Hi Top Tourist Park Member, Welcome to the April-May 2009 edition of ttparksnews. Our first Top Tourist Park - Dometic competition offered subscribers the chance to win a Waeco fridge worth the grand sum of $999 and the response has been amazing. Congratulations to Roma Cail from Strathdale, Victoria who is now the proud owner of the fridge. We are running another competition this edition for a Dometic SaniPotti 966 so click on the link to find out the competition details, it's as simple as replying to an email so what are you waiting for? As usual we have some exclusive ttparksnews 'SPECIAL DEALS' so make sure you click on the link to the right to see what bargains are on offer. Alison Huth visits South West Rocks Tourist Park and gives us the rundown on all this great park has to offer as well as visiting the Smoky Cape Lighthouse which is in the vicinity. We visit Barwon Grange and experience the extra purchasing power of the Platinum Card.The Platinum Card really does add extra value to a holiday. For more information on all things Top Tourist Parks don't forget to visit our web site: www.toptouristparks.com.au Top Tourist Parks Quick News Items Anchorage Holiday Parks - 25th Anniversary Winter Function Thanks to all for their suggestions of a theme and it’s good to hear that most of you are looking forward to dressing up. So here it is! This year is our 25th Anniversary, so we thought a ‘silver’ theme would be appropriate. Don’t limit your imagination! We hope our heated pool will be finished in time so anybody game to try a dip in a silver cossie will get bonus points in the best-dressed competition. Exact date has not been set but it will be in the 2nd or 3rd week of July. Ann and Graeme Lockyer took over The Anchrage Caravan Park on the 30th of November 1984 and after 15 years as a leasehold business have now reached the 25th year in business as Anchorage Holiday Park. There are now 5 full time staff, including Managers Karen and Sel Gauldoin, Anne and Graeme of course and outdoor person - Mark plus an additional 5 casual staff. Anne reminisces - "25 years, a Quarter Century - isn't all that long, looking back...Until...some of the guests, who themselves came as children are now bringing their own children! Until...those same young parents point to photos of themselves as 5 year olds on the fishing Board of Fame! Until...we look at a few before and after photos! Until...you realise it's called a Silver Anniversary because of the colour of your hair!" Anchorage Holiday Park Marandowie Drive Iluka NSW 2466 Free call: 1800 639 127 Web: www.anchorageholidaypark.com.au Australian Celtic Festival - Fossiker Caravan Park Come to Glen Innes, home of the Australian Standing Stones, and celebrate the great and varied traditions of Celtic culture with song, dance, history and food during the 2009 Australian Celtic Festival. The 2009 festival will go from Thursday April 30th to Sunday May 3rd The four day festival provides non stop entertainment including the street parade, spectacular ceremonial roles performed by re-enactment groups, Celtic Strongman events, Kirking of the Tartan, massed bands, children’s entertainment, dancing, flag raising ceremonies, poets’ breakfasts, yard dog trials, market stalls, fun run and Celtic foods. The festival in 2009 will again draw clans, national groups, dancers and artists from across Australia and overseas. You can partake in Celtic music and dance at one of the four stages at the Standing Stones or in one of the many concert venues in the town of Glen Innes. There is something for everyone. Web: www.australiancelticfestival.com Fossicker Caravan Park 94-96 Church St, New England Highway, Glen Innes, NSW 2370 Free call: 1300 300 207 Web: www.gleninnes.com/fossicker The Show circuit begins. Well, it is now April and we have already had two fantastic Caravan and Camping shows. To kick off the show circuit for the year we started in Adelaide on Wednesday the 25th February through till Sunday 1st of March. With warm weather forecast over that week and the movement of the tourism stands to the Ridley Pavillion this made for a steady flow of visitors throughout the week. Adelaide did not disappoint. An increased number of vistors through the gates on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday was enough to give an overall increase in attendance to a total of 38,468, five hundred more than 2008. Adjacent to the Top Tourist stand we had stands for our members from Geelong (ElDorado Tourist Park), Nuriootpa (Barossa Valley Tourist park). Rawnsley Park, Robe and Tumby Bay. After a successful Adelaide show it was then off to the Perth Caravan and Camping show from Thursday the 19th of March through till Monday 23rd of March to see what Perth could do, and again Perth also did not disappoint. With the movement of the show to the Claremont showgrounds for the second year running it seemed a popular choice. With a more than steady flow through the Top Tourist stand it was no surprise to see a record number of vistors over the five days . With a total of 43,837. We look forward to seeing you at the following three shows: Sydney April 18th-26th Melbourne 6-11th May Brisbane 3-9th June Warrnambool Holiday Park During the first week of the June/July Victorian school holidays, Warrnambool hosts the Fun for kids festival. It is a huge drawcard to the town for families with children of all ages. Warrnambool Holiday Park is located 1.5 kilometres or a 20 minute walk from the town centre, a 5 minute walk (400 metres) to the Hopkins River and a short drive (5 minutes) to Logan's Beach Whale Nursery and viewing platform. Set amongst landscaped gardens and shady trees, the grounds are spacious, have sealed roads and large grassed area for the use of guests. Use the park as a base from which you can discover the many wonderful sights and attractions in and around Warrnambool and South Western Victoria. Warrnambool boasts fine beaches, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world, Logans Beach Whale Nursery, wonderful natural attractions such as Tower Hill Nature Reserve and colourful gardens. Warrnambool Holiday Park Cnr Raglan Pde & Simpson St Warrnambool VIC Free call: 1800 650 441 Web: www.whpark.com.au

