NOVEMBER 2008

Hi Top Tourist Park Member,

Welcome to the November edition of ttparksnews.

In this edition of the Top Tourist Parks enewsletter you will find a range of special offers and package deals exclusive to the participating Top Tourist Holiday Parks. Click the link on the right and you are sure to find a holiday bargain.

Alison Huth visits the Top Tourist Holiday Parks in the Margaret River region of Western Australia and presents a comprehensive overview of the parks and the area. Alison also shows us the benifits of using the Platinum Card when travelling and the great deals that are on offer.

Anglesea Holiday Park have expanded their kids activities with the opening of an indoor toddlers playroom and also a large games room.

Parklane Tourist Park have been busy with numerous improvements including the opening of the Park Lane Cafe and the addition of nine new cabins. Click on the link to your right to read the full story.

Ballina Lakeside Holiday Park hosted the National Hogs (Harley Owners Group) Rally. If you love motor cycles or perhaps even own a Harley you may already know what its like to witness the Thunder Run. Click on the right link to read the full story.

There are many more news items and stories on Top Tourist Parks, Top Tourist Parks personalities in this November edition so we hope you truly enjoy this edition of ttparksnews.

For more information on all things Top Tourist Parks don't forget to visit our website: www.toptouristparks.com.au

Best regards,
From Top Tourist Parks

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HOLIDAY PASS
COMPETITION
FINAL DRAW

Last chance to enter HOLIDAY PASS COMPETITION!

The final draw for the Holiday Pass competition will be held on 26th November 2008 so it is important for all travellers who are still holding entry forms to either drop them in at any Top Tourist member park or mail to Top Tourist Parks, PO Box 150 Kent Town SA 5071. The entry forms need to arrive no later then 20th November to ensure that they are in the draw.

After being in place for many years the Board of Top Tourist Parks have taken the decision to close off the competition as interest has been declining over the last few years. The Board would like to thank all travellers who have taken the opportunity to lodge the entry forms and also congratulate the many winners who got to enjoy the $500 worth of accommodation vouchers.

Go on line at www.toptouristparks.com.au for more information.

BIG KIDS BIRTHDAY BASH AT ANCHORAGE HOLIDAY PARK

A crowd of 70 had a ball at the Big Kids Birthday Bash.

Every year during the winter season Anchorage Holiday Park have several Morning Teas, Pancakes etc but as an extra special treat they held one "big" event.

This year because Anchorage Holiday Park had so many guests with special birthdays from sixty through to ninety they decided on a Big kids Birthday Bash! Invitations were issued and of course all were asked to dress in Kids Party gear. With a crowd of about 70 a ball was had by all.

All of the guests really got into the swing of things (as you can see!) and were ready for party games. Included were Musical Chairs which allowed for several rugby tackles to occur (and these were from the ladies!) OH&S rules of course!!!! The Blindfolded Jelly Eating Contest was a challenge and of course Pass the Parcel for those more sedate party goers.

Music was supplied by an excellent local musician and food was of course a sumptuous feast of sausage rolls, party pies, little boys, chocolate crackles, jelly and ice cream and cake. An opal pendant was donated by one of our residents for a Raffle raising $300 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Anchorage Holiday Park
Marandowie Drive, Iluka NSW 2466
Bookings: 1800 639 127
Phone: 02 6646 6844
Web: www.anchorageholidaypark.com.au
Email: info@anchorageholidaypark.com.au

ANGLESEA BEACHFRONT
FAMILY CARAVAN PARK

Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park proudly open a brand new toddler play centre.
 
Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park have been busy opening a new games room, toddler play centre and also have added a new jumping pillow.

Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park
35 Cameron Rd, Anglesea VIC 3230
Bookings: 1800 040 455
Phone: 03 5263 3055
Web: www.angleseabeachfront.com.au
Email: info@angleseabeachfront.com.au

FAMILY FRIENDLY EXPANSION AT PARK LANE TOURIST PARK

Major expansion and additions at Park Lane.

What a busy year for Park Lane Tourist Park – with 9 new cabins built, ranging from premier family ( 6 berth) to superior (5 berth) expanding their guests options for comfort with all linen provided in all our cabins.

Park Lane Tourist Park has opened a Caf?Bar serving a delicious hot breakfast every morning with self serving hot drink bar available 24 hours with the choice of top rated latte, cappacino, hot chocolate or moccachino just to mention a few. Imagine relaxing in the outdoor alfresco area enjoying your breakfast or just a quiet cuppa.

