Planning a holiday that will keep the kids entertained while allowing you the opportunity to relax might seem improbable, however, Western Australia’s mix of well-equipped caravan and camping sites and plentiful natural attractions could be just the ticket.
Set across 13 acres of bushland and three minutes from the beach in the Margaret River region, Gracetown Caravan Park is an attractive option, featuring a range of recreational amenities.
“The park has a tennis court, new basketball half-court, volleyball court, playground and a great 18-hole mini golf course – all provided free of charge,” Gracetown Caravan Park Owner Laura Golding said.
“From late September until the end of April we do outdoor movies, and we have a bouncy castle and waterslide in the hotter weather.”
Ms Golding said the park’s surrounding natural environment was similarly great for children.
“The freedom of riding their bikes or roaming the park and exploring the bush, trees and various wildlife is just as enjoyable for the kids,” she said.
Located in Busselton, BIG4 Beachlands Holiday Park is another gem of WA’s south. Facilities include the Splash and Play Water Park with swimming pools to suit toddlers and older children, NEOS 360 interactive play equipment, plenty of barbecue areas and a heated amenities block.
“Our swimming pool is a popular choice for the whole family because it’s something they can all do together,” BIG4 Beachlands Holiday Park Manager Courtney said.
The adults have also been looked after at the park.
“Our villas and jacuzzi bungalows have spas which adults can enjoy,” Courtney said.
“With the beach only 150m away and the swimming pool on your doorstep, that’s all you need to have a great getaway.”
BIG4 Beachlands is also pet-friendly, meaning families don’t have to make arrangements for four-legged members to be looked after while they are away. Another Busselton haven situated directly across from a beach, Mandalay Holiday Resort features an expansive grassed field, a brand new playground, a jumping pillow, games room and three resort-style pools.
“The heated indoor pool has a shallow beach, perfect for the whole family to splash around in, even when the weather isn’t perfect,” Mandalay Holiday Resort Media and Marketing Manager Aimee Wilson said.
“Our outdoor lagoon pool also has a shallow beach and wide steps, and is solar heated, while our most popular outdoor pool has a large rainbow waterslide which is fun for all ages.”
Small themed playgrounds are sprinkled throughout the park for some land-based fun, with the aptly named Summit Tower Playground boasting towers over 10m tall with three different slides.
Indoors, Ms Wilson said the games room was a great place for adults to relax with a good book, while the layout of the park’s accommodation meant parents could easily supervise their kids while enjoying some quiet time.
“All of our resort-style accommodation features balconies that overlook different aspects of the park, meaning parents can sit and relax and still see what is going on around them,” she said.
Meal times are made easy, according to Ms Wilson, with a number of local food trucks visiting the park during busier times of the year.
A touch further south, BIG4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park at Cowaramup lives up to its name with animal feeding every afternoon.
“We find the children absolutely love the animal feeding,” BIG4 Taunton Farm Owner Julie Saunders said. “It is quite a unique and memorable experience, especially for our overseas guests or those travelling from the city.”
No one-trick pony, however, the park also offers go-karting for the adventurous at heart, as well as outdoor movies in the warmer months.
“We find families really enjoy our large sites and our camp kitchen, which is an old barn-style building,” Ms Saunders said.
“It is great for families to congregate and enjoy the outdoors.
“The overall farm experience suits young ages, as kids can play freely and safely in our large open spaces.”