2009 DIRECTORY Order the 2009 Top Tourist Parks Directory Online Now The Top Tourist Park 2009 directory is now available from from all member parks or can be ordered via our web site. All you need to do to order online is to go to: www.toptouristparks.com.au/directory.asp

WIDE BAY RODDERS BACK IN MAY AT HAPPY WANDERER VILLAGE - HERVEY BAY Local Hot Rod Group coming back in May. After a successful 2008 meeting, the Wide Bay Rodders (local Hot Rod Group) will be coming back in May 2009. They stay at the park and a great time is had by all as they discuss with other enthusiasts what is under the hood of these magnificent vehicles. Don't forget that Happy Wanderer Villiage sausage sixxles and morning teas are put on every week in the winter months between June and September each year. Major upgrade of facilities and amenities have been conducted and recently finished at the Happy Wanderer Village. The amenities block has just been completed with the plans of an upgrade in the BBQ area in and the modification of the Ensuite sites to include easy access for people with disabillities also began in Febuary 2009 Happy Wanderer Village 105 Truro Street Torquay QLD 46554 Free call: 1800 111 302 Web:www.happywanderer.com.au Email: hwanderer@happywanderer.com.au

JUNEE TOURIST PARK Junee - More than you can see in a day. When we were headed for Junee, I was a little surprised to come across two places, one called Old Junee and the other simply, Junee. We drove through Old Junee, and went to Junee Tourist Park, a simply wonderful park with lush grass and a display of colourful signs, buildings and anything that stands still long enough to be painted. All of this is courtesy of Peter Mansell, who along with his wife Faye, has operated this park since May 1999. But, you really do need to make sure you allow plenty of time to see around Junee, there is so much to do that four days would be a reasonable stay. For the railway enthusiasts you can visit to Railway Roundhouse, which was opened in September 1947 and was, for a time, the largest roundhouse in the southern hemisphere. It was finally decommissioned in 1993 when the rail line was re-aligned and opened as a museum in 1994. Interestingly half of the roundhouse is still used to reconditioning and rebuilding engines and rolling stock. The Broadway Museum is a very different attraction, it is an old Hotel (without beer) which now showcases antique furniture and houses the equipment used in the last manual telephone exchange in Junee. Monte Cristo was built in 1876 by Christopher Crawley who also built the first hotel and general store for the railway workers. The house fell into disrepair and was badly vandalised, however in 1963 Reg and Olive Ryan bought it and set about restoring it. They live in all of the rooms, but also open them every day. What makes this house so interesting, besides it furnishings and carriage collection, are the ghosts. With 10 in residence, is it any wonder that the house is recognized as the most haunted house in Australia. If you have had enough of history, then indulge yourselves at the award winning Junee Licorice and Chocolate factory. According to their brochure “Research shows that our chocolate is good for your heart, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress.” How can you miss such a healthy treat! Junee Tourist Park is more than you think in an area which has more than you can see in a day. Alison Huth 10th Anniversary Celebrations Junee Tourist Park are holding 10th anniversary celebrations on the weekend of 30th/31st May. There will be a BBQ , gold coin donation to the local Canassist (cancer group). Faye and Peter are honoured to have the Gilmours singing & playing-Jane & Neil have the Apex C/P at Forbes. Junee Tourist Park are giving an added discount To T/T & Non members for powered sites for 2 nights or more. There will be a local bush poet performing plus there will be quite a few lucky give aways Junee Tourist Park 2 Sunnyside Lake Junee NSW 2663 Free call: 1800 003 464 Web: www.juneecaravanpark.com.au Email: info@juneecaravanpark.com..au