Expanding into family friendly, Park Lane have also installed a large jumping pillow, mini golf also peddle go karts to compliment the solar heated swimming pool, toddlers wading pool, childrens playground and indoor heated spa.  Wireless internet is also available throughout the park with internet caf?located within reception for those not traveling with a laptop

If looking for ideas for Christmas family holidays or just somewhere quiet to sit back and relax, take advantage of Park Lanes great specials available.

Park Lane Tourist Park
5353 Princes Highway Traralgon VIC 3844 4113
Phone: 1800 440 000
Web: www.parklanetouristpark.com.au
Email: stay@parklanetouristpark.com.au

DONGARA TOURIST PARK - KITE STOCK

For the last couple of years Dongara Tourist Park has hosted the Kite Stock weekend which attracts both amateur and professional wind kite surfers from near and far.

Last year there were 300 kiters off South beach which is overlooked from the cabins at Dongara Tourist Park. When all the kiters are out the sky is a blaze of colour and a real spectacle. The event takes place in February and it looks like being a 10 day event.

Dongara Tourist Park
8 George Street Dongara WA 6525
Phone: 1800 052 577
Web: www.dongaratouristpark.com.au
Email: stay@dongaratouristpark.com.au

TOURING MARGARET RIVER WITH ALISON HUTH

Riverview Tourist Park

Margaret River is a world famous wine region, with some of the finest wines you can find. It is also the name of the river that runs along one part of the boundary of the Riverview Tourist Park, which is about 800m from the township of Margaret River.

This park is built on the side of a hill, and rises some 17 meters over 650 meters, which meant to me that walking down the park was a lot easier than walking up it! But if you want to enjoy the river, you need to get down to the bottom, and there you can relax in the excellent BBQ area, play a game of volley ball, badminton or boules. If all you want to do is look at the river, then this is the spot to do it from.

Riverview is, in the main, a cabin park, although there are some excellent sites (4 with en-suites) for caravans and others for campervans and tents. The Browner family (Vince and Merri) have been here for 11 years and turned it around from a ramshackle park into a modern comfortable park which is laid out to break down straight lines and give people a sense of space and peace.

While you are staying there, a great way to see the area is too book on the Cheers winery and scenic tour. This tour, run by Nathan Browner son of Vince and Merri, includes an excellent lunch in the park BBQ area! As this is all in the family, Nathan gives a discount to Riverview guests.

The Margaret River area is well known for their wine, but you cannot go away without visiting the boutique cheese makers, the chocolate factory and venison farm. There is so much to see and do in the Margaret River area and it makes it easy when you stay in Riverview.
If you want a trip away from Perth, and enjoy being able to wander into town, then Riverview is the ideal spot to choose.

Riverview Tourist Park
8 – 10 Willmott Ave Margaret River WA 6285
Toll Free: 1300 666 105
Email: info@riverviewtouristpark.com
Web: www.riverviewtouristpark.com

Mandalay Resort and Tourist Park

“Last night I dreamt I went to Mandalay again”. If you love old black and white films, then the opening line from the Alfred Hitchcock movie “Rebecca” will invoke images of dark rooms, crashing waves on rocks and the sinister housekeeper, Mrs Danvers. Well, I can assure you that our Mandalay has nothing in common with this classic movie.

Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park is in Busselton, WA, a beautiful seaside resort with the famous 2km long Busselton Pier. The park has everything that you could possible want for that well earned break with sites under the trees, some with en-suites, a range of cabins, and activities to entertain the most active of children.

The only waves crashing here are those created by the people swimming in the indoor and outdoor pool. There is a games room, two playgrounds, a jumping pillow and a huge oval in the center of the park. One of the cleverest aspects of this park is the ability of the facilities to go from summer to winter without missing a beat. The indoor pool is only indoor when it is cool weather, in summer the “walls” come up and you have a second outdoor pool. The games room can be opened up for summer and closed up for winter.

We decided not to take our caravan on our last visit to Mandalay and stayed in one of the new chalets, and it was well worth it. We thoroughly enjoyed the luxury and the thought that had gone into the planning and equipping of the cabin. I even knew how to work the dishwasher.

But, if you want to spend some time on the beach then all you have to do is walk over the road and wander down to one of the calmest beaches I have seen in a long time. Lovely white sand, clear water and a view of the pier in the distance make the beach a delight to stroll along.

Staff like Mrs Danvers are nowhere to be found at Mandalay, all the people who work here are incredibly friendly and welcoming. This is one park that needs to be experienced and enjoyed. It should change you memories of the word Mandalay.

