SA.

A large park with a high proportion of "weekenders/annuals", common to most Tasmanian parks. Park is well kept and management is friendly and helpful at reception. Amenities are near new and are well designed - probably the best designed amenities block we have seen anywhere. They are also kept in immaculate condition. The park is set on quite a steep hillside which makes manoeuvring onto sites awkward. Reasonable value for money. Suitable as a base for exploring NE Tasmania. Would stay again.
Date 11/2006. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Vande, Bald Hills Qld.

Now BIG4, change of owners.
Update submitted by BIG4.

Scamander Kookaburra Caravan Park, Scamander
On left (travelling to north from Hobart) behind Service station. On the highway, north end of town. Built on a hill. Ph: 03 6372 5121.
We were told that this park was recently sold and had new owners. That may be the reason for the price of $25 per night. As well, showers were 5c for hot water but the permanents told us this would shortly rise to $1 per shower. This park is on the side of the hill with some having ocean views. But the sites were uneven and hard to get a van onto, especially if your RV was over 23 ft. Amenities were clean and tidy. Rundown camp kitchen. Everything was tired and old.
Date 04/2008. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Maureen And Richard Hay.

Manager's name is Frank & Val Martin. This one hits the jackpot for friendly operators. Both husband and wife were very nice and friendly. Great location, great price, great laundry and run by people who seem to enjoy running a caravan park! While they charge for showers, you pay two 5 cent pieces for ten minutes. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice. Price was lower than expected ($18.00 2A per night). 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, extra charge for shower. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry. Peaceful, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere. Dogs on leash. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Location is great - near to St Helens, which is the 'glitzy' part of the east coast while this park is in a more quiet area. Situated against a hill, you get great ocean views. Sites were very grassy and well maintained.
Date 02/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Bellboize.

North East Park, Scottsdale
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Tasman Highway. The park is now a "free park". When we got there, the old amenities block with the coin operated hot showers had been closed, and a new block with flush toilets and only a cold shower, was up and running. This was cleaned each morning by Council staff, but like so many Tassie parks, the floor was not level, so the shower water soon ran through the block and sand from around the new building made quite a mess on the wet floors. With no power now available, campers parked untidily at all angles. It is a lovely environment although right next to a noisy highway at the base of a hill you get trucks revving up the hill in either direction all night. It is part of the Apex Park and the pleasant park and walk trail behind still makes it a choice camp site. Good for a few days, if you can put up with the road noise.
Report submitted by Motherhen.

Swansea Holiday Park, Swansea
Shaw Street. At the northern end of the Swansea, entrance opposite the Bark Mill Tavern and Museum. Turnoff marked at south end of town. Ph: 03 6257 8177 or 03 6257 8148. Family Parks member. Takes dogs.
This is an older park with mostly permanents and on site cabins. There are approximately 14 tourist sites. We had a site right on the beach with beautiful views. At $28 per night, this was a very expensive park and except for the views, was not very appealing. The management was uninterested. When we called the day before for a site we were told they were booked out but when we arrived the next day we were told by other guests that many tourist sites had been empty for a few days. The water must be boiled before use but there is a rainwater tank near the games room. Park also has a pool and playground. I don't think we would stay again.
Date 04/2008. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Maureen And Richard Hay.

Quite a large park but only a few powered sites available. The majority of sites are semi-permanent weekenders for private use. (I think the local term for these is Annuals). Sites are sheltered from the wind. They are tight and any vans over 18' would have limited choices. Management is friendly and helpful. Amenities are among the cleanest we have seen in Tasmania. They are old but well maintained. Swansea has a quaint village feel to it and we felt very comfortable. We booked for 2 nights and ended up staying for four. Suitable for overnight or longer. We would definitely stay again. Good management, friendly management, management responsive to comments, management was helpful.
Date 11/2006. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Vande, Bald Hills, Qld.

Nice park very close to the beach. Swansea Holiday Park has two locations in Swansea - one at Schouten Beach (southern end) and one at Jubilee Beach (northern end). Originally went to Schouten Beach but the caretaker was shutting up at 5pm and there was not much to do. This park was full of lots of permanent vans. At the caretaker's suggestion, we drove to Jubilee Beach. Again, lots of permanent vans but we were on one of two sites at the 'top' of the park (there were lots of unpowered and a few unpowered sites at the lower level - literally on the beach). We chose this because it was closer to the amenities block and the small games room (we had two children), plus the view. The main amenities block was very clean but would think in the middle of summer there would probably be insufficient toilets and showers. There was an older, smaller amenities block amongst the onsite cabins - didn't go in this so can't comment on the standard. Showers were free. A camp kitchen was located in another area of the park - this was very, very basic. The rubbish bin was full and stank. I left after washing up feeling quite sick. Sink was very low and tiny. Tiny hotplate area and a grill. All in all this was not in keeping with the new, clean amenities block. Didn't bother using it again so unsure if rubbish bin was emptied or not. Was a small pool that was shut for winter - this was fenced. Children's play area consisted of a couple of small slides and a sand pit. There were a number of small BBQ areas around, didn't use these. Sites were flat and easy to manoeuvre into. View was absolutely fantastic - great to watch the sun rising over the Hazards Mountains at Coles Bay. Easy walk into the town and along the beach. Staff were friendly and it cost $36 for 2 nights for 2A and 2C with FPA discount. Great value but kitchen was a real low point. Water cannot be drunk from the taps in Swansea as it is untreated - told by staff and also notice in kitchen. Price was lower than expected, good value for money ($18 2A 2C per night powered). Basic playground in average condition, pool is open to sun, kid-safe pool area. The park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: The view, peaceful, clean amenities.
Dislikes: camp kitchen, lack of facilities for children.
Local Information: Fantastic meal at the Bark Mill Tavern - huge size, tasty and very reasonably priced. Kates Berrys Farm excellent for afternoon tea. Newsagent/Bakery terrific for a quiet coffee and treat with the kids - Wendy House, toys and blackboard to keep them amused.
Roads: Quite a number of tight, narrow turns on road into Swansea from Hobart.
Date 05/2006. Park Rating 3: Suitable for few days.
Report submitted by Williams Family, Hobart.

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