LANI'S HOLIDAY ISLAND Fishing Competition and The Baby Boomers Bash at Lani's Holiday Island Top Tourist Park Lani's Holiday Island Top Tourist Park at Forster on the Mid North Coast of NSW accommodated some of the 200 competitors and their families during the recent, week long family oriented fishing competition. This annual event attracted competitors from as far as Victoria and Queensland, all fighting for Mega Bucks on offer and the major prize, a Quintrex made in Australia for Australian conditions. Fitted with the worlds latest and greatest technically advanced outboard motors by Bombardier, the Evinrude E-TEC supplied by the Number one dealership on the NSW coast Graham Barclay Marine Forster. Prizes for senior and junior were given out at the end of each day for the biggest fish in each category. Sections included Bluewater, beach, rock or estuary fishing (with estuary being a catch and release only) All fish caught in the estuary section are retained in a 3000L circulated salt water tank for up to 2 days and then released. The tanks provide an opportunity for learning about the estuary and marine environments for the children of the local primary schools who visited it during that week. Overall Biggest fish was a 12kg Jewfish. Estuary fish was a 1.38 kg Bream and the biggest Flathead was 860cm. The kids were not forgotten with under 15yrs given their chance to compete in the Juniors day. Keep your eyes open for next years event and make your way up to the beautiful picturesque Great Lakes Region. Whether it be as an entrant or a spectator, a visit to the area is not to be missed! Website for more info: www.forsterfishingcarnival.com.au Baby Boomers Bash The Baby Boomers Bash is a cooperative event initiated by the Great Lakes Branch of Rotary and with the participation of local Great Lakes Businesses and Organisations has just seen the end of its third successful year The BASH is an annual event held to celebrate the Nostalgia of the 50’s 60’ and 70’s and for all those that grew up in that era or probably wish they had. Forster Tuncurry NSW was the location for this FUN packed weekend of music and entertainment, 50’s and 60’s dances, and arts and crafts exhibitions. Walking over the bridge from Forster to Tuncurry there were shades of pink everywhere as women of all ages “walked on water: to advertise the need for continuing research into the cause of breast cancer . Funds for Alzheimers research was raised from a Trivia Challenge night. The park was a hive of activity with the large display of classic vehicles from all over the state to the baby boomer pooch parade” - for pooches 6 years or older ( 42+ = baby boomers age.) For the sporting enthusiast their was a choice of bare foot bowls, social golf, tennis, fishing, canoeing or participating in the kayak safari . An exciting challenge between Rock and Rollers vs Boot scooters. The Elvis Gospel Service made its debut at St Albans Anglican church, with a full congregation to see Michael Remo as Elvis. In between having a BASH! Many spent time enjoying the natural beauty, and uniqueness of the Great Lakes. Website for more info: www.babyboomersbash.com Lanis Holiday Island 33 The Lakes Way FORSTER NSW 2428 Free call: 1300 653 258 Web:www.lanis.com.au Email: info@lanis.com.au