Mandalay Resort and Tourist Park
Mandalay Entrance Busselton WA 6280
Toll Free: 1800 248 231
Email:info@mandalayresort.com.au
Web: www.mandalayresort.com.au

Karrinyup Waters Resort

When this park started some 35 years ago, it was in the middle of nowhere, but as with all ‘city’ caravan parks, nowhere has caught up with the Resort, or so you would think from the outside where the new houses are going up at a healthy rate.

Once you go through the office and get into the park, you are in for a real surprise. This park is a true rural oasis in the middle of suburbia. Ted and Margaret Gettinby have been there from day one and they have overseen the steady change to the park to blend the needs of today’s customers with that something special that is hidden at the back of the park.

When they started there was an area of what could only be called swamp, and it took over a lot of the land. Slowly Ted reclaimed land by filling in the easy bits and eventually digging out the not so easy bits. The result of this was a lot more land and a beautiful lake that has been described as an excellent example of swamp reclamation and management.

The park now has over 64 different types of birds with at least 12 breeding pairs calling Karrinyup home. While we were there mother swan bought her cygnet over to have a look at us.

Over the years Ted has worked on a flexible use of his space so that he can respond to your needs and this means that he has places for tents amongst the trees, motorhomes, caravans of all sizes and fifth wheelers. He has also built up a range of cabins for the times you just need to stay for a while without bringing the van.

Ted and Margaret have also worked on providing families with an enjoyable time, with a jumping pillow, playground and swimming pool. In the last couple of years the spa has been enlarged and now doubles as a heated pool in the colder months.

When you are looking for a country park that is close to Perth, you cannot go past Karrinyup Waters Resort with its beautiful lake and great facilities.

Karrinyup Waters Resort
Karrinyup Waters Resort 467 North Beach Rd
Toll Free: 1800 633 665
Email: ikwresort@iinet.net.au
Web: www.kwr.net.au

Gracetown Caravan Park

If you want to find a place where you can have a quite spot all to yourself, then this is one for you. On the other hand if you want to find a park where you can have a family or friends group all in the one place, then this is the one for you. Laura and Michael Golding, along with Laura’s Dad Norman Leonard have worked hard over the past 4 years to blend the natural surroundings with the requirements of the modern caravan park.

Gracetown Caravan Park is spread over 13 ?acres, and has a lot of gardens which break up the sites, create nooks and crannies and really deliver a feeling of bush camping with all of the conveniences of hot showers, electricity and things for the children to do. There are a couple of cabins hidden away in the bushes which just add to the experience.

I am happy to admit that I do not have a green thumb, but I do like beautiful flowers and ‘jungle gardens’. When we went to Gracetown, it turned out to be an orchid trip. With the help of Norman we went looking for some of the huge range of orchids that grow in the gardens throughout the park. Although we were there at the end of the season, there were still plenty to see and photograph. Norman knows more about them that I do, which is not hard, but I do know that they were so delicate and the colours so clear that I was getting RSI in my camera finger!

The park is about 2 ?km from the beach and there is a tennis court, playground, basketball practice court and beach volley ball court for the energetic to use on site. The beach has some outstanding surf from time to time, and a protected bay for the kids all the time.

As an added bonus there is a range of local wildlife that call the park home, or at least use it to get around. Kangaroos, possums and a couple of very friendly kookaburras are just park of native fauna you can see.

The flora and fauna at Gracetown make it an unforgettable place to settle back and smell the orchids!

Gracetown Caravan Park
Cnr Caves and Cowaramup Bay Rd's
Gracetown WA 6284
Toll Free: 1800 555 818
Email: gracetowncaravanpark@bigpond.com.au
Web: www.gracetowncaravanpark.com.au

USING THE PLATINUM CARD IN MARGARET RIVER

I suppose most of us have heard about Margaret River in Western Australia, after all it is one of the premier wine making regions in Australia. But hearing about it is very different from actually going there. I have had my first real taste for this area now, and simply cannot wait to go back.

Peter and I traveled around the four Top Tourist parks while we were there, and that was an excellent way to see the area. We also decided that we would have to restrict ourselves a little in sampling the main produce of the area mainly because there are 96 wineries to choose from – and we did not have the time or stamina to see them all!

We did take the time to go to the Berry Farm and have lunch there in their Cottage Caf? This is a beautiful setting in some brilliant gardens, the food was delicious and the boast was that only on-site products were used for pickles, jams etc. We decided to go with the venison sausages, as they farm venison in the area so we thought it would be good, and it was.

