06 Jul, 2023

Tourism and holiday parks with a difference: Park Lane Holiday Parks

by Allison Watt

From converted trams to glamping pods and playgrounds to rival the best theme parks, the six Park Lane Holiday Parks located across Victoria each offer something unique which sets them apart from the others.

Whether it’s sleeping in a converted W-class Melbourne tram in the beautiful Yarra Valley, stargazing from a luxury safari tent on Phillip Island or letting the kids loose in the four-storey indoor play centre in Bendigo, the six Park Lane Holiday Parks located across Victoria have something for everyone.

Wherever you are in Victoria, there’s a Park Lane Holiday Park close by.

Many people will already know about the Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park in Healesville.

This is a popular park with those who are keen to get among nature with the park’s on-site facilities that will keep both kids and families alike entertained for hours. Staying here is a real getaway for those who love to explore the bushwalking trails and spot the kangaroos and native birds who come for a visit at sunrise and sunset. This is a great location for packing your electronic devices away and experiencing a true digital detox within the park for a holiday like no other.

In addition to Yarra Valley, the Park Lane Holiday Parks are located in Bendigo, Shepparton, Traralgon and Wonthaggi and it recently added the Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park to its stable, broadening its offerings to customers looking for a unique holiday experience.

Right next door to the iconic A Maze’N Things theme park, the Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park has everything from cabins to motel rooms and its most recent addition, luxury safari tents!

While Yarra Valley has the converted Melbourne trams, most of the Park Lane Holiday Parks now have glamping options in the way of cosy pods and bell tents with skylights for stargazing.

“The addition of the new huge luxury safari tents in Phillip Island is another step on the way to separating ourselves from the competition,” said Marketing Manager Dan Wallwork.

“All of our parks come loaded with features and facilities to provide the ultimate in comfort and the ultimate in entertainment. From the four-level indoor play centre in Bendigo to the world-class camp kitchen in the Yarra Valley, we’re always thinking of the next bright idea.

“While we have an enormous range of accommodation types for all group sizes and budgets, the one common feature of our parks is our concentration on customer service and experience. Our happy and helpful staff are always drawing the most praise for the work they do from the front desk to housekeeping and maintenance.”

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park

The BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park in Healesville recently hosted the Caravan of the Year 2023 Awards (COTY) presented by MSA 4x4 Accessories. Caravan manufacturers, Caravan World management and staff and COTY judges all stayed on site for five days and used the beautiful surrounds of the park for judging, photography and tow testing of caravan entries.

Accommodation ranges from studios to cabins, glamping pods to caravanning and camping and, of course, the converted Melbourne trams.

Originally built in the 1930s and retired from service in the mid-90s, these meticulously restored W-class trams are perfect for families or a large group of friends. These old rattling beauties are full of surprises! Among the features, you'll find three bedrooms (sleeping eight people — a king, queen and two bunks — each with its own ensuite), a full kitchen, lounge with 75in TV, European laundry, deck with barbecue, private outdoor wood-fired hot tub, views of the Yarra Ranges and all the amazing facilities that come with staying at a world-class holiday park.

In addition, there are superior cabins (sleep eight or six), bell tents, glamping pods and ensuite sites, as well as powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites.

There’s something for everyone at the park. Relax with the local wildlife under a gumtree or by the lake, or hit the swimming pools, bike pump track, giant jumping cushions, playgrounds, tennis courts, recreation room, camp kitchen, coffee bar and licensed kiosk.

As well as its world-renowned wineries, other attractions in the Yarra Valley include Four Pillars Gin Distillery, Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Puffing Billy Railway and so much more — all within proximity to the park.

Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park

Phillip Island is a natural playground of picturesque beaches, beautiful coastlines and native Australian wildlife.

From cabins to caravanning and camping, there’s something for everyone at the Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park. Whether you’re looking for adventure at A Maze’N Things or on the high ropes course, or the serenity of nature walks, penguin parades and wildlife parks, or to hit the beach for a surf or swim.

As well as sites and a range of cabins and motel rooms to suit most accommodation needs, deluxe safari tents have just been added to the Phillip Island Park allowing visitors to upgrade from camping to glamping. Accommodating up to six people, the tents include a kitchen, luxury bathroom, reverse cycle air-conditioner and comfy beds to give you a true glamping experience.

Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park shares its grounds with an absolute icon of Phillip Island, A Maze’N Things … and guests receive 50 per cent off entry. A Maze’N Things is an exciting world of illusions, puzzles, mazes and mini-golf that offers hours of fun, magic and adventure.

Grab a set of bocce balls from reception or BYO and make a homemade pizza from the pizza oven.

The Rusty Water Restaurant & Bar and Phillip Island Brewery are also located on site to cater for all visitor dining and refreshment needs — you won’t ever need to leave the park!

BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park

Bendigo is well known for its vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets and a rich history of the gold rush era, making it a great holiday location.

Whether you’re looking for Bendigo’s largest indoor play centre — Parky’s Play — pedal go-karts, a giant jumping cushion, a swimming pool or art galleries and the finest wineries Bendigo has to offer — there’s something for everyone.

Parky's Play is the perfect balance of fun and adventure, providing kids with an exciting place to explore and be themselves, while the parents sit back, relax and enjoy a hot drink or catch-up.

The kids will be in awe of the giant four-level indoor play centre complete with five giant slides, a soft ball cannon play zone, two trampolines, a large ball pit and a flying fox …plus a huge jumping cushion, barbecues and more.

As well as the indoor play centre, BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park has a jumping pad, outdoor playground, swimming pool, spa, pedal go-karts, undercover barbecue areas, licensed kiosk, community firepit, free wi-fi and hang out room.

Choose your style of stay from cabins and glamping pods to caravanning and camping sites, all within 10 minutes of the city centre.

BIG4 Shepparton Park Lane Holiday Park

Shepparton has a rich history and a strong focus on art and culture. The town boasts a number of family-friendly attractions for parents and children, as well as fruit farms, orchards, museums and wineries which makes it a popular destination for holidaymakers.

With a fantastic selection of facilities, the BIG4 Shepparton Park Lane Holiday Park is a great place to stay, and you won’t be short of things to do. Have a splashing good time in the pool, get to new heights on the jumping cushion and even have time to relax with a hot or cold beverage from the coffee bar and deck. Other things to do include pedal go-karts, a tyre maze and an outdoor playground.

A range of cabins, ensuite sites and powered sites meet all accommodation needs.

BIG4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park

Located in the heart of Gippsland and a short distance from beautiful forests, mountains, lakes and rivers, there’s plenty to do if you can tear yourself away from all the fun facilities at the Big4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park.

One of the main features at this park which is a hit with the kids is Parky’s Play, comprising a two-level indoor play centre, laser tag; 18-hole mini-golf, ropes course and jumping cushion. In addition, there’s pedal go-karts, a swimming pool, indoor heated spa and outdoor playground. While the kids are having fun with all these activities, the adults can enjoy some down time with a hot or cold beverage from the coffee bar and licensed kiosk.

Accommodation ranges from superior, family and studio cabins, through to ensuite, powered and non-powered camping sites.

Wonthaggi Park Lane Holiday Park

Wonthaggi, on Victoria’s Bass Coast, offers a quiet and peaceful sanctuary for those who want to explore the beautiful cliffs and beaches the region has to offer. The local area is teaming with swimming and surf beaches and impressive restaurants and wineries.

With accommodation options ranging from cabins and glamping pods to caravanning and camping, Wonthaggi Park Lane Holiday Park is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway.

Put your feet up and take in the serenity, take a dip in the heated pool or explore the beautiful surroundings that Wonthaggi has to offer. Discover stunning coastline trails with sensational scenic views, get up close and personal with fascinating creatures or just cruise around and revel in the diverse range of attractions, shops and events on offer.

Accommodation at Wonthaggi Park Lane Holiday Park includes family, standard and budget cabins, and glamping pods with ensuites.

These pods have been hand-built into a bespoke design for couples or friends alike. A fantastic way to camp comfortably, they are fully furnished with an ensuite and contain a queen-sized bed, microwave, bar fridge, kettle, TV and small deck with patio furniture.

Facilities include an indoor heated pool, barbecue area, camp kitchen and coffee garden.

For further information on all Park Lane Holiday Parks’ unique locations, head to its website.