TOP TOURIST PARKS - DOMETIC COMPETITION Top Tourist Parks and Dometic have combined forces to give you the chance to win a Dometic SaniPotti 966 Compact, durable and lightweight portable toilet for even the smallest campers SaniPottie Portable Toilet - already a big seller in the US. Great for caravans and motorhomes, trailers, boats, camping, cottages, trucks, bedside, potty training, work sites and more! Compact tanks - lots of capacity. Convenient top-mounted port is easy to fill. Accesses self-contained 12 litres (3.2 gallon) freshwater supply. Compact 19 litres holding tank, capacity for days of use (enough for 30–50 uses). For your chance to win this fantastic prize click the competetion link to the right. For more information on all Dometic products email: dometic@dometic.com.au or click on the website link: www.dometic.com.au WAECO WINNER Congratulations to Roma Cail from Victoria, the winner of the Top Tourist Parks - Waeco Fridge competition.	All you need to do to win this fantastc prize is click the competition link and send an email with "966" in the subject matter. Competition link: ttparksnewscompetition@cdmedia.net.au Entries close June 1st and winner will be notified by email July 1st. By entering this competition you agree to be sent a follow up email in regards to Dometic - Waeco products.

SMOKY CAPE LIGHTHOUSE - SOUTH WEST ROCKS Alison Huth visits a South West Rocks landmark. There is something that appeals to me about being able to poke around in a lighthouse and Smoky Cape Lighthouse, South West Rocks, is quite exceptional. It was designed by one James Barnet and built by an English company called Messers Oakes and Co, who prefabricated it in Birmingham, England, dismantled it, numbering each piece as they went, and shipped it out here. When they got to Smoky Cape they set about putting the jigsaw back together again. The first step was to put the light on a huge post and then re-construct the lighthouse around it. Even the internal metal steps are an actual part of the building, rather than concrete ones added in later. The light was first lit on the 15th April 1891 and still works today, although it has seen some major modernisations. Originally the light was provided by Douglas burners which were equipped with 6 concentric wicks. In 1912 these were replaced with Ford Schmidt incandescent mantles which ran on kerosene vapour. Up until 1962, when the light was changed to mains power, the lamp glass had to be cleaned every day to get rid of the smoke from the previous night. When the last lighthouse keeper, Harry Handicott, retired in 1985 work began to fully automate it, which was completed in 1988. For the technically minded Smoky Cape has the intensity of 1 million candles and a range of 48km or 26 nautical miles. It has a group flashing of 3 flashes every 20 seconds and the lens is 920mm 9 catadioptric lens made from 3 tons of glass ground into 300 prisms. For me, the beauty of the lighthouse is the whole structure; it is remarkably elegant for a squat functional building. You can take a self guided walking tour of the grounds and up to the lighthouse, but the best way to see it is to arrange a guided tour of the inside. This tour takes you through the whole complex, up the all important steps into the light room itself, and then out onto the balcony which circles the building. It really was a magical day out, and wandering around the balcony gave clear views out to sea and back over the land. The walk up is not for the faint hearted as it is quite steep, but well worth going into training for. Alison Huth Smoky Cape Lighthouse Tours Phone: 02 6566 6301 Web: www.Smokycapelighthouse.com