After lunch we strolled into the wine tasting area and spent the first half hour not tasting wines. There is such a huge range of other produce made at the Berry Farm that we just worked our way through the jams, pickles, vinegars and anything else that had ‘tasting’ next to it. The Cottage Caf?boast was spot on. We finally made our way to the wines and came away with some wonderful Frog Belly Chardonnay with an additional boost from our Top Tourist Platinum Card.

Using the Platinum Card did add to the value of our thoroughly enjoyable time at the Berry Farm.

If you are not into wines, then there are plenty of other things to sample in the area. In the past 30 years Margaret River has grown from a farming area into a gourmet food experience that does have something for everyone.

You can go to cheese factories and see them make the cheese, and then indulge your taste buds with brie, camembert, cheddar, feta (my favourite) baked ricotta and yoghurt to name just a few. If you do not go overboard on cheese, how about a visit to the award winning Margaret River Chocolate Company. The company produces a huge range of chocolates and is always introducing new taste sensations. Their chocolate truffles took out a healthy number of medals at the last Perth Royal Show. If these two fail to interest you, how about venison farms, olive oil production and fudge!

If you like flowers and gardens, this area has 150 species of orchids and over 2,500 wildflowers. We were there at the end of the season, but still managed to enjoy the roads with their generous coatings of wildflowers, plus the orchids when you knew were to look.

You can do just about anything in Margaret River, depending on the season. There are surf carnivals, family festivals, organic food weeks and whale watching that have to be fitted into the schedule.

I thought this was an outstanding area, easy to get around and so beautiful. It was not hot when we were there in October, but now Peter and I have had a real taste for the area, we just have to get back.

For more information on Margaret River the best website I have found is www.margaretriver.com

For more information on the excellent value for money Platinum Card please go to www.toptouristparks.com.au and follow the links. It only cost $70 for a two year membership and the extra value this adds to your normal Top Tourist Membership is well worth it. Just imagine getting your usually discount at the park, and then more when you go to one of the Platinum partners for lunch.

NEWS FROM BALLINA LAKESIDE HOLIDAY PARK

The long weekend in October this year saw the National Hogs (Harley Owners Group) Rally come to Ballina and Lennox Head. If you love motor cycles or perhaps even own a Harley you may already know what its like to witness the Thunder Run. The earth does seem to move in concert with the roar of hundreds of bikes riding in formation. It truly is an awesome experience.

The parade took 30 minutes to pass (that’s how many Harley's there were) as it wound along the coast roads beside our fabulous north coast beaches.
Ballina Lakeside Holiday Park was host to some of the bikers who came from all over the country. We were delighted to have them with us, next time they visit we want to hold our own ‘Show and Shine’, these machines looked magnificent as they gleamed in our warm spring sunshine.

One of our HOG guests, Peter from Wagga was kind enough to send us the following letter which we have proudly added to our file of satisfied customers

“My wife and I recently attended the National Harley Owners Group rally held at Lennox Head. As no on-site camping was provided at the rally site, we chose to stay at your resort for along with 5 other couples on adjoining camping sites.

In a nutshell, our whole group was greatly impressed with your resort, including; site condition, the facilities available, cleanliness of facilities, friendliness and assistance of staff, great location and (to our pleasant surprise) evening security patrols. On behalf of our small group, I extend our congratulations and thanks, and would ask that you pass on our compliments to your staff for a job well done. In my wife's own words "if we ever visit Ballina again, I want to stay here". Thank you”.

We look forward to the next time our HOG guests come to stay.

The Ballina Lakeside Team.

Ballina Lakeside Resort
25 Fenwick Drive Ballina NSW 2478
Free call: 1800 888 268
Web: www.ballinalakeside.com.au
Email: info@ballinalakeside.com.au

TTPARKS NEWS
HOLIDAY PARK
PACKAGE DEALS

PACKAGE DEALS
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The Lorikeet Tourist Park, Arrawarra, NSW
Date of offer: Offer available until 20th December 2008

Package: Catch some great summer breaks.
Stay 4 pay only 3 nights. (2 adults and 2 children)
Applies to accommodation and sites.

Conditions: Not available in conjunction with any other discounts.
Phone: Freecall 1800 555 858 - Pam & Cliff Gray
Website: www.thelorikeet.com.au
Email: stay@thelorikeet.com.au
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Lanis Holiday Island, Forster, NSW
Date of offer: Offer available until December 1st 2008

Package: For only $340 stay 4 night midweek or 3 night weekend in one of our 4 star en suite cabins at Lanis Holiday Island. Located in the Heart of Forster on Wallis Lake in the Beautiful Great Lakes Region of the Mid North Coast of NSW. Complimentary bottle of wine & chocolates on arrival, one breakfast pack for 2 persons. 2 delightful passes on the luxury “Amaroo” Dolphin watching cruise ( morning tea included). Enjoy our additional bonus - Children under 10 years of age stay FREE.

