All information and contact details are correct at the time of publishing. Should you make an enquiry or stay at one of these parks please let them know you heard about them via Good Gabble Newzine.
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* = definitely recommend
x = tread lightly- consider another
South Australia
x - Millicent - Hillview Caravan Park (08) 8733 2806
Although this caravan park states they take dogs the owner is not dog friendly at all. We should have headed warning when making a phone enquiry as we where given a 10 minute lecture about how dogs must be on lead, off lead will not be tolerated for even one second, how the owners son was attacked by a dog many years ago and how no warnings will be given as it is immediate dismissal from the park. Whilst there we where watched and discriminated against, as where all other dog owners. The dog clauses on our receipt was highlighted and after being there a week the owner walked the park handing highlighted dog rules to all who had dogs. We where placed at the back of the park in a dirt area, which seemed to be where all the dog people where being placed. This park is owned by a couple. Whilst he is polite but not overly friendly she is overpowering and controlling. If you have a dog definitely a no go!
Generally the park is reasonably well kept. The amenities are clean with two individual unisex/family bathrooms. Television plug in points are available at all powered sites along with free wireless internet.
After staying one and a half weeks we left feeling disheartened and feeling unwelcome. No amount of smiling, friendly disposition and conversation softened the environment.
* Mount Gambier Pine Country Caravan Park
(08) 8725 1899
(08) 8725 1899
When in Mt Gambier we are always welcomed by Pat and Will, the managers of Pine Country. Nothing is every to much trouble for the staff, who are always friendly and our dog is always made welcome. A dog run is provided to allow our pooch to let of steam and be released from the must be on leash rule. No trouble with dogs here as long as you 'pick up the poo' ( but really who wouldn't).
When making enquiries at parks in Mt Gambier we found Pine Country to be the cheapest in town. The ammenities, camp kitchen and grounds are neat, tidy and very clean. Only a short drive to the Blue Lake and shopping centre this is a park we recommend to all.
Website: www.pinecountry.com.au
*Keith Community Caravan Park SA
Keith Caravan Park is a community operated park that is not only neat and tidy with lovely hot showers but is the cheapest around. At the time of writing this prices of a powered site was $15 per night for two. I paid only $120 for a weeks stay on a powered site with my family where I pay anything from $230 upward elsewhere.The park is run by a caretaker who has been running the park for over 14 years and does a lovely job. Nothing is ever too hard for Leanne and there is always time for a chat.
The amenities are well looked after and very clean with full size bath being provided. The park also caters with those who wish to have the comfort of an ensuite. Cabins and onsite vans are provided at a reasonable cost.
A sheltered bbq area is available with free bbq's. There is a full size fridge/freezer for campers and plenty of preparation area.
The town itself does not provide a lot in the way of entertainment but is great for quiet time with the family. There is a park with a train for the kids, both big and little. There is a reserve next to the park that is home to wallaby's that can be seen grazing each day. Be sure to take a torch for possum hunting at night as they are regular visitors. Whilst there be sure to drop into the local pub for a meal that is not only reasonably priced but large and delicious.
Dogs are not a problem as long as the normal rule of on lead is abided by.
Covered bbq area and grassed sites.
Cabins
x Princes Highway Caravan Park Murray Bridge SA
(08) 8532 2860
This caravan park comes under the banner of Oz Parks but I would tread lightly when considering it for a stay. The park would be approximately 80% permanents that where a little 'rough'. They state they take dogs on lead but the whole week we where there the residents dogs just roamed the park freely, approaching everyone, bailing me up at the ammenties so I could not get in as the dog growled at me, and pooing where they please. I could not leave my dogs food outside the van for a period of time or it was eaten by another dog.
The ammenities within this park are large and clean but are closed for two hours during the day with no other toilets available for use. I found this a huge inconvenience, especially with a young child. There were plenty of washing machines but the laundry smelt of gas the whole time I was there. I commented about this to the owner who informed me that the dryers ran on gas. Even if this was the case the smell in the laundry was so strong it gave me a headache, leaving doing the laundry unpleasant.
I found this park a disappointment as upon booking in the owners were friendly and welcoming. This park has huge potential but needs a lot of improvement before I would consider returning.
* Cobdogla Station Caravan Park SA - 08 8588 7164
Definitely a place to visit and relax. Privately owned and nestled on the backwaters adjacent to the River Murray in the Riverland of South Australia, we were made feel very welcome. From the initial phone call to the day we pulled out there was a smile and general chit chat. Nothing is too much trouble for Cindy and her family, your comfort being their main priority.
The park offers plenty to keep the kids amused with a playground, swimming pool and games room. We enjoyed taking a stroll down to the animals each day taking food for the offering. In residence you will find, geese, chooks, emus, a pony, sheep, Alpaca's and a kangaroo. There are also plenty of wild birds eager to take your offering. As we strolled along the waters edge each evening we enjoyed the relaxed observations of swans and their signets. During the warmer months the kids may like to hire a kayak or paddle boat or cool down with a swim.
The ammenities within this park are spacious and clean. There is plenty of room to move in the laundry but with only one dryer I did find that there were times when I felt a little inconvenienced as I waited my turn. I must admit that our visit was in winter so this may not be an issue in summer which is there busier months.
Above all a neat spacious park with plenty to offer in all areas of the holiday and comfort arena.
Definitely no problems with dogs at this park with your canine friend being made feel just as welcome as you are.
A tick for the Oz park chain. Highly recommended.
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* Lake Bonney Caravan Park Barmera SA
A park with space and a lot to offer. A step into the office of this park leads to a place of welcome smiles and hospitality. We stayed at Lake Bonney for 20 nights and felt nothing but welcome during our stay.
We were given an onsuite site which I was very impressed with. I do not normally find that ensuites are worth the extra money but in this case found the layout and positioning of the ensuite suitable and the size adequate. The ensuite sites are situated at the back of the park allowing for further privacy. The ensuite area is provided with its own laundry and clothes lines adding to convenience and comfort.
The comfort of travellers has obviously been given some thought when laying out the design of this park. There is plenty of room to move and great river front views. Drive through sites are provided.
For the kids there is area to run and kick a ball with a basketball court available. A jumping pillow is provided free of charge with plenty of play equipment suitable for all ages.
If travelling with a dog your canine friend is made feel most welcome.
Highly recommended.
New South Wales
Rankin Springs NSW
Our visit to this park was for one night in August during a blustery icy wind. We pulled in during the dark of night and vacated early hours of the morning so it was very hard to judge the real feel of the park.
This park is a council operated park with elderly caretakers. The welcome was not overly friendly but polite. You must enter there dwelling to book in which I was not overly comfortable with as it meant stepping into a strange mans premises alone. Council has not considered the comfort of guest when providing this set up.
This was not the only area of the park that thought was lacking. The ammenities are situated a distance walk from any sites which is dark and cold during winter. A key is required for entry and the area of entry quiet dark. the toilets and showers are in the same building but next to each other with entry by two separate doors which use the one key. No toilet is provided within the shower area which means leaving one room and entering another during a showering session. There is one very small handbasin in both the toilet and shower area with no bench for the placing of items. We felt so uncomfortable with these ammenities that we chose not to shower, waiting till the stop the next day.
We felt an eerie unsettled feeling at this park and noted that there was only one other user with the rest areas around the town full of free campers - maybe they all know something we do not. Stop at this park with caution and let us know how you feel when you do.