SOUTH WEST ROCKS TOURIST PARK A little of something for everyone! The thing that stays in my mind from staying at South West Rocks is the way it manages to have so much to do, yet retains the feeling of relaxation and an easy way of living. I think this has something to do with the calming effect of the tidal waterway, that flows nice and easy without any need to rush, and forms one complete side of the park. South West Rocks Tourist Park has all the things that you would want, like a pool, undercover BBQs where you can cook and eat, boat ramp, library and heaps more. In school holiday season there are activities to keep the kids entertained, but for the rest of the year, it is a lovely quiet place to stay. The area has a distinct advantage with some stunning historical places to visit, such as Trial Bay Goal and Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Both are well worth a visit and there is an excellent eatery at Trial Bay so you can make it a lovely day out. There is plenty of fishing in the area and water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling and water skiing. If you just plan to laze away on a beach then you will have to choose between bay and ocean beaches, plus a secluded cove or two. If you want some exercise there is bushwalking through the national parks, bowls, golf tennis and squash in the area. The township is not more than a stroll away, and, if you plan your stay just right, there is a market or two that needs visiting. A little of something for everyone! South West Rocks Tourist Park has a range of cabins for all sizes and combinations of families and friends, including some stunning cabins overlooking the water. There are powered sites, again some are on the waterfront, but all are a good size. Gardens are very important in a park and a lot of work has gone into making sure that the gardens are beautiful and will survive all weathers. Next time you are looking for a holiday on the NSW coast in the Kempsey area, come to South West Rocks Tourist Park and savour the atmosphere. Alison Huth South West Rocks Tourist Park Gordon Young Drive South West Rocks NSW 2431 Free call: 1800 666 264 Web:www.southwestrockstourist.com.au Email: bookings@southwestrockstourist.com.au

HOW DID THE LORIKEET TOURIST PARK GET IT'S NAME? COME AND SEE THE LORIKEETS AT THE LORIKEET TOURIST PARK Ever wonder how the Lorikeet Tourist Park got its name? It’s an easy question to answer, but it’s much more fun to come visit us and find out for yourself. Stay at the Lorikeet and visit our rainbow lorikeet feeding ground, you’ll see a spectrum of chattering, feathered friends all jostling for the best position to get their daily seed. The cheeky little creatures have even been known to befriend our guests so they can feed right from your hand! The beautiful birds are more than happy to pose with you and your family while you take some memorable holiday snaps. Come on over and see the lorikeets at the Lorikeet! It’s great entertainment for the grand kids right through to the great grand parents. As they say, the best things in life are free. And what could be better than getting close to nature while having a great time with your family? Phone: Free call 1800 555 858 - Pam & Cliff Gray Web site: www.thelorikeet.com.au Email: stay@thelorikeet.com.au

SPECIAL OFFERS JUNEE TOURIST PARK The weekend of the 30th and 31st May is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend for Junee Tourist Park. June and Neil Gilmour (who run Apex Riverside Tourist Park in Forbes) and are very talented entertainers, will be there for the weekend. All guests will be given a discount of 10%, and to show their appreciation for all the loyal Top Tourist members who have stayed over the years, all Top Tourist members will received a discount of 20% family? Give Faye and Peter a call to book in and help them celebrate this magnificent milestone in their lives and that of Junee Tourist Park. Junee Tourist Park 2 Sunnyside Lake Junee NSW 2663 Free call: 1800 003 464 Web: www.juneecaravanpark.com.au Email: info@juneecaravanpark.com..au ANGLESEA BEACH FRONT CARAVAN PARK - FAMILY GETAWAY SPECIAL Anglesea Beach Front Family Caravan Park has once again produced an offer unbeatable and too hard to resist! family? Anglesea is not only a beach town suitable for summer vacations but winter too. Winter in Anglesea is definitely a vacation worth having if you are wishing to escape the fast pace of the city life and enjoy a relaxing, tranquil and peaceful time with the family! We have plenty of activities to offer to entertain not only the kids but the parents too! To name a few we have the following: Games room - Toddler room - Jumping Pillow - Heated Spa - Bike and Pedal Cart hire - This offer includes: · 2 Nights Accommodation / 2 children stay FREE · FREE late checkout until 12PM · FREE Hire of Pedal Carts for 1 Hour · FREE Spa token for indoor spa complex · FREE Herald Sun newspaper daily · FREE 12 Month Top Tourist Membership ALL OF THE ABOVE FOR THE FOLLOWING COST PER CABIN AND COTTAGE: SUPERIOR COTTAGE - $ 278 DELUX COTTAGE - $ 246 HOLIDAY CABIN - $ 220 SPA COTTAGE - $278 PARK CABIN - $ 198 SAVE UP TO $135 COUPLES MIDWEEK SPECIAL Anglesea offers a fantastic escape for couples wanting to enjoy some quality time together in peaceful surroundings! Being situated on the beach gives our guests the advantage of only a short stroll before reaching the sand between your toes to witness our breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the ocean! Couples Midweek Special includes: · 20% Discount when you stay 3 nights · FREE late checkout until 12PM · FREE Bike hire for 4 hours ( 2 mountain Bikes) · FREE Spa token for indoor spa complex · FREE Herald Sun newspaper daily · FREE 12 Month Top Tourist Membership · FREE Continental Breakfast Pack provided on arrival ALL OF THE ABOVE FOR THE FOLLOWING COST PER CABIN AND COTTAGE: SUPERIOR COTTAGE - $ 305 DELUX COTTAGE - $ 266 HOLIDAY CABIN - $ 235 SPA COTTAGE - $324 PARK CABIN - $ 209 SAVE UP TO $97 Valid for purchase from 1 MAY to 18 SEP. please note this is not valid over the Queens Birthday Weekend. 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 PARK LANE TOURIST PARK- WINTER TREAT · Accommodation for up to 4 people · 4.5 star Lodge accommodation · 2 nights accommodation · Continental Breakfast Basket for both mornings · BBQ meat pack for 4 people for one night · Meal discount voucher at local Bistro · Fuel discount voucher - saving 10 cents per litre ONLY $320.00 Valid From 1st MAY – 1st SEPTEMBER Subject to availability too. 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