Conditions: Not available during public holidays
Phone: 02 6554 6273 - Robyn
Website: www.lanis.com.au
Email: info@lanis.com.au
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Park Lane Tourist Park,Traralgon, VIC
Date of offer: Offer available until October 2008  

Package: Book for a minimum 3 night stay either for accommodation or powered site to receive:

Discount voucher for Powerworks open cut mine tour
Discount voucher for dinner at local bistro
Discount voucher for dinner at local RSL club
FREE hot breakfast at Cafe Bar located at Park Lane Tourist Park
Discount Fuel Voucher (saving 10 cents per litre
FREE game of mini golf

Conditions: Reservations essential
Phone: 1800 440 000
Website: www.parklanetouristpark.com.au
Email: stay@parklanetouristpark.com.au
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Happy Wanderer Villiage, Hervey Bay QLD
Date of offer: Offer available until 1st DEC 2008  

Package: Present this Coupon and your Current Top Tourist Club Card and we will DOUBLE the benefits! That’s right you will get 20% off to a maximum of $50

Phone: 1800111302
Website: www.happywanderer.com.au
Email: info@happywanderer.com.au

Cabin at Lorikeet Tourist Park

Lanis Holiday Island Banksia Bungalow

Family entertainment at Lanis Holiday Resort

Park Lane Tourist Park breakfast voucher
Click image to download printable version

RICHARD DAVIS

Every industry has some larger than life people, who seem to achieve a huge amount with a seemingly small amount of effort and Top Tourist Parks is no exception. We have such a person by the name of Richard Davis. If you have stayed at Adelaide Caravan Park or Moonta Bay Caravan Park then you may have seen him, or his equally energetic wife, Margaret.

Over the years Richard has been involved in every aspect of the caravanning industry, including six years as chairman of the peak body, Caravan R V and Accommodation Industry Australia. During that time he was part of the momentum that turned the CRVA around from being a minor player in the national tourism market, into a major player, which truly reflects the place that caravanning has in Australia.

He has also been the President of the Caravan Parks Association of South Australia non-stop since 1976, a remarkable feat. Each year he is heard to say “This could be my last year, someone will challenge me and get the job.” And each year, his prediction falls short of reality and he stays in the role.

Richard has been on the board of Top Tourist Parks of Australia since 1991, and has filled the role of Company Secretary since 1993, providing a depth of knowledge that is so vital to the running of our chain

As you can see from this involvement he has spent a huge part of his working life working for the industry as well as running his parks. He was recognized for the work that he has done when he was awarded an OAM, which is an outstanding achievement.

You may think that his entire life has been spent working on and in caravan parks, but not quite as he has a passion – motor racing. Each year sees Richard and some of his like minded associates and friends at the Indi on the Gold Coast. He was also a racing driver for many years, although he has finally hung up his racing boots, sometimes age does overtake passion!

For all of his achievements, and they are many, Richard is a modest man who enjoys what he does and enjoys seeing the caravanning industry progress and grow. If what he does helps, then Richard is happy.

EXTEND THE VALUE OF YOUR PLATINUM CARD

When you have a Platinum Card membership, it is so much more than just a discount card when you stay at a Top Tourist Park. Your Platinum Membership just keeps on working for you everyday of the year.

There are places to go, things to do, spots to eat at and a huge range of discount vouchers that keep you going all year long. But one of the best ways to extend your value is to go shopping – through the Shoppers Advantage!

It is so easy to use, and can save you those valuable commodities – time and money. I was talking to Vaughan Clark who takes care of Shoppers Advantage for Top Tourist, and he told me “Top Tourist members are making good use of this service. They are buying a range of products including DVD's, perfume, 19inch LCD TVs for their caravans, microwaves to mention just a few things.”

You can choose from over 35,000 products and the discounts available are amazing and range from 10 to 30% off recommended retail price. It does not matter where you live, Shoppers Advantage is really just a website away. As a Platinum member all you have to do is go to the Top Tourist site at www.toptouristparks.com.au

and follow the links. Once you have logged in you can start to gain the non-stop benefits of your Platinum Membership.

Now your Top Tourist membership gives you value while you are at home as well as when you are on the road.
You can sign up for a Platinum Card, which costs $70 for two years and includes your normal discounts when you stay at a Top Tourist Park, when you re-new your membership, join at one of the participating member parks or go on line at www.toptouristparks.com.au  It’s a great way to  value add to your travel.

Alison Huth