05 Mar, 2024

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park: The ideal place for a winter holiday

by Allison Watt | Photographer: Supplied

Ignore the cold weather naysayers … winter is a perfect time of year to rug up and experience everything on offer in Victoria’s stunning Yarra Valley.

Winter in Victoria is invigorating. Yes, it’s cold. But it’s not New York City at Christmas time cold — where the water from a leaking fire hydrant freezes midair and you have to divert into a store every few blocks to get some feeling back in your extremities.

Unlike our friends in the north, Victorians get to experience all seasons — yes, sometimes all in one day — but it’s kind of fun when the air starts to chill and we can dig out our woolly coats, boots and beanies and prepare for the footy and all sorts of other winter adventures.

Down south, we don’t let winter get in the way of a good camping or caravanning adventure either, and one of our most popular destinations is the stunning Yarra Valley, just an hour or so out of Melbourne.

Think brisk walks through misty mountain trails, sipping fine wines at cosy cellar doors and toasting marshmallows around the open fire back at camp.

The BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park stands out for its breathtaking location in Healesville, nestled in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Surrounded by lush landscapes, rolling vineyards and the scenic Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, the park offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and adventure with easy access to the region's renowned wineries and diverse outdoor activities.

With cool temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C it may be chilly, but the crisp air and clear blue skies create a perfect setting to enjoy everything on offer in this picturesque winter wonderland with its misty mornings and stunning sunsets.

Caravanning and camping

Caravanning and camping are still popular in winter with many folks finding the cooler months ideal for a cosy retreat in front of the fire.

The cooler seasons tend to bring a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere to both the BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park and the surrounding region, especially midweek. This allows visitors to enjoy a more relaxed experience, taking advantage of the beauty and tranquillity of the Yarra Valley without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist times. Weekends can still be busy, and any long weekends book out months in advance for the whole park.

Site options for caravanners at the BIG4 are amazing with a new expansion that has level concrete sites, world-class ensuite sites and bathrooms with heated floors, plus a camp kitchen that has to be seen to be believed — complete with ovens and dishwashers.

Visitors are advised to bring warm clothing, including layers, and to be prepared for cooler evenings. Caravanners may want to ensure their vehicles are equipped with suitable heating options, and having cosy blankets and hot beverages on hand can enhance the winter camping experience.

The powered sites are permitted to have firepits in winter, making for a great gathering spot on chilly evenings to sip on some warming mulled wine and toast delicious marshmallows.

Accommodation options

If the idea of pitching your tent in the middle of winter doesn’t appeal, BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and group sizes.

In addition to powered and unpowered sites, there are some ensuite sites offering private bathrooms on large, powered sites — so no midnight dash to the loo in the freezing cold!

In addition, BIG4 has:

Cabins, ranging from budget-style family accommodation through to superior cabins suitable for large groups.
Accessible cabins, suitable for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.
Glamping from glamping pods to belle tents add a touch of luxury to your back-to-nature experience.
Melbourne trams — the renovated 1930s W Class Melbourne trams make for a fabulous weekend away.
Guests at BIG4 Yarra Valley can enjoy all the facilities that the park has on offer, including:
Two swimming pools, one of which is heated for guests to enjoy even if it is a bit colder outside.
Two jumping pads for the kids young and young at heart to jump around and keep warm.
A number of different playgrounds scattered around the park.
A world-class camp kitchen which includes everything from multiple cooking zones with dishwashers to a lounge area fitted with an enormous gas fireplace and huge TV for the weekend games.
Licensed kiosk serving drinks, including coffee and the best hot choccies around.
Pump track fun for the kids with their bikes and scooters.
The park has two communal firepits for use by guests or you can use your own firepit on your caravan/camping site, so long as you follow the guidelines.

What to do in the Yarra Valley

Fewer people visit the Yarra Valley in winter, so crowds are a bit smaller which makes it a perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle for a getaway. Visits to local wineries, distilleries and cafes are a must, plus Healesville Sanctuary is only a short drive from the park.

Some of the more popular activities include:

Healesville Sanctuary: Just up the road from the BIG4, immerse yourself in the wonders of Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary where you’ll encounter kangaroos, koalas and colourful birds.
Four Pillars Distillery: Gin enthusiasts, rejoice! Visit Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville where you can explore the world of craft gin. Their award-winning gin is a must-try.
Coombe Yarra Valley: Explore Coombe Yarra Valley, once the home of opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. This unique cultural destination offers a delightful experience.
Wine Tastings: The Yarra Valley is famous for its cool-climate wines and stunning vineyards. Consider joining a laid-back, small-group wine tour to sample local wines, gins, ciders and more.
Puffing Billy: Just a 42-minute drive from the BIG4, the famous Puffing Billy steam train takes you through the temperate rainforest of the Dandenong Ranges, with lush fern gullies brushing past and mountain ash trees towering overhead.
Dining Experiences: Yarra Valley’s culinary scene is exceptional. Enjoy dining experiences that highlight local produce, gourmet meals and delightful flavours.
Culinary Tours: Dive into foodie adventures with culinary tours. From chocolate tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to cheese samplings, your taste buds will thank you.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: For a truly magical experience, consider a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley. Witness sunrise views and the patchwork of vineyards below.

Customer feedback

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park often gets feedback from customers about how much they love staying at the park.

They appreciate the incredible natural surroundings of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges and the opportunity to connect with nature while still having amazing facilities.

Families love the park’s amenities, including playgrounds and swimming pools, creating a welcoming environment for all ages.

The park’s strategic location near Yarra Valley attractions, wineries and outdoor activities is often cited as a major draw.

Positive reviews often mention the hospitality of the staff, noting their friendliness and willingness to assist with any inquiries or needs.

Special offer

As well as the beautiful Yarra Valley, Park Lane Holiday Parks has other parks in popular Victorian locations including Bendigo, Phillip Island, Shepparton, Wonthaggi and Traralgon.

To celebrate the arrival of the cooler weather, Park Lane Holiday Parks is offering a special deal to Caravan World readers.

Save 20 per cent on any powered or ensuite site at any Park Lane Holiday Park for stays between 1 May and 31 August 2024 by visiting the website and using promo code ‘WW24’ at checkout*.

*Excludes school and public holidays. Further information can be found here.