PLATINUM CARD ADDS TO HERITAGE VALUE Barwon Grange is a beautiful old house in Newstead, Geelong. It was built for Jonathan Porter O”Brien (who was a merchant) and his family, although they did not live there for long. According to the information given by the very well informed and informative volunteer who took us around the house, Mrs O’Brien was extremely unlucky with her children born in Australia, all of them dying in infancy. She and her husband went back to England, and it is believed that she was pregnant at the time, with this child being the only one to survive. However, while they were in Australia they had an eight roomed house built for them, which consisted of a drawing room (for the ladies) and large dinning room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a gentleman’s smoking room and two servants rooms. The house was purchased by the National Trust and restored between 1973 and 1975. It is only open two half days a week, but was delightful to walk around, and hear the history of the house and the restoration of the gardens. When the O’Briens returned to England the contents of their house were documented, which has meant that the house has been refurnished as close as possible to the original furniture, and there are some really nice pieces in the house. These days the gardens are suffering from the drought, and the National Trust is being inventive in the way they manage the gardens with minimal water but retaining the style of plantings that are from the period. I was able to use my Platinum Card when I went to Barwon Grange, and pay one entry fee for two people. The extra purchasing power of the platinum card covers so many different things, and adds enormous value to a holiday. 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

CONSTRUCTION AT CHRISTIES BEACH TOURIST PARK STAGE 1, OVER $1 MILLION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stage 1 was completed mid December 2008, just in time for the Xmas rush. The new fully enclosed camp kitchen with 2 sinks, 3 bbq’s, 4 hotplates, microwave, fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, and picnic settings seating 30, has been a hit with the campers, and it has survived the first school aquatics camp already. The holidaymakers have made good use of the new Internet Kiosk and new Games Room, while watched on video surveillance. The new boomgates & entrance lanes to the park, compliment the new State-of-the-Art designed Office building. New grassed powered sites replaced the old half court tennis and basketball courts area, and the Amenities Block has 12 new hot water heatbank systems and 5 new washing machines, 2 industrial dryers and a dedicated clothes line area. WOW ! Stage 2 – Another million dollar proposal to start during 2009 – moving existing longterm residents’ caravans to a more suitable area of the park, building 6 large cabins on site with sea views, replace the childrens playground, and an additional bbq facility for cabins. Christies  Beach  Tourist  Park 39 Sydney Crescent Christies Beach SA 5165 Phone: 1800 14 41 14 Email: managers@christiesbeachtouristpark.com.au Web: www.christiesbeachtouristpark.com.au